Aprilia Rs125 (2001)

818 real MOT outcomes analysed • 70.6% first-time pass rate

2001 Aprilia Rs125

CarHunch analysed 818 real MOT records for the 2001 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 2001 Aprilia RS125 passes its MOT first time in only 70.6% of cases, significantly below the UK average of 80%, and one in four of these bikes have presented a dangerous defect at some point—a real concern for prospective buyers. With an average of 2.17 failures per vehicle and 5.7 advisories, these sportsbikes demand more attention than most machines their age.

Despite relatively modest mileage (median 13,483 miles for a 23-year-old bike suggests careful ownership), the high failure and advisory rates point to age-related wear on ageing electrical and mechanical systems rather than abuse. If you're considering one, budget for pre-purchase inspection by a specialist—the low pass rate suggests surprises are common, and the dangerous defect history means safety components need particular scrutiny.

The 2001 Aprilia Rs125 has a below-average first-time pass rate (70.6% 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
70.6%
UK average ~80%
Below average
Dangerous (ever)
25.3%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
2.17
Over 6.7 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
13k
Middle half: 10k–19k
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 5.7 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 818 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 818 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 40.6%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Front 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 39.3%
Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick · Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Lighting 26.3%
Drive chain slightly loose · Headlamp aim too low · Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Other issues 22.3%
Drive chain worn but not considered excessive · Drive chain excessively loose
Suspension & steering 19.6%
Rear shock absorber has inadequate damping effect. · Front wheel bearings have excessive free play · Front wheel bearings are excessively rough · …
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2001.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 818 Aprilia Rs125 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2001 Aprilia Rs125

Based on MOT data from 818 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 25.3% 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%) 817 70.6% 2.17

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 2001 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.

13,483
typical
10,117
low mileage
18,674
high mileage

Half of all 2001 Aprilia Rs125 vehicles fall between 10,117 and 18,674 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 10,117 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.
10,117–18,674 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2001 Aprilia Rs125s sit.
Over 25,209 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2001 Aprilia Rs125 — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 18% of 2001 Aprilia Rs125s are still active.

Numbers are declining — 39 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (18% of peak).

211 39 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

6.7
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
2.17
Avg failures per vehicle
5.7
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Aprilia Rs125: All Rs125 years → Which year to buy? →
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2017 2018

Or browse all models: Aprilia →

Compare with another model

See how the 2001 Aprilia Rs125 stacks up against a rival.

Buyer beware — pass it on