Aprilia SXR 125 review, road test

Now, to answer the burning question that’s been playing on our minds ever since we rode the SXR 125. What is the performance going to be like?

During the first ride, we did suspect that while the SXR125's 9.52hp and 9.2Nm figures are in the same ballpark as other 125cc scooters, its highest-in-class kerb weight will have a bearing on its performance. Strapping a VBOX testing device on the scooter confirmed our concerns.

In the run up from 0-60kph, the SXR 125 took 11.2sec while the 90kph mark was breached in 27.44sec. These figures are nowhere near that of some of the quickest 125cc scooters, like the Suzuki Access 125 and the TVS Ntorq 125. This is hardly a surprise, considering the SXR 125’s 74.96hp/tonne power-to-weight ratio. The roll-on acceleration figures are also indicative of the fact that the Aprilia SXR125 builds speed slowly. The time taken to get from 30-70kph, for instance, is 14.64sec and you’ll have to be a bit more patient with the build-up of speed if you’re climbing a flyover.

In all, the acceleration is progressive yet slow, but the engine packs a little surprise by offering some shove post 80-85kph. Keep the throttle pinned, tuck down behind the small windscreen and the digital speedo goes past the 100kph mark.

The issue, however, is that most people are not going to use that top-end performance for 90 percent of the scooter's life. Instead, if the powertrain was tuned for stronger performance down low, it’ll make for a more enjoyable scooter, especially in the city.

The obvious advantage the SXR 125 has over its 160cc sibling is better fuel economy. Compared to the 33.57kpl and 36.43kpl that the SXR 160 managed during our road test, the SXR 125 returned 46.47kpl in the city, with the figure rising to 51.91kpl on the highway. These fuel efficiency figures are decent, considering all that mass that the engine has to lug around.