Let's find out if the R15-based motor and competent hardware can help the Yamaha Aerox 155 outclass the Aprilia SR160 Race
The performance-oriented scooter segment in India, unfortunately, doesn't have many players. The Yamaha Aerox 155 and the Aprilia SR160 are the two hot products of this segment. So if you're confused between these two, let us simplify them via a detailed photo comparison review.
While the Aerox 155 looks aggressive, the SR160 gets a lean and sharp design. The fascia of the Aerox 155 mounts a split LED headlamp, LED DRL's, and apron-mounted indicators. The fascia of the SR160 on the other hand, gets a sharp beak up front with an LED headlight and halogen turn indicators. The Yamaha Aerox 155 certainly looks a lot sportier thanks to its unconventional design. Moving to the side, you'll notice that both scooters come covered with graphics. The SR160 gets a single-piece seat with a cut while the Aerox gets a single-piece step-up seat. The awkward shape of the SR160's seat makes the rider sit a little behind while the step-up seat on the Aerox restricts the rider’s movement. However, its sloping front apron and underbone design makes it more focused and also offers confidence to the rider.
Both scooters also feature an upswept exhaust and a lean tail section with LED taillights. Talking about the footboard, the SR160 gets a standard one while the Aerox 155 gets a hump at the centre and buyers upgrading from a regular scooter will take a while to get used to it as one has to sway the leg over, motorcycle style.
On the features front, the Aerox 155 gets a 5.8-inch fully digital Bluetooth-enabled instrument cluster that can be paired with your smartphone via the Yamaha Connect X app. This app displays basic information such as fuel consumption, maintenance recommendation, last parking location, malfunction notification, and eco-friendly riding indicator. However, it misses out on turn-by-turn navigation. The SR160 also features a fully digital instrument cluster (borrowed from the SXR 160) that displays fuel efficiency, top speed, time, a tripmeter and ambient temperature. Customers can opt for Bluetooth connectivity by paying an extra Rs 2,000, though it only displays calls and message alerts, and still misses out on turn-by-turn navigation.
Other notable features on the Aerox include an idle-stop/start system, silent engine start, an apron-mounted storage space with a USB charging port, an external fuel filler lid, side stand engine cut-off, 24.5-litre under-seat storage, and single-channel ABS. The SR160 on the other hand, features a USB charging port and an LED light in the under seat storage space which has stayed the same as its pre-facelift model. The scooter also misses out on an external fuel filler lid.
Powering the Aerox 155 is the YZF R15-derived 155cc liquid-cooled engine which, assisted by VVA, churns out 15PS and 13.9Nm. The SR160 draws power from a 160cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine that delivers 11.01PS and 11.6Nm. While the peak power and torque is delivered nearly at the same time in both the scooters, the Aerox 155 still performs better and keeps pulling strong thanks to its inherently sophisticated liquid cooled engine and more importantly,Variable Valve Actuation Technology. The Aerox 155 is the only scooter in the country that crosses 100kmph in ease.
With better performance, we expect the fuel efficiency to drop. However, here the case is the opposite as the Aerox delivered us 48.62kmpl in the city, which is 4.59kmpl more compared to the SR.
While both scooters use a telescopic fork up front, the rear setup is different as the Aerox employs dual-shock absorbers as compared to the monoshock on the SR. The suspension setup of both the scooters is on the stiffer side and as a result, you'll have to take the scooters slowly through bumps and undulations. The unpredictable nature of the SR160's suspension setup leads to rider fatigue over longer journeys while the ride of the Aerox is so harsh that even the smallest pebble on the road registers to the rider.
For braking, both scooters use a disc-drum setup which is further assisted by single-channel ABS. The stopping power, brake bite and feel needs to be improved on the Aerox. Also, its front end tends to lock under heavy braking. Talking about the SR, the scooter provides adequate stopping power, but the brake bite needs to be improved.
The Aerox 155 comes with excellent handling characteristics, thanks to its low-mounted fuel tank, 126kg of kerb weight, 140-section rear tyre and the floorboard’s central ridge. The SR160 on the other hand feels agile but not as stable as the Aerox around the corners.
The standard variant of the Aerox 155 is priced at Rs 1.31 lakh while the SR160 Race costs Rs 1,28,006 (both ex-showroom Delhi). As you can see, both scooters are priced pretty close. However, when it comes to outright performance, the Aerox 155 is the one that shall put a smile on your face.
