I know this is an old thread but for reference in case anyone else has the same question I have both bikes sat here my partner has the cb125r 2021 model we bought them mainly to save a few quid commuting and stuff
My honest opinion is this "I wish I had waited for another Honda"
I wouldn't say the Tuono is worse but id say its a definitely different level of build quality , plastics are plastic and the controls not really the same finish , wobbly buttons sharp edges ,wobbly contact points on a new bike , for example footpegs , the linkages and stuff rattle and wobble about from new on their mountings etc where as the Honda just seems softer and more nicely finished, its quiet the bits are solid and don't rattle about , very very minor things that you could fix but if its a step up bike or a starter bike your not going to waste time doing
The overall look is more plastic on the Aprilia (daytime running lights look cool though) , the ride is definitely different you have to rev the Aprilia to make progress and whilst its a very free revving little engine it also needs to be ridden everywhere the Honda on the other hand is sleepy puppy dog handling wise ,and so much easier on absolutely every aspect to just jump on and go to the shops or caff or work , I tend to pick up the keys for her bike and sneak a ride on it rather than my own because its literlly fun rather than a chore to ride and that's how I feel sadly about the Aprilia 125, sure you can fiddle and tinker but out the box there's a big difference between them both
Oh and the 125 Aprilia whilst I shouldn't mention this as i don't feel its a quality issue thing at all and more of a "not used to this issue " the gearbox is not as nice ,whines like a track car with a sequential straight cut gears, and im used to that , however a motorcycle, I was surprised so actually asked the dealer if it had a straight cut box or was there an issue, normally i have had to pay for the privelege of getting the whiny noise whilst slowing down ,so getting it for free from day one was new to me , Selecting gears is stiffer I have adjusted the gear lever to compensate but am still struggling (unlike the Honda which is slick and silent to be fair)
