Oct 11, 2013 06:44 PM
86496 Views
(Updated Oct 11, 2013 06:50 PM)
Having owned the Honda Activa for nearly 2 months, I think it is the best time to write a review.
I started looking for a two wheeler for my wife after her 11 year old Kinetic Nova scooter started having problems while starting or sometimes while riding. I browsed through all the scooters/scooterettes available in the market and shortlisted on Honda Activa, Suzuki Access 125, Hero Maestro.
The test ride gave similar results on Activa and Maestro, though the Maestro scored over Activa on a digital display, service alarm etc. The Suzuki dealer being far away from my house, I did not venture out to do a test ride with Access 125. Suzuki sales team take note :)
Pros:
Best brand in the segment.
Good resale value (this was a primary reason why I preferred Activa over Maestro).
Smooth ride and silent engine (compared to previous versions).
Improved mileage with the new HET Engine. We got 50+ kmpl around the 1st service.
Metal body on the sides which is covered in insurance, in the event of accident/damage (all other vehicles in this segment have fiber body with no insurance cover).
Cons
With a pillion rider, the mileage drastically drops. This is visible on the fuel meter after two people go on a ride in the Activa.
After a month, I hear squeaky sound from the shock absorber, while going over humps (even if ridden slow).
Some accessories like side stand, ladies step should come as part of the vehicle.
Expensive parts. First free service charged me Rs. 715, which includes an accessory item. (Front mud guard).
The extended warranty offered at Rs. 299 additional payment comes with some riders. If you miss at least one service at Honda, you would miss the warranty benefit.
Very long waiting period. We got our Activa on the 54th day of booking (Rs. 1000 token advance required to book in Bangalore showrooms). I feel the Honda people are deliberately creating this scarcity to show that their brand is of greater value than the other scooter companies. (Aviator & Dio too had similar waiting periods).
Non-prompt sales people and lack of coordination between staffs at City Honda, Banaswadi, which resulted in me going four times to the shop for taking delivery. Communication to customer needs great improvement. Finally escalation to sales manager resulted in speedy delivery during my fourth visit.
