Aprilia BS6 scooter prices have been leaked. In India, the Italian two-wheeler brand sells only scooters, alongside the likes of the Vespa range. They have plans to launch motorcycles, but that have not materialised yet.
Major automotive manufacturers operating across the country have been busy updating their products to comply with the new BS6 emission norms that are mandatory from April 2020. Aprilia Storm and SR scooters are the latest models to go through the BS6 upgrade-spree in the two-wheeler segment.
Aprilia scooters generally come at a premium compared to popular names such as Honda Activa, TVS Wego, etc. Aimed to be sportier than the rest, Aprilia SR range of products have a rather dynamic riding character and may not always be the most practical choice. It is often considered as the second choice for those who cannot afford or be given a motorcycle (especially college students). The top-of-the-line Aprilia SR 150 Race gets an ABS unit as well, but comes at a ‘motorcycle price’.
As per the new pricing, the entry-level Aprilia 125 Storm BS6 (which is still costlier than many other scooters) is priced at Rs 86,974 while the higher SR 125 BS6 comes at Rs 92,517. The SR 150 range carries a price tag in the range of Rs 1.05 – 1.14 lakh. There is also a new SR 125 digital console variant (borrows its instrument console from the SR 150) priced at Rs 95,039. All prices mentioned here are ex-showroom.
What is interesting (and disheartening) is that, compared to the prices of the existing BS4 models, the BS6 Aprilia scooters are almost Rs 20,000 costlier. In the scooter market, this is a rather ridiculous price figure, especially considering the fact that one can get a decent used-scooter (or a motorcycle) for that amount.
Upgrading existing products to BS6 standards require some mechanical and electronic-programming changes. Hence, the new line of Aprilia SR150 range will come with slightly bigger 160cc engines. Furthermore, power and torque figures would be slightly varied compared to the BS4 version.
At present, the Aprilia SR 150 makes 10.25bhp and 11.4Nm of torque from its 154.8cc motor. On the other hand, the Aprilia Storm and SR 125 range employ a 124cc unit that is good for 9.4bhp and 8.2Nm. The same power plants are shared with the Vespa range of scooters.
Aprilia products (top-range and budget-range) have always managed to justify their raised price tags with their dynamics and visual appeal. However, a hike of almost Rs 20,000 for practically the same product may not be warmly welcomed by everyone in the already niche group of buyers who pick it over other practical and affordable scooters.