KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Available in three variants, the prices of Honda Activa start at Rs 76,684 (ex-showroom, India)
- Powering the Honda Activa is a single-cylinder, air-cooled, 109.51cc engine, which claims 7.7 bhp and 8.9 Nm
- The Honda Activa is the only scooter in its segment to get a remote start, but it lacks many other minor features
- Over the years, the Activa has gained a solid reputation as a supremely reliable scooter
It came. It saw. It conquered. The Honda Activa made a dream debut and has maintained an undisputed reign in the Indian two-wheeler market as the countrys most popular and highest-selling scooter. Launched as one of the first gearless scooters with a four-stroke engine, the Honda Activa continues to dominate more than two decades after its debut. We take a look at the attributes that make the Honda Activa extremely popular and the areas where it could improve. In the meantime, join the 91Wheels WhatsApp Channel to never miss out on automotive updates.
Also Read: Suzuki Access 125 VS Honda Activa 125 VS TVS Jupiter 125: Comparison
Pros
Reliable and efficient engine
This scooter first came with a 102cc engine, replaced with an all-new 109.5cc sour-stroke engine a few years later. Even today, the engine continues to do its duty in the latest 6th generation of the Honda Activa, albeit with several updates and emission compliance all these years. Regarding reliability and mileage, this single-cylinder engine is at the top among 110cc scooters.
Competition check: The 109.5cc engine produces 7.7 bhp and 8.9 Nm, while its direct rival, the TVS Jupiter, claims 7.8 bhp and 8.8 Nm.
Easy maintenance
The Honda Activa has become synonymous with the countrys most famous scooter, now available in every nook and corner. It boasts a widespread after-sales and service network, along with a long track record. Additionally, it is extremely inexpensive to maintain, with service outlets widely spread across the country.
Competition check: While Honda has an excellent network of sales and service outlets, TVS and Hero MotoCorp also have an equally good number of customer touchpoints.
High resale value
The Honda Activa received its first significant update in 2009. Since then, it has only been updated with very mild cosmetic and mechanical tweaks in each generation. However, even the small magnitude of these changes has not affected its popularity, which enjoys the highest resale value among all scooters on sale.
Competition check: Highest resale value in the 110cc scooter category, followed by the TVS Jupiter and Hero Pleasure+.
Easy to ride and handle
The Honda Activa has spot-on riding ergonomics, which are equally suitable for all heights of riders, irrespective of gender. The spacious floorboard and perfectly placed controls make the Activa a convenient scooter, even for new riders.
Competition check: The Honda Activa is one of the lightest scooters on sale, with the TVS Jupiter and Hero Pleasure+ being equally lightweight in comparison.
Cons
Lack of features and updates
Honda has taken a conservative approach to Activa, visible in its restricted equipment list. The scooter is low on features and is one of the most underequipped scooters in the current times, which is why it is not among the preferred options among younger generation riders.
Competition check: The only scooter in its segment without a part-digital instrument console and Bluetooth connectivity.
Outdated design
The current generation has remained virtually unchanged since 2009. While Honda has revised the design with minor tweaks over the years, the changes are not enough to make it look fresh.
Competition check: The chief rivals of the Honda Activa are the TVS Jupiter and Hero Pleasure Plus. These competitors feature relatively fresher designs since their debut and are well-equipped with the latest features.
A limited under-seat storage seat
Honda has made negligible changes to Activa's under-seat storage compartment over the years, which is not spacious enough. Even a half-face helmet struggles to fit in it, and it also lacks any form of illumination.
Competition check: The under-seat storage compartment is smaller than TVS Jupiter and Hero Pleasure+, despite it having a visually larger stance and bodywork.
Also Read: Honda SP 125 VS TVS Raider 125: Which Is The Best Commuter Bike?
Verdict
This might not be the most feature-rich and freshest scooter. However, the targeted audience loves its minimalism and functional approach, preferring its reliability, ease of maintenance, and fuel efficiency.
