Introduced in 1992, the Aprilia SR 50 scooter arrived at its fourteenth model year with its 2005 edition. By then the nameplate had graduated to best-selling status, due to its zippy acceleration, attractive styling, great fuel economy and reasonable pricing. Aprilia set the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the 2005 SR 50 at $2,999.
The 2005 Aprilia SR 50 is officially known as the 2005 Aprilia SR 50 Factory Ditech. It is powered by a two-stroke liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, which displaces at 49 cubic centimeters (thus the ""50"" designation). It has a reed intake valve configuration, bore and stroke of 1.58 x 1.55 inches (40 x 39.2 millimeters) and compression ratio of 12.5 to 1. The engine relies on Ficht™ technology for fueling it.
Each engine on the 2005 Aprilia SR 50 is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission, or CVT. A type of automatic transmission, the CVT improves fuel economy by shifting through an unlimited number of gear ratios. The 2005 Aprilia SR 50 is a great beneficiary of the CVT, achieving a fuel economy that can peak at 120 miles per gallon, with a peak fuel capacity of 1.9 gallons (7.2 liters). Also, with its powertrain, the scooter can reach up to around 56 miles per hour in top speed.
The 2005 Aprilia SR 50 has all-wheel disc brakes, a novelty then with scooters. With a 7.5-inch (190-mm) disc brake on each 13-inch aluminum wheel, the 2005 SR 50 has greater stopping power than scooters using all-wheel drum brakes or front disc and rear drum brakes. The suspension comprises a telescopic fork at the front and a rear shock with single-sided swing arm for ensuring a smooth ride.
Sporting a strong, solid steel frame, the 2005 Aprilia SR 50 is designed as a half-fairing scooter with front and rear fenders. The scooter has only one color scheme, which is black, and it is finished with a decal kit. It has a one-piece vinyl seat for the driver.
Standard digital instrumentation on the 2005 Aprilia SR 50 consists of a trip odometer and speedometer. For storage, the scooter provides under-seat and lockable compartments, a glove box, and a place to hang a helmet. Halogen lighting and rearview mirrors are included for increased visual perception when driving.
Each 2005 Aprilia SR 50 has a length of 69.8 inches (1,773.9 mm), width of 28.4 inches (720 mm), height of 47.3 inches (1,200 mm), and wheelbase of 50.8 inches (1,290.3 mm). The seat is set at a height of 32.2 inches (818 mm), and its dry weight is measured at 198 lb.s (90 kilograms).
The Aprilia SR 50 has long bucked the theory that two-stroke scooters or bikes do not sell well due to perceived lack of engine power or substantial performance. By upholding the traits that made the template popular, the 2005 model year entry is no different.