Here's what to expect from Sport-Scooterbike 'Aprilia'

The new Aprilia SR 150 looks unlike any other vehicle that is classified a scooter. In fact, the more we stare at this minimalist but gorgeous two-wheeler the more convinced we are that Aprilia may have got it right in classifying this machine as a ‘Sport-Scooterbike'.

The 220-mm disc brings more stopping power

The first thing that stands out when you look at the SR 150 are those blacked out five-spoke wheels. At 14 inches, they are the largest on any scooter.

The bike's well-crafted grab handle is eye-catching

Visually, it seems a bit longer from tail to nose. This is further accentuated by merging the minimalist styling of a scooter, the headlamp on the body, short-stepped seat, a superb paint job and a better set of graphics. There's no argument that Aprilia SR 150 brings the best of the Italian design into the humble universe of scooter in India.

14-inch alloys are a standout. Pics/Aditya Dhiwar

There is, of course, the customary under-seat storage and a hook up front to hang a small bag from. There's no parking brake or a side-stand. According to Stefano Pelle, the CEO of Piaggio, the objective was to price this product as competitively as possible. This is evident in some areas such as the quality of the plastic hook and the switchgear.\

In Aprilia's own words, the intended buyer of the SR 150 is the consumer who aspires for the excitement of a motorcycle but desires the convenience and practicality of a scooter. The SR 150 effortlessly straddles the twin worlds of scooter and motorcycle and in many ways it's the first crossover of two-wheeler in India.

The Aprilia SR 150 is powered by the same air-cooled 155 cc, single-cylinder, three-valve engine that powers its cousin - the Vespa SXL 150. As you thumb the starter, you are greeted with a clatter. The engine seems to emit less vibration. Aprilia says that the transmission is different from Vespa and this becomes evident as soon as one gets going.

The throttle response on the Aprilia is more intuitive and the delivery of the 11.6 PS of peak power and 11.5 Nm of max torque is more linear than in the Vespa. The scooter easily pushes past an indicated 100 km/h and still feels like it has some go left.

Aprilia uses a tubular open frame single cradle chassis. Despite a weight of 122 kg, which is 8 kg more than the Vespa, the SR 150 feels light and nimble on its 120/70 Vee Rubber wheels. Flicking it left and right and back again feels like a breeze, inspiring more confidence on the narrow twists and turns that leads from Coimbatore to Vaidehi Falls. Its agility feels motorcycle-like.

Aprilia has equipped it with a single 220-mm disc up front and a 240-mm drum at the rear. Even though ABS doesn't exist as of now, braking is excellent. The bite is sharp and the progression generous with the scooter tracking a straight line even under the harshest of braking. Over time, Aprilia plans to replace the Vee Rubber with tyres manufactured by a homegrown brand.

On the whole, Aprilia has been successful at their principal aim of creating a product that the youth would aspire to and the enthusiast would not shy away from. At this point we would have nitpicked about the quality of plastics and engine refinement but at Rs 65,000, all that is good in the Aprilia SR 150 outweighs the bad. If you are an enthusiast looking for a stylish set of wheels that will allow you to stand out in a crowd, experience all the thrills of a motorcycle without sacrificing your comfort and convenience, we just found you your transport solution.