Description
There are very few bikes that get riders riled up like Honda’s RS125R. If you’re just looking at displacement, you might struggle to understand why that is. But the many fans of the little racebike tell a story of momentum, agility, and absurd levels of excitement. Want to really learn how to ride on a track? Start with the little GP bike that could.
The RS125R was the last factory Honda to compete in the 125 GP class, and from the beginning it was an excellent privateer race bike straight off the dealership floor. They were offered for over a decade and were the launching point for most of your favorite modern racing heroes.
MSRP was $13,000, though racers at the highest levels would spend another 13 grand in mods by the time they were hitting the track. Wet weight is around 160 pounds and some riders were getting 45 horsepower out of the little two-stroke motor. Here’s a tale from Emma Franklin, Production Editor at MCN, who shares why she loves her ’98 RS125 so much: “All these factors combine to make a riding experience that’s just simply out of this world. Full throttle, sixth gear, tucked in, shut off slightly then barrel in; the RS’s lack of mass makes for corner entry and mid-corner velocities that are simply unthinkable on bigger bikes…It doesn’t matter where I’m riding it or for what reason, whether it’s testing, racing or just a trackday, it leaves me trembling for hours afterwards. I’ve been lucky enough to ride a lot of bikes, but nothing, nothing, compares to this.”
This example is VIN: JR019810046. The seller purchased the bike four months ago from a private party and states, “This was my dream bike – the one I idolized when I first hit the track back in 1998. After years of searching through countless TZ125s, RS125Rs, NSRs, NSF250s and more, I finally found the exact bike I always wanted, sourced from Robert Schmidle’s collection. He commissioned the full Markbilt rebuild after his final race with it. Unfortunately, life had other plans. Three spinal surgeries later and now staring down a multi-level spinal fusion, the track-rat tuck is no longer in the cards. With benefits soon ending, I need to prioritize my health and upcoming medical costs. If you’ve been waiting for the one – the RS125 that needs nothing but fresh tires and a rider – this is it.”
There is no odometer, true mileage unknown.
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “Unleash your racing potential with this immaculate 1998 Honda RS125R – a purpose-built Grand Prix machine for serious competitors and track enthusiasts. This bike is as close to rolling off the factory line as you can get, completely rebuilt nut and bolt by the renowned Markbilt Racebikes with zero hours/miles since, aside from heat cycling. No expenses were spared. He maintains all work orders.”
The seller has provided the following write up:
Key Specs & Features:
– High-revving 125cc two-stroke engine – exhilarating power & acceleration
– Ultra-lightweight chassis – razor-sharp handling & precision
– Race-spec suspension – currently set up for a 183–195 lb rider
– Quickshifter installed – set to GP shift (can easily be swapped to standard)
– Big Boy Kit – extended subframe, bodywork & rearsets for taller riders
– RS Cycles frame sliders – installed as a Christmas gift
– Designed for track use only – no title, no street conversion
What You Get:
– A fully rebuilt machine with zero crash damage or rash
– Spare parts galore:
– Cylinder, engine case, fork springs, jet kit, and more
– $500+ worth of ELF 2T oil – recently imported from Italy
– Brand new Battle Factory front stand – still in bubble wrap
– Brand new Drill Start tool
– Other assorted race spares, tools, and goodies
Modifications:
“”Big boy kit”= extended rear subframe and plastics as well as extended rear sets. RS cycles frame sliders, Pitbull rear spools, quickshifter, fully safety wired.”
Inside of the tank:
“The tank is aluminum, so no rust worries.”
It is riding on Dunlop slicks.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Minor marks on windscreen and edge of fairing (right side).”
Currently located in Eatontown, New Jersey, this Honda is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any RS125R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
