Aprilia RS 125 vs Honda CBR500R
Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.
The Aprilia RS 125 and Honda CBR500R are among the most cross-shopped sport bikes of 2026. The Aprilia RS 125 undercuts the Honda CBR500R by about $1,600, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Honda CBR500R leads on power with 47 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.
Our pickAprilia
Aprilia RS 125
Honda
Honda CBR500RThe verdict
The Aprilia RS 125 edges it overall at 7.9/10, but the Honda CBR500R wins on most exciting, so let how you ride decide.
Aprilia RS 125
A2-legal, 15 hp, forgiving to learn on.
Honda CBR500R
47 hp and 0.24 hp/kg, the strongest here.
Aprilia RS 125
Our 7.9/10 at $5,799, the most bike per dollar.
Aprilia RS 125
152 kg with an 820 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.
Aprilia RS 125
Our top score in this matchup at 7.9/10.
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 125 vs Honda CBR500R: your questions answered
Which is faster, the Aprilia RS 125 or the Honda CBR500R?
The Honda CBR500R makes the most power at 47 hp and 43 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.
Which is cheaper, the Aprilia RS 125 or the Honda CBR500R?
The Aprilia RS 125 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $5,799.
Which is lighter, the Aprilia RS 125 or the Honda CBR500R?
The Aprilia RS 125 is the lightest at 152 kg, which makes it the easiest to manage at low speed and in the bends.
Which is better for a beginner, the Aprilia RS 125 or the Honda CBR500R?
For a new rider we'd point to the Aprilia RS 125: A2-legal, 15 hp and 152 kg make it the most approachable of the group.
