Oct 27, 2016 02:33 PM
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Honda Activa 3G represents the pinnacle of the international automobile manufacturer’s attempts to capture the two-wheeler market, and the market has taken to it with enthusiasm. But how does it match up to its many rivals? Honda has clearly spent considerable time and energy perfecting the design of this gearless scooter to make it appeal to the metropolitan driver, and the new 2015 Honda Activa 3G 110 shows some significant and welcome changes, with a fully revamped tubular underbone chassis.
While not the most adventurous design you’ll see, it’s a bold effort with many positive features. The mudguard, new side panels, 3D Activa badges and front fairing are sleek and well designed, and all display the main body color. The mask of the bike features large headlamps and oblong turn indicators; and the rear-view mirror, which is black on all models, is also attached to the mask. The scooter’s body is solid and sturdy, and weighs approximately 108kg, making it heavier than its rivals in the same class.
Mileage
Honda promotes the Activa 3G as offering a mileage increase of 15%. However, when put to the test the bike’s performance places it as merely average in its class: you can expect to get roughly 40 kmpl in inner city areas, and 50 kmpl on highways with the new Dream Mileage engine. The fuel tank stores 5.3 litres of fuel, giving about 240 kilometres before you’ll need to refuel again.
Suspension and Brakes
The scooter’s suspension is, on the whole, well designed and performs to a high standard on ordinary road surfaces. It includes competent shock absorbers on the front and back tyres. The front tyres have bottom link suspension with spring-loaded hydraulic dampers; the back tyres feature a unit link with spring-loaded hydraulic dampers. However, the bike is very clearly a city bike, and the suspension is not equal to less accommodating surfaces such as dirt tracks or uneven tarmac, and fails to cushion the driver from shocks.
The brakes system of the Honda Activa 3G is another strong feature. The brakes feel solid and are responsive to the squeeze of your hand, showing significant improvement on the previous generation of Hondas thanks to the inclusion of a new Combi Brake System(CBS), which applies the front brake at the same time as the back brakes, resulting in greater balance and a shorter stopping distance.
Ride and Handling
Overall, Honda Activa 3G feels capable and powerful, and is energetic from the moment you start it up. It’s certainly one of the best-performing bikes of this type, particularly when weaving in and out of dense city traffic. The bike’s weight, while inconvenient when storing or raising it, is actually an advantage for its handling: it is less affected by cross winds that can make riding bikes of this kind quite challenging. The bike feels very steady and stable on all sorts of terrain.
