This one bike will expand your range of fun considerably. Test ride of the Aprilia RX125, an Italian off-roader with a Latin flair.

The Aprilia RX125 is a full-size off-roader that can be ridden with a Class 2 moped license. Its equipment and size are comparable to those of higher-end models, and its high-revving engine will excite any rider.

Aprilia RX 125…498,300 yen

The Aprilia RX125 is a class 2 moped, but boasts the same class and quality as a 250cc full-size off-roader. It is well-crafted down to the smallest details, and is in no way inferior to high-end bikes. The frame is a twin-tube type with an inverted fork. The tires are full-size, 21 inches in the front and 18 inches in the rear.

There are no domestic models of off-road motorcycles with such a strong presence in the Class 2 moped category. The reason for this is the licensing system in EU countries, including Italy, where it is produced. In the EU, licenses are divided by age, and the A1 class license, which can be obtained by those 16 and over, requires a maximum engine output of 125cc or less and 11kW or less. The A2 license, which can be obtained by those 18 and over, requires a maximum output of 35kW. The A license, which has no power restrictions, can be obtained from the age of 20.

In other words, the RX125 is the top-of-the-line model that can be ridden by anyone aged 16 or older.

The RX125 has been extremely popular since its release in 2018. It has undergone gradual refinement with minor changes, and the new model we are introducing today was unveiled at EICMA 2024 (Milan Show) held in November 2024. The engine now complies with Euro 5+ regulations, and the design has been renewed.

Exciting high-revving engine

The DOHC 4-valve engine is high-revving, picking up speed from 7000 rpm and not really delivering power until around 8000 rpm. If you push it hard, it can reach 12,000 rpm. If you want to drive spiritedly, you’ll need to regularly use the engine at over 8000 rpm, but thanks to the crossover transmission, it’s not difficult to make full use of the power band. The transmission’s touch is light and shifts reliably, so it’s fun to rev up the high-revving engine and shift frequently for a lively ride. I can imagine Italian teenagers going crazy over it. While the absolute power isn’t particularly high, the exhilaration of high revs is something you just can’t find in off-roaders over 250cc.

When riding on the street, you’ll usually be using around 4000 rpm, and the good thing about this engine is that it still has a decent amount of torque at this speed. Of course, it doesn’t accelerate like a 250cc class bike, but it has no problem riding with the flow of traffic, and it’s not painful even when riding leisurely on tours. Vibrations in the handlebars start to appear from around 7000 rpm, but they’re not at a level that makes it difficult to ride, but as the speed increases, the hard seat vibrates.

Highly stable handling

The handling is very much focused on straight-line stability, and when you get a flat tire, it feels like the front end is a beat behind in steering. It corners with such solidity that you wouldn’t think it was a 125cc. The brakes work well and the body is solid, so winding roads are fun.

Off-road, the long suspension stroke really shines. The suspension moves smoothly, so it’s no problem even over the bumps that appear on forest roads. The body and suspension completely outperform the power.

On climbs, even if you open the throttle fully when banking into a corner, you can’t get the rear tire to slip, and obviously, you can’t expect the same acceleration as a 250. You’ll find yourself thinking, “I wish there was a bit more power,” but on descents you can take advantage of the light weight of the bike and the good suspension to ride at a respectable pace. However, since you can’t control traction with power, machine control becomes difficult when you increase your pace.

What bothered me was making U-turns on narrow forest roads. The stem has very little offset, so the handlebars are upside down, and the steering angle is small.

Overall, the quality is very high for a Class 2 moped. And the price of 498,300 yen is appealing. It’s not something everyone will find fun to ride, but it could be an interesting option for riders with a small motorcycle license, or those looking for a low-maintenance second bike who also want a luxurious off-roader. One more thing to note: the RX125 also has a 150cc bore-up kit, which is available for many Italian-made 125cc sports bikes. This means that you can install a 150cc kit and register it as a light motorcycle. Personally, I’m very interested in machines converted to 150cc.

Position and feet (height 178cm, weight 76kg)

When straddling it, it feels like a full-size 250 or even larger. The position is relaxed, but the seat is on the hard side.

The body is large, so it’s difficult to reach the ground. When you put both feet on the ground, your heels lift up a little. However, the body is light, so you won’t have any trouble supporting it.