Aprilia Rs125 (1999)

517 real MOT outcomes analysed • 71.3% first-time pass rate

1999 Aprilia Rs125

CarHunch analysed 517 real MOT records for the 1999 Aprilia Rs125. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 1999 Aprilia RS125 struggles with MOT reliability, passing first time in just 71.3% of cases against the UK average of 80%—a meaningful gap that suggests these bikes need more attention to stay legal. A quarter of them (24%) have recorded dangerous defects, which is a genuine safety concern worth taking seriously.

At around 16,500 miles average, these bikes sit relatively low on mileage for their age, yet they're still averaging nearly two failures per test, indicating age and condition matter more than usage here. Before buying, budget for multiple repair attempts: the 5.3 advisories per vehicle suggest plenty of wear items and small issues that compound at MOT time.

The 1999 Aprilia Rs125 has a below-average first-time pass rate (71.3% vs ~80% UK average) — check the specific vehicle's full MOT history carefully before buying.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
71.3%
UK average ~80%
Below average
Dangerous (ever)
24%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.98
Over 6.1 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
15k
Middle half: 11k–21k
For context
⚠️ Below average. More vehicles in this cohort fail their first MOT than typical. Scrutinise this vehicle's history — look for recurring issues, not just the latest result.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 5.3 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 517 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Buyer beware — pass it on

What tends to go wrong

Across 517 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 34.9%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 29.1%
Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Lighting 25.5%
Drive chain slightly loose · Headlamp aim too low
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Suspension & steering 20.9%
Rear shock absorber has inadequate damping effect. · Rear suspension bush has slight free play · Front wheel bearings have excessive free play · …
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
Other issues 20.8%
Drive chain worn but not considered excessive · Drive chain excessively loose

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1999.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 517 Aprilia Rs125 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 1999 Aprilia Rs125

Based on MOT data from 517 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 24% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (100%) 516 71.4% 1.98

Colour Breakdown

Based on 7,944 Aprilia Rs125 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Black 48.3%
3,834
Red 14.8%
1,177
White 8.7%
694
Multi-colour 8.2%
654
Silver 6.5%
520
Grey 5.6%
445
Blue 4.1%
326
Yellow 1.4%
112
Orange 0.9%
74
Green 0.7%
56
Purple 0.6%
47
Not stated 0.1%
5

Mileage Distribution

Most 1999 Aprilia Rs125 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

15,471
typical
10,589
low mileage
21,417
high mileage

Half of all 1999 Aprilia Rs125 vehicles fall between 10,589 and 21,417 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 10,589 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
10,589–21,417 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1999 Aprilia Rs125s sit.
Over 28,912 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

1999 Aprilia Rs125 — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 13% of 1999 Aprilia Rs125s are still active.

Numbers are declining — 16 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (13% of peak).

119 16 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

6.1
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.98
Avg failures per vehicle
5.3
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Aprilia Rs125: All Rs125 years → Which year to buy? →
1995 1996 1997 1998 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2017 2018

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Compare with another model

See how the 1999 Aprilia Rs125 stacks up against a rival.

Buyer beware — pass it on