Quick Analysis
Aprilia SR 160
14.5 pts
Unweighted: 15 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
SUZUKI GSX-8R
21.5 pts
Unweighted: 11 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Air-cooled | — |
| Displacement | 160.03 cc | 776 cm3 |
| Engine Type | Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 3-valve, air-cooled. | 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC |
| Power | 11.27 PS @ 7100 rpm | 81.8 bhp @ 8500 rpm |
| Torque | 13.44 Nm @ 5300 rpm | 78 Nm @ 6800 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 6 litres | 14 L |
| Mileage | 35 kmpl | 23.8 kmpl |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | 118 | 205 kg |
| Seat Height | 780 mm. | 810 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | Single-channel ABS | Dual Channel |
| Front Brake | Disc 220 mm | Disc 310 mm Caliper - Front 4 Piston |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic front fork | Inverted telescopic, coil spring, oil damped |
| Rear Brake | Drum 140 mm | Disc Caliper - Rear 1 Piston |
| Rear Suspension | Mono-shock absorber | Link type, coil spring, oil damped |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 120/70-14 | 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) |
| Rear Tyre | 120/70-14 | 180/55ZR17M/C |
| Tyre Type | Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | LED | — |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | 12V, 5 Ah | — |
| Bike Image 1 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/aprilia_sr_160_banner_carbon-scaled.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/gsx8rmetallicmattblack.webp |
| Bike Image 2 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/aprilia_sr_160_banner_red-scaled.webp | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/gsx8rmetallicmattswordsilver.webp |
| Bike Image 3 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/aprilia_sr_160_banner_grey-scaled.webp | — |
| Bike Image 4 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/aprilia_sr_160_banner_blue-scaled.webp | — |
| Bike Image 5 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/aprilia_sr_160_banner_black-scaled.webp | — |
| Bike Image 6 | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/aprilia_sr_160_banner_race-scaled.webp | — |
| Cluster | Fully digital | — |
| Color Options | SR CARBON|#687559,#000000 SR RACE|#f2180c,#000000 ENIGMA BLACK|#000000 VIBRANT BLUE|#0479cc STORM GREY|#b0b0b0 POWER RED|#f2180c ESSENCE WHITE|#fafaf7 | Metallic Matt Black Metallic Matt Sword Silver Metallic Triton Blue |
| Cons | The suspension is on the stiffer side, making rough roads and broken patches feel more noticeable than on comfort-oriented scooters. Fuel efficiency is average, and riders looking for high mileage may be disappointed. Under-seat storage is limited, which reduces practicality for carrying larger items or a full-face helmet. The seat is slightly firm and not ideal for long rides, especially for pillion comfort. The pricing is on the premium side, so it may feel expensive compared to traditional commuter scooters. | Doesn’t deliver the high-revving top-end excitement of inline-4 supersport motorcycles. Wind protection at very high speeds is modest and can feel tiring on long highway rides. Suspension tuning leans slightly firm, which can feel bumpy on rough roads. Weight is on the heavier side, noticeable at low speeds or during tight maneuvers. Not designed for hardcore track riders seeking extreme performance or razor-sharp handling. Fuel economy drops significantly when ridden aggressively. |
| Detailed Overview | The Aprilia SR 160 is powered by a 160.03 cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke, 3-valve engine that runs air-cooled. That modest displacement might sound normal on paper, but the way this engine behaves in urban traffic and everyday use gives it a distinct identity — it never feels sluggish, and its refinement suits daily commuting well. The engine sends its output through a CVT (automatic) transmission with a dry centrifugal clutch, meaning rides are smooth and stress-free: no gear shifting, just twist-and-go — perfect for stop-and-go city traffic or quick bursts on open stretches. In real-world terms, you get just over 11 PS of power (officially, 11.27 PS at 7100 rpm on some spec-lists) and a torque output around 13.4 Nm (some sources quote 11.6 Nm at 6000 rpm, depending on variant), which provides enough low-end and mid-range punch for city rides and occasional highway runs. The stated fuel efficiency is about 35 km/l — which for a 160-cc sporty scooter represents a fair balance between performance and efficiency. The 6-litre fuel tank gives a reasonable range between refuels, making it practical for daily commuting or moderate distance rides without frequent stops at the pump. The chassis rides on a tubular steel frame, with a front suspension that uses a telescopic front fork (with 30 mm inner tube) and a rear mono-shock absorber. That setup gives the SR 160 a stable yet nimble ride: you feel confident navigating busy streets or weaving through traffic, and the suspension does a decent job absorbing typical road undulations. It’s not plush like a cruiser, but for an urban-centric sporty scooter, it strikes a comfortable middle ground — firm enough for stability, but forgiving enough for potholes and uneven roads. Braking duties are carried out by a 220 mm front disc and a 140 mm rear drum brake (on most standard variants). Higher trims come equipped with a single-channel ABS (or combined braking system), which enhances safety and gives confidence when braking suddenly — useful when you’re sharing chaotic traffic or need quick stops in unpredictable conditions. Alloy 14-inch wheels shod with tubeless 120/70-14 tyres both front and rear help maintain grip and control. That tyre size and wheel setup give decent stability during cornering or lane changes, and make everyday manoeuvring easier compared to bulky, heavy scooters. In terms of size and ergonomics, SR 160 stretches roughly 1,985 mm in length, with a wheelbase around 1,365 mm. The seat height sits at about 780 mm — a middle-of-the-road height that tends to suit a wide range of riders; it gives a semi-sporty riding stance while keeping it accessible for city traffic and frequent stops. The kerb weight is around 118–122 kg depending on trim, balancing lightness for agility with enough heft for stable rides when speed picks up or on rough patches. The electricals and features feel suitably modern. SR 160 gets a LED headlight (and typically LED tail-/parking lights), a digital or semi-digital instrument console with speedometer, odometer/tripmeter, fuel gauge/indicator, sometimes a fuel-economy readout, and other basic readouts. There’s under-seat storage and usually an accessory (like a USB charger in some markets) — practical touches for daily use. For starting the scooter, you get both kick and electric start — nice for reliability, especially in situations where battery strength might be compromised. Putting it all together, riding the Aprilia SR 160 feels like having a sporty-looking commuter that doesn’t compromise practicality. It isn’t a high-power beast, but its engine offers enough punch for city commuting and occasional longer rides; the CVT and air-cooled setup keep things simple and low-maintenance. Suspension and tyre setup deliver a balanced ride without being overly harsh or overly soft. Brakes give adequate stopping power, and ABS/CBS adds a layer of safety often missing in basic scooters. Its weight and dimensions strike a balance — light and nimble enough for city traffic, stable enough for comfort on rough roads. | Riding the GSX-8R feels like Suzuki’s attempt to give you a middleweight sportbike that’s equally at home in everyday traffic, curvy mountain roads and spirited weekend runs. It packs a 776 cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke parallel-twin engine with DOHC and a 270-degree crank. That means it’s not just about straight-line speed — the 270° crank gives the engine a throaty, V-twin–like rumble and a broad, usable torque band instead of a peaky, high-revving nature typical of many sport-bikes. The “cross-balancer” Suzuki uses helps keep vibration in check, meaning that even on longer rides or in stop-and-go city traffic, the engine stays smooth and more comfortable than you might expect from a half-litre-plus street-fighter. The motor is rated to produce around 81–82 bhp at about 8,500 rpm and a healthy 78 Nm of torque at around 6,800 rpm. In real-life terms, you get strong mid-range punch — meaning overtakes on highways or quick accelerations from a traffic light feel confident without needing to wring the engine out to the redline. That balance makes the GSX-8R versatile: capable of quick, enthusiastic blasts when you want sporty fun, but also manageable in city commutes or everyday riding. The 6-speed gearbox helps you extract that torque smoothly, and the bike comes with a bi-directional quick-shift system built in. In practice that means you can shift up or down without pulling in the clutch — a real bonus if you like brisk, crisp gear changes during sporty riding or just want ease while navigating traffic. Suzuki hasn’t compromised on the chassis: a steel frame built around the engine keeps the bike slim, compact, and well-balanced, while an aluminum swingarm adds to nimble handling and stability. The geometry — with a wheelbase of 1,465 mm, moderate rake/trail (25° / 104 mm), and a curb weight of 205 kg — positions the GSX-8R in that sweet spot where it feels stable at speed yet flickable enough when carving through corners. Suspension plays a big part in how the bike behaves on real roads. Up front there are inverted telescopic forks from SHOWA (oil-damped, coil-spring), and at the back a link-type mono-shock. That setup gives you a controlled, firm ride when pushing hard — helpful for sporty riding — but also enough compliance to absorb bumps, potholes or rough patches you might encounter on Indian roads or during longer rides. The balance leans toward sporty control without making the ride harsh. When it comes to tyres and wheels, the GSX-8R runs on 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels with 120/70 ZR17 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear tyres — high-performance radials from Dunlop (RoadSport 2) with good wet-grip and durability. That means cornering, braking and overall grip feel confident — even if road conditions are not ideal. The braking setup — twin discs up front and a rear disc, with ABS — helps ensure your stopping power matches the bike’s punch. As for packaging, the GSX-8R isn’t overly bulky: at 2,155 mm long, 770 mm wide, and 1,135 mm tall, with a seat height of 810 mm, it manages a sporty footprint without feeling unwieldy. For many riders, that translates into reasonably manageable maneuverability in city traffic or narrow roads — though at 810 mm seat-height and 205 kg weight, taller riders will feel more at home; beginners or shorter riders may find the seat quite firm and the weight noticeable when stationary. Fuel-wise, a 14-litre tank gives a decent range, and the bike returns, according to official WMTC figures, about 23.8 km per litre under mixed usage. That’s respectable for a middleweight sportbike — meaning for many of your urban rides, weekend joyrides or moderate touring, the fuel economy remains fairly practical rather than thirsty. The electronics and rider aids make a strong case for the GSX-8R being more than just raw hardware. A 5-inch colour TFT display serves as the meter console, giving essential info at a glance. The throttle is ride-by-wire, giving smooth control over power delivery, and there’s a selectable riding-mode system (with Active, Basic and Comfort modes) that lets you tailor throttle response and torque delivery to conditions — useful when switching between city traffic, wet roads, or spirited riding. Add in traction-control (adjustable), low-rpm assist to ease traffic starts, and an easy-start button — and you have a package that aims for practicality without stripping away sportiness. Styling and ergonomics matter too, and Suzuki seems to have paid attention. The GSX-8R carries a sharp, modern sportbike stance — aggressive fairing and front design, slim rear, exposed seat rails, compact proportions — that signals performance without going overboard. The riding position is slightly sporty: the forward-positioned “hip point” and mildly aggressive handlebars let you lean into corners confidently — but it’s not so extreme that city commuting becomes uncomfortable. Putting all this together — power, chassis, suspension, electronics and practicality — the GSX-8R feels like Suzuki’s answer for someone wanting a “do-it-all” middleweight bike: capable of daily commuting, fun weekend rides, spirited canyon runs or moderate touring without forcing you to compromise too much. It isn’t the most powerful in its class — but the balance it strikes, especially with torque-rich engine, rider aids, handling and usability, may make it a very compelling all-rounder, especially in markets like India where roads, fuel economy and versatility matter. Lastly, in terms of cost, the bike is priced at around ₹ 9.25 lakh (ex-showroom, for the base/standard variant). That positions it quite competitively in the mid-range sportbike segment, offering a lot of modern features and a usable engine without the premium price tag that heavy superbikes carry. If I were telling a friend which kind of rider this bike suits best: the GSX-8R is ideal for someone who wants a sporty, engaging ride — but not at the cost of everyday usability. If you commute, do city traffic, occasional highway runs, weekend joyrides or light touring, this one fits beautifully. If you’re after raw top-end speed or hardcore track performance, it might not blow away everything — but as a balanced, real-world sportbike, it’s one of the stronger contenders in its class right now. |
| Expert Review | Aprilia SR 160 is a "motorcycle in a scooter's body" for its thrilling acceleration and sharp handling, though it is frequently criticized for its stiff suspension, lack of practical storage, and premium price tag., 3.9, MotoAutiv Team | MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the mileage? A: The mileage is around 35 kmpl. Q: What is the engine displacement? A: The engine displacement is 160.03 cc. Q: What is the power output? A: The power is about 11.27 PS at 7100 rpm. Q: What is the torque output? A: The torque is around 13.4 Nm (varies slightly by variant). Q: What type of cooling system does it have? A: It uses an air-cooled system. Q: What type of transmission does it use? A: The scooter gets a CVT automatic transmission. Q: What braking system does it have? A: It gets a 220 mm front disc and rear drum brake. Q: Does the Aprilia SR 160 have ABS? A: Yes, it comes with single-channel ABS on higher variants. Q: What is the front suspension? A: A telescopic front fork with 30 mm inner tube. Q: What is the rear suspension? A: A mono-shock absorber. Q: What are the tyre sizes? A: Both tyres are 120/70-14 tubeless. Q: What is the kerb weight? A: The kerb weight is around 118–122 kg depending on the variant. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is around 780 mm. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The fuel tank capacity is 6 litres. Q: What type of headlight does it have? A: It comes with a LED headlight. Q: What type of starter is provided? A: You get both electric start and kick start. Q: What type of instrument cluster does it have? A: It gets a digital or semi-digital cluster depending on variant. Q: Is the Aprilia SR 160 good for daily city commuting? A: Yes, its lightweight, nimble handling, and strong mid-range make it excellent for daily rides. Q: Does it have under-seat storage? A: Yes, it provides practical under-seat storage, with optional USB charging in some variants. | Q: What is the mileage? A: The mileage is about 23.8 km/l under mixed riding conditions. Q: What is the fuel-tank capacity? A: It has a 14-litre fuel tank. Q: What is the engine displacement? A: The engine displacement is 776 cc. Q: What type of engine does it have? A: It uses a liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC parallel-twin engine with a 270° crank. Q: What kind of transmission does it use? A: It has a 6-speed constant-mesh manual gearbox. Q: What are the tyre sizes? A: The front tyre size is 120/70 ZR17 and the rear is 180/55 ZR17. Q: What kind of suspension does it have? A: Up front there's an inverted telescopic fork (oil-damped, coil spring), and at the rear a link-type mono-shock (oil-damped, coil spring). Q: What is the kerb weight? A: The kerb weight is 205 kg. Q: What braking setup does it use? A: It features twin disc brakes at the front, a disc brake at the rear, and includes ABS. Q: What kind of electronics / riding aids does it offer? A: It includes ride-by-wire throttle, selectable riding modes, digital instrumentation, and rider-assist features for better control and usability. |
| Fuel System | Fuel Type: Petrol | Fuel injection |
| Price Variants | | 130000 | | 988550 |
| Pros | The SR 160 offers strong acceleration and lively performance, making it one of the peppiest scooters in the 160cc class. Its sporty, aggressive design stands out on the road and appeals to riders who want a stylish, premium-looking scooter. The scooter feels very stable at higher speeds, thanks to its larger 14-inch wheels and firm suspension setup. Handling is sharp and confidence-inspiring, especially in city traffic where quick lane changes and gaps are common. The front disc brake and ABS provide solid stopping power and add an extra layer of safety during emergency braking. Build quality feels premium, and the scooter gives a sense of riding something more performance-focused than a typical commuter. | Strong and usable mid-range torque that makes the bike easy to ride in the city and lively on open roads. Smooth engine character thanks to the 270° crank, giving a refined feel even at higher speeds. Comfortable yet sporty riding posture that works for daily use as well as weekend rides. Agile handling with good stability, making it confidence-inspiring for both new and experienced riders. Modern electronics like riding modes, traction control, ride-by-wire, and quick-shifter add convenience and safety. High-quality build and attractive, modern styling with a sharp fairing and sleek proportions. Versatile enough for commuting, spirited cornering, and even moderate touring. |
| Starter | Self start | — |
| Transmission | Automatic | 6 Speed Manual |
| YouTube Video URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AZ6pX18eFw | — |
