2012 Aprilia RS4 125 0.1L Petrol · KX12 AXD

A clean sheet of first-time passes characterizes this vehicle's MOT history, though this positive trend is punctuated by a notable four-year gap in testing and a historical pattern of wear in the chassis, steering, and final drive components. The most recent test on 18 April 2026 resulted in a pass with no advisories, indicating that the machine has returned to the road in a legally compliant state, yet the legacy of previous advisories regarding bearings and suspension pivots remains crucial for a prospective buyer to investigate. With 18,610 miles recorded over approximately fourteen years, this motorcycle has seen relatively light use, averaging just over 1,300 miles per year. However, the mileage distribution is highly irregular, highlighted by a complete absence of MOT records between March 2022 and April 2026. This four-year gap points to a prolonged period of inactivity or off-road storage. Long-term storage of a small-capacity machine can lead to seized chassis pivots, degraded seals, and stiff cables, meaning the low total mileage should not be automatically equated with a lack of mechanical wear. Prospective buyers must pay close attention to the steering headbearing and rear suspension linkages during a physical inspection. The steering headbearing was flagged with slight free play in 2022; during a test ride, the buyer should feel for any notchiness, resistance, or a detent sensation when turning the handlebars slowly from lock to lock with the front wheel off the ground, as well as listening for a distinct clunk under front braking. Additionally, the rear mono-shock pivot was noted as worn in 2017. The buyer should check for vertical play in the swingarm by lifting the rear of the bike and listen for creaking or knocking noises when compressing the rear suspension, which would indicate that the needle rollers or bushes in the rising-rate linkage require replacement. The final drive and wheel assemblies also require diligent assessment based on historical advisories. Although the 2026 test was clear, the drive chain was previously flagged as worn and dry, while the rear wheel bearings exhibited play in an earlier test. The buyer should inspect the drive chain for tight spots, uneven stretching, and hook-shaped sprocket teeth, whilst ensuring the rear wheel rotates smoothly on a paddock stand without any lateral play or rumbling noises that would suggest failing wheel bearings. Finally, given that the rear brake pads were close to their limit in 2021, the thickness of the friction material and the condition of the rear brake disc should be visually verified to ensure the braking system has been properly serviced.