India is among the biggest two-wheeler markets on the globe, a fair chunk of which is eaten up by the scooter segment. And although there are lots of models, the revolution we expect is missing. The last few years have shown us that scooters did come with new technology, but nothing with enough power to thrill. The Blaze was Kinetic’s first attempt at a maxi-scooter, but it they pulled the plug on it eventually.
In recent times, Piaggio and Aprilia have been the only brands in the 150-160cc category, but after the launch of the 125cc powered Suzuki Burgman Street, Aprilia bikes seem to have been inspired to bring in its own maxi-scooter: the all-new SXR 160.
Quite a looker, this
We’re told the SXR 160 has been sketched out in Italy, but made for India. And we think they’ve got it spot-on with the looks, making it the nicest looking scooter you can buy today. At the front, you get a wide apron with LED DRLs that give it a nice, sporty face. The contrast black windscreen bodes well too. You’ll also see three strips sporting the Italian flag on the sides. The side panels are sharply contoured and boasts of SXR 160 graphics. The side stand seems well incorporated, so do the foot rests for the pillion. And then, there are the seats get contrast stitching. The exhaust appears a bit too big, but the sleek tail light looks great.
We wish it offered better quality in terms of the switchgear and the exhaust too. On the features front, it gets an LED headlamp and tail lamp, Bluetooth connectivity and a fully digital negative display and single-channel ABS. The seat is nice and wide, and thanks to the seat height, getting your feet on the ground isn’t a task.
The ease of riding
The SXR 160 gets the same unit used in the SR 160: a 160cc, single-cylinder air-cooled engine with 3 valves. It makes 10.8bhp and 11.6Nm of torque, and the motor appears refined in its BS6 guise. But there are other rivals that feel smoother. Vibrations are felt only after 5000rpm. It accelerates without delay, but it’s marginally slower than the SR 160. It likes being ridden at not more than 70kph.
The suspension on this scooter is quite mellow, and the 12-inch wheels add to the good ride quality. But the bad bumps do filter through on to the handlebar. The scooter handles well and stays planted at all times, and the additional heft can be felt. Up-front, it gets a 220mm disc and 140mm drum brake at the back.
Worth a look
The new SXR 160 carries the same good attributes of the other Aprilia models, and although doesn’t come loaded with equipment, it performs well and is comfortable to be seated on. On top of that, it just looks the part – and that alone will help this Maxi Scooter sell. Question is, at ₹ 1.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), it’s going to have many think twice, but if you’re willing to pay a premium, look no further. Also, grab the latest info on the upcoming scooters in India, only at autoX.