OVERVIEW
Performance and Engine
The Aprilia SXR 160 has a 160.03cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine with electronic fuel injection for better efficiency. It produces 11.09 PS at 7,200 rpm and 12.13 Nm of torque at 5,400 rpm. This setup gives strong mid-range acceleration, making it suitable for overtaking in traffic and keeping speed on highways. The engine runs smoothly in hot weather with slight vibration.
It uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT—a type of automatic gearbox without traditional gears) with a dry centrifugal clutch (a clutch that engages automatically using centrifugal force and is not lubricated with oil) and a belt drive (a rubber belt transferring power from engine to wheels), ensuring smooth power delivery and quick acceleration in urban conditions. This setup allows for instant throttle response and reduces transmission losses, enhancing the ride’s responsiveness.
The SXR 160 can reach a top speed of 93 kmph and easily maintains 80-90 kmph on expressways such as the Mumbai-Pune and Delhi-Agra. Actual speed may change with rider weight and road conditions, but it works well for most inter-city travel in India.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
The Aprilia SXR 160 has an ARAI-rated mileage of 35 kmpl, based on tests conducted across both city and highway use, with a 7-litre tank. This is similar to other 150-160cc scooters and meets BS6 rules. The rating assumes moderate throttle and a normal load.
Indian owners usually get about 35 kmpl in mixed riding, which matches the ARAI figure. Mileage can range from 30 to 40 kmpl depending on traffic, load, and how you ride. In busy cities like Delhi or Mumbai, it often drops to 32-35 kmpl because of frequent stops.
On highways, solo riders going at 60-70 km/h can get 38-42 kmpl. Users say that keeping the air filter clean can help you reach up to 40 kmpl in lighter traffic. Carrying more weight or a passenger may lower mileage to 28-32 kmpl.
Features and Technology
The Aprilia SXR 160 comes with high-end features aimed at city riders, focusing on safety, convenience, and digital displays.
- Full LED Lighting Setup: Equipped with a full-LED headlamp including LED DRLs for superior nighttime visibility and an LED taillight, enhancing safety on Indian roads.
- Fully Digital Instrument Cluster: Features a comprehensive digital LCD console that displays a speedometer, tachometer, odometer, tripmeter, fuel gauge, real-time mileage, average fuel efficiency, distance to empty, clock, and engine temperature indicator.
- USB Charging Port: Integrated USB port in the front apron or glove box for charging smartphones during rides, practical for long commutes in India.
- Lockable Glove Box: Secure lockable storage compartment for small essentials, adding convenience for urban Indian riders.
- Single-Channel ABS: Advanced single-channel anti-lock braking system on the front disc brake for improved control and reduced skidding in wet or emergency braking scenarios common in India.
- Combi Brake System (CBS): Integrated braking technology distributing force between front disc and rear drum brakes for balanced stopping power.
- Boot Light and Underseat Storage: Illuminated boot light aids access to spacious underseat storage (typical in scooters), accommodating helmets or groceries, with a carry hook for bags.
- Service Due Indicator: Digital alert for maintenance reminders, helping owners track service schedules per Indian usage patterns.
- Passenger Comfort Features: Includes passenger backrest, footrest, and grab rail for pillion riders, suitable for family use in India.
- Hazard Warning Indicator and Pass Switch: Emergency hazard lights and a pass beam switch for better signalling in dense Indian traffic.
- Air-Cooled 160.03cc Engine: Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC 3-valve unit with fuel injection, BS6 Phase 2 compliant, delivering 11.09 PS power and 12.13 Nm torque.
- CVT Automatic Transmission: A self-ventilating, dry, centrifugal-clutch CVT delivers seamless, gearless city driving.
- 7-Litre Fuel Tank: The 7-litre fuel tank offers suitable capacity for city or highway use, aligning with 35 kmpl ARAI mileage.
- Tubeless Alloy Wheels: 14-inch front and rear tubeless tyres (tyres that do not use an inner tube, reducing risk of sudden air loss) on alloy wheels (lightweight metal, improves performance) for puncture resistance and better grip on Indian roads.
- Body Graphics and Single Seat: Sporty graphics and ergonomically designed single seat with stretched floorboard for comfort.
- High Beam and Malfunction Indicators: Console warnings for high beam status and engine issues, promoting safe riding.
Build Quality
The Aprilia SXR 160 is well-built, using premium plastics inspired by Italian design and a strong, monocoque-style body that feels solid on Indian roads. However, some owners have noticed uneven panel gaps near the handlebars and wear on some switches after about 25,000 km of riding.
Long-term Indian owners say the scooter is durable for both highway and city use, with the chassis staying strong even after 26,000 km. However, some parts do not justify the premium price, such as switches and spares that require professional service, and maintenance costs are higher than for regular scooters in India.
Handling
The Aprilia SXR 160 handles well at high speeds, thanks to its stiff suspension, 14-inch alloy wheels, and grippy tubeless tyres. These features help you feel confident when cornering on highways. Even though it weighs 129 kg and is a large scooter, it is still easy to weave through city traffic, with nimble handlebars for sharp turns and U-turns.
Indian reviewers note that the SXR 160 offers excellent road grip and makes overtaking easier. However, care is needed over potholes due to the front-end weight and the altered rake angle, which make it less agile than smaller scooters on uneven surfaces.
Comfort
Comfort on the SXR 160 varies by road type in India, with the longest-in-class seat, a stretched floorboard, and a softer rear monoshock offering good pillion support via grab rails and footrests for family rides or more extended tours. Riders appreciate the roomy leg space up to 5’9″ height and stable posture at 70-90 kmph cruises.
Even though the seat is comfortable and the ride is stable at 70-90 kmph, the stiff front forks and suspension send road bumps through the handlebars, making city rides on rough roads less comfortable. Indian users say pillion comfort is better on rough patches, with slight vibration up to 90 kmph. Still, some is shaking at higher speeds. The scooter is better suited to smooth roads than to rough rural ones.
Styling
The Aprilia SXR 160 has a bold, muscular design that stands out on Indian roads. Its look blends sporty, aggressive touches with practical features, such as sharp body lines and aerodynamic shapes inspired by Aprilia’s racing heritage. The scooter has a strong front, wide wheel arches, and a solid stance, helped by the large 14-inch alloy wheels.
Dual-tone colour options and signature LED lights, including a full LED headlamp with DRLs and LED taillamps, give it a modern, premium look. The roomy, stepped seat adds to the scooter’s bold style and makes it comfortable for both the rider and passenger.
Colour Options and Variants
In India, the Aprilia SXR 160 comes in several bright colours to suit different preferences:
- Vibrant Blue
- Essence White
- Power Red
- Enigma Black
These colours feature stylish decals and graphics inspired by Aprilia’s racing history, making the scooter stand out even more on Indian roads.
In India, the Aprilia SXR 160 usually comes in a single well-equipped version, offering buyers the best value and features without splitting the lineup. This version has all the premium features, like full LED lighting, a digital display, USB charging, single-channel ABS, and a tuned 160cc engine with CVT automatic transmission for a good mix of power and daily use.
Value for Money and Pricing
The Aprilia SXR 160 starts at Rs ₹ 1,33,145 ex-showroom in Delhi, making it a premium choice in the maxi-scooter segment. The single-variant STD model comes with features like single-channel ABS and full LED lighting, and no significant price increases are expected for 2025, even with BS6 Phase 2 compliance.
Indian riders see the Aprilia SXR 160 as a good value in the premium scooter segment. It offers Italian style and a lively 160cc engine. It features a digital console with service alerts, all at a lower price than some competitors. Owners like its quick acceleration, ample storage, and stable highway performance, making the Rs 1.5-1.7 lakh on-road price worth it, especially for those upgrading from 125cc scooters who want a maxi-scooter feel without paying extra for electric models.
Some drawbacks, like higher maintenance costs at authorised centres and lower real-world mileage, may reduce excitement. Still, long-term owners praise its durability over 25,000 km and call it a “value-for-money proposition” in Aprilia’s range. Compared to regular scooters, it gives up some fuel efficiency for better build and ride quality, which attracts style-focused riders in big cities.
Key rivals to the Aprilia SXR 160 in India include the
- Yamaha Aerox 155
- Suzuki Burgman Street 125
- Hero Xoom 160
The Aprilia SR 160 is a sportier option at a similar price. Electric scooters like the Honda Activa e or the Ola S1 Pro focus on zero emissions rather than petrol power, so the SXR 160 is better for those who want a dynamic ride. The Vespa SXL 150 and Bajaj Chetak are also premium choices. Still, they offer retro or electric styles instead of the SXR’s sporty maxi-scooter feel.
