BMC Air Filter Product Review Performance: Aprilia SR150

Has the engine note changed?

It’s actually the induction note that changes when you put in a freer flowing air filter. It makes the induction note louder, brawnier, and more purposeful. And if you go in for the conical version, things get even more rowdy. Our unit is a stock replacement one. 

So, even though it allows better breathing, it was never going to produce a very loud induction roar. However, what we didn’t account for was the noisy SR150 engine. So, even though the induction note is more noticeable, you’d be hard pressed to hear it over the SR’s engine. 

Has the fuel efficiency dropped?

Now, theoretically, better breathing should result in better combustion. But, that’s when you have a smart fuelling system. The SR runs a regular carburetted engine, which we haven’t touched. So, with more airflow, the scooter should run lean and hot, and it should pop and bang. And, probably deliver better economy when ridden calmly. 

But, none of that has happened. The scooter’s running as it did. And therefore, not surprisingly, it returned nearly the same fuel efficiency as well. On the stock filter, the SR150 returned 36.4kmpl on my commute. With the BMC, the efficiency dropped to 35.8kmpl. Clearly, the difference is insignificant. 

Has the performance increased?

Since there’s been no real difference in the running characteristic of the scooter, or its fuel efficiency with the BMC filter, we weren’t expecting a noteworthy difference in performance either. To better compare the stock vs BMC performance, we did two tests - acceleration and roll-ons. The acceleration involved gunning the SR from standstill to 60kmph, while the roll-ons were done between 30-60kmph and 40-80kmph . 

Now, even though there was a slight drop in times with the BMC filter, it didn’t even amount to a second on any count. So, in theory, yes, the performance has improved. But, the difference is so small, it’s not worth going to town with. This is, of course, without us having to touch the air/fuel mixture. If you were to go in for a performance exhaust and play around with the carb setting, well, the difference might be significant enough to justify the purchase.  

To buy or not to buy

Given that there isn’t a telling increase in performance, we’d say the only real advantage the BMC has over the stock filter in case of the SR150 (without any other associated mod), is that you won’t have to replace it. But, then the BMC doesn’t come cheap. We’d say that unless you have a heightened sense of feel that will actually help you tell the difference on the road, better stick with the stock.

Product Details 

Seller: Race Smith Auto

Make: BMC Car Filters

Type: Air Filter for Aprilia SR150

Model: Stock Replacement

Price: Rs 4,990

Photography by Kaustubh Gandhi