Honda

Activa 125 FI

Introduction

Anything flaunting the Activa badge and carrying its characteristics is a serious consideration for Honda. Several months ago, Honda made an announcement that the entire Activa series would move to BS6 compliance and fuel injection. This justifies the price hike but should it be this big, that is the question. But a small capacity model moving to BS6 is ought to become expensive and Honda took the very first step to launch the first BS6 compliant scooter in India. A few specifications are revamped in Honda Activa 125, but whether they help this scooter achieve greater power and capacity, is something that will be discussed going ahead. 

How is the design? 

The appearance of the new Honda Activa 125 FI resembles pretty much its predecessors, with some minor tweaks here and there. The front apron and the side panels get a chrome embellishment for making the scooter look professional, with a touch of quirkiness. You will also find a position lamp and new LED headlamps that were missing in the older version. This time around, the new Honda Activa 125 FI also features an all-metal body, thereby improving its overall built quality and sturdiness. One thing to love about this scooter is that the bodywork is not overdone and the solid single colour appears neat on the body. The instrument console facing the rider is a combination of analogue and digital functionality. The Honda Activa 125 FI flaunts a honing appearance which makes it classier than the mundane-looking competitors in the small-capacity segment. 

How is the performance?

Honda has put a lot of effort into the remodelling of the Honda Activa 125 and the boreX strokes of the engine has been changed to 50 x 63.1 mm from 52.4 x 57.9 mm. Its overall capacity, however, remains the very same at 124 cc, but the unit is now fuel-injected and has a longer stroke. The friction losses have been reduced and some parts within the engine lose weight. The power figure has been reduced to 8.29 hp from 8.63 hp. The peak torque has gone down to 10.3 Nm from the initial 10.54 Nm. It is now heavier and remains the slower 125 cc scooter but has gone through some perceptible modification in engine refinement, in regard to the feel and sound. The previous conventional motor has been replaced by a silent-start mechanism. 

How does the Honda Activa 125 FI ride? 

The riding experience is more or less similar to that of the previous models, with the chassis remaining pretty much the same. With considerably leaner tyres at both its ends, Activa 125 feels skittish and very agile when ridden through corners or along a straight line. The braking performance and ride quality are decent if not incredibly outstanding for the matter. The top model has been given a start-stop mechanism that seamlessly works. If the scooter comes to a halt for a few seconds, the engine automatically stops and by simply twisting the throttle, it illuminates straight away, ready to set-off. The perfectly-designed seat and the well-positioned handlebar makes the scooter easy to rear. The price hike was expected, given the added features that enhance the tide quality of the scooter. The modifications led to smoother manoeuvring through city traffic and around corners. 

How comfortable is the Honda Activa 125 FI? 

This time, the seats are wider and softer for providing long-term comfortability to the rider. Even on long hauls, this scooter feels comfortable and cosy. The riding posture of the scooter has been improved to ensure that on longer rides, the rider does not get a shoulder ache or back problems. Besides, the twin-fork suspension and the wider wheelbase of this new scooter absorbs the impact of any potholes or bumps that the scooter comes across. This makes the Honda Activa 125 FI easy for city rides and even for longer trips. Overall, the Activa 125 is a good scooter for everyday use. 

How's the tech? 

Coming to the technical specifications, the Activa 125 has raised the performance standard for its rivals. The new console gets a host of additional features that were not known to other scooters belonging to the same genre. For starters, the multifunctional ignition key added to this scooter is totally revamped in the BS6 model. It will further incorporate significant features such as seat-hatch opener and fuel-lid operation. The fuel lid is placed unconventionally on the exterior making it easier to operate and more accessible. The console is totally revamped and the console is totally revamped and gets a part-analogue and semi-digital panel. 

How's the mileage of the Honda Activa 125 FI? 

The Honda Activa 125 FI gets a relatively powerful engine for its type and has a capacity of 5.3 litres. This can help the scooter achieve an average mileage of 48 kmpl. This mileage is not only impressive but also higher than some of the most competent rivals in this category. 

Is the Honda Activa 125 FI good value for money? 

The price of the Honda Activa 125 FI is between Rs 72,637 and Rs 82,280 and at this price it is not only a very good city commuter but also has incredible fuel capacity. It comes with cutting-edge technologies and additional features that are not seen in conventional scooters. 

How is the after sales service? 

Honda is known for its outstanding after sale services and affordable service charges. Honda offers the first three services for free. The first service is provided after 1 month or 1000 km, the second after 4 months for 4000 km, and the third one after 8 months or 8000 km. 

Which scooters compete in this segment? 

Some of the prominent rival scooters that compete in the same segment as Honda Activa 125 FI are Yamaha Fascino, Honda Dio, Hero Destini, Piaggo Vespa, TVS Scooty Zest, TVS Scooty Pep Plus and TVS Jupiter. 

Verdict (Value for money)

In terms of performance and comfortability, this scooter is a good value for money. It is packed with unconventional features and a host of added improvements.