Is it worth it?
UNDOUBTEDLY, Italian motorcycle brands have mastered the art of crafting jaw-droppingly beautiful bikes that turn heads wherever they go. I will never forget the moment I laid my eyes on a Vespa back in 2019. The colors were so vibrant; it felt like love at first sight. Four years later, that feeling hasn’t faded one bit.
Last week, Moto Italia, the official distributor of Vespa in the Philippines, reached out to me to test ride the sleek and powerful Aprilia SR GT. Aprilia is a true Italian legend and a force to be reckoned with in the world of motorcycle racing. With their stunning designs and unbeatable performance, it’s no wonder they’re at the top of their game.
Of course, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to hop on this two-wheeled beauty and experience the adrenaline rush firsthand. From their Greenhills showroom in San Juan, I took the Aprilia SR GT for a spin.
My first impressions: aesthetically, it reminds me of the Honda Adv but looks sportier and more masculine. The riding position was very comfortable with its wide handlebar, allowing me to gain full control which felt like I was riding my BMW GS. The height was a little taller than my Vespa; the seat height is approximately 820 mm, more or less a 30-mm difference. Despite wearing custom riding boots with a 3-inch platform, I did have to tiptoe a little bit. At 148 kilograms (kg), it is heavier compared to the 117 kg of my scooter, but felt lighter.
While driving around the city, coursing through EDSA, I immediately felt the difference in terms of power. With a 174 cc engine, a little throttle twist gives you the amount of speed you require. Also, the “all-terrain” tires and suspension combo are a match made in heaven. With Showa forks and twin rear shocks, I rarely felt the humps and bumps.
It is equipped with an LCD screen that gives you a quick look at your speed, temperature gauge, fuel gauge, coolant temperature gauge, clock, and smartphone support that shows your notifications while riding.
The under-seat compartment was huge; I was able to place my backpack and water bottle with even more space for other items.
My verdict is if you are looking for a bike that’s got your back, no matter the road or terrain, this rugged beauty can revolutionize your daily commute. With its powerful performance and comfortable ride, this can be your perfect companion for city streets or off-road adventures. The price may be a little too steep at P219,000 for its base model. But then again, it’s Aprilia. And with the powerful performance and comfortable ride, I say it is going to be all worth it.