insured

CP SAYS:
Sitting at the upper end of the pricing structure,
the well-equipped and equally well-proven Aprilia
could be viewed as one of life’s safe bets among
a gang of new models and names. The Aprilia SR
has been around in one form or another, for over
13 years and, for the first time, I think it is
starting to show. Its boxy looks are enhanced
considerably by a lop-sided, graphics scheme
and a whole host of gadgetry accessed via the
dash. The more highly equipped, fuel injected
model, is the real star of the show for Aprilia, with
far faster acceleration, amazing fuel economy and
clean running as an unexpected bonus.
The upside-down forks are little more than
gold foil wrapped around a conventional fork leg
to give the impression of a technically superior
suspension. The air box too is modelled so as to
imitate a superbike swing arm, it looks good but,
like the front forks, is little more than a trick
played upon the eye. Finish and fit of the
bodywork is as good as anything on test here,
but the whole concept is getting a little dated for
the price.
The ride is hard and over firm and there is
little in the way of performance (in standard
form at least) to make it a preferred choice over
any similarly specified scoot. The SYM Jet,
KYMCO Vitality and CPI Oliver could easily do the
same job at a fraction of the cost although
without the considerable kudos associated with
the Aprilia name. The toys within the dash are
great though and endless fun can be had cycling
through the various lap timers and other
readouts making this a must have for the inner
city race god.
NOVEMBER 05 55