Engine:
The engine starts relatively silently compared to other Vespa/Aprilia scooters, doesn’t sound that rough at initial opening of throttle. Additional cubic capacity does show up in acceleration, I even compared it with SR125. With past experience of riding Vespa 125 and Storm 125, SR175 makes quite a difference. Engine is relatively smooth although I could manage to reach only upto 50kmph on suburban concrete roads. Compared to 110cc scooters, torque rush gets felt immediately although not intimidating.
Suspension:
It’s hard just like a sports bike. Test ride scooter was either having higher tyre pressure or suspension was too hard on new vehicle. I forgot to carry tyre pressure guage on second visit. On rumblers, rider felt vibrations in handlebar whereas pillion felt bumpy. Jolt was felt on road joints. Ride comfort was better for rider than pillion. Rear suspension spring is progressive, was expecting it to be on softer side than stiffer side. Don’t know if front fork oil can be played with for a different experience.
Ergonomics:
Scooter design is compact width wise, also shows in quicker turns. Sitting posture doesn’t feel any different, riding on 14” wheels didn’t feel foot board to be high. 14” wheels show its effect for pillion as it’s not that easy to swing your leg. Wider pillion seat accentuates it as well. The handlebar position was natural. Sporty road-focussed tyres make it quite easy to take quick turns. My knees didn’t hit anything unlike Yamaha Aerox and taking turns felt natural without a need to poke out knees.
Seat:
Pseudo split seat. Should work in city runs, not for outstation ride. Enough cushion, just width can become bothersome for pillion.
Luggage capacity:
Quite limited on foot board and beneath seat. Battery and fuel filler are beneath seat and eat up any luggage capacity. Space is limited to open-face helmet. Foot board space is neither wide nor long. Bag hook next to ignition can hold small items.
Brakes:
Twin-pot calipers in the front are confidence inspiring, don’t know how many scooters in India have such a setup. Front brakes have good bite, was able to drag it well in a U-turn. In tight braking situation, used both brakes.
Fit and finish:
Like any Italian vehicle, fit and finish is top notch. Glossy plastic panels even in Black look attractive. Paint shade carried from RS457 looks class apart. It’s form over function at quite a places, however that’s how Vespa and Aprilia scooters are.
Target audience: In Indian context, each vehicle gets used by multiple family members. This doesn’t aim to be mass market product, not meant to replace family scooter duties. Perfect customer for this would be single rider who has minimal city traffic, smooth road surfaces and twisty roads aren’t that far.
Sharing some images.
Matte Grey
Glossy White
Digital console
Analog console
Left and right controls, CF finish around buttons area
Front Tyre
Glossy alloy wheel, same tyre size at front and rear, valve at an angle
Luggage space, Battery and fuel filler(typical vespa design)
E20 compatible (hot topic these days)
Seat
Foot board
Flap below luggage hook has VIN imprinted on Chassis tube
Beautifully crafted side indicators
Chunky pillion footpeg
Pillion footpeg can’t be opened with a leg
Side foot rest is heavy duty, glad no saree guard
Grabrail, should have been narrow. Could have helped to loop cable lock for Helmet.
With sibling, SR125 appears plain jane compared to SR175.
Brochure
Download Aprilia SR – Aug 2025.pdf
Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.
