2016 Aprilia SR 150 review, test ride

Sporty and practical then?

The stepped seat was generous and the cushioning felt well judged even at the end of our two-hour stint. The riding posture is comfy and there is enough room even for taller riders. The only trade off for this fun runabout is that the suspension is set a bit firm. The result is that it can feel a bit jittery over uneven tarmac. But, the suspension and the large wheels deal with bumps and potholes fairly well. 

As of now, we don’t have the underseat storage capacity in litres, but a quick check with an Arai helmet showed that it isn’t a very large space and is likely to accommodate a half face helmet. Also, remember, the SR150 does without the modern day gadgetry that is all too common on newer scooters, such as charging sockets, USB ports or remote seat release mechanisms. We don’t expect that to be a deal breaker for enthusiasts.

Italy for the win?

The SR150 is an exciting product that does justice to its brand name and to its very existence as a scooter. On top of that, it is also very well priced. Will it be a scooter for everyone? No. Its lack of modern day features, lesser storage and expectedly lower fuel efficiency will not appeal to the majority of the scooter buyers. But, for those looking for the fun factor of a motorcycle, but with the convenience of a scooter to tackle the city every day on, the SR150 will hit the sweet spot. Don’t wait around though, the Aprilia’s introductory price may not last longer than a couple of months and it will be available through all Vespa dealerships across the country. Aprilia has rolled the dice. We think it’s a six.