Aprilia SR 125: Road Test Review

Here’s our take on the Aprilia SR 125 when we took it on the road to test what it has to offer. Obviously, our expectations were high after having experienced the SR 150, so let’s find out

Before the Aprilia SR 150 made its way to the Indian two-wheeler market, customers didn’t really have an option of owning a scooter with a true sporty character. Adding to its appeal, the brand brought in a new scooter with similar characteristics but with reduced displacement and an added advantage of being lighter on the pocket, called the Aprilia SR 125. The scooter houses the same 124.49cc engine that you’d see on the Vespa 125. Similar to its elder sibling in terms of handling dynamics, does the the SR 125 have what it takes to carve its own niche? Let’s find out.

Design and features

Starting off with the looks, there is not much to differentiate the SR 125 and the SR 150. These are exactly the same, with the same bodywork, design cues and proportions. However, what’s different on the new SR 125 is that the seat is a bit thicker at the back. It also gets new graphics.

There isn’t much in the SR 125 by way of features. Rather, what you’ll find are some missing features, some of which have become commonplace in its segment. We are talking about the boot light and a charging point that remains absent on the SR 125. It gets an analogue instrument cluster without trip meter, which adds to our disappointment.

The rear view mirrors come with really short stalks that make them tough to adjust for a clearer view. The scooter gets a dual-halogen headlamp which fails to light up the road in the dark in an adequate fashion. Aside from this, the company could have done a little better with the quality of the switchgear, which seems below par. 

There are quite a few noticeable panel gaps on the sides as well as at the front that raise eyebrows about its overall fit-and-finish. What impresses us the most is the 14-inch alloy wheels, the largest to be fitted on a 125cc scooter till date.

Engine and performance

Performance wise, the SR 125 produces a segment-leading 9.65PS of power at 7250rpm but a disappointing 9.9Nm at 6250rpm. It manages to touch 60kmph from nought in 9.71 seconds, which makes it the slowest 125cc scooter we ever had our hands on. Overtaking acceleration was disappointing too - it took a whopping 18.79 seconds to go from 20 to 80kmph. We could only manage to take the scooter to a top speed of 98kmph. The lack of performance is due to its heaviness (120kg kerb weight, highest in the segment) and big alloys. 

What’s impressive was the SR 125’s ability to return a competitive fuel economy. When tested in the city at speeds below 50kmph, it returned 47.6kmpl, while on the expressways, with speeds between 60-65kmph, it yielded 52.5kmpl. The figures are competitive in the 125cc segment. The SR 125 comes with the segment’ highest fuel tank capacity of 6.5 litres, which when combined with the fairly good fuel economy gives you a sense of satisfaction for your possession.

Comfort and convenience

Seating comfort is something that most people keep at at the top of their consideration list when buying a scooter. On the SR 125, the seat is on the firmer and higher side, so riders who are 5’5” and below might find it difficult to plant their feet flat on the ground. The seat is quite firm too; however, this doesn’t mean that it’s uncomfortable. There is enough room for a heavy or a 6-feet tall person to get along. 

The overall seating posture is comfortable. The reach to the handlebar is just right and it doesn’t rub against your knees when taking U-turns. The grab rails on the SR 125 are not offered as standard; instead, they come as accessories. 

The underseat storage is good enough for an office backpack but big bags or large items won’t be welcome here. This is the smallest compartment we’ve seen in recent times on a scooter of this class. And if you like keeping items on the go near your feet then sorry, this Aprilia doesn’t offer enough room for the same. There is a luggage hook but only to hang a small bag. There are no other storage pockets for knick-knacks and to keep things like mobile phones, wallet or keys while on the move.  

Ride and handling

The SR 125 gets the same suspension as its bigger sibling: telescopic front forks and a monoshock unit at the rear. The suspension is on the stiffer side, just like the SR 150. This makes the scooter fun to ride and aids in handling big time. However, the ride quality is quite rough. You can feel the undulations coming in through the handlebar and through the seat as well. In the corners it performed pretty well, those chunky tyres doing a fine job in gripping the tarmac. However, its large alloys and 120-section tyres ask for extra effort while manoeuvring.

Braking is via a single 220mm front disc and a 140mm drum at the back, the same setup which provides stopping power to the SR 150. The feedback from the brakes was fantastic as I managed to shed speed with just two fingers every time. However, its braking distance of 19.63 metres from 60kmph isn’t what you’d like considering their bite. 

Verdict

Priced at Rs 66,764 (ex-showroom Delhi), the Aprilia SR 125 is a mass-market model with the reasonable price tag that customers missed on the SR 150. However, in a bid to make it lighter on the pocket, its performance has been compromised significantly, to such an extent that it doesn’t really keep up with the competence of its rivals. Hence, shelling out Rs 4,000 more for the SR 150 definitely makes sense. But if you are someone who keeps fuel economy at the top of your buying consideration list then the SR 125 is the way to go.