Pleasant surprise. Review on Honda Eterno

Review : I did a rather longish research for my two-wheeler. Reason! I couldn't make up my mind between the spaciousness of a scooter and stability of a bike. I admired a Bajaj Eliminator and even considered a Hero Honda Street. And finally bought a Honda Eterno.

Three months after use, Eterno vindicated my trust in the decision. The list in favour is quite exhaustive. Foremost, based on my criteria, is best deal in the money you spend. It is 150 cc, 4-stroke, 4-geared engine (electric start would have made it more acceptable even to women, considering the kerb weight). And a great mileage. Let me be frank, Honda's other offer Activa created quite a ripple but fell short of my expectations. First there were no confirmed reports of its mileage. Second, there were a few ambiguous opinions on the appropriateness of the tuff up tyres.(it will delay the detection of puncture, at best) And third its load capacity; With a pillion rider, that is. Though in the city its OK.

Anyway coming back to Eterno, its looks were quite unlike any other regular scooter. More modern and aerodynamic styling immediately caught my fancy. The other good looking 4-stroke scooter was bajaj Legend (now chetak too), was more expensive to start with. And was not well received in the market. Honda on the other hand was already well accepted and is known for its technological superiority. As I fell for the looks, I was invited for the test drive. Smooth kick start and a nudge to first gear, I was smoothly rolling on the road. And in the final 4rth gear I was gliding. Though a few bikers on the road flew past me, I concentrated on Eterno- the scooter. And I did catch up within a few seconds with the bikers. Then I braked. It came to a stand still, without jerks or tail spins in a matter of a few feet. I had made up my mind.

Few more add-ons, like the space under the seat (not ok for a full size helmet), pillion foot rest, extra large driver footboard and such, finally wound up the deal in its favour, convincingly. Since then, Eterno has not let me down, even with my pillion rider, my wife. Great stability, comfort of shifting gears in single direction made my journeys less stressful. Though the broadness of the engine and thus the body will require your attention while parking and also while driving in heavy traffic conditions. Horn, as mentioned by many, is weak. But one can't complain in a non-battery two-wheeler. (Honda saves the cost here) The side indicators does not have beeping sound, which might come handy while concentrating on traffic.Though not a big issue. Since, the speedo panel does indicate its usage. The seat is large and comfortable. One thing that does come in the way of its good looks is the front number-plate, which is placed higher than the Activa. It spoils the frontal appearance.

Otherwise, my verdict- Absolute Value for Money and a few add-ons more.... Pros : Looks, Mileage, Comfort Cons: Weak Horn, large at the base. heavy for women.