2 stroker commuter?

[STEPHASAUR]

Hope this is the right place for this thread!!

Hey all,
First off, sorry if this has already been covered. I have had a little look at other threads on alternate forums to get some relatively mixed responses so thought i'd just try my luck here and see what kiwis think :P

so i'm thiiiiiinking of picking up a newish aprilia rs125 to possibly replace my cbr as a daily commuter.

my daily work commute is anywhere from 15-30 (about 12km), and there is a section of "highway" that would allow me to tack it up if necessary (a few individuals made comments that 2 strokers do need to be wound out every so often??)

They are oil injected, which is a bit of a bonus.
Obviously being a non jap bike I expect it's going to be a lot less reliable and sting a lot more too, but given its age would it really be a pressing concern?

To those who do/ have commuted a 2 stroke bike, what were your thoughts on the scenario? would you say they were relatively happy living the commuter life or are they an absolute no-no for daily street use? what issues had you experienced that was most likely caused by commuting? if you've dailied an rs125 what did you think?

sorry for the essay and thank you in advance!!!

[Hemi Makutu]

Is the Aprilia a full-power unit, or a 'restricted' machine?

If it is the hard tune job, then it will need to be fanged, & fettled accordingly.

I have commuted on 2Ts for many years, no problem, but usually on a stock-ish 350 - as a minimum.

[tigertim20]

been there, done that.

If youre a really enthusiastic motorcycle enthusiast, then you just sort of live with it, but 2 strokes aren't really designed to be pootled about on like that (unless youre on a scooter)

You can always sell it if you dont like it

[Akzle]

rs125 are fokken crotch rockets. you wont be disapointed by. no real issues if you look after it. and easy for you to learn to rebore/build.

two stroke engines typically like to be pinned wot - optoimum burn, afr, flow etc. being liquid cooled, keeping airflow not so important, they will tolerate traffic.

[ellipsis]

...an A100 motor in an AC50 getup is the bee's knees...

[James Deuce]

\

To those who do/ have commuted a 2 stroke bike, what were your thoughts on the scenario? would you say they were relatively happy living the commuter life or are they an absolute no-no for daily street use? what issues had you experienced that was most likely caused by commuting?

A workmate commutes on his RG500 and used my RG400 as a daily runner. It's a bike. Ride it.

[husaberg]

Forget reboring an Rotax 122 engine as used in a RS125 they like most sporting two strokes made in the last 30 years have a plated bore.
They have a few issues like a blade power valve that can fail and a plastic counterbalancer gear.
fed decent oil and the occasional rebuild (parts are cheap) and as they contain not many more moving carbs than a set of 4 Cylinder carbs, pretty easy.
Like the Cagiva Mito 125 (which would be my pick), they are dead sexy.
That said For the same money as buying a Aprilia RS125 you could likely buy an NSR250 or RGV250

Complete top end kit. 330NZD
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Aprilia-RS125-RS-125-New-Barrel-Piston-Kit-Mitaka-Rotax-122-1997-2012-/291797663545?hash=item43f07eff39:g:TlsAAOSw8d9U1N1 d&vxp=mtr

[jasonu]

Hope this is the right place for this thread!!

Hey all,
First off, sorry if this has already been covered. I have had a little look at other threads on alternate forums to get some relatively mixed responses so thought i'd just try my luck here and see what kiwis think :P

so i'm thiiiiiinking of picking up a newish aprilia rs125 to possibly replace my cbr as a daily commuter.

my daily work commute is anywhere from 15-30 (about 12km), and there is a section of "highway" that would allow me to tack it up if necessary (a few individuals made comments that 2 strokers do need to be wound out every so often??)

They are oil injected, which is a bit of a bonus.
Obviously being a non jap bike I expect it's going to be a lot less reliable and sting a lot more too, but given its age would it really be a pressing concern?

To those who do/ have commuted a 2 stroke bike, what were your thoughts on the scenario? would you say they were relatively happy living the commuter life or are they an absolute no-no for daily street use? what issues had you experienced that was most likely caused by commuting? if you've dailied an rs125 what did you think?

sorry for the essay and thank you in advance!!!

I commuted around Auckland for several years on a YB100. Loved it, never had a problem.

[STEPHASAUR]

@Hemi Makutu admittedly i'm not sure whether its restricted or not. is there any way other than riding it to tell?

I would like to think of myself as a more enthusiast based rider. certainly happy with dealing with the add on's that 2 strokes come with (though its easy enough to say it before actually experiencing it haha)

@Husaberg yea but the nsr/rgv's arent lams ITS ALL ABOUT THE LAMS :P

seems the general consensus is to just go for it. and as tigertim20 says, it can always be resold if all goes pear shaped.
It is good to know that bits arent as expensive as initially thought!
ehh well. suppose i better go take a looksies at it! :P

[Black Knight]

Isnt the RS125 made in India under licence to Aprilia?

[Hemi Makutu]

@Hemi Makutu admittedly i'm not sure whether its restricted or not. is there any way other than riding it to tell?

I would like to think of myself as a more enthusiast based rider. certainly happy with dealing with the add on's that 2 strokes come with (though its easy enough to say it before actually experiencing it haha)

@Husaberg yea but the nsr/rgv's arent lams ITS ALL ABOUT THE LAMS :P

seems the general consensus is to just go for it. and as tigertim20 says, it can always be resold if all goes pear shaped.
It is good to know that bits arent as expensive as initially thought!
ehh well. suppose i better go take a looksies at it! :P



Test ride it.


1, Powerband, it should zap past 6,000 rpm, & really rip from 8,000 rpm if its a full-go deal.

2, Restricted, it will feel dull at 6,000 rpm due to the ignition setting & have no power-valve either.
( if a PV is fitted, you will see the servo cable connecting, or if not, just a blanking plate instead)

3, Sparkplug, the hi-po job uses a real cold plug, a 10 rated NGK, or other maker equivalent.

This is AFAIR, so an Aprilia forum would likely have the details ( carb size checks, fixes & what not)

Anyhow S, have fun, it should teach you some riding skills/control-coordination/finessse.

[helbnd]

commuted on a 2012 for 2 years with minimal issues, put about 15k kms on it iirc, including multiple trackdays at taupo and HD.

Keep to the maintenance schedule and don't go crazy when the motor is cold and it will treat you right. The only issue I had was the cat coming loose in the expansion chamber and blocking the exhaust - the only regret I had after having the cat removed was that I had not done it sooner, decat and a rejet turned it into a whole new bike.

If I was shopping for a LAMs bike again I would not hesitate to buy another

[george formby]

commuted on a 2012 for 2 years with minimal issues, put about 15k kms on it iirc, including multiple trackdays at taupo and HD.

Keep to the maintenance schedule and don't go crazy when the motor is cold and it will treat you right. The only issue I had was the cat coming loose in the expansion chamber and blocking the exhaust - the only regret I had after having the cat removed was that I had not done it sooner, decat and a rejet turned it into a whole new bike.

If I was shopping for a LAMs bike again I would not hesitate to buy another

I spent my formative years commuting on and generally thrashing 2t's. Only thing I had to pay attention to was the plug. Compared to a 4t I seemed to put a new plug in every few months. They do like a good thrashing! And high humidity, I reckon damp days were worth a couple of hp.

[STEPHASAUR]

Thanks for the advice all!

Happy to report I've fallen in love.
power kicks in at about 6.5k and became an absolute missile from about 7.5 upward. was genuinely terrified LOL

Bike has a full service history (he is the original owner and kept all the receipts etc) and seems to have kept it up to date with servicing etc so far. and including a few spare bits too which is a bonus hah

Going to take another look/ride on tues morning and if i'm still happy will be buying it
EXCITEDDDDD :D

[george formby]

Thanks for the advice all!

Happy to report I've fallen in love.
power kicks in at about 6.5k and became an absolute missile from about 7.5 upward. was genuinely terrified LOL

Bike has a full service history (he is the original owner and kept all the receipts etc) and seems to have kept it up to date with servicing etc so far. and including a few spare bits too which is a bonus hah

Going to take another look/ride on tues morning and if i'm still happy will be buying it
EXCITEDDDDD :D

Delicious. 2t's have a special character and it looks like you are going to become a member of quite an exclusive club. A road riding 2t motorcycle owner. Don't be lazy with the gear box, keep it singing and hang on. Keep the inside of your visor clean so that when your eyeballs make contact they don't get dirty.

[husaberg]

Delicious. 2t's have a special character and it looks like you are going to become a member of quite an exclusive club. A road riding 2t motorcycle owner. Don't be lazy with the gear box, keep it singing and hang on. Keep the inside of your visor clean so that when your eyeballs make contact they don't get dirty.

Maxima 927. all the castor Bean smell with none of the varnish. Suitable for oil injectors
There used to be one that smelled like strawberries as well. I think it was a Rockoil one.

[neels]

There is something special about thrashing a 2 stroke for commuting, adds a lot of fun to the otherwise tedious task of getting to work in the morning.

I remember doing this years ago, albeit on nothing anywhere near as exciting as the RS125, but it's still such a fond memory that I've got myself an old 2 stroke to resurrect for exactly that purpose.

[F5 Dave]

A mate uses one to run around on to save his big bikes (an Rgv250 and an NSR250). I've ridden it and its quite cool.

[Hemi Makutu]

Thanks for the advice all!

Happy to report I've fallen in love.
power kicks in at about 6.5k and became an absolute missile from about 7.5 upward. was genuinely terrified LOL

Bike has a full service history (he is the original owner and kept all the receipts etc) and seems to have kept it up to date with servicing etc so far. and including a few spare bits too which is a bonus hah

Going to take another look/ride on tues morning and if i'm still happy will be buying it
EXCITEDDDDD :D

Sounds like a goer.. enjoy.

[STEPHASAUR]

Well! deed is done!

cbr250 is gone and a sweet little RS125 has taken it's place
now time to learn!

[Akzle]

wot. always wot.

[STEPHASAUR]

wot. always wot.

http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/173/576/Wat8.jpg?1315930535

[george formby]

Well! deed is done!

cbr250 is gone and a sweet little RS125 has taken it's place
now time to learn!

I'm looking forward to reading your observations. A great little bike going out and a great, but different, little bike coming in. I'd wager that you find the RS a more involving bike to ride and to live with. You have to keep putting oil in it for a start, which is not cheap. I bet it's like a demented wasp hitching a ride on a dart through traffic.

Bet it pulls wheelies, too.

[Hemi Makutu]

I'm looking forward to reading your observations... I'd wager that you find the RS a more involving bike to ride and to live with. You have to keep putting oil in it for a start, which is not cheap.

I got some hi-spec fully synthetic 2T at the supermarket the other day for $12- a litre, on special..

Ok, it was intended for chainsaw/weedwhipper use, but the relevant 2T JASO specs are listed on it...
I've used Husqvarna chainsaw oil previously & it works fine, & is not expensive either..

& George, how many internal combustion engines do not 'use' oil?
At least with a 2T - its going to be getting fresh engine oil every time it runs, & won't need a filter/change/disposal..

[STEPHASAUR]

Certainly a more involving bike.
Just took it to work the first time today. My previous rule of "don't lane split unless you're dying" no longer applies because as I've now learnt, hills are not your friend (and i gotta ride over a lot of them)

Not sure about dank as whoolies. Perhaps I shall test this sometime ;)
not too phased about the additional costs with the oils. certainly curious as to how many k's I can get before refilling.
I guess there would't be much diff to running it on 98 vs 91?

a little concerned I cant see her parked up from the office.
It's quite windy
and the RS weighs about as much as a feather
and the kickstand is rather high

GOOD GOD THE PARANOIA

[george formby]

I got some hi-spec fully synthetic 2T at the supermarket the other day for $12- a litre, on special..

Ok, it was intended for chainsaw/weedwhipper use, but the relevant 2T JASO specs are listed on it...
I've used Husqvarna chainsaw oil previously & it works fine, & is not expensive either..

& George, how many internal combustion engines do not 'use' oil?
At least with a 2T - its going to be getting fresh engine oil every time it runs, & won't need a filter/change/disposal..

Interesting tactic, using chainsaw oil. My chainsaw recommends Castrol TT.
I'm using Motul 710, 4 ltrs lasts about 6 months just play riding. Nice, sporty smell, too.

[Hemi Makutu]

Certainly a more involving bike.
Just took it to work the first time today. My previous rule of "don't lane split unless you're dying" no longer applies because as I've now learnt, hills are not your friend (and i gotta ride over a lot of them)

Not sure about dank as whoolies. Perhaps I shall test this sometime ;)
not too phased about the additional costs with the oils. certainly curious as to how many k's I can get before refilling.
I guess there would't be much diff to running it on 98 vs 91?

a little concerned I cant see her parked up from the office.
It's quite windy
and the RS weighs about as much as a feather
and the kickstand is rather high

GOOD GOD THE PARANOIA


Stephasaur, park it left in gear, & if you can find an anchor point, a bungee cord might help.

If you are going to test the oil level light, by running it low, make sure you carry a bottle of it with you..
Best check the advisory about fuel, some Euro-machines with higher comp - do like to use the hi-test..

Hiills can be fun, just learn to keep it in the 'sweet spot', gearing/rpm-wise..
.. neither lugging it, on a high, nor revving it, on a low, - throttle opening..

[F5 Dave]

It might be possible to grind the stand stop a little bit so it swings further. Probably not expecting the wind we get in Italy. Or they like selling fairing parts.. I used to tie my RG50 which was sub 80kg to a lamppost. But parking wardens were more relaxed back then about being on the footpath.

[Hemi Makutu]

You could use a bungee cord on the side-stand to the front of the bike to stop it folding up,when parked,
& maybe a suitable length of PVC (~50 mm diameter) pipe cut/shaped to brace the other side from the ground
when parked - to a foot peg base, or such..

[STEPHASAUR]

Thankfully I managed to find a spot that works as an amazing wind breaker.
Suppose I'll start looking into tie downs of some form... Though could also just be initial paranoia cause new bike + italian = even looking at it wrong will probably cause something to break

The spanner icon is now solidly lit. Freaked out thinking I had broken something to only find that it's a service interval reminder. whew xD

Already had a run in with the electrics too! Indicator relay was on it's way out and std ones from repco etc didn't have the right readings.. Holeshot motorcycles quoted $80 for an OEM relay... Thankfully they recommended an auto electrician just down the road who just so happened to have a relay that would work! However the + and - terminals were the wrong way around. just re pinned the plug to suit LOL
$20 later and i'm no longer "that asshole" who doesn't indicate before making a turn :P

gawd this bike is fun
no regrets so far :P

[pritch]

I guess there would't be much diff to running it on 98 vs 91?


Better not to guess. It'd pay to check the manual - or ask the dealer. I can't think of any modern bike I'd put 91 in.

Here's a starting point if you haven't got a manual, although you'd need to be more technically literate than me to understand the recommendation regarding fuel.

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/363574/Aprilia-Rs-125-2006.html

[Hemi Makutu]

According to the manual, & NZ standards, it runs on 95.

[STEPHASAUR]

According to the manual, & NZ standards, it runs on 95.

only reason I ask is the previous owner apparently runs it on 91.
I've thrown 98 in it to just see how it goes. will try 95 after :)

[Hemi Makutu]

98 will work fine, even a majority 98 blend with 91 will..
- but Stephasaur, if you ever hear 'tinkling' sounds - at certain throttle openings on 91, that is - bad..

[pritch]

Your RS125 is something of a thoroughbred, it should sip only the most expensive oil and be fed good fuel. Any chance to score on economy disappeared when you decided to buy this bike. Taking shortcuts to save money now will likely prove expensive. Treat it how it should be treated and enjoy the challenges and rewards it can provide.

If you dig around you should be able to find ride impressions or road tests on the web. F'rinstance: http://www.motorcyclenews.com/bike-reviews/aprilia/rs125/1995/

There used to be a malady called "strokers twitch". The habit of riding with two fingers permanently on the clutch lever. It seems to have faded from the collective consciousness as two strokes have vanished from the roads, It is still relevant to riders of two strokes though.

[Hemi Makutu]

It might've applied to 1960s GP riders.. or super-hard tuned bucket racers more recently,
- but not to road bikes of the past 40 years..

Might be worth seeing if this oil is available locally, it appears to be good value www.recpower.com/bluemax.htm

[pritch]

It might've applied to 1960s GP riders.. or super-hard tuned bucket racers more recently,
- but not to road bikes of the past 40 years..

Might be worth seeing if this oil is available locally, it appears to be good value www.recpower.com/bluemax.htm

Nah to both of those. The various comments I have seen regarding both the RS250 and the RS125 emphasise the requirement to warm the bike up properly to avoid seizing. From that MCN link I posted about the 125, "It’s essential to let the motorcycle warm up properly or it’ll seize."

Having spent hours and hours reading about it I'm a convert to fully synthetic oils. Mobil 1 in the car Motul in the bike.

[george formby]

The one thing I avoid doing to limit the risk of seizure is holding my 2t's tapped oot for long periods. Like high speed tests on 90 mile beach or late at night on the motorway:whistle:

Over the years this been the cause of most of the seizures my mates have had. Once that throttle closes and the cooling, soothing, fluids are shut off it's nip time. 2ts love revs but with a variable throttle.


The 90 mile beach nip ended up with an 11km walk, pushing the bike.... Not me, though. :lol:

[pritch]

Once that throttle closes and the cooling, soothing, fluids are shut off it's nip time. 2ts love revs but with a variable throttle.


Ah yes. Even on my moped I didn't like long descents and would give it gas whenever possible.

[Hemi Makutu]

Nah to both of those. The various comments I have seen regarding both the RS250 and the RS125 emphasise the requirement to warm the bike up properly to avoid seizing. From that MCN link I posted about the 125, "It’s essential to let the motorcycle warm up properly or it’ll seize."

Having spent hours and hours reading about it I'm a convert to fully synthetic oils. Mobil 1 in the car Motul in the bike.

Cold seizure likelihood - in our part of the world - would rarely be a reason to have clutch hand anxieties.

Some fully synthetic 2T oils have shown to be hygroscopic, with oxidisation damage to Fe engine internals,
- being a particular problem - if the machine is not used regularly enough.

[Hemi Makutu]

The one thing I avoid doing to limit the risk of seizure is holding my 2t's tapped oot for long periods. Like high speed tests on 90 mile beach or late at night on the motorway:whistle:

Over the years this been the cause of most of the seizures my mates have had. Once that throttle closes and the cooling, soothing, fluids are shut off it's nip time. 2ts love revs but with a variable throttle.


The 90 mile beach nip ended up with an 11km walk, pushing the bike.... Not me, though. :lol:


For highly-strung, hard-tuned air-cooled 2T's here's a tip...

Flick the kill switch - but hold the throttle open, the unburned fuel mix will cool it internally,
& the degree of engine braking might be a surprise too.

[Hemi Makutu]

Ah yes. Even on my moped I didn't like long descents and would give it gas whenever possible.


Old school race tuned 2Ts often ran large carb-slide ( lean) cutaways & compensated by big-as pilot jets..
This meant that even on closed throttle, a fair bit of fuel/oil mixture was still flowed.. thirsty, but safer..

[pritch]

For highly-strung, hard-tuned air-cooled 2T's here's a tip...

Flick the kill switch - but hold the throttle open, the unburned fuel mix will cool it internally,
& the degree of engine braking might be a surprise too.

From memory Hugh Anderson mentions doing that in his book. I can't check because I loaned the book to someone who isn't in a position to give it back.

[STEPHASAUR]

Been moving my fingers to cover the clutch every so often to get used to the feeling/ prepare. but the clutch lever is so far from the handle that my little hands can barely reach LOL
Don't want to get aftermarket levers but honestly might have to :/

RE oil - I'm just going to stick with what it'd been previously run on which was Castrol TTS. Not the cheapest thing but at least I know the bike will run happy with it
Took the little RS for a blat sat morning. Its petrol consumption is completely out of this world. in about 3 hrs of riding (albeit it was being fanged) we had to make at least 2 petrol stops to top up (2 for me, 3 for an MV F3 that was riding along)
Not upset about it or anything, definitely to be expected, still threw me off guard a little HAH

While I still remember. One thing I've noticed that's really cut into the "fun" aspect of riding the bike is hearing protection. I have just some std reusable plugs that on the 4 stroke cancels out noise very well. I'm not sure if it's cause the pitch of the 2 stroke just bypasses the plugs or what but it's definitely significantly louder to the extent I can feel my hearing diminish by the minute.
Are there particular brands of motorcycle earplugs that you lot would recommend over others?
Yet to actually do some research myself but it would be good to hear what others suggestions were etc :)

Can't say I've noticed any issues with the engine cycle JUUUUST yet. so fer she's been an absolute hoot!

[ICE180]

I have been using a Runner for the past 8 years commuting its fine
the engine has had 2 top end rebuilds as I am now at 68000km
best part is people think it a chain saw when you go past them on the motorway

[Akzle]

Are there particular brands of motorcycle earplugs that you lot would recommend over others?
Yet to actually do some research myself but it would be good to hear what others suggestions were etc :)

STFW. kb has already threads on this. (answer=plugz4lugz)

while i havent done much time on an RS, i found a) rubber ear bud phones a lá https://522bb370f5443d4fe5b9-f62de27af599bb6703e11b472beadbcc.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.c om/product/list_image/9887/prod_img_se425_m_alt.jpg
work good.

failing that, b) 3m do a class 5(?) earbud a lá http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/321173P/1270-reusable-earplugs.jpg
which suits me with a stihl MS88. which is pretty much the same engine.

[Hemi Makutu]

I use the swimming type ear plugs, they are soft silicon gel, & mute most of the sound down,
- but you can still hear 'deto' & what not...

[STEPHASAUR]

Flicked Sue Rowles an email RE the earplugs. bit of a shame she's located in rotorua but ehh well. cant compete with the price...

Anyone in Auckland keen on a road trip? ;)

[Akzle]

..

Anyone in Auckland keen on a road trip? ;)

if by "road trip" you mean "shameful anonymous sex", then yes. i'll oblige you.

[Hemi Makutu]

Hey, if - as consenting adults - you're up for it, then sure, why not?