Maxi-scooter, a segment that was deprived of even a single offering in India until Suzuki brought the Burgman Street 125 in 2018. After four years now, it finally has competition in the form of the new Aprilia SXR 125 maxi-scooter. While both of them are similar in terms of body style and displacement, there are a bunch of elements that set them apart. Let’s check what they are, which one’s better on paper and which should you put your money on.
Styling
A quintessential maxi design with long and swooping body panels is common in both cases. However, the SXR brings something different to the table – inspiration from its larger supersport sibling, the RS660. Hence, what you get is a sporty-looking scooter with a vertically-stacked three-piece headlamp nestled in a muscular apron, crowned by a tall windscreen. This blends perfectly with the slim yet edgy tail section. Whereas, the Burgman Street wears a bulkier and curvier set of clothes while retaining the maxi character.
Features
Both contenders are close when it comes to offering practical and useful features. Suzuki has equipped the Burgman with an LED headlamp, an LED tail lamp, a USB charging port, and an LCD dash that comes with Bluetooth connectivity as an option with turn-by-turn navigation. It also has a couple of storage provisions like a 21.5-litre under seat space, and two glove boxes on the front.
As for the SXR 125, it has gone a step ahead by offering LEDs for headlamp, tail lamp as well as turn indicators. And a fully-digital LCD is also present with optional Bluetooth connectivity, but the turn-by-turn functionality isn’t available. What you do get though is a large under seat storage area with an LED inside while the roomy front glove box is a lockable unit. A USB charging port is on offer in the SXR as well.
Engine
The Suzuki Burgman Street 125 is powered by a 124cc, air-cooled, two-valve engine that churns out 8.58bhp at 6,750rpm and 10Nm at 5,500rpm. And the SXR 125 runs a 124.45cc, air-cooled, three-valve motor that is good for 9.38bhp at 7,600rpm and 9.2Nm at 6,250rpm. Although we are yet to ride the SXR 125, it mostly has the same rough and raw engine character that’s typical of an Aprilia. On the contrary, the Burgman Street 125 feels extremely smooth and refined.
Cycle Parts
Both scooters are suspended by telescopic forks up front and a monoshock at the rear. The disc-drum braking setup is also common. However, as opposed to Burgman’s 12-10-inch wheel combination, the SXR rides on 12-inch wheels at both ends that should bestow it with better stability and handling. Also, going by our first ride experience with the SXR 160, the scooter the SXR 125 shares its majority of cycle parts with, the Aprilia offering delivers sportier handling but with a tad stiffer ride quality.
Pricing
This is an area where the difference is huge. Similar to all other Piaggio offerings, the Aprilia SXR 125 is a pricey proposition as it costs Rs 1.15 lakh. Whereas, the standard and Bluetooth editions of the Suzuki Burgman Street 125 are much cheaper at Rs 82,700 and Rs 86,200, respectively.
(All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi)
