About APRILIA BIKES
Aprilia India is the premium, performance-focused two-wheeler division of the Piaggio Group, set above regular commuter brands and known for its sporty scooters and motorcycles. Under Piaggio Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. (PVPL), Aprilia targets urban enthusiasts with models such as the SR scooter range and imported superbikes, supported by Motoplex multi-brand stores that offer a tailored sales and service experience.
History and Growth
- 1990s–2000s – Global foundation: Aprilia grows in Italy from a small-capacity bike maker into a major racing and performance brand, winning multiple world titles and later integrating into the Piaggio Group, which becomes the parent for its India operations.
- Late 1990s–2000s – Early India footprint: High-end Aprilia superbikes and sport models start reaching India in minimal numbers via imports and niche dealers, creating initial awareness among enthusiasts but with no local production or mass scooter presence yet.
- 2012 to 2015: Piaggio focused its two-wheeler business on Vespa and set up the Baramati plant and Motoplex multi-brand showrooms. This laid the foundation for introducing Aprilia as a premium performance brand in India.
- 2016: Piaggio officially entered the Indian scooter market under the Aprilia name by launching the SR 150. Designed in Italy and made at Baramati, it created the ‘sporty scooter’ sub-segment. It became the first mass-market Aprilia made in India.
- 2016 to 2019: Aprilia expanded the SR platform with the SR 125 and SR 160 models, offering a wider, yet still premium, scooter range aimed at urban enthusiasts rather than budget commuters.
- 2020 to 2022: Aprilia launched the SXR 125 and SXR 160 maxi-style scooters, targeting Indian riders who want comfort and style for touring. The brand also expanded Motoplex dealerships for Vespa and Aprilia in significant cities.
- 2023: Piaggio celebrated 25 years in India and announced new Vespa and Aprilia launches, showing an ongoing commitment to premium scooters and motorcycles and plans for more local production in the future.
- 2024: Aprilia began producing the RS 457 twin-cylinder sportbike at Baramati, with deliveries starting in March. This marks a significant move toward making middleweight performance motorcycles locally, rather than relying solely on imports.
- 2024: Aprilia announced a new superbike line-up for India and named John Abraham as its brand ambassador. This move aims to ‘ignite India’s superbike culture’ and strengthen the brand’s aspirational image.
- 2025: Aprilia launched the SR 175 hp-e to replace the SR 160, further establishing itself as a performance-scooter specialist. Industry analysis points to its steady, premium-focused growth in India’s two-wheeler market.
Key Milestones and Developments
- 2016: Piaggio announces local manufacturing of the Aprilia SR 150 at the Baramati plant and formally enters the Indian scooter market under the Aprilia brand, creating a new “sporty scooter” category.
- 2016–2019: Aprilia expands the SR platform in India with SR 125 and SR 160 variants, broadening its reach in the premium scooter segment while retaining a performance focus.
- 2020s (early): Aprilia strengthens its Indian line-up with SXR maxi-style scooters, positioning them as more comfortable, touring friendly alternatives to the SR models.
- 2023: Piaggio marks 25 years in India and announces plans to launch new Vespa and Aprilia scooters, signalling continued investment in the premium two-wheeler space.
- 2024: Production of the India built Aprilia RS 457 begins at Baramati, with deliveries slated from March, marking a significant step into locally manufactured middleweight sportbikes.
- 2024: Aprilia unveils an expanded superbike line-up for India and appoints John Abraham as brand ambassador, aiming to “ignite India’s superbike culture” and boost brand visibility.
- 2025: Aprilia launches the SR 175 hp e in India, replacing the SR 160 and further reinforcing its leadership in the performance scooter niche.
Manufacturing Facilities
Aprilia’s main manufacturing base in India is Piaggio’s integrated plant in Baramati, Maharashtra, where both commercial vehicles and two-wheelers, such as Vespa and Aprilia, are manufactured. The plant produces Aprilia SR scooters and the RS 457, blending Italian design with local production to control costs for the Indian and select export markets.
Piaggio describes the Baramati plant as ‘state-of-the-art,’ built to handle current production and future growth for several brands and vehicle types. Aprilia uses the same vendor base, quality systems, and logistics as Vespa and Piaggio commercial vehicles, helping maintain consistent standards as the brand grows in India.
Market Position and Achievements
In national sales, Aprilia is still a niche player compared to big brands like Hero, Honda, and TVS. However, it holds a clear premium position in India’s two-wheeler market. The SR series helped create the ‘sporty scooter’ sub-segment. At the same time, the RS 457 stands out as a globally relevant sportbike designed for emerging markets and made locally.
Aprilia’s racing history, with hundreds of Grand Prix wins and many world titles, is central to its brand image in India and is often featured in marketing. Motoplex multi-brand showrooms, which include Vespa, Aprilia, and sometimes Moto Guzzi, have helped the company build a premium retail presence in major cities, boosting brand visibility and customer experience even with a smaller market share.
Future Plans
By 2025, Aprilia plans to focus on its performance-led portfolio, increase local manufacturing, and expand its premium network, rather than targeting commuter sales. The company is developing the SR hp-e scooter range and increasing RS 457 production at Baramati, while using Motoplex outlets to introduce more superbike and middleweight models as fully built units for enthusiasts.
Corporate statements call India a ‘key market’ and outline plans to add more sales points, launch more niche scooters for touring, racing, and luxury, and keep updating engines and technology to meet new rules and customer needs. As electric vehicles gain ground in India’s two-wheeler market, industry analysis says Aprilia and Piaggio will eventually need a more straightforward local electric strategy. However, as of 2025, their primary focus remains premium ICE scooters and motorcycles, supported by their racing heritage.
Other related links from Bikeleague India
- Aprilia SR 175 hp-e
- Aprilia SR 125 hp-e
- Motto Guzzi Bikes
- Aprilia SXR 160
- Aprilia SXR 125
