La Mama: Aprilia “RS154” by AG Custom

“La Mama” — a GP-inspired two-stroke, created in tribute to the builder’s mother…

Built from 1994 to 2012, the Aprilia RS125 was a street-legal two-stroke GP replica, derived from the company’s racing success in the 125cc and 250cc classes. The liquid-cooled Rotax engine made around 28-34 horsepower, and the lightweight chassis and quick-revving powerplant have been earning fans for decades:

“This rasping, two-stroke 125cc bike is a lot, lot more than a ‘pretend’ learner racer. With a pedigree that helped launch the career of MotoGP legends Jorge Lorenzo and Casey Stoner through the RS125 Superteen Challenge competition, the sporting ability of the RS125 is beyond doubt.” — Rideto.com

Here at BikeBound, we used to have a punched-out 80cc Aprilia RS50 in our stable. The good folks at AutoExpress nailed the thrill of these two-stroke repli-racers:

“In the right environment, you can have more fun on a decent 125 like this than you can on a superbike. Twisty country lanes, multiple laps of local roundabouts and having fun with your mates are what it’s all about.”

Enter Brice Augry of AG Custom Motorcycles, located in Ascain, in the Basque country of France. Brice’s passion for motorsports comes from his father, who was a Renault R8 Gordini driver in the 70s and 80s. He studied motorcycle mechanics for five years and has been involved in two-stroke drag racing, the 24 Hours of Barcelona, and now has his own workshop building custom bikes.

He started this build in 2016 after attending the Wheels and Waves festival in Biarritz — an inspirational series of events that celebrates the world of custom bikes. His vision was clear:

“The concept of my Aprilia was to make a mix between a sport bike from the 80s and a 2-stroke GP.”

Sadly, Brice lost his mother during the process, which ground the build nearly to a halt. In the end, however, he decided to finish the build in her honor:

“My motorcycle’s nickname is LA MAMA, in tribute to my mother of Italian origin.”

And what a motorcycle it is! The bike has the look of a road-legal GP racer, complete with carbon fiber monocoque bodywork and a tricked-out engine, now displacing 154cc and producing something in the neighborhood of 40 horsepower! Below, we get the full story on “La Mama” from the builder himself, along with some stunning photos from @txomin_etcheverry_ and @kayadaek_photography.

Aprilia RS125 Cafe Racer: Builder Interview

• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.

The passion for motorcycles came from my father, a Renault R8 Gordini driver in the 70s and 80s. So I started studying car bodywork, but I quickly changed tack and moved to motorcycle mechanics for five years in a concession — 2 stroke drag race, 24h Barcelona etc. I discovered customs by chance and it reminded me, Monster Garage, West Coast Custom, Orange County Choppers, and others. Now I have my own workshop in Ascain, in the Basque country, called AG Custom Motorcycle.

• What’s the make, model, and year of the bike?

My motorcycle is an Aprilia RS125 limited series Valentino Rossi from 1999.

• Why was this bike built?

I started this bike in 2016 because I went to the Wheels and Waves festival and I loved it, so I started! Unfortunately, I lost my mother, which left the project dragging on for one year. I therefore decided to finish it for her.

Aprilia RS125 Custom Cafe Racer — Racing the RS154 in the Punk’s Peak sprint race at Wheels and Waves!

• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?

The concept of my Aprilia was to make a mix between a sport bike from the 80s and a 2-stroke GP.

• What custom work was done to the bike?

On this motorcycle, everything was custom-made. Polished chassis, modification of the running gear for more power/efficiency, Brembo braking, semi-slick tires, tail loop and custom spider, modified Ducati 900SS nose, custom fiber monocoque, modified beam, Daytona digital rev counter, CBR600 fan, personal decoration. For the engine, Polini 154cc big bore kit, VForce intake from a 250 KTM, 38mm dell Orto carburetor, pneumatic karting valve, BMC high volume air filter, Arrow competition muffler, and so on.