Aprilia SR125 First Ride Review

Gallery What is it?How does it ride?Anything else should I know?Should I buy one?Where does it fit in?

What is it?

Why will I buy the Aprilia SR125?

Looks stunning, excellent brakes and get to be part of the Aprilia brand

Why would I avoid the Aprilia SR125?

Very harsh ride, motor isn't exciting and SR150 is just a few thousand rupees away

When Piaggio launched the Aprilia SR150 around two years, the market finally got a scooter that wasn't just aspirational but also fast. And it also had the ability to put some premium commuter bikes to shame. With the new SR125, the Italian maker plans to do the same, but with a slightly modified agenda. And that is to capture some of the sales away from the market leader, the Suzuki Access 125 and also from the two Hondas- the Activa 125 and the recently launched Grazia.

The SR125 has the same style, same cycle parts and even the same brand extension. In fact, the only way to differentiate this one from the bigger sibling is through the paint scheme and the little 'SR125' badging on the front.

How does it ride?

Just like the SR150. The scooter is quick off the line, handles really well and can deliver some outstanding confidence in tight corners. But given that it is based on the SR150, it has also inherited a major problem from its older sibling - the ride quality. The company hasn't tuned the front forks at all. So the ride is still very harsh and it feels as if it will break someone's back when ridden fast over bad roads. The handlebar gives out a similarly jarring vibration which is quite bothersome in daily commuting life.

The 125cc motor on the SR125 is from the Vespa 125s. While the motor on the Vespa churns out 9.9bhp and 10.6Nm, the one on this Aprilia delivers marginally less at 9.5bhp at 7250rpm and peak torque of 9.9Nm at 6250rpm. But the reason the SR125 feels faster than the Vespa is because of the under-bone chassis which makes it lighter. The CVT tuning also helps considerably. This motor is not entirely smooth. It has its own set of vibes, especially when ridden hard. But the throttle response is smooth and appreciable.

Sure, the Piaggio has retained the SR150's less than excellent suspension in this bike, but it has also made no changes to its brakes and that's a good call. Because the brakes are really good on this one. The power, bite and feel from the front disc is impressive. In fact, it's better than some of the 150cc bikes out there. The rear brake is well balanced and offers decent progression. But press the lever little over the half way, and you will see the rear sliding.

Anything else should I know?

You should know that in terms of features, the SR125 is identical to the SR150. It gets the same instrument cluster which is quite boring to look at today. It has the same 14-inch wheels that is fitted with Vee Rubber tyres and the same paint quality too.

But the SR125 misses out on the split grab rails and now sports a single piece that looks more like an afterthought. It also doesn’t get the sport black-red seat. It is now equipped with a single tone black seat with an integrated belt for the pillion rider.

Should I buy one?

If you really want this well-styled scooter but you feel hamstrung by a tight budget, then the SR125 makes sense. But if you can afford an extra EMI or have additional disposable income, just go for the SR150. The 150cc version makes so much more sense. It is what a performance scooter should be. Plus, you have the option of choosing from four attractive paint schemes.

Where does it fit in?

The SR125 has been priced at Rs 65,310, making it the most expensive 125cc scooter on sale. The Suzuki Access 125 is the most affordable at Rs 58,350, followed by the recently launched TVS Ntorq 125 at Rs 58,750. The Honda Grazia retails at Rs 62,505. All prices are ex-showroom Delhi.

Photography by Kaustubh Gandhi