Highlights
The Navi is the boldest creation ever to come from Honda 2Wheelers India
Based on the Activa, the Honda Navi is lighter and is quick off the line
The Navi is easily one the most fun two-wheelers sold by Honda India
Our first ride review of the Honda Navi today will not include words - Large, handsome and masculine. Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India's self-developed and by far its boldest ever creation, the Navi turned out to be the big surprise at the 2016 Auto Expo and after waiting patiently, we were finally asked to ride HMSI's little moto-scooter at an amusement park, quite refreshing from the usual test locations. Petite in looks and easily the opposite of every conventional on sale in the country, I was given the task to sample this wonder and having spent a day with this 'funtastic' ( as the folks at Honda choose to call it) two-wheeler, here are our first impressions of the Navi.
Watch Honda NAVI First Look:
Design
A shrunken motorcycle was the general consensus when the Honda Navi was first unveiled at the expo. Looking closer today, the design has substance and gets a lot of young elements that we have grown to like. That said, the Navi is built to a cost and that does feel apparent when you see certain bits. The bike is based on the Activa and has similar dimensions as the popular scooter. The handlebar though sits taller and is the only chrome and sour looking bit on the otherwise youth centric offering. There are also a host of components that feel a bit too gimmicky like the fuel tank cover, but does the job of adding a sporty element to the styling.
Honda Navi Side
What also works for us is the bold headlight that stands out with the silver finished plastic cladding. It really brings out the motorcycle element on the moto-scooter, without going overboard. Given the novelty the headlight brings in alone, you tend to forgive that Honda has gone to its existing parts bin for several components with the tail light coming from the CBF Stunner.
Honda Navi Rear
The Honda Navi has a slender profile, which means it will accommodate anyone and everyone. Its diminutive size also means, vertically challenged folks will find the bike immediately at home. What also works are the vibrant colours on the Navi with six options on offer. While Honda did show some wacky customization options at the expo, the ones currently on offer are quite subtle and come with interesting decals, interchangeable panels, crash quards, visor and an under body guard, all of which costs an extra Rs. 6000 over the asking price of the bike.
The Honda Navi offers a better power-to-weight ratio than the Activa
Engine, Gearbox and Performance
The Honda Navi uses the same 110cc single-cylinder, air-cooled motor that is paired to the same V-Matic automatic transmission from the Activa, but overall the engine's character gets a subtle transformation on the Navi. The moto-scooter is a good 7 kg lighter than the Activa, which allows a much improved power-to-weight ratio. As a result, what you get is a more responsive mill that is quicker off the line, while continuing to be at its nimble best.
Honda Navi riding shot
Honda Navi Ergonomics
While we haven't been able to hit the top whack on this motor, given the restricted lanes of the amusement park we were riding in, expect the 60kmph mark coming up faster on the Navi compared to other scooters. That said, high speed stability does remain a matter of concern.
Honda Navi Riding Dynamics
Ride, Handling and Braking
I have to admit, it was a pleasant surprise to see the Honda Navi accommodate me so well ( I'm 6.2-feet) . Given its puny proportions, I was uncertain if the bike will be able to do so, but that's the fun part, looks can be deceptive and the Navi stands testimony to it. One sits upright and the raised handlebar fits right into your hands along with the centre set foot pegs, which are not retractable. Interestingly, tall riders will find the rear foot pegs accessible too, conve
