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Head to head

Yamaha R7 vs Aprilia RS 125

Specs side by side, plus our verdict on which one is the smarter buy for the way you ride.

The Yamaha R7 and Aprilia RS 125 are among the most cross-shopped sport bikes of 2026. The Aprilia RS 125 undercuts the Yamaha R7 by about $3,400, so value is squarely on the table. On paper the Yamaha R7 leads on power with 73 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.

Yamaha R7
Our pick
8.0

Yamaha

Yamaha R7
Aprilia RS 125
7.9

Aprilia

Aprilia RS 125

The verdict

The Yamaha R7 edges it overall at 8/10, but the Aprilia RS 125 wins on best for new riders, so let how you ride decide.

Best for new riders

Aprilia RS 125

A2-legal, 15 hp, forgiving to learn on.

Most exciting

Yamaha R7

73 hp and 0.39 hp/kg, the strongest here.

Best value

Aprilia RS 125

Our 7.9/10 at $5,799, the most bike per dollar.

Easiest to manage

Aprilia RS 125

152 kg with an 820 mm seat, the easiest to throw around.

Highest rated

Yamaha R7

Our top score in this matchup at 8/10.

Price & rating
Price$9,199$5,799
KickTheStand score8 / 107.9 / 10
Performance
Engine689cc twin125cc single
Power73 hp15 hp
Torque67 Nm11.8 Nm
Power-to-weight0.39 hp/kg0.10 hp/kg
Chassis & brakes
Front suspension41mm KYB USD fork41mm USD fork
Rear suspensionMonoshockMonoshock
Front brakesDual 298mm discs, radial 4-pistonSingle 300mm disc, radial 4-piston
Rear brakesSingle 245mm discSingle 218mm disc
Dimensions & practicality
Weight188 kg152 kg
Seat height835 mm820 mm
Fuel capacity13 L14.5 L
Suitability
ClassSportSport
A2 licenceYesYes
Good for beginnersNoYes
Best forsport, tracklearning, sport, track

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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Yamaha R7 vs Aprilia RS 125: your questions answered

Which is faster, the Yamaha R7 or the Aprilia RS 125?

The Yamaha R7 makes the most power at 73 hp and 67 Nm, giving it the edge on outright performance.

Which is cheaper, the Yamaha R7 or the Aprilia RS 125?

The Aprilia RS 125 is the most affordable here with an MSRP around $5,799.

Which is lighter, the Yamaha R7 or the Aprilia RS 125?

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 Yamaha R7 or the Aprilia RS 125?

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.

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