2018 Aprilia SR125 Roadtest Review

The Aprilia SR150 was launched in India in 2016, then the Italian two wheeler giant got the Race version for it. At the 2018 Auto Expo, Aprilia had launched the 125cc version for the SR and we ride this slightly smaller-hearted version of the Crossover Scooter to find out if it is the one for you.

Aprilia SR125

Looks

The SR125 becomes the 2nd scooter offering from Aprilia for India. The engineers from Aprilia tell us that the need for this 125cc version of the SR was felt due to customer feedback, where it was seen that a lot of prospective buyers for the SR150 simply did not buy it because of its 150cc engine capacity, which they felt was more suited for a motorcycle than a scooter. Not that the SR150 has sold less, it has done more than 32,000 units since its launch, which is only slightly lesser to what the entire Vespa range sells together.

Aprilia SR125

From the looks of it, the SR125 shares the identical design, body styling and all physical dimensions as the SR150. One of the sportiest scooter currently in India, the SR125 comes in two unique colors, Silver and the one we rode – Cool Blue. The SR125 gets different body graphics as compared to the SR150. The sharp body styling makes the SR stand out from the competitors along with the large dual lens head lights mounted on the front body panel, instead of the handlebar, and the large 14 inch tyres and 220mm twin piston Bybre disc brakes in the front with drums at the rear.

Aprilia SR125

The SR looks more like a large scooter with a soul of a motorcycle in it. The twin-pod dials are carried forward from the SR150 to this sibling. The SR125 gets a longer and flatter seat; this seat also comes with a grab band in the middle of it. The SR125 can be fitted with an new design backrest that’s larger and more supportive for the pillion rider. The side stand too, is a dealer accessory fitment. The exposed rear suspension and the large exhaust unit make the rear of the scooter look sportier. The cool blue paint shade on our test scooter looked extremely catchy and is our pick. Quality of the body panels and fit finish is extremely good and the switch-gear also feels as if its built to last.

Aprilia SR125

Engine – Ride – Handling

Aprilia SR125 comes powered by the 124.7cc 4-stroke single cylinder air-cooled engine that also powers the 125cc range of Vespa scooters, but in a slightly different state of tune. This engine makes 9.52hp and hits out 9.9Nm of torque, as opposed to 10.06hp and 10.9Nm of torque that the SR150’s engine makes. Rider seating position is extremely comfortable with a very progressive and ergonomic stance. The engine specs of the SR125 may be lesser on paper as compared to the SR150, but on the go there is lot of zing to this scooter.

Aprilia SR125

Low end power kicks in instantly and holds on as the speed builds up rather quickly. Top speeds of near to 100kmph are what we touched on this scooter and that too with ease. Noteworthy here is that even at this speed the SR125 felt sturdy and planted. This is easily one of the fastest 125cc scooters currently. The engine has a grunt note to it, which kind of enhances the fun factor of the scooter.

Aprilia SR125

Fuel efficiency of the SR125 as per real world riding conditions is claimed to be around 45kmpl, which is 5kmpl more than the SR150; this mainly because of the 25cc lesser on the block. The SR125 is a handsome handler, thanks to its large-sized tyres, suspension setup and the chassis. Braking is pretty progressive and confidence boosting. Ride quality is tuned to the stiffer side in the interest of performance and handling.

Aprilia SR125

Verdict

Aprilia SR125 comes with all the positives of the SR150, top class ride, perfect for our bad roads riding on a extremely handsome-looking scooter. The 125cc engine does not lessen the performance; it is at par with the bigger brother. You get more mileage, plus you save around Rs.5000 on this one over the SR150. If you want a sporty scooter the Aprilia SR125 makes a very viable option.

Aprilia SR125