The Indian scooter market is no longer just about mileage and practicality. In recent years, the focus has gradually shifted toward performance and style. Leading the charge in the 150cc+ sporty scooter segment are two strong contenders: the Yamaha Aerox 155 and the Aprilia SR 160. Both bring aggressive styling, powerful engines, and a solid road presence. But as competition heats up, choosing between the two isn’t easy.
Here’s a closer look at how these two scooters stack up against each other in real-world performance, features, and value—without the usual marketing noise.
Design and Road Presence
One glance is enough to understand that neither of these scooters is meant to blend in. The Yamaha Aerox 155 has a sharp, almost futuristic design that resembles a maxi-scooter. Its split seat, aerodynamic panels, and bold LED lighting make it stand out.
On the other hand, the Aprilia SR 160 retains its traditional sporty scooter look with a more compact frame. Its design feels aggressive and raw, especially with the sharp headlamp design and race-inspired decals.
While Aerox leans towards a premium urban feel, the SR 160 keeps it close to Aprilia’s track DNA. So, it ultimately comes down to personal taste—futuristic cruiser or agile street racer.
Performance Battle
Under the seat, the Yamaha Aerox packs a 155cc liquid-cooled engine that’s borrowed from the popular R15, though detuned for scooter duty. With around 15 PS of power, it’s the most powerful scooter in the country right now. Its VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) system ensures strong performance across rev ranges.
Aprilia SR 160, on the other hand, offers a 160cc air-cooled engine producing around 11 PS of power. It’s not as aggressive as the Aerox on paper, but it delivers a strong mid-range and feels punchy during city rides.
In short, if top-end performance and speed are your thing, the Aerox has an edge. But if you prefer quick city sprints and agile handling, the SR 160 feels more playful in traffic.
Ride Quality and Comfort
Here’s where opinions start to split. The Aerox, with its 14-inch wheels and wide seat, offers a relatively comfortable ride. However, the stiff suspension can feel harsh on broken roads.
The Aprilia SR 160 also leans on the stiffer side, with a suspension setup tuned more for handling than comfort. The upright seating posture suits aggressive riders, but may not be ideal for long commutes.
Both scooters aren’t the most pillion-friendly in the segment, especially compared to more traditional offerings.
Features and Practicality
The Aerox brings in more tech – a fully digital LCD display, Bluetooth connectivity, side-stand engine cut-off, and keyless start. It even gets a standard USB charger and under-seat storage of 24.5L, which is among the best in its class.
Aprilia SR 160 also features a digital cluster and mobile connectivity in its newer variants, but misses out on some comfort-focused elements. Storage is also more limited due to its compact design.
Pricing and Value
The Yamaha Aerox is priced slightly higher than the Aprilia SR 160, but justifies it with more performance and features. Meanwhile, Aprilia offers different trims for different budgets, giving more flexibility.
Both scooters demand a premium over typical commuter scooters. The choice comes down to what you value more—peak performance or balanced everyday usability.
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Conclusion: A New Era for Scooters in India
The Aerox vs SR 160 face-off marks a significant shift in what Indian buyers expect from scooters. No longer are they just practical city runabouts. With these offerings, scooters are carving a space for themselves in the performance segment.
Neither option is universally better—the Aerox 155 appeals to riders who want a mix of tech, speed, and premium appeal, while the SR 160 calls out to those who enjoy nimble handling and aggressive looks.
As the segment grows, one thing is clear: the era of sporty scooters in India has officially begun.
