Nov 19, 2004 05:13 PM
6693 Views
(Updated Nov 19, 2004 05:13 PM)
Hi everyone at mouthshut!
Since a two wheeler purchase is fraught with so much confusion, owing to so many choices in the market, I thought people may benefit from my experience in the GEARLESS SCOOTERS segment. Basically, I am focussing on the two leading choices -Kinetic Nova 135 versus Honda Activa. I have owned both so this comes from direct ownership experience:
OVERALL - the Activa was quite a disaster for me, from day one. I exchanged it for a Nova 135 and am so much happier and peaceful.
ON SPECIFIC IMPORTANT PARAMETERS -
Mileage - the Activa starts out with about 40 kmpl, but over time (a year or so), it deteriorates to 30-35, which is poor. Nova 135, for the past few months that ive had it has been giving me close to 50 kmpl which is satisfactory to me. Time will tell about future.
Maintenance - this was my HUGE problem with the Activa. I had so many problems with this scooter that it would take up the whole review if I have to list them all. Some of them are never-ending starting trouble, stopping while riding (how dangerous!), noise, jerking, low mileage etc. I had to replace clutch liner, brake shoe, bore piston within a year of owernship. The CDI failed regularly. I spent 6000 rs to get this scooter repaired and dont even ask about the hassle of visiting the service center so many times!!! The Nova 135 has been much more reliable and trouble free.
Dealership attitude - dealers attitude towards service is so horrible, that you feel like really throwing something at them. By their complacency, they only added to my harassment. Kinetic dealer is much more responsive. the honda dealer only sends me high bills without fixing anything!
Power - no contest here. nova 135 is so much more powerful. see my review.
style - subjective but I think anyone can tell that the nova 135 is much more stylish than activa.
features - nova 135 has many useful features like huge storage, mobile chargepoint, underseat light, puncture resistant tyres etc.
Price - both being priced equal, nova steals the show here also as accessories are included in price. overall, nova 135 is much better value for money.
SO I THINK ITS CLEAR NOW WHAT EXPERIENCE I HAVE HAD WITH THE DISASTROUS ACTIVA. HONDA, SUCH A RESPECTED BRAND NAME, HAS SOLD ME THIS POOR QUALITY VEHICLE AND DISPLAYED A PATHETIC ATTITUDE TOWARDS MY TROUBLES. I WRITE TO THEM SO MANY TIMES AND THEY DID NOT RESPOND EVEN ONCE.
SO TO AVOID SIMILAR HARDSHIPS, I RECOMMEND EVEYRONE TO GO FOR NOVA 135 RATHER THAN ACTIVA.
