OVERVIEW
PERFORMANCE AND ENGINE
Powered by the 160.03cc air-cooled engine featuring a 3-valve SOHC setup, the Aprilia SR 160 generates a maximum power output of 11.27 PS at 7,100 rpm and peak torque of 13.44 Nm at 5,300 rpm. This balance delivers strong low- and mid-range performance, ideal for quick accelerations and overtaking in city traffic conditions. The engine design incorporates fuel injection technology and meets BS6 emission norms, ensuring cleaner, more efficient operation. Overall, the scooter strikes a good mix of spirited performance and fuel efficiency for Indian riders.
The SR 160 employs a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) automatic gearbox paired with a self-ventilating dry centrifugal clutch. This setup provides smooth, gearless acceleration without manual shifting, making it well-suited for stop-and-go urban traffic. The belt drive ensures low maintenance and reliable power delivery. The transmission’s responsiveness complements the engine’s power curve, resulting in an engaging yet effortless riding experience.
The Aprilia SR 160 achieves a claimed top speed of around 90 kmph, with several road tests confirming it can comfortably touch or exceed 100 kmph in ideal conditions. This top speed allows the SR 160 to handle highway stretches adequately while retaining urban agility. The scooter’s lightweight build at 118 kg (kerb weight) and large 14-inch alloy wheels contribute to its stability and controlled ride even at higher speeds, enhancing rider confidence on varied Indian roads.
MILEAGE AND FUEL EFFICIENCY
The Aprilia SR 160 is ARAI-certified at 35 kmpl, which is impressive for a 160cc performance scooter. This efficiency is due to optimised fuel injection, a lightweight design, and a BS6-compliant engine.
In real-world conditions, users report an average city mileage of 30-35 kmpl, influenced by riding style and traffic. On highways, consistent riding can yield mileage of 35 kmpl or more, with some users reporting up to 40-45 kmpl during relaxed cruising. Overall, most owners experience around 35 kmpl, making it a balanced choice for daily commuting in India.
FEATURES AND TECHNOLOGY
The Aprilia SR 160 comes with high-end features for Indian riders, including advanced safety tech and locally friendly connectivity options:
- Engine and Transmission:The Aprilia SR 160 is powered by a 160.03cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke SOHC, 3-valve air-cooled engine that produces 11.27 PS at 7,100 rpm and 13.44 Nm torque at 5,300 rpm, paired with a smooth CVT automatic transmission.
- Fuel System and Emissions:It uses a fuel injection system compliant with BS6-2.0 emission norms for efficient and cleaner performance.
- Braking and Safety:Equipped with a 220mm ventilated front disc brake, a 140mm rear drum brake, and single-channel ABS for enhanced braking control on Indian roads.
- Suspension:Features a front telescopic fork with 30 mm inner tubes and a single-arm adjustable rear mono-shock suspension for superior ride comfort and handling.
- Wheels and Tyres:Runs on large 14-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels with 120/70-14 tyres front and rear, contributing to better stability and grip.
- Instrument Cluster:Sports a fully digital LCD instrument cluster with multiple tripmeters, a real-time mileage indicator, a clock, a speedometer, a tachometer, and an engine temperature indicator.
- Lighting:Equipped with a 1000-lumen LED headlamp for bright and efficient illumination, and a redesigned sporty LED tail lamp.
- Storage and Convenience:Offers 11 litres of under-seat storage with an automatic boot light for easy access, plus a carry hook and a USB charging port for mobile devices.
- Ergonomics:Features a wide, cushioned single seat with a saddle height of 780 mm, passenger backrest, and passenger footrests for comfortable two-up riding.
- Additional Features:Includes a service due indicator, a high-beam pass switch, a clock, a distance-to-empty fuel indicator, and body graphics that enhance sporty aesthetics.
- Electricals:Comes with a 12V/5AH lead-acid battery powering the electricals and ignition system.
BUILD QUALITY
The Aprilia SR 160 features a sturdy steel tubular frame paired with robust 14-inch alloy wheels, providing a solid foundation that handles potholes and uneven Indian roads effectively over the long term. Indian users and reviews praise its premium fit-and-finish, including metallic body panels, high-quality switchgear, and minimal panel gaps, which feel superior to those of many commuter scooters.
However, some older BS6 models have reported issues such as fuel tank leaks or electrical malfunctions after 3-10 months. Recent feedback highlights improved component durability, with riders noting no major rattles or vibrations even after 15,000+ km. Still, maintenance costs remain higher due to the use of imported parts.
HANDLING
The SR 160 stands out for its 1,365 mm wheelbase, 120/70-14 tubeless tyres, and sporty geometry, offering sharp cornering, quick direction changes in traffic, and stability up to 90 kmph on highways. The 30mm inner tube telescopic front forks and adjustable rear monoshock deliver precise feedback, making it agile for city slaloms while feeling planted during overtakes, outperforming smaller-wheeled rivals like 12-inch scooters. Indian riders appreciate its motorcycle-like confidence in bends and braking, aided by front disc and single-channel ABS. However, the firm setup requires adaptation to broken surfaces.
COMFORT
Comfort features include a 780 mm seat height, a wide, cushioned dual seat, and a flat floorboard for upright ergonomics, suitable for riders up to 6 feet tall, with good legroom for solo city commutes. However, the stiff suspension and slippery seat draw criticism from long-distance users in India, especially on Maharashtra’s rough roads, prompting many to add gel cushions (Rs 1,500-3,000) for daily 10+ km rides or tours up to 870 km. Pillion space is cramped for extended trips, but recent reviews call it “smooth and comfortable” for short hauls, with cooperative service centres enhancing ownership in urban areas.
STYLING
The Aprilia SR 160 boasts aggressive, motorcycle-inspired styling that sets it apart in India’s premium scooter segment, featuring sharp lines, a muscular front apron, and a sporty split-level LED headlamp with integrated DRLs for a premium road presence. Its redesigned rear includes a sleek LED taillight with a smoked lens effect, angular side panels with dynamic graphics, and a compact tail section that enhances the athletic profile while maintaining practicality for urban riders. The overall design draws from Aprilia’s racing heritage, with elements like the visible exhaust heat shield and bold tank shrouds giving it a larger-bike feel, appealing to young Indian buyers seeking standout aesthetics over typical commuter blandness.
COLOUR OPTIONS AND VARIANTS
Aprilia SR 160 offers seven striking colour schemes tailored for Indian preferences, including:
- Enigma Black
- Essence White
- Vibrant Blue
- Power Red
- Storm Grey
- SR Carbon
- SR Race
These dual-tone options, like Matte Black with red accents on the Race variant and glossy finishes on Premium models, provide personalisation, with popular picks among Indian users being the bold reds and blacks for their high-visibility street appeal. Colour availability spans all variants, with some exclusive to higher trims like Race graphics limited to the top-end model, ensuring buyers can match style to budget without compromising the scooter’s premium vibe.
The Aprilia SR 160 lineup in India comprises three distinct variants:
- SR 160 STD
- SR 160 Carbon
- SR 160 Race
All variants share the same 160cc engine and core features, including a digital cluster and ABS. Still, higher trims differentiate through styling upgrades such as unique decals on Race and premium paint on Carbon, catering to style-conscious buyers across cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
VALUE FOR MONEY AND PRICING
The Aprilia SR 160 lineup in India starts at Rs ₹ 1,21,477 (Ex-Showroom Delhi) for the base SR 160 variant. This figure positions it as a premium offering, with the Race variant commanding a Rs 8,000-10,000 premium over the base for exclusive graphics and accents, reflecting Aprilia’s imported component costs and dealer network in major metros.
The SR 160 delivers substantial value through its 160cc engine’s superior power (11.27 PS) and sporty handling compared to 125cc rivals, making it a “heart choice” for performance enthusiasts despite higher upfront and maintenance costs from imported parts.
Indian users highlight its 35 kmpl mileage, ABS safety, and premium build as justifying the price for urban riders covering 50-100 km daily, though some note compromises such as a stiff ride and smaller boot space that reduce practicality compared to cheaper mass-market options.
It offers better long-term ownership satisfaction for style-conscious buyers, with reviews calling it a “bargain for performance,” outperforming in acceleration and stability while holding its resale value well in cities like Pune and Hyderabad.
Key rivals to the Aprilia SR 160 include:
- Yamaha Aerox 155
- Hero Xoom 160
- TVS NTorq 125/150
- Suzuki Burgman Street 125
While premium alternatives such as the Ather 450X or the Ola S1 Pro (Rs 1.20-1.50 lakh) challenge the electric torque and features, though lacking the SR 160’s petrol-engine rasp. The SR 160 edges out the competition in raw handling and top-end pull, ideal for twisty Indian roads, but faces pressure from feature-rich EVs and cheaper ICE scooters in budget segments.
