OVERVIEW
Performance and Engine
The Aprilia SXR 125 engine produces 9.61 PS at 7500 rpm and 10.19 Nm at 5400 rpm, providing smooth acceleration for city use. Its single-cylinder, 4-stroke SOHC 3-valve setup delivers strong low-end torque, ideal for stop-and-go traffic in India. This design offers balanced power without stressing the scooter’s compact frame.
The scooter has a CVT automatic transmission with a self-ventilating dry centrifugal clutch and belt drive, making gear shifts easy for new riders. Its electronic EMS ignition improves throttle response and efficiency on different Indian roads. This setup is designed for easy use in daily city riding.
The Aprilia SXR 125 hits a top speed of 93 kmph, enabling swift overtaking on highways and city expressways in India. Tests confirm stable cruising at speed. This places it competitively among 125 cc scooters.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
The Aprilia SXR 125 has an ARAI-certified mileage of 40 km/l for all variants, giving a reliable range of about 280 km per tank for longer rides.
In real-world Indian conditions, the SXR 125 gives an average fuel efficiency of 35-40 kmpl in both city and highway use. Some users have reported up to 46 kmpl in the best conditions. City riding usually gives about 35 kmpl, while highway riding is more efficient. Actual mileage depends on maintenance and riding style.
Features and Technology
The Aprilia SXR 125 offers premium features for urban riders, with a focus on safety, convenience, and digital displays.
- The fully digital instrument console: Includes the speedometer, odometer, tripmeter, tachometer, clock, and service due indicator, giving riders clear, real-time information.
- Combi Brake System (CBS): This system improves braking safety by spreading force between the front and rear brakes, helping riders stop more confidently in India’s mixed traffic.
- USB Charging Port: Riders can easily charge their smartphones while riding, so devices stay powered during daily commutes.
- Underseat Storage and Carry Hook: The roomy underseat compartment can hold a full-face helmet, and the front carry hook makes it easy to bring bags, adding to daily convenience.
- Passenger Comfort Features: The footrest, backrest, and single-piece seat provide pillion riders with greater comfort and support during city rides, making trips smoother for two.
- 12-Inch Alloy Wheels with Tubeless Tyres: These wheels offer better grip and puncture resistance, making rides on Indian roads safer and easier.
- Kick and Self-Start: The scooter has both an electric and kick start for reliable ignition in any condition.
- Pass Switch and Low Fuel Warning: The headlight pass switch helps with visibility when signalling, and the low fuel warning lamp reminds riders to refuel, helping avoid sudden stops.
- Body Graphics: Premium graphics give riders a sporty, stylish look, letting them express personality while riding in India.
- Real-Time Mileage Indicator: This feature shows instant fuel efficiency, helping riders use less fuel in heavy traffic.
Build Quality
The Aprilia SXR 125 is known for its strong, durable build among Indian scooters. It has a premium tubular chassis and paint that resists fading on city roads.
Users praise its solid construction and good fit, which make the scooter feel durable for daily commutes on challenging Indian roads. Its 129 kg weight also helps riders handle potholes with confidence.
Handling
The Aprilia SXR 125 handles well in India thanks to its hydraulic telescopic front forks, rear monoshock, and 12-inch alloy wheels. These features give it stability at highway speeds up to 90 kmph.
Reviewers like its nimble cornering, strong CBS brakes, and steady control in city traffic and fast turns. The stiff suspension gives good feedback, but riders should go easy over sharp bumps for better comfort.
Comfort
The SXR 125 is comfortable for city riding in India, thanks to its wide single-piece seat, relaxed riding position, and good stability at high speeds. However, its firm suspension can make bumps on rough roads more noticeable.
Users say it glides over speed breakers at moderate speeds and provides good support for passengers. However, the stiff ride and hard seat can cause fatigue on long trips or over deep potholes. Overall, it focuses on sporty handling with decent comfort at lower speeds.
Styling
The Aprilia SXR 125 has a premium maxi-scooter look in India, with sharp lines, strong bodywork, and a mix of sporty and maxi design elements like its bigger sibling, the SXR 160.
Its full-LED headlamp is inspired by Aprilia’s RS660 supersport, and it comes with a sleek LED tail lamp and a large windshield for wind protection on Indian roads. The chunky exhaust, carbon accents, and built-in turn indicators on the handlebars give it a bold, motorcycle-like look.
Colour Options and Variants
Aprilia SXR 125 offers four vibrant colour choices in India:
- Enigma Black
- Essence White
- Power Red
- Vibrant Blue
These colour options let riders match their personal style with premium finishes. Black and Red give a bold look, while White and Blue offer a cleaner, more elegant style for city use. All colours use high-quality paint that resists chipping in dusty Indian conditions.
The Aprilia SXR 125 is available in India as a single STD variant, with a 124.45 cc engine, CBS brakes, and a digital console across all colour options. This makes choosing easier since all features are the same.
Value for Money and Pricing
The Aprilia SXR 125 is priced from ₹ 1,22,662 Ex-Showroom in Delhi for its single STD variant across India. The price matches its premium maxi-scooter status and does not vary by colour.
The Aprilia SXR 125 offers good value in India, thanks to its Italian styling, strong build, and features such as LED lights and a digital console. The price is higher than that of basic scooters, but it gives better road presence, handling, and comfort for daily use. Service costs may be higher for budget buyers, but it is a good choice for those who want quality and sportiness in the 125 cc segment.
Main competitors to the Aprilia SXR 125 in India include
- TVS NTORQ 125
- Suzuki Burgman Street 125
- Suzuki Access 125
These competitors may cost less, but they do not match the SXR’s premium design and large 12-inch wheels. The Burgman copies the maxi style but lacks the SXR’s sporty feel. The NTORQ has good tech features, but not the same mix of style and handling. The Vespa VXL 125 is priced similarly, but only the SXR 125 gives a performance-focused, stylish experience that stands out in its class.
VERDICT
The Aprilia SXR 125 stands out as a top choice for Indian riders who want Italian style, strong performance, and maxi-scooter looks in the 125 cc segment. It is more refined and attractive than mass-market options, making it ideal for style-focused urban users willing to pay for something special. While there are some comfort and service concerns, the overall package offers great satisfaction for daily commutes and short trips.
PROS
- Stylish Design: The Aprilia SXR 125 features striking maxi-scooter styling.
- Build Quality: Premium build quality enhances durability and aesthetic appeal.
- Sporty Handling: Offers confident stability on city roads and highways up to 90 kmph.
- Digital Console: Equipped with a feature-packed digital console for easy monitoring.
- Lighting: Full LED lighting for improved visibility and a modern look.
- Storage Space: Spacious underseat storage that can accommodate a helmet.
- USB Charging: Practical USB charging option for convenience on the go.
- Engine Performance: Refined 124.45 cc engine delivers smooth power and 40 kmpl (ARAI) mileage.
- Safety Features: The CBS braking system ensures safety on various road conditions.
- Wheels: 12-inch alloy wheels provide grip and stability on potholed Indian streets.
CONS
- Higher pricing positions it as premium: This could deter budget buyers compared to rivals like the TVS NTORQ 125.
- Stiff suspension transmits bumps harshly: This is particularly noticeable over deep potholes common in India, compromising long-ride comfort despite a spacious seat.
- Limited service network outside major cities: This results in higher maintenance costs and occasional delays in parts delivery.
OTHER RELATED LINKS FROM BIKELEAGUE INDIA
LIST OF ALL APRILIA BIKES IN INDIA
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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
