Aprilia SXR 160

The Aprilia SXR 160 is the Italian manufacturer’s highest-capacity scooter offering in the Indian two-wheeler market. But does it live up to the hype of being one of the very few maxi-scooters here? Let’s take a look - 

The SXR 160, being Italian and an Aprilia, has a very sporty design language and turns heads wherever it goes. It gets split LED headlights and DRLs, with the turn indicators integrated into them. The big front apron and tall smoked windscreen adds to the scooter’s bold presence.

While the SXR 160 shares its roots with the SR160, its appearance from the front is particularly striking, though the rear seems somewhat disproportionate in comparison.

Also, the scooter gets outstanding fit and finish levels. The stylish Y-shaped alloy wheels and precise panel gaps contribute to an overall sense of refinement in the design.

Powering the maxi-scooter is the 160cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine from the SR160, which produces 11PS at 7200rpm and 12.13Nm at 5500rpm. The gearing has been revised, to enhance the bottom-end performance, resulting in smooth acceleration. The scooter has a lively performance output up to 60kmph. Notably, the engine is very refined, displaying minimal vibrations even at speeds surpassing 90kmph.

During our tests, the SXR 160 achieved a top speed of 98kmph and showed great high-speed stability up to 90kmph. However, beyond this speed, slight handlebar vibrations occur when going over bad road conditions, due to the rigid front suspension.

In contrast to the 14-inch wheels on the SR 160, the SXR 160 comes with smaller 12-inch wheels. While the steering does not have the swift responsiveness of the SR 160, it is perfect for the scooter's overall character. Despite this, going through corners with the SXR 160 feels enjoyable, and it maintains stability even during high-speed turns. The 11kg increase in weight doesn't significantly reduce its agility, allowing for smooth navigation through traffic.

In terms of braking, the SXR 160 has a disc up front and a drum at the rear. The disc brake provides a solid bite, although the lever feedback could have been better. The inclusion of ABS sets the maxi-scooter apart, making it one of the few scooters in India equipped with this safety feature.

In a typical maxi-style design, the front dominates the rider's view, but not so on the SXR 160. The handlebar and instrument console are positioned lower, and the footboard space feels a bit cramped, providing limited room to even average-sized riders to comfortably place their legs.

The upward alignment of the floorboard aims to allow you to comfortably place your feet while riding but you’ll need to sit on the pillion seat most of the time to get the best out of it. Aprilia claims to have the longest seat in the segment, but the seat's cushioning is firm and along with the stiff suspension, makes the riding experience quite harsh.

The SXR 160 is equipped with an LCD digital display featuring a range of readouts, including average fuel consumption, range, overall mileage, ambient temperature, max speed recorded, two tripmeters, tachometer, engine oil temperature, battery voltage, and more. The inclusion of a mode button helps in smooth navigation through various information while on the move.

Maxi-scooters are known for their spacious design, and the SXR 160 maintains this tradition with a glovebox below the handlebar featuring two separate compartments. The left compartment houses a USB charger, though the overall space in these compartments is somewhat limited. This limitation extends to the underseat storage as well.

An important drawback is the absence of an external fuel filler cap and a multi-function keyhole for accessing the seat. Opening the seat requires the traditional manual approach. Additionally, the lack of an engine kill switch is a significant omission from the scooter's features.

The Aprilia SXR 160 may not be the most practical choice for a scooter if you prioritise comfort and space, the fundamental aspects of a maxi-scooter. However, if you're seeking a sporty and premium scooter with a distinct look and feel that sets it apart from others in the market, the SXR 160 could be a good option. For those specifically in the market for a maxi-scooter that offers ample space, comfort, and better mileage, the Suzuki Burgman Street emerges as a more suitable choice. Not only does it provide enhanced practicality, but it also comes with a more affordable price tag.