Jan 01, 2005 06:21 PM
3311 Views
(Updated Jan 01, 2005 06:21 PM)
I was confused between Activa and Nova135. After analyzing specs and going through lot of reviews on both, I could conclude, ''Both the machines have some advantages and it is not possible to select any one without any compromise''. See following points-
# Brand image : A plus for Honda for all products.
# Performance history of company : Advantage to Honda with average product
success rate { (Successful models/Total models)X100} 78% in last 5 years
(Globally in 2-wheelers). For Kinetic it is less then 45%
# Engine power : Advantage to Nova with 135cc against Activa 102cc.
# Engine noise/vibration : Advantage to Activa.
# Pick-up : Advantage to Nova due to powerful engine and Torque/RPM ratio.
# Looks : Both have plus points and it depends on personal choice.
# Riding : Better in Activa due to lower seat with higher ground clearance.
# Space : Plus for Nova.
# CLIP : Better in Nova (it is lighter)
# Lights : Better in Activa. Kinetic must improve on this.
# Tyres : Plus for Activa.
# Mileage : Plus for Nova with 45-52/lit against Activa 35-42/lit.
# Price : Plus for Nova as accessories are included with more powerful machine.
# Maintenance and repair cost : A plus for Nova with average 50% cheaper
prices for spares and accessories. Honda should focus on this.
# Customer satisfaction : A plus for Nova due to better customer handling by
dealers. Honda must do something for this.
# Investment security feeling : More with Activa due to high product success rate
of Honda and more no of machines on road (as on date).
Above points are sufficient to confuse any one who is interested in buying a gearless scooter. However, I started looking both the scooters closely on roads and in showrooms. I also took some test rides for both and finally ? I purchased Nova 135 on 1st of Dec-04. ?It doesn?t mean Activa is inferior ?. Then???
?Every selection is based on application and capacity to compromise.?
Both the machines are for different type of users and if you are with right scooter you will appreciate it otherwise you will intentionally search for negative points. In my opinion following should be the criteria-
WHO SHOULD GO FOR NOVA :
# Who can take little risk on investment. At this time Nova135 is not a proven machine. It may get success like KH or it may become zoom also.
# Who are looking for properly powered machine for Khatee-peetee family (fatty once).
# Persons who carry heavy bags to their office.(Laptop, file bag, lunch box etc)
# Persons who generally commute with pillion.
# Who generally travel on climbs/slops but on good roads.(bump less)
# Couples who are expecting addition of new member in family.
# Bachelors who love faster pickup but who leave home for full day with full day kit (like additional jacket for evening, lunch, college/office bag, makeup kit etc and who occasionally help family/others in shopping, in carrying LPG cylinder like bulky things etc.
# Persons who are sensitive about maintenance cost and running cost.
WHO SHOULD GO FOR ACTIVA : Gearless scooter lovers, who do not fall in above criteria.
I am satisfied with my decision and with my Nova as I am a married, middle class office going person based in Delhi and Nova is fulfilling all the expectations of a family in the city like Delhi where distances are large, whether is terrific and people leave home for full day with big size kits. I am enjoying 48-50 Km/lit of mileage and till date didn?t face any problem. As new user of Nova I can tell following plus and minus points-
PLUS points ? Space, Power, Looks and good after sales support.
NEGATIVE points ? Noise, Headlight.
Excellent behavior and response from dealer is a remarkable thing which creates an emotional bond between me and my Nova.
I will request to all the friends who are planning to go for gearless scooter to analyze the need properly and then decide because your requirement and expectation will be the base for performance evaluation and satisfaction.
Thanks for giving your valuable time to my first review.
Micky
