Choosing the best scooter: A comparison of Comfort, Performance & Value

The one that I really like amongst the lot is the Yamaha Aerox, but the case for double seat driving is really weak here.

BHPian fhdowntheline recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Reviving my earlier thread on the dilemma of bikes vs scooters: I am now fairly settled on the question of bikes vs scooters: the answer is scooters, for obvious reasons.

The shortlisted scooters are:
1) Aprilia SXR 125/160
2) Vespa VXL 150
3) Destini 125 (2025 model)
4) Ntorq 125
5) Access 125 (2025 model)
6) Yamaha Aerox

The one that I really like amongst the lot is the Yamaha Aerox, but the case for double seat driving is really weak here. Both me and wife are in the mid-life stages, and it is not the most convenient ergonomically for 2 (for single seat driving, it is still the best in my opinion).

2) Aprilia SXR is the next most logical choice, I liked the look, feel, and the stability of the bike with double seat driving. Only, it still not ergonomically perfect and you dont get that "integrated" feel" with the bike.
3) Ntorq 125 is a pocket rocket, that can turn on a dime , and is ergonomically suitable during tight turns, but is hampered by lack of helmet storage- which needs to be amended with a top rack or box . Not the best solution.
4) The Vespa looks like a timeless machine, nifty, fast, but wife was not impressed with seat comfort for dual seat driving. Also somehow I felt conscious of driving on smaller (albeit stickier) wheels.
5) Access 125 ticked all the boxes of comfort, ergonomics and boot space, but wife now finds it "boring" as a choice !!
6) The 2025 Destini 125 left me somewhat impressed. It manages to store the helmets, has a fairly solid body, ample power (9bhp) and while it is not very agile, it felt quite stable in the straight line, closer to Aprilia and much better than my present Jupiter 110.
My concerns are the following: After sales service of Aprilia/Vespa and Hero motors, and the longevity of these bikes. The Jupiter for all its shortcomings (from my perspective purely), has managed to survive 8 years, including 2 years of almost complete neglect during Covid, yet managed starts after prolonged periods of non-usage etc. It still somehow works. When I asked the Vespa/Aprilia dealer about the lack of sales and the high price of their models, he said that it is the same difference between premium brands like Mercedes and others in the cars, and that their production, fit-finish and part quality is superior, which adds to the cost. I would like to know your opinion on this ?

Here's what BHPian IshaanIan had to say in this matter:

Quote from BHPian fhdowntheline:

I am now fairly settled on the question of bikes vs scooters: the answer is scooters, for obvious reasons.

So I assume you are aware that you will be giving up a whole other level of dynamic ability and in replacement, be gaining practicality and ease of use? However the Aerox being your top pick seems like you haven’t completely accepted that fact. Or maybe all you want is not to be tethered down by weak motors attached to weak CVT transmissions? In which case why haven’t you checked out an electric scooty? The Ather is more ergonomic than an Aprillia SR, its chassis is more capable and stable than any other scooty on sale in the market right now, and the throttle response is so crisp and intuitive that you will never be able to ride an ICE scooty again. I am convinced that a well calibrated EV (not like the MG comet or Tata Punch), is a better vehicle to drive compared to any automatic. My firm belief is that if you want an internal combustion engine you should have it paired with a manual that contains well selected gear ratios or else just go with electric as long as the calibration is on point. Otherwise you get stuck for too many moments in time with the wrong amount of drive. Unless you can afford a koenigsegg with direct drive or a Nissan Gloria/Cedric with a toroidal CVT that is Perhaps check out the new Chetak 3501 if you desire more conventional seating, styling and reliability.

Quote from BHPian fhdowntheline:

The shortlisted scooters are:
1) Aprilia SXR 125/160
2) Vespa VXL 150
3) Destini 125 (2025 model)
4) Ntorq 125
5) Access 125 (2025 model)
6) Yamaha Aerox

you can replace all the 125cc shortlisted scooters with the Yamaha Ray. Go for the base model in black with analogue speedo, halogen bulbs and drum brakes, if the styling is too fussy to digest. You will be amazed what a difference it makes to ride the lightest scooter in the market. According to me it represents the peak ICE Scooty offering from a practicality, usability and reliability standpoint.

Quote from BHPian fhdowntheline:

When I asked the Vespa/Aprilia dealer about the lack of sales and the high price of their models, he said that it is the same difference between premium brands like Mercedes and others in the cars, and that their production, fit-finish and part quality is superior, which adds to the cost. I would like to know your opinion on this ?

That is absolute hogwash the QC is really terrible I once spotted bugs and dust underneath the clearcoat and poor color matching between plastic and metal panels on multiple vespas in one showroom. Their transmission belts are also known to be under lot of stress and give trouble sooner than the Japanese competition. Overall quality is terrible it is just iconic design and colour options. You will find much better quality of finish on the electric Chetak than any aprillia/vespa scooty.

Meanwhile, here's what BHPian PaddleShifter added to the conversation:

So, Destini should be the obvious choice here over the Aprilia as the service would surely be better than Aprilia/ Vespa twins in my opinion.

You have already sort of eliminated the NTorq and the Access125 as per your post.

So, finally you are left with the Aerox (apart from Destini) from the above list. Have you ridden the Aerox to assess its suspension BTW? As much as I love this scooter, I believe its a neither here nor there product. A small maxi scooter with less storage space is not an ideal scooter.

As suggested by Ishan above, check out the RayZR 125 once too. Its a very good scooter and should be reliable too.

My suggestion: (1) Yamaha RayZR or (2) Hero Destini 125 (if you find it close to the Aprilia SXR in terms of experience).

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.