From its earliest days, Piaggio has a strong history of creating scooters for the sporting market. In recent years the Vespa marque has expressed these sporting aspirations with some rather special editions such as the Sei Giorni racer, with Aprilia picking up the pace as Piaggio’s sporting department. These efforts have been rewarded with four world titles over a career that only began in 1992. This makes Aprilia one of the most successful brands in the history of motorcycle racing and with a constant, daily focus on results, Aprilia Racing is committed to taking on new, increasingly ambitious challenges.
Whilst superbike fans aspire to own models such as the 220bhp RSV4, Aprilia hasn’t neglected the sports minded scooterist. Since its launch in 2022, the SRGT 125 has been the go-to adventure scoter in the 125cc category but with big shoes to fill, how does the SRGT 400 live up the Aprilia family's reputation?
Happy family
When introducing the SRGT 400, it’s probably easiest to start with the engine, which appears to be a direct transplant from the well loved, reliable and very sprightly Beverly 400. For those who like stats that’s a 499cc single over head cam lump with an 84mm bore and 72mm stroke which at 7,500 rpm pushes out 36bhp (26.4Kw) and 37.7Nm of torque, all being delivered to the rear wheel through an automatic CVT transmission. The most noticeable difference to the Beverly installation is the one-into-two exhaust, in fact it's very difficult to miss!
However, any thoughts that this might simply be a Beverly in new clothes should be immediately dismissed. Other than the wheel combination of 16” front and14” rear, everything is fresh. The package is based on an entirely new motorcycle style frame, which in turn is clad in panels made of various materials; each selected to bring strength, lightness or a combination of the two as required. There are also some very nice design touches; hand-guards as standard and the absence of a conventional rear light being just two of them.
Head on, this doesn’t look like any scooter I’ve seen before, in fact the SRGT’s looks are unashamedly borrowed from the RSV4. The result is an aggressive appearance that’s more adventure bike than commuter scoot, and that’s exactly what the designers intended. The aim was to produce a machine which enabled the rider to, in marketing speak, “Go beyond”. In real life that means it’s a scooter that can do things few other scooters have ever attempted and that includes an off road capability. The latter aspiration is helped along by a special tyre design from Mitas, but it’s not mere rubber and some state of the art upside-down forks that help propel the SRGT between asphalt and gravel, there’s also a whole host of electronic aids to call upon.
In standard trim the 400 is available in black or two shades of grey, whilst the rally scheme adds even more of sporting flavour.
The ‘brain’ of the SRGT is accessed from the TFT screen and by accessing the menu, it’s possible to adjust the traction control settings and even switch off the rear ABS. You can also alter the TFT’s appearance should that take your fancy, but the main goal here is to create a riding system that suits both the rider and their riding environment.
Ready for adventure
There’s no doubt that this is a big scooter; the seat is 30mm higher than a GTS, but thanks to the step-through frame there’s no need to climb on board like an adventure bike rider mimicking a jockey. Th view from the saddle is businesslike, with controls set out logically and falling easy to hand. The screen has five levels of adjustment through a total range of 70mm, but that does require a hex key and some experimentation. There’s a host of cubby holes around the scooter’s fairing and room for a full face helmet and a pair of gloves in the under-seat bucket, as for the seating position, I’ll come onto that in a moment.
I said earlier that it was difficult that when looking at the SRGT to miss the one-into-two exhaust, that’s even more difficult after pressing the starter button. There’s no other way to describe the exhaust note than ‘meaty’, in fact it’s one of the most pleasing 4t scooter exhausts I’ve ever heard. Winding the throttle produces an instant response, unsurprising as despite its size the SRGT is actually lighter than the Beverly. Once under way I was pleased with the seating position, the mirrors did their job and the screen, on whatever setting it had been positioned at, gave no buffeting or excess noise. In town, for such a large scooter, the SRGT is surprisingly pleasant to ride. It’ll twist and turn through tight spaces and is easy to control even at low speeds. As we got onto the SS1, the SRGT lived up to its promises, sweeping bends were a pleasure to ride and the throttle response, even at speed, encouraged some ‘enthusiastic’ overtakes.
Sitting pretty
Now, before discussing the riding position I need to mention that I’m 6’3” (1.9m) tall.
Finding a scooter to fit me comfortably can be a challenge, but on gentle sweeps and straights the sculpted seat and foot rests weren’t just adequate, they were extremely comfortable. The riding position is upright, as befits an adventure scooter, but if you’re much above 6’ tall you may find things a little cramped. However, with so many technical aids at its disposal the SRGT will help even the most average of riders get the best out of its fun filled package.
The final verdict
The SGGT400 is a fantastic package; it's loaded with tech, has performance beyond its 310 and 400cc GTS/Beverly stablemates and can tackle town riding with as much ease as the motorway.
All of this comes in at a surprising price of £5,999 (+OTR) with an, as yet unknown, premium for the rally edition, which amongst other upgrades features gold highlights, sports graphics and a top box.
So, would I buy one? Unequivocally the answer to that question is yes. Like many other scooterists I’ve been clamouring for a factory-fresh sports scooter and the SRGT400 fits that bill perfectly. Obviously we’re fans of the Aprilia brand, we wouldn’t sell them otherwise, but If you think we’re being biased, feel free to pop over to SLUK and read Iggy’s review, which comes complete with video.
We’re still waiting for delivery dates, but if you want to be one of the first riders in the UK to enjoy the SRGT 400, or just want more information get in touch with our sales team on: 01226 203377 or drop them a line at: sales@rondaleyscooters.co.uk
