Scooter News Aprilia Sportcity One 125 Aprilia applies the make-up and the Sportcity One 125 is ready for the catwalk. New colours help complete the picture.
Allen Drysdale 
Introduction
The Sportcity has always been a resounding favourite of mine. No matter what capacity, the Sportcity family has a real dynamic set of genes. Large wheels and a short wheelbase probably account for most of the pleasure, though its sporty good looks also help. So now we see that Aprilia have given the Sportcity One a little make over. Worth revisiting an old favourite? We think so.....
Features
We first ran across this latest incarnation of the Sportcity One at the Eicma 2009 show in Milan. The model presented on the stand was the Kermit green variety, and boy did it stand out.
Aprilia have performed an array of subtle changes, though in my eyes it looks like a major improvement.
First up three new colours, a Pearl White, Aprilia Racing Black and lets just say a "Bright Green". Which I have to admit grew on me immensely over time. The new colours are only enhanced through the use of a large Aprilia logo running underneath the floor of the scooter.
A lick of gloss black paint has been used in a few major visual areas. Front forks have been given the touch and the wheels are the major stand out feature for me. They really smarten things up. The heat shield on the exhaust along with the rear number plate frame also get the gloss black treatment. Subtle yes, though for me these group of subtle changes make for a major enhancement.
Other small differences include new graphics on the dash along with a red stitched seat. Our test scooter looked the goods, a real head turner that changed in various light conditions. A different personality from day to night was really apparent, Ive never felt safer riding at night!
Apart from the above changes the rest is all the Sportcity One we've come to know and love. The One comes with 14 inch wheels front and rear. Has a derivative of the renowned Piaggio 125 cc leader engine pumping out an honest 7 Kw of power, yet feels like more.
Other key features include a handy flat floor along with an underseat storage area that will take a full face helmet. Rear suspension is an adjustable single shock on the rear. Brakes are disc on the front accompanied by a rear drum. Mirrors are out wide and large, some of the best around.
On The Road
On the road the Sportcity One follows on with the family theme by offering a dynamic sporty ride. We put around 1000 Km's on our test scooter giving us a great indication of what was to come from the 125 cc machine. An increase in kilometres equals a substantial increase in performance. When it comes to the budget range of 125 cc scooters the Aprilia would be "up there" when it comes to top speed and mid range performance. Not the quickest off the line but the Sportcity more then makes up for it when things get rolling.
The 14 Inch wheels only reassured me that big wheels on a scooter do help with handling. Whilst the single rear shock absorber was more then sufficient in keeping up with the suspension duties, especially for my 85 Kg weight. All in all handling dynamics are the highlight when it comes to the Sportcity One.
As a daily commuter the Sportcity One performed admirably. More then enough performance to keep up and ahead of traffic. Thin enough to negotiate your way through the tightest of spaces and light and agile enough, its just so easy to handle. Add the positives of a flat floor and the convenience of enough space under the seat to lock your helmet away and all up, life's good on a Sportcity One. So being sporty doesn't have to mean losing any of the day to day convenience that makes us love scooters. The Sportcity One 125 gives you the best of both worlds.
Summary
The Sportcity One 125 has a fair deal going for it. A real winner as a daily commuter, it offers a fair chunk in terms of scooter for your money. Aprilia Australia have also been offering a top box and rack for a $2990 list price, which adds even more to the value to the equation. For the introduction of the new colours the offer remains unchanged.
So a real winner when it comes to style, overall performance and everyday usability. The Aprilia Sportcity One 125 still a favourite in every sense, now even more so.
Key Links
published 30/08/2010 |