TWIST and go

80km/h through the countryside, but it did it with aplomb thanks in part, to its decent 14-inch rubber. Hitting a pothole doesn’t turn into a drama with this little scoot.

In the city, with its much lower speed limits, this will ensure the little Aprilia will tackle even the hilliest of Auckland’s routes with ease. It is amazing how good a CVT transmission it is for a low output engine, keeping it in the meat of its power without sounding like it is going to blow to pieces.

In fact, the new 125cc engine sounded content no matter where my crazy route through Waikato took me. While other bikes of a similar (and sometimes larger) capacity have struggled, the Aprilia’s engine happily cruised along with a quiet confidence.

It is even more at home in the city, and Bayride Motorcycles’ managing director, Damian Fleming, told me the little Aprilia is their top seller to new scooter riders in Tauranga.

That’s a big deal, since the Aprilia requires at least a learner motorcycle licence to operate legally.

It’s worth the hassle of going back to an L-plate if you don’t have one, though, compared to the smaller 50cc mopeds as the last thing you want to do is come up to a hill and slow to a crawl in traffic.

With enough space under the seat for an open-face helmet or a few groceries, pillion, and of course the obligatory curry hook (yours can’t be considered a real scooter without one), the little Aprilia left us content.

With its Italian styling keeping things modern, the SR125 is a great option for urban mobility at just $2995 if you want a stylish little twist and go, it’s also fantastic value as a quick and easy commuter.

APRILIA MOTARD

PRICE: $2995

ENGINE: 124cc single cylinder, four-stroke

●+ Easy to operate, inspires confidence, frugal -

● Requires Class 6 licence to ride, under seat storage is not as big as competitors