Honda Activa 125 BS6 Review
Bike Tested: Honda Activa 125 BS6; Road Test No. 1166; Test Location: Mumbai
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 93,000/-
Honda has laid down yet another benchmark in terms of engine refinement
The word ‘Activa’ is synonymous with scooters in India. The original Activa was one of the pioneers in the gearless scooter segment. Activa’s huge success compelled Honda to launch the 125cc iteration in 2014. Since its launch, it got some cosmetic as well as a few mechanical updates. Now since the BS6 norms are kicking in, the Activa 125 is again geared up to take on the battle.
Motor Quest: The Honda Activa has such a huge market share in India that its name is now synonymous with the word ‘scooter’. Honda launched the Activa 125 to capture the 125cc scooters segment just like its younger sibling, which is ruling the 110cc segment
It gets renewed LED DRLS and a minor styling update upfront
Styling – Overall design of the scooter is similar to the previous model. It now gets all-LED headlamp and DRLs. The indicators are mounted below the handlebar onto the front body panel which surrounds the signature Activa 125 chrome chest. Alloy wheels on the scooter are now all black, which gives the scooter a sporty appeal. The scooter is now equipped with a glove box and also for the first time, an externally mounted fuel filler. The tail lamp remains the same, however, it now gets a chrome Activa 125 badging on it. The overall dimensions are similar but the rear is now bulky and the scooter looks longer than before.
The console is updated and looks a lot fresh!
Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – The analogue-digital cluster is now updated on the BS6 Activa 125. The speedometer is analogue and all the other information is displayed through its digital cluster. The digital cluster on the DLX variant also includes distance to empty and mileage figures which are a new addition. Switchgear quality on the scooter is quite impressive and feels good to use. The new automatic start-stop feature automatically kills the engine when the scooter remains stationary for more than 3 seconds and with just a twist of the throttle starts the engine once again. There is a dedicated switch to control the auto start-stop feature.
The seat on the Activa 125 is spacious and comfortable
Ergonomics – The seating on the Activa 125 is very upright and comfortable. The rider sits in a very rested manner. Footboard on the scooter is spacious enough to accommodate tall riders too. Also, the seat is quite spacious and can comfortably accommodate two adults. The length of the seat is reduced slightly because of the external fuel filler cap. It now gets sturdy aluminium footpegs for the rear passenger. LED headlamps offer good visibility at night. While the side-stand has an additional safety feature, it works as an engine kill switch when engaged.
The performance of the scooter is linear and not too aggressive
Performance – The Activa 125 BS6 is powered by a 125cc HET BS6 PGM-FI engine, which produces 8.29 PS of power and a peak torque of 10.3 Nm. The scooter is equipped with an ACG starter which aids in silent starts. The engine start is so refined that you can barely hear any engine start sound. The refinement level on the scooter is something which is never seen before. Power delivery is quite linear, and the throttle response is meek. Engine performance is lively till about 60 km/hr after which the scooter finds it difficult to climb up the speeds. It returns a mileage of about 40-45 km/l under city riding conditions. Overall the performance of the scooter has declined compared to the previous generation due to the BS6 norms but it is traded with excellent engine refinement.
Soft suspension setup on the scooter offers a comfortable ride
Riding Dynamics – The Honda Activa 125 gets a telescopic front suspension and a 3-step adjustable spring loaded hydraulic suspension at the rear. The suspension setup is soft and it offers excellent ride quality even on the worst of roads. However, the scooter gets bouncy when riding with a pillion. The scooter gets a front disk brake along with CBS offering sharp braking performance. Straightline stability is good but the narrow tyres on the scooter lack grip while tipping into corners. The handle-bar is light and flickable it helps in easy manoeuvrability in heavy traffic. This scooter excels in short comfortable city rides while making it up on occasional highway commutes.
The Activa 125 is a perfect family scooter
Verdict – There are a lot of scooters in the 125cc scooter segment. Many other manufacturers offer scooters which have more features than the Activa 125 at a much lower cost. BS6 norms have pushed the price of the scooter even higher. However, the resale values and long term reliability that an Activa possesses is unmatchable. Also, the type of engine refinement that honda has offered in the new Activa 125 is extraordinary. If you are someone who is looking for a family scooter which is refined, spacious, comfortable, has decent ride quality and a good fuel economy then this, Honda Activa 125, the first BS6 scooter might interest you.
It now gets a storage space mounted on the front panel
What’s Cool
* Comfortable ride quality
* Engine refinement is excellent
* High resale value and reliability
What’s Not So Cool
* The engine lacks punch at high speed
* The pricing of the scooter is very high
* Narrow tyres rob away cornering agility
The Activa 125 comes with an external fuel filler
Honda Activa 125 BS6 Specifications
* Engine: 125cc, Air-Cooled, Single-Cylinder
* Power: 8.29 PS @ 6500 RPM
* Torque: 10.3 Nm @ 5000 RPM
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Fuel Consumption: 50 km/l
* Frame: Under Bone Chassis
* Tyres: 90/90/12 (Front), 90/100/10 (Rear)
* Suspension: Telescopic Forks (Front), 3-Step Adjustable Spring Loaded Hydraulic (Rear)
* Brakes: 190 mm Disc (Front), 130 mm Drum (Rear)
Honda Activa 125 BS6 Dimensions
* Length x Width x Height: 1850 mm x 707 mm x 1170 mm
* Wheelbase: 1260 mm
* Seat Height: 712 mm
* Ground Clearance: 169 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 5.3-litres
* Kerb weight: 111 Kgs (dry)
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