Aprilia Wants To Dominate the Maxi-Scooter Segment With This Fast as Hell Scooter

Aprilia just threw its hat into the maxi-scooter ring with the new SR GT 400, and this one’s out to shake things up. It’s a scooter that wants to be a motorcycle, and honestly, it pulls it off, at least on paper. With a 399cc single-cylinder engine putting out 36 horsepower and 27.8 pound-feet of torque, it’s got more punch than most commuters need, as well as more attitude than they’re used to.

It’s easy to see why Aprilia’s going all in on the “crossover scooter” idea. In Europe and Asia, maxi-scooters have been booming. They’re practical, comfortable, and increasingly stylish. Commuters want something that can glide through traffic on a Monday morning and hit the backroads by Friday evening, all without the fuss of a clutch or shifting gears. The SR GT 400 checks all those boxes.

Underneath its sharp, sporty bodywork, there’s real engineering muscle. The frame is a steel double-cradle unit, not some lightweight underbone. Suspension travel is a generous 4.7 inches at both ends, with a 41mm inverted fork up front and twin gas-charged shocks at the rear. The wide 16-inch front wheel, smaller 14-inch rear, and Mitas Enduro Trail tires make it more than ready for rough pavement or a stretch of gravel. 

Styling-wise, it’s pure Aprilia. The triple-lamp LED front end looks like something lifted straight from their sportbike lineup, while the tail and floating license plate bracket bring a hint of Tuareg rally flair. The tall, five-position windscreen and edgy side panels add a little enduro aggression to what’s still a fully urban-friendly shape.

Comfort hasn’t been forgotten either. Despite the adventure vibe, the seat height sits at a manageable 32.2 inches, and there’s enough legroom and padding for long commutes or two-up touring. Aprilia claims a range of about 186 miles from the 3.2-gallon tank, which means you’ll refill it less often than most small motorcycles. There’s a keyless ignition, a USB-C charging port, and underseat storage that can fit a full-face helmet.

Technology also gets the full Aprilia treatment. A 5-inch TFT display hooks up to the Aprilia MIA system, offering smartphone connectivity for navigation, calls, music, and voice commands. Bosch dual-channel ABS and Aprilia Traction Control add real safety and stability, and both can be switched off if you’re in the mood for something more spirited.

Power delivery is smooth and lively, with the CVT keeping it in the sweet spot. Aprilia says it’ll hit 60 miles per hour faster than you’d expect from a scooter, and while it’s not built to chase superbikes, it’ll cruise highways comfortably all day. At around 410 pounds wet, it strikes a sweet balance between city agility and long-distance composure.

The SR GT 400 also arrives in multiple flavors: Rugged Black, Boulder Grey, Dusty Grey, and the Rally Replica that channels Aprilia’s Tuareg 660 race livery. The Rally version gets some nice extras like heated grips, protective bars, and the full MIA connectivity package as standard.

What makes this scooter so interesting isn’t just its spec sheet. It’s what it represents. Big scooters are no longer just for city errands or retirees. They’re a legit choice for riders who want practicality without giving up performance or personality. Europe’s had that figured out for years, and Asia’s catching up fast. With the SR GT 400, Aprilia seems ready to give the segment a proper shot of adrenaline.

It’s too early for pricing details, but it’ll likely slot just below mid-tier motorcycles like the Tuono 660. That means this won’t be cheap, but if Aprilia nails the tuning and delivers that signature chassis feel, the SR GT 400 could easily become one of the most fun and capable scooters on sale anywhere.