As an enthusiast of Maxi Scooters for quite a number of years, I could hardly believe it when I was asked to review Granstar Motors Aprilia SRV 850 Maxi Scooter. Before the question could be finished I had already answered with a resounding “YES”.
Surprisingly nimble despite its size.
Any die hard scooterist would know that the origin of the SRV 850 began with the Gilera GP 800. Touted as THE Maxis to beat all Maxis during it’s time, the GP 800 unfortunately never realized its full potential and quickly and quietly faded from the scene. A few years on and Aprilia enters the scene to rework the original platform of the GP 800 and releases the SRV 850.
Boasting an 839cc 90 degree V-Twin engine delivering 76 bhp, this just screamed TOURING MACHINE loud and clear. Fortunately, a couple of friends from the Motorcycle Rights Organization had a safety seminar in Vigan, Ilocos Sur and allowed me to tag along.
The Ride
Having received the scooter a few days before the scheduled ride, I had extra time to get used to the SRV and try it out in the city.
The scooter responded surprisingly well in a couple of city errands I had to go on. Lane splitting with the SRV was actually kind of easy. The mirrors are placed well in front of the scoot and positioned low enough to avoid cage mirrors. But you do have to choose your battles, there are spots which a scooter this big and heavy just cannot go, so exercise best judgment when doing so.
The chain equipped final drive of the SRV 850
The long stretches of the NLEX-SCTEX-TPLEX gave an indication of how good of a touring bike the SRV 850 is. With the relaxed rider position and great fairing protection from the wind, the SRV cruises easily through long stretches elegantly. The scooters stability makes it easy to forget how fast you’re going. Trying to keep within the speed limit on a scooter like this a task onto itself. Don’t get me wrong, it purrs rather happily at the specified limit but you often find yourself going over it rather quickly with a slight, slight blip of the throttle.
This advantage works wonders in the open roads of the north where you do need the extra power for overtaking. On other scoots, you plan when to overtake, on the SRV the extra power makes decision-making easier and faster. Once you do get into a bit of a jam, the Brembo brakes with ABS do their job fantastically. The brakes are STRONG. With this much power and weight the Brembos do an excellent job.
Limited underseat storage due to the size of the engine.
Cornering the SRV is like cornering a really big motorcycle. Don’t expect fast, tight turns. The SRV corners confidently at speed on sweeping turns and you can confidently open the throttle on the exits as the SRVs ATC (Traction Control) keeps your scoot in check.
The SRV does have its limitations. First and foremost is the weight. Though not the heaviest scooter in its class (the Piaggio MP3 outweighs it by approximately 20 lbs.), the SRV makes you feel every pound. Maneuvering the SRV around the parking area proves to be a task unto itself. But would you really expect anything less from an 800cc touring motorcycle, it just goes with the territory. Second is the suspension. It feels a bit soft. On the freeway it generously absorbs the small bumps giving you an almost perfect ride. Once you hit a respectable road hazard, which are almost unavoidable in our road conditions and the impact is a bit harsh. It really is a matter of rider preference and does not take anything away from the scooter itself.
12v Power Plug inside the underseat bin.
Scooter range is excellent. I got, on average 20 km/l on the Vigan trip. Pair that with the 18.5L tank capacity and it can take you a respectable distance before the need to fuel up.
Other scooter features such as the 12v lighter charger, underseat light and retractable seat cover are pretty much standard in these Maxi Scoots and is present on the SRV. Aprilia also equipped the SRV with a handbrake, like those found in the Piaggio MP3 scoots. This comes in handy when you have to park the scoot on any incline where hoisting it up on the center stand is next to impossible. Underseat storage capcacity is limited due to the size of the engine, leaving enough room for 1 helmet, pretty small for such a large scooter. There is an ample amount of seat space though for a tie down bag. Givi also offers a rear rack for the SRV 850 should you really require additional storage.
Conclusion
A good balance of form and function on this Maxi Scoot makes this one desirable machine.
Want a scooter with superbike performance? This scooter is for you. The power on the SRV will permanently put a smile on your face. The SRV is the perfect scooter for touring long distances. Solo our two-up the scooter will take you to your destination and back quickly and comfortably. Truly one of the best scooters I’ve ever had the privilege of riding.
Thank you Hotel Felicidad Vigan for your wonderful hospitality.
SRV 850 ABS/ATC Technical sheet
Engine: 90° V-twin engine, 4-stroke
Bore x Stroke: 88 mm / 69 mm
Total displacement: 839.3 cc
Maximum power at the crank: 76 CV @ 7.750 rpm
Maximum torque at the crank: 76,4 Nm @ 6.000 rpm
Fuel system: Electronic injection with Ø 38 mm single body
Lubrification: Dry sump with double trochoid lobe pump
Gear box: Twist-and-go CVT with torque server
Clutch: Automatic dry centrifugal clutch with vibration dampers
Frame: Double cradle in high strength tubular steel
Front suspension: 41 mm diameter hydraulic telescopic fork with straight stanchions and set-back pin (122 mm wheel vertical travel)
Rear suspension: With laterally mounted, horizontal, hydraulic monoshock. Seven-position spring preload adjustment.
Brakes: Front brake: Double, 300 mm diam. semi-floating stainless steel discs with two Brembo double piston 28 mm diam. floating callipers. Two channel ABS. Rear brake: 280 mm Ø stainless steel disc and 25.4 mm Ø double piston calliper. Two channel ABS.
Wheels: Aluminium alloy Front 16″ x 3.50 Rear 15″ x 4.50
Tyres: Tubeless Front 120/70-R16” – 57H Rear 160/60-R15” – 67H
Dimensions: Length 2.237 mm Width 790 mm Wheelbase 1.593 mm Seat height 780 mm
Dry weight: 249 kg
Fuel tank capacity: 18.5 litres
Emissions: Euro 3
The Aprilia SRV 850 is available at:
Granstar Motors and Industrial Corporation
No. 7 Brixton Street, Bo. Kapitolyo, Pasig City Philippines
Tel. Nos.: (+63) (2) 570 6100 / 570 6137
Fax No.: (+63) (2) 570 5617
Photos by: Telly and Randz