THE SR 150 DOES FEEL LIKE THE FASTEST 150CC SCOOTER AROUND
The 154.4cc air-cooled and carburetted single makes 11.4bhp and 11.5Nm of torque and that’s enough power to wind the needle all the way to its 120kmph marker on the analogue speedo. That’s pretty good performance for a 150cc scooter. There is a fair bit of vibration at idle but once on the move, it smoothens out. You have to contend with the induction roar due to the minimalistic bodywork but I think that adds to the sporty character of the bike. While we could not test it, it does feel like the fastest 150cc scooter around. The front disc-rear drum setup is excellent with lots of bite. In fact, we were told that the front 220mm disc clamped with two-pot Bybre brakes were originally a lot sharper and had to be toned down, keeping the average skill levels of Indian customers in mind.
We rode the SR 150 along B-roads bordering the Attapadi forest reserve outside Coimbatore and first impressions are of a lightweight scooter with a tall seating position. Acceleration is sprightly and makes for some entertaining speeds along these deserted winding roads. You can corner with utmost confidence thanks to the wide contact patch over the patchy tarmac. And, if things seem to get out of hand, a gentle squeeze on the front brake lever is all it takes to keep you from being splayed across the electrified fences meant to keep elephants and pesky motorists away from each other. The suspension though is stiff and the nonadjustable rear dampers could probably benefit from an adjustable gas-charged unit. It would of course push costs up but I reckon there is no harm in offering an optional bunch of Aprilia power parts.
The kicker? At ` 65,000 (ex-Delhi) you get to own an Aprilia! Okay, it’s no superbike but by the current standards of scootering in India this is one heck of a sporty scoot and it gets a double thumbs up from me.