Introduction

Background and Development

The Aprilia Leonardo 125 (1996-1998, ZD4MB00) is a scooter from the Italian manufacturer Aprilia, produced between 1996 and 1998. This model was one of Aprilia's first maxi-scooters and was designed as a comfortable, powerful vehicle for urban and suburban use.
The Leonardo 125 was aimed at riders seeking a scooter with more power and comfort than typical 50cc models and marked Aprilia's entry into the larger scooter segment. It was part of the company's efforts to expand its model range beyond smaller scooters.

Model History

Historically, the Aprilia Leonardo 125 stands in the mid-1990s, a phase in which Aprilia diversified its scooter production. The company, founded in 1945 by Alberto Beggio as a bicycle manufacturer, transformed under Ivano Beggio from the 1960s into a motorcycle producer and began scooter production in the 1980s through collaboration with Rotax, starting with the Amico (1990).
Following models like the Gulliver and Rally, Aprilia introduced the Leonardo series in 1996, beginning with the 125 version. It was a precursor to later maxi-scooters like the Atlantic and stands between smaller scooters like the Amico and sportier models like the SR, showcasing Aprilia's focus on versatile vehicles before being acquired by Piaggio in 2004.

Technical Details

Technically, the Aprilia Leonardo 125 (1996-1998, ZD4MB00) is equipped with a water-cooled 124cc four-stroke engine, delivering about 11 hp (approx. 8 kW) at 8,500 rpm. The engine is carbureted and paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a belt drive, allowing for easy operation.
The top speed is around 100 km/h. The frame consists of a sturdy steel tube construction, the suspension includes a telescopic fork at the front and a swingarm with a shock absorber at the rear. The braking system consists of a front disc brake (220 mm diameter) and a rear drum brake. With a dry weight of about 130 kg and a fuel tank capacity of 9.5 liters, the Leonardo 125 was robustly built and suitable for longer distances.

Design and Variants

The Aprilia Leonardo 125 (1996-1998, ZD4MB00) was offered in several colors, including black, silver, blue, and red, with exact availability varying by market. This color variety emphasized the modern and appealing style of the scooter.
Official special models of the Leonardo 125 are not documented, but the Leonardo series was later expanded with variants like the Leonardo 150 and 250, which differed by having larger engines. For the years 1996-1998, Aprilia focused on the standard version, with optional accessories such as windshields or luggage racks available to adapt the scooter to the riders' needs.