Nov 26, 2003 01:27 PM
141565 Views
(Updated Nov 27, 2003 10:14 AM)
On shifting to Pune from Mumbai, the best way to becoming a true Puneite was by buying a TWO-WHEELER :-) Not only is a two-wheeler a convenience here, given the state of public transport, it is a necessity!
The purchase was a tough decision between the HONDA ACTIVA and the KINETIC NOVA. On one side there was Honda's world class brandname for quality engineering, on the other side was the Nova - sleeker than the Activa, reportedly giving more mileage than Activa, costing less, weighing less, and even having more storage space under the seat!
So what made me buy the Activa? Here are some useful observations from a owner for almost a year...
Lots of Positive Points
The Activa maintains stunning stability at high speeds on the dialy route over the rough windy highway.
It can climb very steep slopes, where the small scooterettes are being dragged up by their owners.
The tyres have not punctured even once even after being driven over construction sites, farmland and, potty roads :-) Honda's claims on their ''Tuff-tread'' self-repairing tyres are justified.
The headlight beams are extremely powerful.
You don't have to fill it up frequently, it has a huge petrol tank of more than 5 litres.
The engine has a soft purr, gives good power, and doesn't sound like a mixer even though it is manhandled roughly.
It is a cold winter here, and my wife has never missed her office bell even once. Starts like an angel.
The space under the seat. though not as much as the Nova, is great for an office-goers kit + full helmet. Other folks lug their helmets around, but mine stays comfortably in the parking lot inside the Activa.
The brakes are fantastic; dead stops don't cause grinding sounds. Real life savers when I was learning riding it :-)
Some Negative Points
It is a heavy bike. Added to that, getting it on the main stand is a trick many never manage due to the dead weight. Usual scenario is an Activa parked on the side-stand leaning :-)
It is a petrol guzzler. Though wonders cannot be expected of a gearless bike, Honda CAN surely improve upon the engine performance when it is giving a mileage of 35 kms, when desi sibling Kinetic manages to pump 50 kms out of the Nova!
The delivery process is very lengthy, and we got the scooter after one month of booking, and the dealer was not very courteous, making it not-exactly-hassle-free.
The foldable foot-pedals for the pillion rider are rather small and dainty, a guy can place his feet properly on them for a comfortable experience.
But given the rock solid stability I am assured that my Activa will never let me down!
A definite family bike, maybe even a college bike (given that a Scooty Pep is Rs.33,000+ and an Activa is Rds.40,000, with the former being 75cc and the later 110cc)
I would definitely recommend the Activa to any practical person with a keen love for engineering marvels.
Some Tips
Always use the choke by pulling it out during startup. It saves the battery. But be sure to push it in before you rush off to make sure it doesn't guzzle up the gas!
Decide on the front storage compartment - whether you want a very small one which you can safely lock up or whether a basket will be great if you want ot bring home the vegetables, shopping bags and even laptops :-). I have chosen the later and am very happy for the saving grace for being able to put in jutting out objects that will never fit in the lockable type!
An Additional Note for Decision Takers - Activa or Dio?
On going to the showroom, a Honda gearless scooter buyer is faced with another dilemma: to buy the Activa or Dio. Read on...
The Dio is lighter than than the Activa since it has a fibre body.
If the body of Activa is damaged you have to get denting done since it is metal, however the entire body of Dio can be replaced at the cost of less than Rs.1000. The replacement can also be done piecewise, which is even cheaper, as you pay only for a single part or two.
It has a lower seat than the Activa, hence it is good for shorter people who find the clearance of Activa too high. (One solution suggested in a bike magazine column for modifying the Activa for short people was changing the tyres to ones with a bit less diameter - this does the trick).
Dio gives better mileage compared to Activa.
However the most dangerous thing about this bike is - hold your breath - the headlights are placed on the scooter body and not on the handle bars! This means that the light beam does not turn to the direction of the curve when you are turning on a dark night! This factor alone made me abandon this otherwise great bike in favour of the Activa.
Another disadvantage is the way the seat slants in the Dio - most uncomfortable for the pillion rider, especially on sudden jerks. The foot pedals are replaced by niches which are more comfortable.
Looks of the Dio are more space-age, but I find the Activa extremely aesthetic and the most pleasant of all bikes to look at.
All said, be sure to rate my review, and do wear your helmets before you start your bike, for it feels good to be alive and mobile at the same time!
