Aprilia recently unveiled SR Max 250 HPE maxi-scooter in China. The suffix 'HPE' stands for High-Performance Edition, and the scooter has more aggressive bodywork and a larger windscreen than the standard model sold in China.
A 244cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine producing 26 bhp of maximum power and 22 Nm of peak torque powers the Aprilia SR Max 250. In comparison, the Keeway Vieste 300i, which is sold in India, produces 18.8 bhp and 22 Nm of maximum output from its 278 cc engine. The Aprilia SR Max 250 has two ride modes: Eco and Sport, and it comes standard with a traction control system.
The Aprilia SR Max 250 HPE comes standard with telescopic front suspension, gas-charged shocks at the rear, dual-channel ABS, a 7.0-inch TFT instrument cluster, disc brakes on both ends, and 13-inch wheels at the rear and 14-inch wheels at the front. In terms of hardware, the maxi-scooter is well-equipped.
The question now is whether it will make it to India. Aprilia currently sells the SR and SXR models in India, along with a variety of other motorcycles. Motorcycles enter the Indian market as CBUs, whereas they build scooters in-house, giving them a price advantage.
Given that the Indian market is still new to the maxi-scooter segment, the Italian two-wheeler manufacturer is unlikely to bring the Aprilia SR Max 250 or Aprilia SR Max 250 HPE here. Currently, Keeway has made its India debut with the Vieste 300i, which has a single-cylinder engine that produces 19 bhp, and BMW sells the C 400 GT, which produces 33 bhp but costs a whopping Rs 10.80 lakh ex-showroom.
In China, the Aprilia SR Max 250 HPE costs the equivalent of Rs 3.15 lakh (direct conversion). While it is unlikely to be launched in India right now, the scooter is an intriguing option that would be a worthy competitor to the recently launched Keeway Vieste 300 and Sixties 300i.
