So, how well does the Aprilia SXR 160 perform as a daily commuter in increasingly traffic dense Indian cities?
Over the years, traffic congestion in Indian cities has increased considerably with narrow lanes, unpredictable road conditions and a mix of vehicles using the road. Aprilia SXR 160, with its maxi scooter design, is a different proposition than the regular smaller scooters that dominate the commuter segment. A larger size and more powerful engine were advantages or disadvantages as it depended on the specific urban environment. Maneuverability in tight spaces, ease of parking, fuel efficiency in stop-and-go traffic, and simply overall comfort during long commutes are at play. Finally, the scooter's premium positioning means it's hard to see how practical it could be for everyday use in rough urban conditions. How well does the SXR 160 fare in the face of the daily commutes in crowded Indian cities, and what are its unique advantages or disadvantages in its design?
The SXR 160 has been my daily Mumbai commute companion for over a year and it's been a game changer. I like the higher seating position because you have a better view in traffic and the extra power is great for quick overtakes when the gaps appear.
However, it’s too bulky for daily use in congested areas. After a few months I switched back to a smaller scooter as parking and getting through traffic was just too much hassle with the SXR.
Being a Bangalore commuter, I find the SXR 160 to be a good balance. On the outer ring road it's stable and in the city it's agile enough. The only problem is that it's hard to get a parking spot in really crowded areas.
While the SXR is not a bike for me to take out for a long ride, I love my SXR for commuting in Delhi. The bigger wheels take the hit out of potholes better than smaller scooters, and the comfy seat takes the edge off traffic on long rides. It could be more fuel efficient though.
It’s overkill for city commuting. It's comfortable, sure, but stop and go traffic doesn't require that much power or size. For daily use, a smaller, more nimble scooter or even electric option makes more sense.
My commute in Pune has been good with the SXR. It doesn’t feel too big once you get used to it, but the extra stability is nice on bad roads. It’s much more comfortable to ride than my old Activa for longer distances.
I used it for daily commuting in Kolkata, a nightmare. The fuel costs were killing me in heavy traffic and the lanes were too wide for the narrow lanes. It's a great scooter but not practical for tight city use.
As a person who commutes in Chennai, I think SXR is a good compromise. The car has enough mass to feel secure in the company of bigger vehicles, but is still nimble enough to handle a busy urban environment. The only downside is that the engine gets hot in summer traffic jams.
I love using it daily in Hyderabad. It also has the higher ground clearnece for dodging potholes and the power for quick merges on busy roads. But it's definitely not something you get used to in terms of size.
For two years now, it has been my daily ride in Ahmedabad. It’s unbeatable on longer commutes, but I do miss the ease of being able to squeeze through really tight spots that I was able to with my old 110cc scooter. It's a trade-off.
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Discussions and Questions So How Well Does The Aprilia Sxr 160 Perform As A Daily Commuter In Increasingly Traffic Dense Indian Cities
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