The Aprilia SR150 makes a very good case for itself, but if it doesn’t grab your fancy, there is an option in the same showroom itself. The Vespa 150s have a very similar engine to the Aprilias, but they are priced differently. You can still have yourself an extra dollop of style with a 125cc Vespa.
The Aprilia SR150 offers a 155cc engine with just over 10bhp and 11Nm. If you pick the Race, you’ll also get a slightly retuned CVT transmission that offers better acceleration, and a tall windscreen. The Carbon offers a blacked-out look with carbonfibre accents, and both the Race and Carbon offer Bluetooth connectivity as standard. It is optional on the standard SR150. You also get large 14-inch wheel rims shod with sticky tyres, and a large 220mm front disc brake with a twin-pot calliper. You also get a pass-light switch! The footboard is relatively small, the pillion seat is tiny, and the underseat storage isn’t that great.
But the Vespa can trump the Aprilia in many of these areas, both positive and negative. The footboard is not flat, so it can accommodate only feet. The seat hook is a very clever piece of design, but the integrated footrests for the pillion are not very comfortable for the pillion rider. You don’t get a front disc brake with the base LX125 either, just drum brakes. However, the SXL and VXL125 offer a front disc brake. The engine is a 125cc that puts out nearly 10bhp and 11Nm, which is nearly the same as the SR150. The monocoque chassis offers decent underseat storage in addition to the lockable compartment in the front apron. The front suspension remains a single-sided one with anti-dive properties. The Vespa goes for the retro-modern look, which means it will remain appealing for a lot longer, and to a wider audience. It misses out on Bluetooth connectivity, even as an option.
The Aprilia SR150 range starts at Rs 70,000, ex-showroom, for the standard variant minus Bluetooth, and goes up to Rs 80,000 for the Race. The Vespa 125cc range starts at Rs 69,000 for the Notte, and goes up to Rs 89,000 for the SXL 125.
