Aprilia India has officially re-entered the maxi-scooter category with the launch of the SXR GT 125 and SXR GT 175, correcting the biggest chassis flaw of its predecessor by adopting full-size 14-inch wheels alongside revised hp-e engines. Starting at Rs 1.11 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Italian-designed touring scooter range aggressively undercuts key Japanese rivals while delivering standard single-channel ABS and connected color instrumentation.
At a Glance: Key Takeaways
- ✓Price Ladder: Prices start at Rs 1.11 lakh for the SXR GT 125 and step up to Rs 1.31 lakh for the flagship SXR GT 175 (ex-showroom, Delhi); bookings are open nationwide.
- ✓Major Hardware Upgrade: Upgrades from tiny 12-inch wheels to dual 14-inch alloys, significantly improving road stability over broken city surfaces and highway ruts.
- ✓Flagship Powertrain: The SXR GT 175 packs a 174.7 cc hp-e engine pushing 13.3 hp and 14.1 Nm, paired with front-wheel ABS and a 5-inch color TFT display.
- ✓Direct Competition: Positions itself squarely against the liquid-cooled Yamaha Aerox 155, Suzuki Burgman Street EX, and the upcoming Hero Xoom 160.
What Has Changed?
Piaggio quietly discontinued the older SXR 125 and SXR 160 earlier this year after enthusiasm waned over their stiff ride quality and modest feature sets. The SXR GT lineup steps into that void with comprehensive mechanical recalibrations. The most impactful structural revision is the shift from 12-inch wheels to 14-inch rims at both ends, aligning the touring scooter with the dynamic footprint of the popular SR platform.
Aesthetic changes sharpen the scooter's road presence. Aprilia retained the signature Tripod triple-LED headlamp cluster integrated into a broad touring apron, but updated the front bodywork with muscular contours, an aerodynamic windscreen, and aggressive GT decals along the lower footboard. The SXR GT 175 adds an updated exhaust canister finished with a brushed heat shield, along with three paint schemes: Metallic Blue, Matte Black, and Matte Green. The entry-level SXR GT 125 arrives in Matte Black, Glossy Azzurro, and Glossy White.
Cockpit technology bifurcates clearly across the variants. Stepping up to the SXR GT 175 equips riders with a 5-inch full-color TFT display featuring Bluetooth connectivity. The unit enables turn-by-turn navigation prompts, incoming call notifications, music management, and toggles controlled by switchgear on the left handlebar. The SXR GT 125 makes do with a high-contrast 5-inch monochromatic LCD unit that displays essential telemetry without the smartphone integration suite.
Specifications & Real-World Performance
Both models deploy Aprilia's updated hp-e powertrain architecture, featuring a three-valve, single-overhead-camshaft (SOHC) configuration with forced-air cooling and electronic fuel injection. Each unit complies with Bharat Stage VI OBD-II Stage B regulations and supports ethanol-blended E20 fuel right out of the showroom.
The SXR GT 125 displaces 124.45 cc, producing 10.6 hp (7.8 kW) at 7,400 rpm and 10.4 Nm of torque at 6,200 rpm. The flagship SXR GT 175 utilizes an air-cooled 174.7 cc single-cylinder engine, generating 13.3 hp (9.76 kW) at 7,200 rpm and a healthy 14.14 Nm of torque peaking at 6,000 rpm through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Braking hardware relies on a 220 mm front hydraulic disc and a 140 mm mechanical drum out back. While the 125 model operates with a Combined Braking System (CBS), the 175 variant receives standard single-channel ABS on the front wheel to eliminate lock-ups during panic stops on monsoon-slick tarmac. Suspension duties are handled by a traditional front telescopic fork and a rear dual-effect hydraulic shock absorber with five-step preload adjustment.
| Vehicle Metric | Aprilia SXR GT 175 | Yamaha Aerox 155 | Discontinued SXR 160 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Layout | 174.7 cc Air-Cooled 3-Valve | 155 cc Liquid-Cooled 4-Valve VVA | 160 cc Air-Cooled 3-Valve |
| Power Output | 13.3 hp @ 7,200 rpm | 15.0 hp @ 8,000 rpm | 11.0 hp @ 7,100 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 14.14 Nm @ 6,000 rpm | 13.9 Nm @ 6,500 rpm | 11.6 Nm @ 6,000 rpm |
| Wheel Size | 14-inch Front / 14-inch Rear | 14-inch Front / 14-inch Rear | 12-inch Front / 12-inch Rear |
| Display Tech | 5-inch Full Color TFT | Negative LCD Display | Monochrome Digital LCD |
| Starting Price (Ex-Showroom) | Rs 1.31 Lakh | Rs 1.48 Lakh | Rs 1.44 Lakh (Final Retail) |
Ownership, Practicality & Running Costs
The single most practical enhancement on the SXR GT range is how the 14-inch alloy wheels manage everyday road irregularities. The previous 12-inch setup dropped harsh shocks straight into the rider's spine over sharp speed breakers. The taller rolling diameter noticeably softens sharp edge strikes, making daily office commutes over scarred pavement far less punishing.
Commercial positioning works decidedly in Aprilia's favor. At Rs 1.31 lakh, the SXR GT 175 costs Rs 13,000 less than the older SXR 160 did when it departed the market, all while delivering more displacement, higher torque, modern wheel architecture, and an advanced color screen. It also undercuts the class-leading Yamaha Aerox 155 by roughly Rs 17,000, creating genuine financial breathing room for buyers calculating their on-road registration, comprehensive two-wheeler insurance, and gear budgets.
Aprilia supports long-haul touring through official accessories, including a taller, manually adjustable windshield, robust perimeter crash guards, and an aerodynamic rear top box. With E20 fuel compatibility certified directly from the factory, owners avoid long-term ethanol corrosion issues inside the fuel injection lines.
The Buyer's Dilemma
Who should buy the SXR GT range? Riders seeking a distinctive, European maxi-scooter stance with relaxed footboard ergonomics, wide seating comfort, and upright wind deflection. If you want the stability of 14-inch wheels and connected navigation without paying nearly Rs 1.50 lakh for an Aerox, the SXR GT 175 is a well-judged purchase.
Who should look elsewhere? Enthusiasts prioritizing raw racetrack-style acceleration and liquid-cooled engine performance will find the Aerox 155's four-valve VVA setup more athletic. Similarly, buyers demanding massive under-seat boot space to stow a full-face helmet or flat-floor grocery utility should evaluate traditional commuters like the Suzuki Burgman Street or TVS Jupiter 125.
What We Still Don't Know
- Official Under-Seat Luggage Volume: Aprilia has not published the certified storage capacity in liters beneath the split-level seat.
- ARAI-Certified Fuel Economy: Official fuel consumption benchmarks and highway touring range projections have not been released by the manufacturer.
- Customer Delivery Timelines: While nationwide dealership bookings have commenced, official customer delivery rollout dates across tier-one and tier-two cities remain unconfirmed.
AkulRide Verdict
The Aprilia SXR GT lineup is precisely the corrective update the brand required. By discarding the restrictive 12-inch wheels, boosting engine displacements to punchy hp-e configurations, and pricing the 175 cc flagship at a competitive Rs 1.31 lakh, Aprilia has delivered genuine substance rather than a superficial sticker refresh. For Indian riders hunting for road presence, comfort, and highway-capable stability on a rational budget, the SXR GT is back with serious intent.
User Discussion