The Honda Activa needs no introduction. While it is India's undisputed sales champion and Hondas sales driver, its approach is also extremely safe. It is not Activas fault, though, for the targeted customers want it to be as conventional as it is now. However, for those who want a relatively bolder approach while having the traditional essence of Activa, the 2024 Honda Activa 125 is there to fit their purpose. Do the larger engine and dimensions make a whole world of difference, or could it have done more? Let's have a look. Before moving ahead, join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay updated on the latest automotive news.
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2024 Honda Activa 125 Pros
Reliable and efficient engine
The 109.5cc engine of the Activa set the template for Honda in terms of reliability and efficiency, and it was pretty easy for Honda to replicate the same formula for the Activa 125. Even the relatively larger 124cc engine of the Honda Activa 125 excels in reliability, as with every other Honda engine.
Competition check: The reliability and refinement of the Honda Activa 125s engine are currently the best in 125cc scooters, though the Suzuki Access, TVS Jupiter 125 and Hero Destini 125 are not too far behind it.
Sophisticated styling
The Honda Activa 125 looks more sophisticated and premium in comparison, justifying its premium positioning over the Activa. The 125cc version of the Honda Activa gets fresher-looking body panels, which look even more elegant with the chrome garnish on the front and side panels.
Competition check: The Honda Activa 125, Suzuki Access, TVS Jupiter 125, and Hero Destini 125 all have chrome garnish in their designs.
Comfortable to ride
The Honda Activa 125 feels like a 125c scooter, but it should feel more than a 100cc scooter in terms of ride quality and comfort. It offers more composure and plushness in its ride quality than the Honda Activa and has a roomier seat.
Competition check: The ride quality of the Honda Activa 125 is as good as that of the Suzuki Access, TVS Jupiter 125 and Hero Destini 125.
Easy to ride and handle
Despite its larger dimensions and bodywork compared to entry-level 100-110cc scooters, the Honda Activa 125 doesnt feel intimidating. Its kerb weight of 110 kg is still decently manageable for even new riders.
Competition check: The Honda Activa 125's kerb weight is 110 kg, which is higher than the Suzuki Access 125 (104 kg) and TVS Jupiter 125 (108 kg) but less than the Hero Destini 125 (111.5 kg).
2024 Honda Activa 125 Cons
Skinny rear tyre
The Honda Activa 125 has a 90/90-12 tyre at the front and a conventional 90/100-10 tyre at the rear. With a wider rear tyre, the overall ride quality and handling of the Honda Activa 125 would be even better than what they offer at present.
Competition check: While the Activa 125, Destini 125 and Access 125 have a 90/100-10 rear tyre, the Jupiter 125 has a larger 90/90-12 rear tyre.
Brakes lack bite
The Honda Activa 125 comes equipped with 130mm drum brakes at both ends as standard, with the higher variants having a 190mm disc brake for the front wheel. The overall bite from the brakes feels below average, and even the 190mm disc brake doesnt feel significantly better.
Competition check: All the 125cc scooters, compared to the Honda Activa 125, have a front disc brake option in their higher variants.
A limited under-seat storage seat
While the last update introduced an external fuel filler in the Honda Activa 125, the under-seat storage compartment remained unchanged in its design and volume, which doesnt feel too large in its overall capacity.
Competition check: The TVS Jupiter 125 has a class-leading under-seat storage compartment. The fuel tank lid positioned at the front allows for an increased space that is almost double that of all of its rivals.
Read more: Suzuki Burgman Street Vs TVS Ntorq 125: Which One is Better?
Verdict
The overall price difference between the Honda Activa 125 and 110cc Activa is not too huge. For the added premium, the Activa 125 does feel more premium, with relatively more visual mass, a slightly more powerful engine, and a comparatively better sense of comfort. All these advantages make the Honda Activa 125 a superior product and a more sensible buy over a 110cc scooter if ones pocket allows it.
