When performance-minded enthusiasts hear the name “Aprilia,” many no doubt think about the RSV 4—the hot-rod V-Twin production racer-replica that is almost as sophisticated as a MotoGP prototype.
Not this time. The SRV 850 is a smart repositioning of the not-so-successful Gilera GP 800. In 2007, when the GP 800 was introduced, Gilera had already lost the last drop of its ancient charm and, consequently, could not adequately support the effort necessary to market what was supposed to be the most-powerful, fastest and sportiest scooter on Earth.
In SRV form, power is supplied by the sohc, eight-valve, liquid-cooled, 90-degree, 840cc V-Twin from the Aprilia Mana. The SRV also shares the Mana’s CVT-type automatic transmission. The 88.0 x 69.0mm V-Twin benefits from the evolution of the integrated injection/induction system and now produces a claimed 76 horsepower at 7750 rpm, 1 hp more than it did in Gilera form.
The chassis is the same as that of the GP 800 and rolls on 120/70-16 front and 160/60-15 rear radials. The engine is solidly harnessed in the frame, and, unlike most scooters, the swingarm is not in unit with the engine cases, greatly improving handling.
Claimed top speed is more than 124 mph, while 0-60-mph acceleration takes just 5 seconds. To counter this performance, a Brembo front-brake system—four-piston calipers and 300mm rotors—was wisely adopted. Although Aprilia’s technical team managed to extract 22 pounds from the GP 800, at 518 pounds, the SRV 850 remains substantial for a scooter.
Aprilia has not announced pricing for the SRV 850 or if this maxi-scooter will be sold in the U.S.
