Scooter Reviews
Honda Activa 125 Review – The Most Pliant Scooter in Its Segment
The brand ‘Activa’ needs no introduction. Just like toothpaste is synonymous with Colgate, and noodles tantamount to Maggi, in India, scooter bole toh – Activa. Yes, that’s the magic it has created among the masses in its more than two decades of overwhelming existence. Riding high on its exemplary success and sensing market demand, Japanese two-wheeler giant slipped in a more powerful avatar of its Activa, called the Activa 125.
Launched in 2017, Honda Activa 125 is the first-ever scooter to feature the cleaner BS6 engine in India. So let’s dig deep into what Honda brings new to the table with its latest 2020 upgrade in the more powerful Activa iteration.
Looks and Design
The overall design of the Honda scooter is upmarket and looks classy from every angle, although headlight housing gets an aggressive touch. The heavy chrome splash on the chest part calls for premiumness upfront. Moreover, the headlights are now all LED (except for the base model) providing it with a contemporary touch.
The only change in the instrument panel design is it now dons digital display, which gets you many details comprising of real-time fuel economy, average fuel economy, trips and others. Switchgear is freshly carved and now receives pass light along with newly introduced start and stop system.
On the convenience side, it gets a small storage unit to keep a smartphone or other personal/handy accessory. There’s a mobile charger given, while the other side has buttons for ignition off, seat release and external fuel filler cap. There is big stowage beneath the seat to house the helmet or stuff in a few shopping bags. The seat is comfortable as well as large to accommodate rider and pillion with ease, while the large floorboard is impressive.
Engine and Performance
The 4-stroke, fan-cooled, SI 124cc engine of Honda Activa 125 gives out a good maximum power of 6.5kW at 6500rpm and peak torque of 10.3Nm at 5000rpm. The ride quality is more refined and silence levels are now improved compared to the predecessor thanks to the company’s advanced eSP (enhanced smart power) feature.
The cleaner HET BSVI engine coupled with eSP also helps derive 13 per cent more fuel efficiency than its earlier model. The innovative feature of ‘side stand engine cut off’ halts the engine when the side stand is on. Whilst, the elements such as distance to empty, average and real-time mileage come handy under city traffic conditions as fuel consumption is always in check.
Besides this, ride comfort is as good as earlier with its telescopic shockers (at the front) doing their job well, while the 12-inch front tyre and 10-inch rear tyre go unchanged with the new Activa 125.
Mileage
The Activas have always been decent at this cordon. And Honda Activa 125 continues the tradition by achieving ARAI certified fuel efficiency numbers of 60kmpl.
Ride and Handling
Honda Activas rule this cordon since the very beginning, and Honda Activa 125 is no different here. With the new fuel injection (FI) system in and carburettor system out, the scooter feels more responsive. Despite being 3 kilos heavier (111kg) than its predecessor, the performance of the 2020 Activa 125 has not seen not much difference. The engine refinement levels have reached new heights thanks to the eSP tech.
Though the premium scooter cannot be tagged as the fastest in the segment, however, it can be easily termed as the most silent and refined scooters across all categories. The power and throttle output are free of any niggles under city and freeways.
The Activa 125 emits a kind of grunt when it’s pushed above 70+ kmph, although on papers Honda claims a top speed of 90kmph. The scooter rides comfortably and manoeuvres easily under city hustle and narrow lanes on low speeds. The high-speed stability is fine while cornering around corners is not that effective.
Price and Colours
The Honda Activa 125 has three variants on offer. The base model Standard price read Rs 69,470 (ex-showroom, Delhi). While the mid and top-end spec i.e. Alloy and Deluxe are priced at Rs 72,970 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and Rs 76,471 (ex-showroom, Delhi) respectively.
The most powerful Activa is offered in four vibrant shades which include Rebal Red Metallic, Pearl White, Midnight Blue Metallic and Heavy Grey.
Competition
The arch competitors in the 125cc category comprise of Hero Maestro Edge 125, TVS NTorq 125, Suzuki Access 125, and Suzuki Burgman Street 125.
Conclusion
Despite the roaring competition, Honda Activa is still going strong and is the first choice of young and old alike. Overall, the Activa 125 looks and feels a lot more fresh and mature than before. The new BSVI engine comes with a slight decrease in power and a marginal increase in torque figures.
The 125cc Activa is the most silent and offers stable urban commute. So if you are looking for a niggle-free, simple appearing scooter for your day-to-day commute Activa 125 is a good choice. However, if sporty performance + thrilling commute is on your cards then you can pick TVS NTorq 125 without any second thought. Also, Suzuki Access 125 is also a good choice if fuel mileage is your priority.
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