The Moto Ref

Aprilia SX 125 vs Suzuki DR-Z4SM

Two supermoto bikes scored on the same 100-point system: specs side by side, points per category and a verdict that commits. These two sit in different classes, so each score is computed within its own class.

Aprilia SX 125, 2025
Suzuki DR-Z4SM, 2025

Aprilia

SX 125

44.2

/ 100

Winner

Suzuki

DR-Z4SM

42.2

/ 100

0 to 100 km/h

Estimated from power to weight, not a measured time.

0.00 s

Aprilia SX 1250 km/h- s
SX 125
Suzuki DR-Z4SM0 km/h- s
DR-Z4SM

The Ref Ring · 3.4 km · 9 corners

A straight line settles nothing.

The SX 125 won on points. Now the SX 125 and the DR-Z4SM go flag to flag: braking zones, corner speed and drive off the hairpins, computed from the same specs as the scores.

Race the full lap

Points by category

Six categories, 100 points. How every point is calculated

Engine and performance

out of 25
SX 125
11.2
DR-Z4SM
6.3

Handling and chassis

out of 20
SX 125
8.6
DR-Z4SM
14.0

Value

out of 20
SX 125
12.6
DR-Z4SM
5.0

Practicality

out of 15
SX 125
3.6
DR-Z4SM
4.1

Technology

out of 10
SX 125
1.8
DR-Z4SM
4.9

Reliability and ownership

out of 10
SX 125
6.4
DR-Z4SM
7.9

Specs side by side

Full specification comparison: Aprilia SX 125 versus Suzuki DR-Z4SM
SpecApriliaSX 125SuzukiDR-Z4SM
Engine
EngineSingle cylinder, liquid cooled, 4 valvesSingle cylinder, liquid cooled, DOHC
Displacement124.2 cc398 cc
Power15 hp at 10,500 rpm38 hp at 8,000 rpm
Torque11.5 Nm at 8,500 rpm37 Nm at 6,500 rpm
Power to weight0.11 hp/kg0.25 hp/kg
Chassis
Wet weight136 kg154 kg
Front suspension41 mm USD fork, 240 mmKYB 46 mm inverted, 250 mm
Front adjustabilityNon-adjustableFully adjustable
Rear suspensionHydraulic monoshock, 220 mmKYB monoshock, 250 mm
Rear adjustabilityPreload onlyFully adjustable
Front brake300 mm, axial 2-piston310 mm, axial 2-piston
ABSStandard ABSSwitchable ABS
Dimensions
Seat height880 mm890 mm
Wheelbase1425 mm1465 mm
Fuel capacity7 L8.7 L
Claimed consumption2.6 L/100 km3.7 L/100 km
Fuel range269 km235 km
Ownership
Price€4,199€9,699
Service interval6,000 km6,000 km
Valve check12,000 km24,000 km
Warranty2 years2 years
Equipment
DashLCDLCD
Ride modesNoYes
Traction controlNoYes
QuickshifterNot availableNot available
Cruise controlNot availableNot available
ConnectivityNoNo

Verdict

The Aprilia SX 125 wins this comparison narrowly, 44.2 points to 42.2.

The gap of 2 points is built mostly in value, where the SX 125 takes 7.6 points out of the DR-Z4SM. Scores are computed within each bike's class from published spec data; the full formula is on the methodology page.

On the road the DR-Z4SM is the quicker machine: 38 hp and 37 Nm moving 154 kg, against 15 hp and 11.5 Nm moving 136 kg for the SX 125. That is 0.25 hp per kilo playing 0.11.

The SX 125 costs €4,199, which leaves €5,500 in your pocket against the DR-Z4SM at €9,699. Service intervals run 6,000 km on the SX 125 and 6,000 km on the DR-Z4SM.

Better for city and commuting

Aprilia SX 125

A 880 mm seat, 269 km of tank range and the stronger practicality and value scores make it the easier bike to live with daily.

Better for weekend twisties

Suzuki DR-Z4SM

38 hp pushing 154 kg with KYB 46 mm inverted up front. It takes the combined engine and handling points.

Better for longer trips

Suzuki DR-Z4SM

235 km between fuel stops and the better equipment score. Distance rewards range and rider aids, and it has more of both.

Frequently asked

Which is faster, the Aprilia SX 125 or the Suzuki DR-Z4SM?
The Suzuki DR-Z4SM. It carries 0.25 hp per kilo (38 hp, 154 kg wet) against 0.11 hp per kilo for the Aprilia SX 125 (15 hp, 136 kg).
Is the Aprilia SX 125 cheaper than the Suzuki DR-Z4SM?
The Aprilia SX 125 is cheaper at €4,199 list, €5,500 less than the Suzuki DR-Z4SM at €9,699.
Which is better for shorter riders?
The Aprilia SX 125. Its 880 mm seat is 10 mm lower than the Suzuki DR-Z4SM, and at 136 kg it is the easier bike to manage at a stop.
Which has better technology, the SX 125 or the DR-Z4SM?
The Suzuki DR-Z4SM, which scores 4.9 of 10 tech points with traction control. The Aprilia SX 125 counters with a deliberately simple spec.
Which goes further on a tank?
The Aprilia SX 125: 269 km from its 7 litre tank at the claimed consumption, against 235 km for the Suzuki DR-Z4SM.
Which bike wins overall?
The Aprilia SX 125, scoring 44.2 of 100 against 42.2 on our within-class points system. The full breakdown and formula are public on the methodology page.

Dig into each bike

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