Aprilia Rs125 (1998)

330 real MOT outcomes analysed • 69.1% first-time pass rate

1998 Aprilia Rs125

CarHunch analysed 330 real MOT records for the 1998 Aprilia Rs125. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

The 1998 Aprilia RS125 struggles against the UK average, with a first-time pass rate of just 69.1% compared to 80%, and a concerning 23% of tested machines have recorded dangerous defects—a significant reliability red flag for a buyer. This 125cc sportsbike is reaching an age where mechanical wear shows clearly in the MOT data.

The median mileage of 17,811 miles is relatively low for a 26-year-old machine, suggesting many survivors are either cherished or lightly used, yet each bike still averages 1.86 failures per test and 4.5 advisories, pointing to systemic wear in brakes, exhaust systems, and fuel delivery. If you're considering one, budget for pre-purchase inspection by a specialist and expect regular maintenance to keep it roadworthy.

Below average reliability 10.9% below UK average
69.1%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
17,811
typical mileage
11,539–24,347 middle half
23%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
1.86
avg MOT failures per car
over 5.7 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1998 Aprilia Rs125

Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
  • 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
  • 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
  • ⚠️ 23% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
  • 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.

Before you buy a Aprilia Rs125

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

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Mileage Distribution

Most 1998 Aprilia Rs125 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

11,539
low mileage
17,811
typical
24,347
high mileage

Half of all 1998 Aprilia Rs125 vehicles fall between 11,539 and 24,347 miles.

1998 Aprilia Rs125 — Still on the Road

Numbers are declining — 22 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (32% of peak).

68 22 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.

MOT History Averages

5.7
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.86
Avg failures per vehicle
4.5
Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 1998 Aprilia Rs125

Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.

  • 34.9%
    Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 30.9%
    Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 29.1%
    Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit
  • 25.5%
    Drive chain slightly loose
  • 20.9%
    Rear shock absorber has inadequate damping effect.
  • 20.8%
    Drive chain worn but not considered excessive
  • 19.5%
    Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit
  • 19.2%
    Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1998. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific Aprilia Rs125?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — Aprilia Rs125:

1995 1996 1997 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2017 2018