Honda CLIQ Review
Bike Tested: Honda CLIQ; Road Test No. 865
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 43,990/- (Standard), Rs. 44,485/- (with graphics)
The Honda CLIQ is among the most affordable scooters in the Indian market
Without a doubt, Honda is a household name when it comes to scooters in our market. And rightly so, because the Japanese giant has the entire segment covered – right from the Activa-i to the range topping Activa 125. Of course, I skipped the Navi because even Honda lists it separately from other proper scooters. Initial hype surrounding the Navi took no longer than an year to disappear and the manufacturer realised that it needed a scooter that looked like, well, a scooter! Presenting the Honda CLIQ – Honda’s second attempt to undercut entry-level scooters and eat into their market share. But make no mistake, priced at a premium of Rs. 872/- only, this one is a Navi derivative sporting a sober attire. We test it to the core to assess whether the CLIQ will click with the audience or not.
The CLIQ’s design looks like a fusion of Dio and Navi
Styling – In terms of design, the CLIQ looks more like an evolved Navi but takes design cues from the Dio to offer a neutral silhoutte. The apron-mounted headlamp, surrounded by flush-fit indicators on either side, is crowned by a small visor which is nothing but a makeshift way to get rid of the top cowl in the name of cost savings. Coupled with a sizeable seat borrowed from the Dio, the side panels add more bulk to the latter half of the scooter. While the side panels wear a design element which looks totally out of sync, it does succeed in adding some zest to the otherwise bland profile. Uncommon positioning of the rear indicators, exposed handlebar and the presence of a tyre hugger are some characteristics which stick out like a sore thumb on an otherwise clean design. Still, the Honda CLIQ is no attention-grabber and will pass unnoticed through the throng of scooters on the road. This is the reason why, unlike the Navi, it will appeal to the masses.
Layout of the instrument cluster is simple and the data is easy to read
Instrument Cluster and Switchgear – Calling the Honda CLIQ’s all-analogue setup a console would be an insult to the word itself. It comprises of a speedometer, odometer and a fuel gauge, with some cheesy carbon fibre finish poured in and around. While the cluster is better equipped than that of the Honda Navi which makes do without a fuel gauge, it’s the positioning which seems awkward at first glance. Due to this very fact, the CLIQ looks like a headless chicken from behind! The basic switchgear is shared with other Honda motorcycles and its quality is nothing to write home about. Also, the lack of a cowl around the handlebar results in exposed wires which are a complete turnoff. Though the dearth of information on the cluster is understood due to its intended audience, overall fit and finish is something which Honda should definitely look into.
Low seat height makes it suitable for short riders and ladies as well
Ergonomics – Like other Honda scooters, the Honda CLIQ offers an upright riding position. While the handlebar naturally falls in place while riding, real estate around the foot area is limited which worsens up further with the addition of the optional storage box. The cushioned seat is wide and long enough for two well-built adults and there is a basic grab rail for the pillion. To haul away additional cargo, one can opt for the optional carrier which is nothing but an elongated version that comes with mounts for securing luggage. The CLIQ is a fairly compact scooter and tall riders will find it cramped to a certain extent. One thing we found contradictory to Honda’s “Bade Kaam Ki CLIQ” punch line is the storage space on offer. In its stock form, the CLIQ offers abysmal storage options. The 14-litre underseat storage is good enough for some odd grocery but won’t accommodate your full-size lid. Similarly, the footboard is too narrow for carrying load and an optional storage box comes mounted on the floor which takes away the load-carrying ability.
The engine is compliant to BS4 norms and gets Honda Eco Technology
Performance – Thumb the starter, twiddle the throttle and inherent smoothness of the motor is felt from the word go. No prizes for guessing that the engine powering the CLIQ is shared with the Activa, Dio, Aviator and what not! With power and torque figures peaking at 8 BHP and 8.94 Nm respectively, this 4-stroke 109.19cc motor is definitely not supposed to burn the tarmac. But what helps its case is the kerb weight of just 102 kgs achieved through the plentiful use of fibre body panels that gives it a sprightly low-end. In fact, thanks to the seamless V-Matic transmission, tackling city traffic in the CLIQ is a breeze. Performance is peppy in the 0-60 km/hr territory and the sudden surge of acceleration ensures that you stay ahead of the pack without much effort in city commutes.
The scooter is a peppy performer but lacks grunt on the highway
The initial pickup is excellent due to its low kerb weight but lacks top-end punch
As speeds go north of 60 km/hr, the responsive nature of the engine starts to fade and it takes forever to reach its rated top speed of around 80 km/hr. Since Honda is aiming the CLIQ at rural areas where average speeds are on the lower side, it is pointless to explore the fag end of its performance. Progress is dead slow as the speedometer nears its red zone and it’s safe to stay under 60 km/hr to get the best of both – performance and fuel efficiency. Speaking of efficiency, this scooter is pretty frugal and returns around 45 km/l under mixed riding conditions. However, fuel tank capacity of a mere 3.5 litres gives it a limited tank range of around 150 kms. Frequent stops for refuelling, especially on a scooter which is supposed to be loaded with farm equipment, grocery, etc., is a huge source of inconvenience. On the brighter side though, things are hunky-dory on the move because of the superb refinement levels, well-contained engine noise and the non-existent harshness. On this side of 60 km/hr, that is!
The pillion footpegs look ultra-cheap but their positioning is spot-on
Riding Dynamics – Utilising a conventional trailing arm suspension at the front and spring-loaded hydraulic setup at the rear, the Honda CLIQ sits atop an Under Bone chassis which, going by scooter-standards, provides it confident handling. Even with the block pattern tyres which offer flawless off-road grip, ride quality isn’t comfortable due to the dated suspension setup. The Navi’s sure-footed handling and poise, lent by its telescopic front forks, is missing on the CLIQ. The scooter bounces around on less-than-perfect roads and its stiffly-sprung rear end ensures that road undulations say hello to every single bone in your lower back! Even though carving corners is not a scooter’s forte, the CLIQ feels nimble and is easy to flick into different directions without losing composure, thanks to the motorcycle-inspired handlebar. But the insubstantial build results in instability at high speeds. Braking is performed by 130 mm drum brakes at either end, aided by Honda’s Combi Brake tech, which gets the job done. However, the braking hardware is no match for scooters equipped with a front disc.
Even though an entry-level scooter, the CLIQ is suited to rural lifestyle
Verdict – The Honda CLIQ is an interesting proposition which offers great value for your money. While Honda is eyeing on the rural population squarely, we see no reason for the CLIQ to not fit the urban scenario equally well. Optional extras like 12V charging socket, floor box and front screen take its practicality and appeal to the next level. A normal cluster positioned ahead of the handlebar, wrapped by a sleek cowl, would have made this scooter a looker. As a matter of fact, the rural audience is easily convinced to go for a subtle no-frills product. But the ground reality is that even though it comes from the Activa-maker, it isn’t an Activa! Priced Rs. 8953/- lower than the segment queen, the CLIQ does come across as a sensible choice because it carries the same proven underpinnings of the latter. However, Honda has shot itself in the foot by positioning it as a rural scooter, thereby limiting its true potential.
Electric start and tubeless tyres are great additions to the package
What’s Cool
* Peppy city performance from the reliable engine
* Grip from the dual-purpose tyres is amazing on bad terrains
* Mature design will find greater acceptability
* Comfortable ergonomics and upright seating position
* Decent handling and braking by scooter standards
* Attractive price point
What’s Not So Cool
* Lack of telescopic front forks which the cheaper Navi gets
* Small fuel tank requires more frequent refuelling
* Unsettled ride quality and poor high-speed stability
* Weird placement of the instrument cluster
* Limited storage space
* Mediocre mid-range and poor top-end performance
Alternatives: TVS Scooty Zest 110, TVS Scooty Pep Plus
With time, the styling of the CLIQ grows on you!
Honda CLIQ Specifications
* Engine: 109.19cc, Fan-Cooled, 4-Stroke, Single-Cylinder
* Power: 8 BHP @ 7000 RPM
* Torque: 8.94 Nm @ 5500 RPM
* Transmission: V-Matic
* 0-100 km/hr: Never
* Top Speed: 81 km/hr
* Fuel Consumption: 40-45 km/l
* Fuel Type: Petrol
* Frame: Under Bone
* Suspension: Spring Loaded Hydraulic (Front & Rear)
* Tyres: 90/100/10
* Brakes: 130 mm Drum (Front & Rear), CBS
Honda CLIQ Dimensions
* Length x Width x Height: 1745 mm x 695 mm x 1039 mm
* Wheelbase: 1241 mm
* Ground Clearance: 154 mm
* Seat Height: 743 mm
* Fuel Tank Capacity: 3.5-litres
* Kerb Weight: 102 kgs
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