OVERVIEW
PERFORMANCE AND ENGINE
The SR 125 uses a 124.45 cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, 4-stroke SOHC engine that makes about 10.1 PS of power and 10.3 Nm of torque, which is strong for its class in India. This, along with its sporty CVT and stiff chassis, makes the scooter quick to accelerate and stable at higher speeds, making it well-suited for city rides and short highway trips.
The SR 125 comes with a CVT automatic transmission, like most Indian scooters. Still, it is tuned for a sportier feel and stronger mid-range power. The belt-drive CVT makes it easy to ride in traffic. It delivers quick throttle response, which suits riders who want both fun acceleration and everyday practicality.
Most riders say the Aprilia SR 125 can reach a top speed of about 90 kmph, which matches its sporty setup. In everyday Indian traffic, it feels comfortable cruising between 60 and 75 kmph. At the same time, the highest speeds are best for short highway runs.
MILAGE AND FUEL EFFICIENCY
The Aprilia SR 125 has an ARAI-rated fuel efficiency of about 40 kmpl in India. This number is based on lab tests, so real mileage depends on how you ride, traffic, and how well you maintain the scooter.
Users typically report mileage of 38-45 kmpl in mixed city riding, with some achieving mid-40s after the engine breaks in. While the SR 125 isn’t the most fuel-efficient, many riders find its real-world mileage reasonable given its strong performance and sporty nature, especially for those who value power and handling.
FEATURES AND TECHNOLOGY
The Aprilia SR 125 offers several high-end features for Indian riders, such as advanced safety technology and useful connectivity options.
- Full-LED lighting package: The Aprilia SR 125 now features an all-LED headlamp, LED position lamps, and LED turn indicators, giving it a distinctive front fascia and improved night visibility on Indian roads.
- 5.5-inch TFT instrument cluster: A colour TFT display replaces the older semi-digital unit, offering clear readouts for speed, fuel level and trip data, and improving the premium feel expected in the Indian 125cc sporty scooter segment.
- Digital console with trip and clock: The scooter features a fully digital instrument console with a speedometer, odometer, tripmeter, and clock, helping riders conveniently track daily commute distance and riding time in city conditions.
- Service due indicator: An in-built service reminder alerts the rider when scheduled maintenance is due, particularly useful for Indian owners who clock heavy daily mileage and rely on scooters for regular commuting.
- Underseat storage with boot light: The SR 125 offers practical underseat storage with an integrated boot light, allowing riders to store essentials like a half-face helmet, documents or rain gear and access them easily at night.
- USB charging port: A factory-fitted USB charging port is provided for charging smartphones on the go, catering to Indian riders who regularly use navigation and ride-tracking apps during urban commutes.
- Combi Brake System (CBS): The scooter is equipped with a front disc brake and a rear drum brake, supported by CBS, helping distribute braking force between both wheels for more stable, safer emergency stops on typical Indian road surfaces.
- Telescopic front suspension: Telescopic front forks improve front-end stability and bump absorption compared to conventional leading-link setups, enhancing confidence over potholes, speed breakers, and undulations commonly found in Indian cities.
- Sporty 14-inch alloy wheels: Large 14-inch alloy wheels with wide tyres are a key SR trait, providing better high-speed stability and cornering grip than the smaller wheels found on many mainstream Indian scooters.
- Single long seat: The SR 125 uses a single-piece, long seat designed to provide adequate space and comfort for both rider and pillion, making it practical for an Indian family and daily use while retaining a sporty stance.
- Bold body graphics and colours: Aprilia offers the SR 125 in multiple vibrant colour options with racy body graphics, targeting younger Indian buyers who want a scooter that stands out visually in traffic and on social media.
- Side-stand and safety indicators: The scooter integrates basic safety-focused tell-tales, such as side-stand and warning indicators on the console (variant-dependent), helping reduce the risk of riding off with the stand down.
- Pass switch and convenient controls: A pass-light switch and ergonomically laid-out switchgear make it easier to signal overtakes and operate lights in dense traffic, meeting the performance expectations of performance-oriented scooter riders in India.
- Kick and self-start: The combination of electric start and backup kick starter ensures easy starting in varied Indian weather and battery conditions, which is helpful for users who may park outdoors or ride infrequently.
- Carry hooks and pillion footrests: Practical touches like a front carry hook, optional rear hook and dedicated pillion footrests make grocery runs and daily chores simpler, aligning the sporty SR 125 with real-world Indian utility needs.
BUID QUALITY
Aprilia builds the SR 125 on a strong underbone or tubular-steel frame designed for energetic riding and regular city use in India. Many Indian reviews mention that the panel fit, paint, and switches are better than average for a 125cc scooter, giving the SR 125 a solid, premium feel like a bigger bike.
The strong chassis, large 14-inch alloy wheels, and quality parts like the front disc brake, telescopic fork, and monoshock make the scooter feel sturdy. Owners in India often say it handles rough roads, high speeds, and hard braking well, with few rattles even after thousands of kilometres.
HANDLING
Handling is a key reason Indian riders pick the SR 125 over more comfort-focused scooters. Its stiff frame, telescopic front suspension, and rear monoshock help it turn quickly and stay steady, giving riders confidence in city traffic and on curves.
The 14-inch wheels, wide tyres, and sporty design give the SR 125 much better stability and grip than scooters with smaller wheels. Many reviewers say it feels “motorcycle-like” to ride. At highway speeds of 70–80 kmph, it stays steady, and the 220 mm front disc with CBS rear drum provides strong, smooth braking for confident riding.
COMFORT
The SR 125 is set up for sporty riding, so its suspension is firm and you feel more bumps than on softer, family scooters. On smooth city roads and highways, this gives you great control, but on rough roads, potholes, and speed breakers, the ride can be harsh, especially on long trips.
The SR 125 has a slightly higher seat and a forward-leaning position, which works well for taller riders and gives reasonable control. The long seat has enough space for both rider and passenger, but some reviews say more cushioning would help on long rides. Many Indian users find the SR 125 fun for short, fast rides or city trips, but it’s less suited for those who want a soft, relaxed ride for family use or rough roads.
STYLING
The SR 125 keeps Aprilia’s aggressive, race-inspired look, with a sharp front and angular headlamp that make it look like a mini sportbike. The side features smooth panels, a raised floorboard tunnel, and a sporty rear with a new tail lamp and a larger grab rail, which adds both style and practicality for Indian riders.
The 14-inch alloy wheels fit well in the arches, and the tall, forward-leaning stance makes the SR 125 look and feel more like a motorcycle than most 125cc scooters. Features like carbon-fibre-style textures on the front fender, instrument cluster, and exhaust heat shield give it a more premium and modern look than earlier models.
COLOUR OPTIONS AND VARIANTS
The Aprilia SR 125 comes in a range of bold, youthful colours for the Indian market, with both matte and gloss finishes to stand out on the road. The options include:
- Storm Yellow
- Storm Red
- Essence White
- Power Red
- Storm Grey
- Vibrant Blue
Aprilia is clearly aiming at riders who prefer bright, sporty-looking scooters rather than plain commuter colours.
The Aprilia SR 125 is sold mainly in a single mechanical version, with the same engine, chassis, and hardware. The different variants primarily focus on colour choices and minor feature updates, not significant changes to specs.
COMFORT
The ex showroom price of the updated Aprilia SR 125 starts at ₹ 1,13,275 onwards for the base variant in New Delhi. Within Aprilia’s own SR family, the SR 125 sits below the SR 160 and the new SR 175 hp.e
If you compare the price per cc or per kmpl, the SR 125 costs more than most Indian 125cc scooters, with many rivals costing ₹25,000–₹40,000 less and claiming better fuel efficiency. But the SR 125 offers European styling, bigger 14-inch wheels, a sportier chassis, and premium features like LED lights and a TFT or digital console, making it feel more like an entry-level sports scooter than a basic commuter.
For riders who value its strong performance, handling, and brand image, the higher price makes sense as an investment in fun and exclusivity, especially in cities where standing out is essential. But for families or people with long daily commutes on rough roads, more affordable and comfortable 125cc scooters from bigger brands might be a better choice.
Direct rivals for the Aprilia SR 125 in India are other sporty 125cc scooters that target young riders with aggressive styling and stronger performance, and they are the following:
- TVS Ntorq
- Hero Xoom 125
- Suzuki Burgman Street 125
- Honda Grazia 125
- Honda Dio 125
- Honda Activa 125
- Yamaha Fascino 125
These scooters often cost less and offer similar or better features, like Bluetooth, ride modes, or connected tech. They also balance performance and comfort well, making them strong options for value.
VERDICT
The Aprilia SR 125 is a premium 125cc sports scooter in India, built for performance. It has a 124.45 cc engine, a TFT display, full LED lights, and a strong chassis. It sits below the SR 175 and is aimed at urban riders who want a stylish, fast, and agile scooter instead of one focused on comfort or low running costs.
The SR 125 is best for enthusiasts and style-focused buyers, as it gives strong acceleration and stable city rides. But its firm suspension, higher price, average fuel efficiency, and limited service network mean it may not suit families or those who want comfort and low running costs.
PROS
- Strong performance and acceleration: The 124.45 cc engine delivers crisp throttle response and quick 0–60 km/h acceleration, making the SR 125 feel noticeably livelier than most commuter oriented 125cc scooters in Indian city traffic.
- Sporty, confidence-inspiring handling: A stiff chassis, large 14 inch wheels and well-tuned suspension give the scooter excellent straight-line stability and agile cornering, which many Indian riders describe as motorcycle-like in its dynamic feel.
- High-speed stability and braking: The combination of wide tyres, strong front disc brake and CBS-linked rear brake offers reassuring stopping power and stable behaviour at 70–80 km/h, suiting Indian highway and ring-road conditions.
- Distinctive European styling: Sharp bodywork, bold graphics and an aggressive front apron help the SR 125 stand out in traffic, appealing strongly to young Indian buyers who prioritise style and road presence.
- Premium feel and build: Owners and reviewers in India frequently mention solid overall construction, a robust frame and good paint and plastic quality, which contribute to a more upmarket feel than many mass-market 125cc scooters.
- Cornering and stability on rough roads: User reviews highlight that the larger wheels and chassis setup give the SR 125 good composure over uneven surfaces at speed, with less wobble than smaller-wheeled scooters when changing lanes or cornering hard.
- Enthusiast-friendly character: The overall package—performance, handling and styling—makes the SR 125 especially attractive for enthusiasts who want a fun, sporty scooter for daily use rather than a purely utilitarian machine.
CONS
- Harsh ride quality on bad roads: The firm, sport-biased suspension can feel jarring over potholes, broken tarmac and tall speed breakers, which are common on Indian roads, leading to discomfort on longer commutes.
- Limited underseat storage: Multiple Indian sources and owners report that the underseat bay is small and often cannot accommodate a full-face helmet, reducing day-to-day practicality for urban users.
- Higher price and running costs: The SR 125 is priced higher than many rival 125cc scooters, and users often report higher servicing and spares costs, making overall ownership more expensive for value-conscious Indian buyers.
- Modest real-world fuel efficiency: While acceptable for a sporty scooter, several Indian riders report lower mileage than mainstream 125cc models, which can be a concern for those with long daily commutes.
- Firm, narrow seat: The seat design and padding are on the firmer side, and many reviews note that this, combined with the stiff suspension, can lead to fatigue on extended rides or rough routes.
- Smaller dealer and service network: Compared to major Indian brands, Aprilia’s dealership and service coverage is limited, and some owners complain about inconsistent service quality and higher labour charges.
- Missing modern connected features: At its price point, rivals increasingly offer smartphone connectivity and advanced convenience features. At the same time, the SR 125 still lacks some of these tech additions on the India-spec model.
- Reports of niggles and reliability concerns: A minority of Indian users report issues such as sensor faults, minor leaks, or electronic glitches, which, combined with the costlier parts, can be off-putting for risk-averse buyers.
OTHER RELATED LINKS FROM BIKELEAGUE 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
