Aprilia SXR 160: First Ride Review In Images

Can this funky new Italian be India’s first real maxi-scooter since the Kinetic Blaze?

The Suzuki Burgman Street might like to call itself a maxi-style scooter, but with a 125cc motor at its heart, the only thing really maxi about it is its design. The new Aprilia SXR 160, though, is powered by a healthy 160cc motor. So, is it India’s first proper maxi-scooter since the Kinetic Blaze?

It certainly looks like a maxi, at least from most angles. The iconic three-piece headlamp unit, RS 660-inspired LED DRL, and massive, dark windshield give the SXR 160 a butch appearance and lots of presence.

But once on the saddle, the perception of being astride a big, bulky maxi-style scooter completely changes. Rather than “sitting in it” the way you do on a traditional maxi-scooter, you sit on it like any other traditional scooter. The handlebar is slightly low and not as wide as one would like for long hours on the saddle.

The short footboard isn’t very roomy and as for the flexi-footboard, the inclination is too aggressive, making it almost impossible to place your feet on it with riding boots on.

The seat, though long and roomy enough to accommodate riders and pillions of all sizes, has firm cushioning, which will keep you from spending too much time in the saddle.

The LCD console on the SXR 160 is one of the best we’ve seen on scooters so far. Apart from the usual info, it shows data like RPM, mileage, average speed, range, real-time fuel efficiency, max speed recorded, engine oil temperature, external temperature and battery voltage. Aprilia will even be equipping the SXR 160 with Bluetooth connectivity as an optional accessory.

The 160cc, single-cylinder engine was a hoot on the SR and remains fun to ride even on the SXR 160. Twist the throttle and the scooter surges ahead with urgency up to 60kmph, after which acceleration tapers off slightly. It takes some time to reach its 100kmph top speed but even at this point, the engine doesn’t feel stressed at all and is clearly capable of taking the scooter to higher speeds.

Like the SR 160, the SXR 160 is sprung a bit towards the firmer side. While the package is great on a smooth stretch of tarmac, it spells doom for your wrists and back on bad roads. Minor undulations won’t bother you much, but hit any pothole, even at crawling speeds, and your wrists will bear the brunt. Even the rear suspension is on the firmer side, which, coupled with the firm seat, can result in jolts to your back.

The upside of this firm suspension setup is that it gives you confidence when throwing the scooter around some corners. The beefy 120/70 12-inch MRF Zapper N tyres are pretty grippy too.

The 220mm front disc brake, aided by single-channel ABS, works brilliantly, offering good bite and shedding speed quickly. The 140mm rear drum brake also has sufficient stopping power.

For a scooter that will likely demand a price of over Rs 1.27 lakh (ex-showroom), the SXR 160 doesn’t really present a strong case for itself. The lack of space, practicality and ride comfort are deal breakers on what claims to be a maxi-style scooter.