'Made for India' Aprilia scooter with smaller wheels coming in 2019 - Report
Autocar India reports that Aprilia, which recently introduced the 2018 range of SR 150 and SR 150 Race in India, will launch two all-new scooters here next year. While one of these will be the Aprilia Storm 125, which made its Indian debut at the Auto Expo 2018, the other will be an all-new model that will be tailor-made for the Indian two-wheeler market.
Not much is known about the 'made for India' scooter at the moment, but it could use an all-new chassis and a powertrain from one of the existing models. The usage of the new frame is likely to help the company move away from the 14-inch wheels it uses on its current range of scooters. While the large wheels offer excellent stability and sporty riding dynamics, they cost more and restrict the under-seat storage space. Hence, the India-spec Aprilia scooter is most likely to come equipped with 12-inch wheels.
Rumours are rife that the new model would be positioned lower to the SR-series of scooters. Unlike the performance-focussed products in the company's current lineup, the all-new vehicle could be a well-rounded product with focus on higher practicality and a more comfortable ride.
Currently, the least priced Aprilia scooter is the SR 125 (INR 66,923, ex-showroom, Gurgaon). It is powered by a 124.7cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that churns out 9.52 PS of maximum power and 9.9 Nm of peak torque. The motor comes mated to a CVT. It sports telescopic front forks and a monoshock suspension at the rear. Braking is courtesy of a 220 mm disc brake at front and a 140 mm drum unit at the back.
The new Aprilia scooter could go on to lock horns with the likes of TVS NTorq 125 and Honda Grazia, both of which aren't as performance-oriented but cater to the premium end of the market. That said, the new model shouldn't be entirely devoid of the fun element that is a characteristic of Aprilia two-wheelers.
[Source - autocarindia.com]