SR GT 200 is the first small-displacement multipurpose scooter officially distributed in Vietnam. The bike is priced at nearly 100 million VND, equivalent to the Honda SH 150i.

Previously, when I had 100 million VND and was looking to buy a scooter, I had very few choices, besides the Honda SH 150i or the Vespa GTS.

Recently, Aprilia has introduced the SR GT 200 – the first small-displacement multipurpose scooter to be officially distributed in the Vietnamese market.

Immediately, I tried to experience it to see if this is a scooter that fits within this price range or it will be the same old names.

Compared to other models in Aprilia Vietnam’s product portfolio, the SR GT 200 is more accessible to the majority of customers thanks to its much more affordable price. Of course, at the price of around 100 million VND, this is not a scooter for the masses, but for those who are financially comfortable and want a scooter that is either beautiful or offers a valuable riding experience.

In foreign markets, the Aprilia SR GT 200 is placed on par with the Honda ADV 160 in the sub-175 cc multipurpose scooter segment. However, in Vietnam, the SR GT 200 has a competitive advantage because it is sold through official channels, while Honda seems to have forgotten about their multipurpose scooter model, and only a small number are imported by private dealers.

Although it has a similar design style to the Honda PCX, the Aprilia SR GT 200 has a more youthful and modern look, which makes it easier to appeal to the masses compared to the often criticized PCX. When riding the SR GT 200 on the street, I received many curious looks from people around.

The front section is the most impressive position on the SR GT 200 with muscularly shaped plastic panels combined with the main lighting divided into 3 clusters. The factory-original bike is equipped with a smoked windscreen, however, the lack of adjustability is a regrettable downside.

The scooter is equipped with all-terrain tires similar to the Honda ADV 160. However, the special feature of the “legs” of the SR GT 200 lies elsewhere, the size of the rear rim is 13 inches, which is a unique detail of this bike.

In Vietnam, motorcycles are usually equipped with rims of 12, 14, 16, and 17 inches. Installing a 13-inch rim will make it slightly more difficult for customers to choose the tire pattern, and if available, it will take more time than the common tire sizes.

The speedometer is simple with a monochrome display. The SR GT 200 is a sporty-style scooter, so it has engine speed information like large-displacement motorcycles.

The SR GT 200 is priced at around 100 million VND but still uses a traditional key, while competitors like the Honda SH 150i or ADV 160 already have smartkey systems. However, in return, this scooter has an electric seat opening button, similar to other Piaggio models.

Aiming for a sporty riding style, the SR GT 200 has a spacious and comfortable legroom unlike the SH 150i. The Italian manufacturer has created diverse footrest positions, from stretching out straight in a touring style to leaning back like riding a naked bike.

The rear seat position is designed to give a high vantage point. The rear shock absorber can be adjusted for coil spring compression (preload), so loading the scooter with heavy items is not difficult.

The tail section is raised and the mudguard is moved down creating an overall clean design. In real-world experience, having a low mudguard position helps limit mud splashes onto the top part as well as other vehicles behind.

Piaggio Vietnam has set the price for the SR GT 200 from 97.5 million to 99 million VND. Compared to the Honda ADV 150, the price of the SR GT 200 is about 20 million VND higher, in return, customers will receive a scooter that is officially distributed and comes from the Italian brand.

Personally, I think this is a suitable price range for enthusiasts. Of course, it is not for the masses, who usually opt for common scooters with prices under 50 million VND.

In terms of price, the Honda SH 150i is a direct competitor to the SR GT 200. In reality, buyers of the SH 150i always have to spend more than 100 million VND if they want to own a scooter. The Aprilia SR GT 200 can be considered as a worthy alternative for customers who are not particularly fond of the popular SH 150i scooter.

The SR GT 200 has a responsive throttle, almost immediate response every time I twist the throttle. Thanks to its short wheelbase combined with wide handlebars, maneuvering this scooter in the city is not too difficult.

Being a multipurpose scooter, the SR GT 200 has a relatively long front suspension travel, this design helps the rider feel comfortable when moving on continuous rough surfaces. However, if you have never ridden a scooter with a similar design, the SR GT 200 may give a sense of fear every time you apply heavy front brake or take corners at high speed.

Transitioning to more challenging operating conditions such as off-road, the SR GT 200 still has enough power to bring excitement to the rider, of course, not impressively compared to larger multipurpose bikes. The engine with over 17 horsepower combined with the off-road tires ensures that the scooter easily handles conditions such as rocky roads, gravel, or soft soil.

With a ground clearance of 175 mm, the SR GT 200 performs better than other scooters on the market, however, it is still not enough to conquer high obstacles, especially with the long body and wide distance between the two wheels. In real-world experience, I often heard the sound of the chassis colliding with the road surface every time I rode over high obstacles.

It can be seen that the Aprilia SR GT 200 is suitable for traveling on flat roads rather than difficult terrain. However, if you like to take your scooter on gentle dirt roads, the SR GT 200 is still capable enough to conquer them together with the rider.

Aprilia named this scooter the SR GT 200, however, the engine displacement on the bike is 174 cc. The clearest advantage is that the owner does not need an A2 license, the downside is that the name is misleading. This engine has a power output of 17.6 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 16.5 Nm at 7,000 rpm.

With the largest displacement among sub-175 cc scooters, the SR GT 200 has more power than its competitors like the Honda SH 150i (16.6 horsepower), Honda ADV 160 (15.8 horsepower), or Yamaha NVX (15.1 horsepower).

Unlike the SH 150i or NVX, the SR GT 200 has a relatively loud exhaust sound. I personally like this, it brings a more exciting feeling every time I twist the throttle – something that sports enthusiasts often prefer. However, in some cases, I also encountered inconvenience with this sound, for example, in narrow alleys at night.

Besides the SH, Vespa GTS is also a competitor in the same price range. The special feature of these models is that besides having the same price, both have completely different design philosophies and target customer groups. Honda SH appeals to the masses because of its modern and premium look, while Vespa GTS has a timeless fashion appeal.

Meanwhile, the Aprilia SR GT 200 has a strong and versatile design style, the downside, of course, is the fashion element compared to the previous two popular models.

This is both an opportunity and a challenge for the SR GT 200 in the Vietnamese market. The scooter will make an impression on enthusiasts as the first officially distributed small-displacement multipurpose scooter. Those who seek Aprilia scooters may also be those who love riding, riding long distances, and having more experiences. However, the different design from the majority will also make many users reconsider.

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