Aprilia SR150 Race vs Vespa SXL150 Comparison Review
Vespa SXL150 vs Aprilia SR 150 Comparison:
The Aprilia SR 150 retails for 75,000 Rs. on road, Delhi, which is a jaw dropping 26,000 Rs. cheaper, than the Vespa SXL 150, costing 1 Lakh Rs. Both bikes feature a disc brake at the front. The SXL 150 makes do with a trailing link suspension up front, while the SR 150 gets proper telescopic forks, what that does to the dynamics of the two scooters? We will find it out shortly.
Price, On Road, Delhi:
Aprilia SR150: 75,000 Rs
Piaggio Vespa SXL150: 1.01 Lakh Rs
Aprilia SR150 vs Vespa SXL150 Video Comparison Review:
Performance & Tractability:
Surprisingly, the metal bodied Vespa, is 8 kgs lighter than the plastic bodied Aprilia. That is because the Vespa's steel monocoque structure, doubles up as both the chassis, as well as the body. The Aprilia on the other hand, has a tubular steel chassis, underneath the plastic bodywork. Bigger wheels and telescopic suspension, also play their part in increasing the SR 150's kerb weight. This results in a lower power-to-weight ratio and torque-to-weight ratio for the Aprilia.
Its bigger wheel size, also results in overall taller gear ratio, compared to the Vespa 150, resulting in an even weaker low-end torque, when compared to the already weak low-end, of the Vespa 150, versus its 125 cc rivals. However, Aprilia's taller gearing, gives it a higher top-speed, compared to not just the SXL 150, but compared to any other scooter, sold in the country today. What saves the day for the Aprilia, is its rorty exhaust note, which even though slightly unrefined, makes the Aprilia feel quicker than it actually is. The Vespa, which shares the same 154.4 cc power-plant, also falls woefully short in terms of refinement, but overall sounds less noisy than the Aprilia, and thus completely unexciting to ride.
Power to Weight Ratio (PS/ton): Aprilia SR150 - 93, Vespa SXL150 - 101 (difference 10%)
Torque to Weight Ratio (Nm/ton): Aprilia SR150 - 94, Vespa SXL150 - 101 (difference 10%)
Torque (Nm@rpm): Aprilia SR150 - 11.5@5500, Vespa SXL150 - 11.5@5500
Kerb Weight (kg): Aprilia SR150 - 122, Vespa SXL150 – 114
Torque to Weight Ratio (Nm/ton): Aprilia SR150 - 94, Vespa SXL150 - 101 (difference 10%)
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Power (PS@rpm): Aprilia SR150 - 11.4@7000, Vespa SXL150 - 11.6@7000Torque (Nm@rpm): Aprilia SR150 - 11.5@5500, Vespa SXL150 - 11.5@5500
Kerb Weight (kg): Aprilia SR150 - 122, Vespa SXL150 – 114
Displacement (cc): Aprilia SR150 - 154.4, Piaggio Vespa SXL150 – 154.4
Handling & Ride Quality:
The Vespa, is no match to the sheer awe-inspiring handling prowess, of the Aprilia SR 150. The SR 150, is by far the best handling scooter, in the country today, in fact, it is so good, that it handles better than most 100 to 125 cc motorcycles! It is the only scooter sporting 14 inch wheels on the market. It has ultra-wide (for a scooter) 120 section, soft-compound tyres, at both ends, and is quite stiffly sprung, giving it fantastic grip as well as agility in the corners, while it's 1350 mm wheelbase keeps it stable, over mid-corner undulations.
The Vespa on the other hand, was never meant to carve corners, its trailing link suspension setup at the front, does a lot of damage to its dynamic capabilities, compared to scooters sporting telescopic suspension. Trailing link setups have the inherent disadvantage of squatting, instead of pitching, when you apply the front brakes, transferring the weight to the rear, and resulting in loss of front end grip, which can be especially dangerous in panic braking situations. Aprilia SR 150's suspension, also could have been tuned slightly softer, especially considering the harsh reality of Indian roads. We understand that Aprilia being a sporty brand and all, has to infuse its back-breaking ride behavior to all products wearing its logo, including scooters, but such unbearably hard ride on a 150cc scooter surely feels like an overkill.
Tyre Size:
Front: Aprilia SR150 – 120/70 - 14, Piaggio Vespa SXL150 - 110/70 11 Tubeless
Rear: Aprilia SR150 – 120/70 - 14, Piaggio Vespa SXL150 - 120/70 10 Tubeless
Wheelbase (mm): Aprilia SR150 – 1350, Piaggio Vespa SXL150 –1340
Comfort & Ergonomics:
Both scooters share common flaws, of high saddle height and small, slim seats. Since these scooters, were designed keeping the European customers in mind, their saddle heights are a bit too tall for the average Indians, especially ladies, who will have to stretch their legs and balance the scooter on their toes, at traffic lights. The seat length, is also limited which means the pillion, will have to snuggle up to the rider, even if he or she doesn't want to. If that's a good thing or bad, is something we will leave it up to you. Both scooters do have decent under seat storage, big enough to accommodate a full face helmet if you buy the right one.
Seat Height (mm): Aprilia SR150 - 775, Vespa SXL150 - 780
Fuel Efficiency:
The Vespa SXL 150 has an ARAI certified mileage of 55 kmpl which is 2 kmpl more than the Aprilia SR 150. However, in our back to back tests both scooters were just as efficient returning an efficiency of 40 kmpl.
ARAI Mileage: Aprilia SR150 - 53, Vespa SXL 150 - 55 kmpl
Fuel Cost (for usage of 60,000 km):
Aprilia SR 150 - 1 Lakh Rs.
Vespa SXL 150 - 1 Lakh Rs.
Reliability & After Sales Service:
Piaggio is still one of the newest entrants, into the Indian two wheeler industry, and is still in process of establishing a smoothly running after sales operation. Like all other Italian brands, Piaggio is far from being a benchmark for product reliability and after sales service. Vespa scooters have been riddled with niggling issues and sporadic service support ever since the LX 125's launch, over four years ago. It is best to adopt a wait and watch policy with the Aprilia SR150, till all the teething troubles get sorted out.
Resale & Cost of Ownership:
Both scooters are bound to depreciate sharply after a usage of 5 - 7 years, thanks to their low fuel efficiency and questionable durability. However, it will be easier to find a 16 year old kid, who has just received his driving licence, for the Aprilia, giving it a slight advantage over the Vespa. Overall the Aprilia SR 150 works out to be over 15,000 Rs. lighter on the pocket, than the Vespa SXL 150 in the long term.
Resale Price (after 5 - 7 years & 60,000 km):
Aprilia SR 150 - 37,500 Rs.
Piaggio Vespa SXL150 - 45,000 Rs.
Total Cost of Ownership (Price + Fuel Cost - Resale Price):
Aprilia SR150 - 1.38 Lakh
Piaggio Vespa SXL150 - 1.53 Lakh
Verdict:
The Vespa SXL 150 is a lemon. It hardly has any performance advantage over Vespa's own 125 cc variants. If you are thinking of buying the Vespa for its looks, better go for the 125, you will have to shell out less money and you'll save even more at the fuel pump. If you want a scooter with more performance than your average Activa, then again the SXL 150 just doesn't have the underpinnings i.e. wheels, tyres, brakes and suspension to handle higher speeds than normal scoots.
Which us where the Aprilia comes in. It is the clear winner of this test. Technically, it is a far superior machine than the Vespa SXL 150. It has immensely better chassis, suspension, tyres and brakes, resulting in far superior dynamics than the Vespa. It is also better value-for-money that the Vespa, thanks to a significantly lower price tag and slightly better residual value, not to forget how expensive Vespa's metal bodywork can be to repair.
The Vespa, is no match to the sheer awe-inspiring handling prowess, of the Aprilia SR 150. The SR 150, is by far the best handling scooter, in the country today, in fact, it is so good, that it handles better than most 100 to 125 cc motorcycles! It is the only scooter sporting 14 inch wheels on the market. It has ultra-wide (for a scooter) 120 section, soft-compound tyres, at both ends, and is quite stiffly sprung, giving it fantastic grip as well as agility in the corners, while it's 1350 mm wheelbase keeps it stable, over mid-corner undulations.
The Vespa on the other hand, was never meant to carve corners, its trailing link suspension setup at the front, does a lot of damage to its dynamic capabilities, compared to scooters sporting telescopic suspension. Trailing link setups have the inherent disadvantage of squatting, instead of pitching, when you apply the front brakes, transferring the weight to the rear, and resulting in loss of front end grip, which can be especially dangerous in panic braking situations. Aprilia SR 150's suspension, also could have been tuned slightly softer, especially considering the harsh reality of Indian roads. We understand that Aprilia being a sporty brand and all, has to infuse its back-breaking ride behavior to all products wearing its logo, including scooters, but such unbearably hard ride on a 150cc scooter surely feels like an overkill.
Tyre Size:
Front: Aprilia SR150 – 120/70 - 14, Piaggio Vespa SXL150 - 110/70 11 Tubeless
Rear: Aprilia SR150 – 120/70 - 14, Piaggio Vespa SXL150 - 120/70 10 Tubeless
Wheelbase (mm): Aprilia SR150 – 1350, Piaggio Vespa SXL150 –1340
Comfort & Ergonomics:
Both scooters share common flaws, of high saddle height and small, slim seats. Since these scooters, were designed keeping the European customers in mind, their saddle heights are a bit too tall for the average Indians, especially ladies, who will have to stretch their legs and balance the scooter on their toes, at traffic lights. The seat length, is also limited which means the pillion, will have to snuggle up to the rider, even if he or she doesn't want to. If that's a good thing or bad, is something we will leave it up to you. Both scooters do have decent under seat storage, big enough to accommodate a full face helmet if you buy the right one.
Seat Height (mm): Aprilia SR150 - 775, Vespa SXL150 - 780
Fuel Efficiency:
The Vespa SXL 150 has an ARAI certified mileage of 55 kmpl which is 2 kmpl more than the Aprilia SR 150. However, in our back to back tests both scooters were just as efficient returning an efficiency of 40 kmpl.
ARAI Mileage: Aprilia SR150 - 53, Vespa SXL 150 - 55 kmpl
Fuel Cost (for usage of 60,000 km):
Aprilia SR 150 - 1 Lakh Rs.
Vespa SXL 150 - 1 Lakh Rs.
Reliability & After Sales Service:
Piaggio is still one of the newest entrants, into the Indian two wheeler industry, and is still in process of establishing a smoothly running after sales operation. Like all other Italian brands, Piaggio is far from being a benchmark for product reliability and after sales service. Vespa scooters have been riddled with niggling issues and sporadic service support ever since the LX 125's launch, over four years ago. It is best to adopt a wait and watch policy with the Aprilia SR150, till all the teething troubles get sorted out.
Resale & Cost of Ownership:
Both scooters are bound to depreciate sharply after a usage of 5 - 7 years, thanks to their low fuel efficiency and questionable durability. However, it will be easier to find a 16 year old kid, who has just received his driving licence, for the Aprilia, giving it a slight advantage over the Vespa. Overall the Aprilia SR 150 works out to be over 15,000 Rs. lighter on the pocket, than the Vespa SXL 150 in the long term.
Resale Price (after 5 - 7 years & 60,000 km):
Aprilia SR 150 - 37,500 Rs.
Piaggio Vespa SXL150 - 45,000 Rs.
Aprilia SR150 - 1.38 Lakh
Piaggio Vespa SXL150 - 1.53 Lakh
Verdict:
The Vespa SXL 150 is a lemon. It hardly has any performance advantage over Vespa's own 125 cc variants. If you are thinking of buying the Vespa for its looks, better go for the 125, you will have to shell out less money and you'll save even more at the fuel pump. If you want a scooter with more performance than your average Activa, then again the SXL 150 just doesn't have the underpinnings i.e. wheels, tyres, brakes and suspension to handle higher speeds than normal scoots.
Which us where the Aprilia comes in. It is the clear winner of this test. Technically, it is a far superior machine than the Vespa SXL 150. It has immensely better chassis, suspension, tyres and brakes, resulting in far superior dynamics than the Vespa. It is also better value-for-money that the Vespa, thanks to a significantly lower price tag and slightly better residual value, not to forget how expensive Vespa's metal bodywork can be to repair.
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| Aprilia SR150 front disc brake and telescopic suspension setup |
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| Piaggio Vespa SXL150 front brake and uni-link anti-dive suspension setup |
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| Aprilia SR150 Analog speedo and fuel gauge |
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| Vespa Analog Speedo and Digital fuel indicator with trip information |
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| Dual color seat on the Aprilia SR150 |
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| Chrome parts and detailing on the handle bar grips of the Vespa |
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