A man's perfect scooter ever :). Review on Honda Aviator

I recently bought the new aviator DLX model from Dream Honda, Whitefield. I have heard and experienced lots of complaints about Honda dealers/service centers in Bangalore but this one(Dream Honda) which is new, was very professional. The vehicle was delivered 2nd day as promised without any hassle.

I had previously used Activa and the difference was evident the moment I drove out of the showroom. The vehicle is steady as a bike. No vibration at 60+ km which was incredible.The vehicle quickly crosses 60-80 Kms in seconds which is too good. Initially the key was a bit difficult to insert unlike my activa but now its pretty smooth(service centers use a spray for this and after frequent usage it becomes really smooth). Because of the combi brakes in the new model rear brake has to be fully pressed to start unlike activa where mere touching  is enough but in the long run this gets used to.   I stay in Hosur Road so I have completed around 500Kms till now and driving is very smooth. The telescopic suspension really does the trick and makes it a pleasure driving even on really bad roads. The handle is sturdy and I felt its more heavier than activa but provides excellent control both in city as well as highways even at 80 Km unlike Activa. The DLX version ships the disc break for front wheels which brings proper control even under rainy conditions. The tyres have also changed. The sizes are different for front and back tyres but the tuffup tube(only for back wheel) follows to provide puncture protection to a good extent. There is no provision for steppany tyres unlike earlier activa models but I think its manageable with the puncture resistant tube to an extent.

Luggage capacity has increased from 18 to 20 litres and is quite useful, though I felt a slight discomfort in the closing mechanism of the luggage cabin/seat since it takes a while to get used to and squeezin things in like my old activa does not work with AViator, you have to respect the capacity. Petrol tank is also 6 litres which is good. I noticed an increase in pull and pickup thanks to the 8bhp engine  which is extremely advantageous in traffic signals.

In the initial days of driving I tried to check the mileage of the vehicle. I filled the petrol full tank(6L) and it was  clocked from 5 kms when it was released from showroom. When the tank was 1/2(ie; 3 litres) the kms covered was 180 Km. The vehicle was driven around speeds of 40-60 Kms in city and Hosur Road since I just bought it which implies it gives a mileage of 175  /  3= 58 Km which is really good.

It is expensive considering the fact that I had spent around 56 K for all the accessories and other stuff even though its a scooter but I think for Honda fans its worth a buy.

The only issue is the height of the vehicle so if you have shorter members of the fairer sex with whom you would like to share the vehicle you could end up in trouble. I tried 2 of my friends and one of them who had activa was able to drive but was'nt very comfortable with the height. The other one did'nt even try:) because she was scared by the heavy looks.

Talking about the looks the vehicle is quite stylish with chrome plate in the front and the new curves and shapes can match it with an average 150 cc bike.

The service from Dream Honda is better compared to the one's from Haiku. 1st service cost me 220/- which is quite good and I insisted to change the oils in front of me which they happily accepted inspite of the tight schedule. The vehicle was delivered in the evening and was delivered in good condition with no careless scratches or any visible defects.

As far as the accessories are concerned most of the accessories available for Activa are available for Aviator. The center stand has improved and is quite smooth. The only issue is that if you are looking for metal coloured guards for Aviator its a chrome plated one NOT the stainless steel in activa  which is a drawback of Aviator accessories as its less durable and becomes ugly when the plating wears off. You must go with the black frame metal guards if you are looking for durability. And we could not find the metal guards for the front side frame( where front number plate is fixed) which is useful to avoid scratches on the sides of the front scooter frame below the handle in case the vehicle skids and falls. This is still available with Activa but is not available for aviator which would've been a bonus.

So overall the new aviator scores good in all except usability for short people due to which I've taken 1 pt. from Handling scores. Its a recommended buy for boys who are looking for a compromise between the flexibility of a bike and the convenience of a scooter. All the best for your purchase if you are planning one!