Looking at RS125's to buy, What to look for?

[dunnman99]

Hello All,

I am out here in Taipei, and unfortunately they have outlawed 250cc 2-smokes so my days of RGV and NSR riding are at an end for now.

I have come across a couple options now:

- Kymco NSR 150 2-smokes (2-stroke I know), parts are readily available, an NSR type RC valve, not-so pretty styling but under $1000 USD for a decent example

- Honda NSR 125..Hard to come by and uber expensive $4000 USD for a runner

- Cagiva MITO 125 - Hard to find parts here, no one works on them, but the styling and power are unbeatable.

- Aprilia RS125, several examples available..the Polini 160-165 kits make this great, under $3000 USD for a runner with and arrow pipe and power valve.

Why not 4-stroke..well they don't sell anything under 400cc unless it is single cylinder and 400cc and above must be 4 cylinder, but not v motors. Needless to say the Taiwanese hate competition so they have done just about everything they can to make decent bike from Japan unattainable.

I love 2-strokes and they are fun.

I have ridden an RS250 back in 1997 when they were new, but never an RS125.

What should I be lloking for when inspecting it?

Are there any tell tale signs of abuse or problems?

Any help or assistance would be appreciated.

I am 36 yrs old, and I have built 2 custom bikes several years ago. One FZR 400 (1988), and an RC-31 Hawk GT for myself. I love bikes, but when I moved out here I left all my tools and work shop in Hawaii, so I have limited resourses when it comes to working on the bike myself. I have been know to rebuilt an engine on the porch with hand tools (some special ones) in under an hour or two and race the same afternoon, but I don't want to make working on it a habit.

I just want to ride it and have fun, change the oil, and do basic maint to keep it worth what I paid.

Thanks for the help.

[apriliababe]

Hi David, I'd go for the Aprilia or the Mito as they are newer bikes and IMO prettier and of better quality. They have approx the same hp but the Aprilia has better brakes and suspension than the Cagiva. I've had my RS125 a little over a year and the bike has been race modified although I have left its lights and original fairings on cos I use it mainly on the road. The clock never shows under 10000rpm, yet I've never had any problems so I think you can't get any more reliable than that! It's got plenty of power for a small 2-stroke and unmodified can reach around 165km/h top speed. My favourite thing about the bike is its cornering and braking handling as it has a superb frame/suspension interaction that is firm and stable under full leaning angle and over bumps and the stopping power of the brakes is amazing! However I am a lightweight rider so maybe for a 36yr-old guy the rear suspension could do with a little tweaking. I can't think of anything in particular these bikes would need for you to check that is different than any other bike (crash tell-tales, service history, suspension condition etc). A test ride will give you a better idea about the bike's condition of course. Hope I helped a little