Maxi scooters have technically been around in our market since 2006, thanks to the Kinetic Blaze but the idea was first popularised by the Suzuki Burgman and later the Yamaha Aerox added to it. “Popularised” being the operating word because Aprilia also had a player in there from 2020, which has just been updated. So, what’s the maxi scooter scene like today and which one should you go get a test ride of? Let’s see.
Aprilia SXR GT 175 hp-e vs Rivals: Engine and output
Smaller rivals all make more power
Don’t let the bigger displacement number mislead you into thinking the Aprilia SXR GT 175 is the most powerful of these scooters, because that’s not the case. The SXR has the only air-cooled mill in this class, possibly contributing to its lower output figures. Combine that with the weight and the Aprilia’s case only becomes weaker. For what it’s worth the Italian scooter delivers its peak torque faster than the others so that should be an advantage while plying within the city.
The Yamaha has the lowest kerb weight on this list, which contributes to the highest power-to-weight ratio, very closely followed by the Honda.
Aprilia SXR GT 175 hp-e vs Rivals: Dimensions and weight
Hero is the heaviest, Yamaha is the lightest
Aprilia gains some ground, or rather gets away from ground with its second highest ground clearance figures. However, it also has the tallest seat height of this bunch. While Yamaha’s ground clearance numbers seem the lowest, do note that the website specifies it to be minimum, which means that it’s measured under laden conditions. So, it’s actually the Hero that has the lowest ground clearance.
As for seat height, Honda doesn’t specify that for the ADV160, but it shouldn’t be too tall for it to be a concern for most Indians. On the other hand, the Xoom 160 is the heaviest of these four, which could prove to be tricky to some at low speed rides and reversing out of parking lots. Aprilia and Hero have neglected mentioning the under seat storage but none of these is likely to impress you in that specific aspect. For what it’s worth, the Honda ADV160 has the highest number of the lot, 27 litres followed by the Yamaha Aerox at 24.5 litres.
Aprilia SXR GT 175 hp-e vs Rivals: Tyres, brakes and suspension
Honda strikes the best balance in equipment
Aprilia has given the SXR GT 175 the widest front tyre, but the rear tyre too is the exact same size which makes it the narrowest rear tyre in this list. Honda appears to have struck the best balance, with respect to the equipment on offer. Though that could change depending on the odd 14-13 front-rear wheel size’s real world implications on the ADV160’s handling.
Aprilia SXR GT 175 hp-e vs Rivals: Features
Honda has an unbeatable ‘feature’
A keyless system is present on all scooters but the Aprilia although Yamaha requires you to pony up for the Aerox S variant to get it. Of the four, Hero and Yamaha’s cockpit views are going to feel the oldest, simply because of their LCD screens. Both companies have packed it with features (call and SMS alerts, metrics on the app and turn-by-turn navigation, to name a few) but apples to apples, the SXR and ADV160 have more modern-looking TFT displays and they also match the former two in features. This will make a difference only if you clearly prefer one over the other, for otherwise there isn’t anything to fault with the Hero and the Yamaha’s displays.
Elsewhere, all offer some type of USB port for charging your devices, front cubby storage and LED lighting. On the convenience front, Hero, Honda and Yamaha offer an integrated starter-motor-generator which gives their scooters features like auto stop/start and a silent start. Honda and Yamaha offer traction control as standard.
A big advantage that only the Honda ADV160 can boast at the moment though, is its E85 compatibility. While Hero and Yamaha do offer other vehicles in their line-up with flex fuel compatibility, the Xoom and the Aerox respectively, do not have that and in these uncertain times, that’s certainly an unmissable advantage of the Honda.
Aprilia SXR GT 175 hp-e vs Rivals: Price
Honda’s advantages have a price to pay
The Aprilia’s an unbeatable bargain at this price with its nearest rival being the Xoom 160, closely followed by the Yamaha for its non-S version. Honda appears to offer the best balance of everything along with a currently significant E85 compatibility, but also costs Rs 40,000 over the Aprilia. While it’s easy to get confused over what is the right scooter for you, all of these – thankfully – make it unmistakably clear what they intend to offer. Hence, if you’re confused, figuring out your priorities and taking test rides (hopefully back-to-back) should help you pick the right one for you. If that happens to be the ADV160, you now know what you’re paying for.
