Family Feud: Aprilia Storm 125 vs Aprilia SR 125

Similar design, same power, and almost the same features. But which one makes more sense?

After unveiling it at the Auto Expo 2018, Aprilia has finally launched the Storm 125 in India at Rs 65,000 (ex-showroom Pune). This makes it around Rs 6,000 more affordable than the SR 125 and the cheapest Aprilia you can buy in India right now. That said, with a similar design, same power and almost the same set of features, which of the two makes more sense?

Design & Features

While both the Aprilia SR 125 and the Storm 125 essentially share the same design language, they differ in terms of the colour schemes on offer. The Storm 125 gets brighter matte paint options and a completely different set of graphics. In terms of features, both the scooters are evenly matched. Although that isn’t saying much, considering the features list is barebones here. You only get an analogue instrument console and a single-piece halogen unit. Features like LED headlamps, a digital display, an external fuel-filler cap and even USB charging socket have been given a miss here. 

Engine

Powering both the scooters is the same 124.9cc, 3-valve air-cooled, single-cylinder engine. It delivers 9.6PS of power and 9.9Nm of torque. Yes, we will be riding the scooter pretty soon to see if it's any different from its SR-badged sibling. Meanwhile, here are our thoughts on the Aprilia SR 125 - Aprilia SR 125: Road Test Review. 

Underpinnings 

Again, both the scooters share the same frame, telescopic suspension at the front and a single shock absorber at the back. What’s really different here are the set of wheels. Unlike the SR 125’s 14-inchers, the Storm 125 makes do with 12-inch units on both ends. However, Aprilia has equipped it with dual-purpose Vee branded tyres (front - 120/80, rear - 130/80), for a more rugged look. How much difference they’ll make to the riding and handling dynamics, remains to be seen though. 

It also misses out on the front disc, and gets 150mm drum brake at the front and a 140mm drum unit at the rear with CBS instead. However, we do expect the company to launch a disc brake-equipped variant soon.

Verdict

You really don’t miss out on much with the Storm 125 when compared to the SR 125. Yes, skipping out on 14-inch wheels and a disc brake could affect the handling and riding dynamics, but they aren’t exactly deal-breakers if your primary usage is city commuting. Not to mention, you can save yourself Rs 6,000 (Rs 6,385 to be precise) and opt for a better-looking scooter.