APRILIA SPORT CITY 300 (2008 - 2011) Review

At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
---|---|
Power: | 22 bhp |
Seat height: | Medium (32.1 in / 815 mm) |
Weight: | Low (331 lbs / 150 kg) |
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe Aprilia SportCity Cube is a totally restyled version of the Sportcity 250ie chassis fitted with a bored and stroked Piaggio Quasar engine, taking it to 278cc. It may seem like 300cc is an odd choice of capacity, but it gives Aprilia a head-on rival to Honda’s Italian chart-topping SH300 high-wheeler that’s both stylish and comfortable around town.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe Aprilia SportCity has always had a stiff, fine-handling chassis despite the mono-tube frame being arched under a truly flat floor, but the frame was always quite heavy, particularly for the 125cc version. But the new Aprilia SportCity Cube is a joy to ride: nippy, responsive and very good on the brakes thanks to twin 260mm discs on the front wheel. The Cube’s 15” wheels sport high-profile tyres aimed at further improving the scooter’s manners on poor surfaces compared to lower-profile rubber used on larger wheels.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityMaximising the performance of the smaller block engine is a good move for the Aprilia SportCity Cube. Keeping unsprung weight to a minimum allows for more reactive suspension over the potholed minefields that city councils laughably refer to as streets. With the new engine, power has been shifted lower down the rev range, producing 1Nm more torque. This does more for the Aprilia SportCity Cube’s acceleration than it does for top speed.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueAprilia’s build quality has always been among the best of the Italians, and is often on a par with Honda scoots, so no real complaints there. No reliability issues to mention so far, either.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentExcellent. When introduced, Aprilia’s new SportCity Cube 300 was not only a great improvement over the old SportCity – it was also £500 cheaper, too. Find an Aprilia SportCity for sale.
Equipment
Apart from the engine change, the Aprilia SportCity Cube has had a host of other changes over the old SportCity: The helmet bay under the seat has been slightly enlarged, though it will still only take a ‘jet’ helmet and not a full-face. The seat maintains its 815mm height, but is now broader and fitted with a grippier cover. Also there is a longer, integral alloy rack and passenger grab handle. Compare and buy parts for the SportCity in the MCN Shop.
Specs |
|
Engine size | 278cc |
---|---|
Engine type | 4v liquid-cooled single, automatic |
Frame type | Hi tensile steel cradle |
Fuel capacity | 9 litres |
Seat height | 815mm |
Bike weight | 150kg |
Front suspension | 35mm telescopic forks, no adjust |
Rear suspension | Twin shocks, no adjust |
Front brake | 2 x 260mm discs, dual-piston calipers |
Rear brake | 220mm disc |
Front tyre size | 120/70 x 15 |
Rear tyre size | 130/80 x 15 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
Average fuel consumption | 73 mpg |
---|---|
Annual road tax | £55 |
Annual service cost | - |
New price | - |
Used price | - |
Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
|
Max power | 22 bhp |
---|---|
Max torque | 22 ft-lb |
Top speed | 75 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | - |
Tank range | 175 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
2008: Aprilia SportCity Cube 300 introduced
Other versions
Aprilia SportCity Cube 125: same rolling chassis as 300, but with learner-legal 125cc power
Owners' reviews for the APRILIA SPORT CITY 300 (2008 - 2011)
1 owner has reviewed their APRILIA SPORT CITY 300 (2008 - 2011) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your APRILIA SPORT CITY 300 (2008 - 2011)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
Overall rating: | |
---|---|
Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: |
Version: Blackline
Year: 2011
Amazing fun on a commute, and a shock to other road users who try to pass during acceleration. It's smaller appearance is probably very deceptive to those who don't know I'm not 17 and riding a 50.
Those big wheels make a difference, and now I'm on dual compound tyres it's extended their life too
Cracking acceleration
Nothing broken in 4 years and 2 MOT's, bit of corrosion on the mirror stalks but this would clean off and re-paint for pennies
Do it myself for the cost of parts and more frequently than the service schedule which indicates it wouldn't cost a lot anyway