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Head to head

Aprilia RS 457 vs Yamaha YZF-R125

Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

The Aprilia RS 457 and Yamaha YZF-R125 are among the most cross-shopped sport bikes of 2026. The Yamaha YZF-R125 undercuts the Aprilia RS 457 by about $1,300, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Aprilia RS 457 leads on power with 48 hp. Below we put them head to head on price, performance, weight and seat height, then give our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

Aprilia RS 457
Our pick
8.3

Aprilia

Aprilia RS 457
Yamaha YZF-R125
8.0

Yamaha

Yamaha YZF-R125

The verdict

The Aprilia RS 457 edges it overall at 8.3/10, but the Yamaha YZF-R125 wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Yamaha YZF-R125

A2-legal, 15 hp, forgiving to learn on.

Most exciting

Aprilia RS 457

48 hp and 0.27 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

Yamaha YZF-R125

Our 8/10 at $5,499, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

Yamaha YZF-R125

144 kg with an 825 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Highest rated

Aprilia RS 457

Our top score in this matchup at 8.3/10.

Price & rating
Price$6,799$5,499
KickTheStand score8.3 / 108 / 10
Performance
Engine457cc twin125cc single
Power48 hp15 hp
Torque43.5 Nm11.5 Nm
Power-to-weight0.27 hp/kg0.10 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension41mm USD fork41mm USD fork
Rear suspensionMonoshockMonoshock
Front brakesSingle 320mm disc, ByBre radial 4-pistonSingle 292mm disc
Rear brakesSingle 220mm discSingle 230mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight175 kg144 kg
Seat height800 mm825 mm
Fuel capacity13 L11.5 L
Suitability
ClassSportSport
A2 licenceYesYes
Good for beginnersYesYes
Best forsport, track, commuting, learninglearning, sport, commuting

Cyan marks the best figure in each row. Specs are the most-cited for the current model; verify before relying on them.

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Aprilia RS 457 vs Yamaha YZF-R125: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Aprilia RS 457 or the Yamaha YZF-R125?

The Aprilia RS 457 makes the most power at 48 hp and 43.5 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Aprilia RS 457 or the Yamaha YZF-R125?

The Yamaha YZF-R125 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $5,499.

Which is lighter, the Aprilia RS 457 or the Yamaha YZF-R125?

The Yamaha YZF-R125 is the lightest at 144 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.

Which is better for a beginner, the Aprilia RS 457 or the Yamaha YZF-R125?

For a new rider we'd point to the Yamaha YZF-R125: A2-legal, 15 hp and 144 kg make it the most approachable of the group.

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