Switching to 4 strokes
Quietly located at the head of sales in the category of sportbikes 125 cm3 , the Yamaha YZF-R 125 sees surge in his mirrors an armada of competitors in a segment in full swing.After the Honda CBR 125 (unveiled at the Milan show), and the appearance in the 2009Derbi GPR Racing, the turn of Aprilia lift the veil on his RS4 Vairano on the circuit, located a few miles Milan …
Born in 1993, the RS, powered by a hitherto 2 stroke is about to draw a line on an exemplary career. Aprilia says the latest new models will sell stocks according into concessions.Goodbyes are difficult to swallow for some fans of the brand, but the anti-pollution standards more stringent require manufacturers to review their copies. The RS4 is no exception to the rule and the”bomba”Italian swapped its 2-stroke 4-stroke against a block of 124.8 cm3.
A transfer of power and economic logic, which does not seem to impress the Italian manufacturer with 36 world titles and no less than 282 victories in Grand Prix counter gear.First test track in Italian soil!
Cut to the track
Perfectly aligned in the pit lane of the course of Vairano, the RS4 we wait patiently. Asked on crutches side, the machines show off their shrouds available in two colors white and black glam racing. After the briefing and the traditional dress code slipped the moment of truth had arrived.
Small RSV4
Charm, the RS4 does not fail! The sulfurous protected Noale offers well proportioned dimensions and standards of the category. Measuring 1,953 mm long, the Italian remains barely longer than the CBR (1946 mm) and significantly more compact than the Yamaha YZF (2015 mm) or its cousin Derbi GPR (1995 mm). In terms of pure design, the RS4 takes an identical sharp lines of her older sister RSV4 APRC . The printing layer is confirmed by the sight of the little bubble curved mudguard imitation of carbon and the rear seat. The integration of LED lights inside the front and rear light sport reinforces the connotation of the product. The adjustment of the hulls suffers no false note and the position of the exhaust under the engine cowl accentuates her sex appeal.However, the appearance of visible cable system between the cockpit and the front latch a little party. The instrumentation on board are two forms of readability: the analog engine speed, while a rectangular digital dial gives the driver the presence of the necessary information such as engine temperature, two trips, the same speed and maximum speed reached ). We regret the absence of a fuel gauge, prospective buyers can count on a low fuel warning lights and as neutral and oil. Finally, the container (containing 14.5 liters of fuel including 3.5 liters reserve) is characterized by pronounced ridges. It opens with the ignition key and hinge mounts greatly facilitate refueling at the pump.The opening of the saddle through the ignition switch releases a storage area for the significant category. Thus, a small U-lock might well find its place. The potential passenger will receive a square saddle for that, it will reach the button under the seat cover actuating assembly and disassembly of the latter.
Not so radical
In the evocation of this style of machine, the question of comfort keeps coming: Well think again because this RS4 is an exception to the rule! demonstrates the saddle some comfort and position”medium”bust allows daily use. Easy to step over because of a fairly low seat height (820 mm), the handling is done instinctively. This facility can also be explained by the relatively remote position footrests and a reasonable weight: indeed, the RS4 will display 134 kg on the scale (weight obtained with fluids but no fuel) through its aluminum perimeter frame . We could not measure the diameter of circle, but stopped, the small sport shines properly and the pilot will not end with your fingers jammed against the tank stop handlebars.
Track!
The first few laps of the circuit will Vairano opportunity to familiarize themselves with the layout and operate as and when the potential of the machine. And potential, our host of the day did not lack! turning the key clockwise, the injection Magneti Marelli whistles, then pressing the electric start and 4 stroke of 124.8 cm3 resonates. This block 4-valve electronic injection takes a distribution double overhead camshafts (DOHC) develops 15 hp and 11 Nm of torque available from 8000 rpm. Capable of taking the low-force regime (still playing the gearbox 6-speed), the engine is extremely picky and her best operating range is between 8500 and 11000 rpm. Moreover, a large curve to the left allows you to view on the counter top speed of around 122 km / h. Precise and well calibrated, the gearbox is still really easy to climb to the descent of the reports. In this regard, the RS4 has the experience of the brand and offers an optional ($ 157.92 ($ 157.92 ($ 157.92 (109 €)))) The famous shifter (available on the RSV4 Factory APRC). Called Quick Shift, this device can upshift without having to touch the clutch. A new system on a machine of this capacity and is useful on the racetrack.Vairano circuit is characterized by large curves, quick combos and pif paf: in short, a variety of fast and technical sections which highlight the chassis of the oversized RS4. The large inverted fork accommodates 41 mm sleeves and monoshock offers a fixed link without wheel travel of 130 mm. In use, the ride remains impeccable, and the registration curve outright bluffing ease despite suspension settings. The traction provided by the aluminum swingarm is just as impressive as the overshoot. The rigor of the chassis accepts a power brake late: Equipped with a 300 mm diameter disc gripped by a 4-piston radial caliper, the braking power comes instantly as soon as it touches the right lever. And tires in? we must admit that discovering the tire rises Sava MC 25 Bogart (original Slovenian), we were entitled to ask ourselves some questions: this gum would she give us enough grip for use on a circuit? a query quickly erased as the Italian engineers have opted for an occasional gum Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa with the bonus of different dimensions of the original tires (110/70×17 front instead of 100/80×17) and (150 / 60×17 in the rear instead of 180/70×17). We appreciate the unwavering grip afforded by the Italian tire.
Opinion of Editorial + Sheet
Perfect replica of the great RSV4, the RS4 still manages to overshadow his illustrious ancestor 2-stroke engine. Despite his athletic genes, it will prove versatile for road use and will remain a standard tool for learning on track. Success in terms of style, performance engine honorable, the protected Noale has undeniably takes to succeed.However, she will win an audience young enough and not always attendant to invest a significant amount. Yes, the RS4 displays a fairly high rate amounted to 4199 €. A real challenge when you know that this segment is becoming increasingly competitive: in fact, the Honda CBR is trading at € 3490 or € 709 less. And with such a price difference, the year 2011 of the Japanese can play in its favor.
Reference category, Yamaha YZF-R 125 is trading at 4299 € or 100 more than the RS4 and Daelim Roadsport 125 requires only € 3,400 (€ 2,995 Specials until 15 June). So to offer the services of the RS4, it will save or make use of your generous parents
Accessories:
- Bull racing: 115 €
- Quick Shift kit: 109 € (available within two months)
- Support plate: 169 €
Aprilia RS4 125 cm3, in brief:
- Colours: white glam / replica SBK / black racing
- Price: 4199 €
Extras:
- Line rewarding
- Dynamic skills
- Advanced technology on a 125
Cons:
- High price
- Visible behind the optical cables
Engine: 4 stroke, liquid-cooled 4-valve / fuel injection
Displacement: 124.8 cm 3
Horsepower: 15 hp
Torque: 11 Nm at 8000 rpm
Transmission: 6 speed
Frame: Aluminum perimeter
Suspension Front: 41mm inverted fork / stroke 110 mm
Suspension Rear: asymmetric swingarm / monoshock with wheel travel of 130 mm
Brakes Front: Disk ø 300 mm / 4-piston radial caliper
Rear brake: Disk ø 218 mm
Tyre Size Front: 110/80×17
Tyre Size Rear: 130/70×17
Tank Capacity: 14.5 liters (including 3.5 liters reserve)
Seat height: 820 mm
Weight: 134 kg (with oil) but no fuel
Maximum speed: 122 km / h on the meter circuit
Price: 4199 €
Duration of Warranty: 2 years MMS
Displacement: 124.8 cm 3
Horsepower: 15 hp
Torque: 11 Nm at 8000 rpm
Transmission: 6 speed
Frame: Aluminum perimeter
Suspension Front: 41mm inverted fork / stroke 110 mm
Suspension Rear: asymmetric swingarm / monoshock with wheel travel of 130 mm
Brakes Front: Disk ø 300 mm / 4-piston radial caliper
Rear brake: Disk ø 218 mm
Tyre Size Front: 110/80×17
Tyre Size Rear: 130/70×17
Tank Capacity: 14.5 liters (including 3.5 liters reserve)
Seat height: 820 mm
Weight: 134 kg (with oil) but no fuel
Maximum speed: 122 km / h on the meter circuit
Price: 4199 €
Duration of Warranty: 2 years MMS
