Aprilia RS4 125cc coming to the U.S.

[Squareman357]

4 Stroke 125cc fuel injected, liquid cooled Aprilia RS4 125 is coming to the U.S. per this AMA article:

http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/news/story.asp?id=2345

Another new small beginner bike?  Too small to carve a niche against the Kawasaki Ninja 250R and the Honda CBR 250R?

[Rincewind]

Importing to the US is confirmed by other bloggers.

http://hellforleathermagazine.com/2010/11/aprilia-rs4-125-coming-to-america-fuck-yeah/
http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/2011-aprilia-rs4/

2011 Aprilia RS4 Technical Specifications:

Engine type: Four stroke liquid cooled single cylinder with electronic injection and 4 valves. Euro 3 homologated
Bore and stroke: 58 X 47 mm
Engine capacity: 124.8 cc
Timing system: Double overhead camshaft – DOHC
Compression ratio: 12.5 ± 0.5:1
ECU: Magneti Marelli MIU G3 32 MM DIAM.
Ignition: Electronic with CDI capacity discharge
Starting: Electric
Alternator: 13V – 235W
Lubrication: Wet sump

Gearbox: 6 speed.
1st 11/33 (0.33) 2nd 15/30 (0.50) 3rd 18/27 (0.67) 4th 20/24 (0.83) 5th 25/27 (0.92) 6th 23/22 (1.05)
Primary drive Gears: 73/24 (3.04)
Final drive Chain: 49/14 (3.50)
Clutch: Multiple discs, in oil bath

Frame: Aluminum perimeter frame
Front suspension: 41 mm upside down fork, wheel excursion 110 mm
Rear suspension: Asymmetric swingarm with monoshock, wheel travel 130 mm
Brakes: Front: 300 mm stainless steel disc with radial 4 piston caliper; Rear: 218 mm stainless steel disc and caliper with single 25 mm piston
Wheel rims: light alloy with 6 split spokes, with sealing profile for tubeless tyres; Front: 2.75 x 17″; Rear: 3.50 x 17″
Tyres: Front: 110/80 – 17″, rear: 130/70 – 17″

Max. Length: 1953 mm
Max width: 740 mm
Max height at top fairing: 1,138 mm
Saddle height: 820 mm
Wheelbase: 1,350 mm
Fuel tank capacity: 14.5 liters (including 3.5 liter reserve)

[garry]

I wonder who would buy it? In Europe, the tiered licensing drives the demand for small beginner bikes. Why would a teenage kid in the US buy this bike versus the Honda or Kawasaki (unless he had a keen eye for Italian style and a fat wallet)? Tiny dealer network in the USA. I think it's going to be a tough sell, but choice is good. Props to Aprilia for bringing it over  

Probably good fun to rail on a twisty road though. I like watching the guys on 125s get smoked at the track on the straights and then make all ground back up in the corners. They're just WFO all the time.

[Squareman357]

I can't find any horsepower or torque numbers for comparison...

[veefer800canuck]

I would have killed for this bike when I was 16: