[harsh.m06]

Just received my Honda Activa 125 DLX (Disc Brakes and Alloy Wheels) Sword Silver Metallic a week ago. Initial impressions and personal opinions following up in this post -



Booking Experience :

Smooth and simple. Paid Rs. 10,000 in advance on 1st Aug' 14 and booked the Blue Metallic shade in DLX model. The booking was made at SPG Honda Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. I was told around 2 weeks wait time but it actually took a little longer for the scooter to arrive.

Delivery :

Got a call from the manager that their lot has been dispatched and would be arriving in a couple of days. All the colours were available in that lot but only White/Black/Silver were available with disc brake while blue metallic was the standard model. I confirmed the Silver Metallic and the delivery was done on 31st Aug' 14. Final on road cost was Rs. 69,080 including a few accessories.

Initial Observations on 1st Ride :

[1] The digital analogue meter does a very sweet needle sweep when the scooter is turned on.

[2] The rear brake has to be pressed unusually hard to start the scooter. At first I thought there was some problem with the starter motor connection but then the mechanic told me that the disc brake models' rear brake has to be pressed this way only. I tested it on other ones and it was the same as mine.

[3] The console hosts an analogue speedo, digital trip meter, digital odo as well as a digital fuel gauge.

[4] The digital analogue speedometer's setup is attached to the rear wheel. I found out this when I started it for the first time at the dealership on the main stand and gave a couple of throttle twists and the speed started to climb.

[5] The new 125cc motor is incredibly smooth. The initial start from 0 kph brings in very slight vibrations upto 5kph and then the motor goes into super smooth mode. It produces 8.6 bhp of power and 10.1 nm of torque. The max torque is produced at a healthy 1k lesser rpm than the previous 110cc engine which translates to better drivibility.

[6] The riding position is lower than its sibling Honda Aviator which hosts an almost perfect riding position for a tall rider like me. I'm 5'11" and I find the Aviator's position more suited to me.

[7] CBS works really well with disc brake as well. The front lever has to be pressed slightly to have that extra bit of bite but most riders will find the CBS working well within slow city speeds.

[8] The ride quality is great for most parts but can get a bit hard on sharp bumps and potholes.

[9] The front telescopic forks not only give a comfortable ride but are also way more stable at high speeds than the traditional spring loaded ones.

[10] Effortless and nimble to drive around busy streets; typical Indian traffic.

[11] Coming from the 1st gen 102cc motor, the 125cc feels a lot more powerful and responsive. Part throttle brings up 50kph speed without breaking a sweat.

[12] The headlight switch is a 3 stage switch and the headlamp assembly hosts a small park bulb now.

Honda's scooters have taken a market lead and its number has overtaken the likes of Hero's Splendor lineup. With the small and busy streets becoming even more crowded, nothing else makes more sense than buying an automatic scooter.

Thats all for now, let the pics do some talking. Feel free to ask any questions. Thanks

Activa 125



Front + Side



Black mask adds a sporty touch



Additional chrome on the front



Needle Sweep



Trip meter, Fuel gauge and Odo



Grab rails for pillion



3 stage headlight switch



Front disc brake with CBS, looks quite complicated. Repairs might be expensive in case of a breakdown



Standard key across all Activa lineup



125cc motor also comes with HET



Metal footrest compared to the rubberized ones in previous models. Opens and closes with a 'click' sound locking mechanism



Underseat storage



Digital analogue speedo box attached to rear wheel (black plastic cover type thing)



XL sized tail light



Console at night



Size comparo with Aviator 2008 model



And finally, a family pic. Everyone knows whose the boss here

[ghodlur]

Great review Harsh and thanks a ton for the pics. The digital analog console is eye catching esp when illuminated. Can see that the headlamp, start switch assembly quality has been unchanged over the present 110cc Activa. The bigger rear headlamp cluster is a good addition. Didnt you opt for the bumper accessory? Mind sharing the OTR cost of the scooter?

[harsh.m06]

Originally Posted by ghodlur

Great review Harsh and thanks a ton for the pics. The digital analog console is eye catching esp when illuminated. Can see that the headlamp, start switch assembly quality has been unchanged over the present 110cc Activa. The bigger rear headlamp cluster is a good addition. Didnt you opt for the bumper accessory? Mind sharing the OTR cost of the scooter?

Thanks ghodlur! The dealership wasnt ready to deliver the scooter without any accessories but with some old family terms between my dad and the owner, he agreed to deliver with my desired add ons. The final OTR price inc all the accessories (buzzer, side stand, all sorts of steel guards around the body, seat cover etc) was 72,xxx something. Quite high IMO. I opted for a couple of accessories only and the final price came to be Rs. 69,080. Dealerships are charging extra for stuff like engine oil addon fluid, roadside assistance, additional teflon without any prior notice. The ex showroom price was 59,xxx for the dlx model. I would be adding more accessories from the market once they are available. The ones installed by the dealership are completely 3rd grade with one of the worst finishes ever.

[The Great]

Originally Posted by harsh.m06

Thanks ghodlur! The dealership wasnt ready to deliver the scooter without any accessories but with some old family terms between my dad and the owner, he agreed to deliver with my desired add ons. The final OTR price inc all the accessories (buzzer, side stand, all sorts of steel guards around the body, seat cover etc) was 72,xxx something. Quite high IMO. I opted for a couple of accessories only and the final price came to be Rs. 69,080. Dealerships are charging extra for stuff like engine oil addon fluid, roadside assistance, additional teflon without any prior notice. The ex showroom price was 59,xxx for the dlx model. I would be adding more accessories from the market once they are available. The ones installed by the dealership are completely 3rd grade with one of the worst finishes ever.

Thanks for bringing this up. You are absolutely right about the extra stuff. Its not the question of saving 2/3k, the joke is that for the same amount you get better aftermarket products than those provided by the dealerships. This may not be true for all dealerships but I really wonder why they use such cheap tricks when you have a great product and so much customer trust.

Activa has been a benchmark product, it redefined the scooter market, like what the iPhone did to smartphones. But every review I read has the same complaint on every forum, about bad pre and post sales attitude of the dealerships.

[harsh.m06]

Originally Posted by The Great

Activa has been a benchmark product, it redefined the scooter market, like what the iPhone did to smartphones. But every review I read has the same complaint on every forum, about bad pre and post sales attitude of the dealerships.

Honda's aftersales service is pretty inconsistent in their work. I've had pretty rough experiences before with my Aviator but I still bought another honda because I like their products very much. Aviator is still IMO one of the best scooters around for a decent money. I settled down for Activa 125 due to the new motor and disc brake.

[jaaz]

First Congrats Harsh!!

Honda has become exactly what Bajaj was in 1980's. The only difference is Honda Products are good and the rest is the same as Bajaj. The Dealers were looting Customers of Bajaj in those days and now Honda Dealers. We've seen the result of Bajaj. I wish Honda Company realizes, sooner before it's too late.

Do you know Why Dealers behave like this ? Because they are aware that Honda Company never bothers to interact with the Customer, and forget about their Customer Care. Try calling their Customer Care - first of all, Nobody picks up your call, then second - send an email, and you'll never receive a reply. 99% of the Dealers across the Country are trying to deceive the Customers.

You're right about the Deliveries - Each Dealer is getting less than 10 vehicles in a month, so where's the question of overbooking or demand. Honda is facing quality issues with the 125CC Model.

Do check your Scooter for any quality issues, because the Dealers opt for this technique (Rejected by another Customer Story) to push damaged Scooters. Though I wish it's clean. Looking for a review after completing 1,000 kms on the odo.

[harsh.m06]

Originally Posted by jaaz

First Congrats Harsh!!

Do check your Scooter for any quality issues, because the Dealers opt for this technique (Rejected by another Customer Story) to push damaged Scooters. Though I wish it's clean. Looking for a review after completing 1,000 kms on the odo.

Thanks Jaaz! I inspected the scooter thoroughly during the time of delivery and it was a complete fresh piece with no flaws and till now I've reached the 300km mark on the odo. Scooter is smooth as ever.

One important observation regarding these scooters that I came to know from personal experiences is that these engines are very sensitive to fuel quality. One had to take care from where to top up the tank. My aviator suffered due to fuel quality issues. Only a few fuel stations around town offer the pure quality. Top ups from small private fuel pumps resulted in significant throttle response drop after a couple of full tank top ups. I'm taking some extra care with the new one now.

[ziffius]

Hi Harsh,

Congratulations on your new Honda Activa 125! And a big thanks for the initial review.

I too am in the market for this scooter & being someone who has never owned a gearless scooter have been reading up quite a bit on this vehicle. Eagerly looking forward to your next review.

A polite suggestion & request to you to include the following in your user review (issues that I've not been able to gather much useful information on):

[1] Ride quality in terms of effects on the lower back due to hard rear suspension.

[2] Build quality experienced over a period of usage.

[3] And of course - the perennial question - mileage.

I'm exploring this scooter for my own usage. General office rides (11km one way) & usual household related work.

Thanks again!

[ziffius]

You're right about the Deliveries - Each Dealer is getting less than 10 vehicles in a month, so where's the question of overbooking or demand. Honda is facing quality issues with the 125CC Model.

Do check your Scooter for any quality issues, because the Dealers opt for this technique (Rejected by another Customer Story) to push damaged Scooters. Though I wish it's clean. Looking for a review after completing 1,000 kms on the odo.

Hi Jaaz,

Nice perspective on the similarity between Bajaj & Honda's approach to customers post the initial sale. Though I'm not a Honda customer I've heard more than enough horror stories about post sales experience of whomever I have spoken to.

I'm a newbie as far as gearless scooters are concerned. Could you please help me out getting my mind around the below:

[1] A list of pre-delivery checks one can perform on Activa 125.

[2] Request you to elaborate on the

Honda is facing quality issues with the 125CC Model.

As stated in my response to Harsh's review I'm out in the market to buy this scooter and would greatly appreciate any valuable information.

Thanks for you help!

[harsh.m06]

Originally Posted by ziffius

[1] Ride quality in terms of effects on the lower back due to hard rear suspension.

[2] Build quality experienced over a period of usage.

[3] And of course - the perennial question - mileage.

I'm exploring this scooter for my own usage. General office rides (11km one way) & usual household related work.

Thanks again!

The rear suspension is a bit hard but not too hard to make a concern for lower back. My daily commute to work place is a 4 km very rough road with all sorts of bumps and potholes that you could possibly find on Indian roads but I dont feel uncomfortable any time.

125cc motor is great! Super smooth and better torque spread than previous one. Cruises at 50kph without breaking a sweat and with ample of power in reserve for quick over takes. I would recommend getting the disc brake variant. Its not only safe but the bite is just perfect for a scooter like this. Stops in place without any drama.

As far as mileage is concerned, cant say much but I was a bit disappointed in seeing the mileage after a first few top ups. 560km on the odo. 1st service complete. Getting around 35~40 kpl in moderate traffic and part throttles. Should increase after one more service.

If you are a tall rider, (5' 10" ~ 6') do test drive The aviator. It has a high riding position that will keep tall riders very comfortable over long commutes.

I had no quality issues till date. Everything is working as it is supposed to be. Slight bit of squeaking from plastic fitted body parts when I rub it with microfiber cloth to apply polish (plastic area above rear tail light in particular).

If you are planning on buying a gearless scooter, look no further. Be gentle on the throttle and your scooter will hold up good for a very long time

[ziffius]

Hi Harsh,

Thanks for your response. It has given me more confidence to go for this scooter.

I took a test drive yesterday. It seemed to match the driveability factors quite well. But guess what, the waiting period for a blue Activa 125 (with disc brakes) is 6 months in Bangalore per the showroom.

In so far as the horror stories of servicing is concerned I have a reliable mechanic to back me up. So post the 'free' services I'm not going to rely on the showroom anymore.

If you could help me out a bit further on the pre-delivery checks on this scooter it would be of great help!

I used to own & drive an Enfield Electra (2002 model) & a Yamaha RX125 (1999 model). So I suppose I just have to swallow my pride and take a leap of faith in the 'gearless scooters' segment!!!

Looking forward to your reply.

[harsh.m06]

Originally Posted by ziffius

Hi Harsh,

Thanks for your response. It has given me more confidence to go for this scooter.

I took a test drive yesterday. It seemed to match the driveability factors quite well. But guess what, the waiting period for a blue Activa 125 (with disc brakes) is 6 months in Bangalore per the showroom.

In so far as the horror stories of servicing is concerned I have a reliable mechanic to back me up. So post the 'free' services I'm not going to rely on the showroom anymore.

If you could help me out a bit further on the pre-delivery checks on this scooter it would be of great help!

I used to own & drive an Enfield Electra (2002 model) & a Yamaha RX125 (1999 model). So I suppose I just have to swallow my pride and take a leap of faith in the 'gearless scooters' segment!!!

Looking forward to your reply.

I also booked the blue shade but due to unavailability, I went ahead with silver metallic and its a great colour! Shines with all its glory under the pitching sun.

As far as servicing is concerned, the place where I got my scooter serviced isnt that bad. Some of their mechanics are great but the other attendants that do the small work are completely hopeless. I had some issues with my previous scooter, Aviator std model 2008, but those were all due to adultrated fuel. These engines are very sensitive to fuel quality. Make sure you top up every time from a very reputed pump that has a history of best fuel quality.

In the first few services, all you need to do is change the engine oil. Best way to get your scooter serviced at these workshops is to get it done infront of you. Hardly takes 15~20 min for wash and oil change. Go early in the morning. Thats what I do most of the time. The air filter needs replacement after 8K km(as told by their mechanic) But as mentioned in the owner's manual, it can take upto 16k km. My aviator has knocked 30k km and its still going very smooth.

As far as PDI is concerned, I ll make a small list and post it here. Some extra care points for you since you are buying the gearless scooter for the first time. I'm pretty sure you ll love the stress free driving

[jaaz]

Originally Posted by ziffius

Hi Jaaz,

Nice perspective on the similarity between Bajaj & Honda's approach to customers post the initial sale. Though I'm not a Honda customer I've heard more than enough horror stories about post sales experience of whomever I have spoken to.

I'm a newbie as far as gearless scooters are concerned. Could you please help me out getting my mind around the below:

[1] A list of pre-delivery checks one can perform on Activa 125.

[2] Request you to elaborate on the As stated in my response to Harsh's review I'm out in the market to buy this scooter and would greatly appreciate any valuable information.

Thanks for you help!

(1) For Pre-Delivery Checks - Go through the Link http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/attach...-checklist.pdf

You need not follow the entire checklist, since it's a 2 Wheeler. Try to avoid taking a Single Vehicle, Let them give you a choice. Avoid Honda's usual drama (Another Customer has cancelled the booking or not paid full amount etc., etc.,). Here the Dealer will inform you that the Accessories have already fitted, so you've to buy along with all the accessories, including unwanted one's. Not only the Dealer is trying to sell you cheap accessories, but sometimes, damaged in transit vehicles are also sold after repairing them.

Their technique is that first they'll frustrate you by delaying the delivery and one fine day, they'll rush you into the choice of their Vehicle and not yours. The same technique has been portrayed in the Movie - Badmash Company.

By the way - Which Dealer have you approached in Bangalore ?

(2) Regarding Quality issues - They're manufacturing Activa 110 CC to the tune of around 2 lacs per month, 125 CC is only few thousands. The story of demand over supply is a plain lie.

[ziffius]

Their technique is that first they'll frustrate you by delaying the delivery and one fine day, they'll rush you into the choice of their Vehicle and not yours. The same technique has been portrayed in the Movie - Badmash Company.

Apologies for the late response. Had quite a lot of things on my plate on the home & work front. Thank you for the valuable pointers on dealer tactics. It saddens me sometimes that in our country despite paying the asked price element of cheating is still there.

By the way - Which Dealer have you approached in Bangalore
?

The dealer who asked me to wait 6 months in Bangalore is Dhuruvesh Honda on Mekhri Circle. Should you know of any better dealer your suggestions are most gladly welcome

Also got a bit distracted & tempted by friends and family asking me to look at the current set of Enfields being offered. Apparently most issues with their EFI CL500 have been resolved. Not sure if I want to put in 1.80 lakhs in a vehicle by a company who has been struggling with build & QC issues as far as their components are concerned. But have noticed a great set of people on the Classic500 thread on Team BHP forum who help out a lot and sometimes even beyond that for issues related to REs.

The Activa 125 does not have parking brake. Would you please care to comment on that too.

[ziffius]

Apologies for the late response. Was caught up in a ton of things on the work and home front.

I also booked the blue shade but due to unavailability, I went ahead with silver metallic and its a great colour! Shines with all its glory under the pitching sun.

It does indeed look quite a well rounded scooter. Congratulations and wish you many trouble free riding kms ahead!

These engines are very sensitive to fuel quality. Make sure you top up every time from a very reputed pump that has a history of best fuel quality.

I fill up the ordinary unleaded petrol from Shell petrol bunk near my house for my car and when I had the Yamaha. I suppose this would take care of the 'quality of fuel' issues. I have not tried Shell's premium petrol offerings though.

In the first few services, all you need to do is change the engine oil. Best way to get your scooter serviced at these workshops is to get it done infront of you. Hardly takes 15~20 min for wash and oil change. Go early in the morning. Thats what I do most of the time. The air filter needs replacement after 8K km(as told by their mechanic) But as mentioned in the owner's manual, it can take upto 16k km. My aviator has knocked 30k km and its still going very smooth.

Absolutely great pointers! But I've stood and seen two dealer service centres near my residence to understand how they deal with servicing. The scene was absolutely chaotic! It looked more like a scene in a crowded vegetable market!

They way customers and service reps were interacting I doubt if any issue was getting resolved in the first place. Several people whom I spoke to just shook their heads. The only ones who came out grinning are the ones who have no idea what servicing entails. Due to my work timings I am not sure if I can manage going early in the morning and getting it done in front of me. The only workable solution I have is get done the 'free' servicing and take it to my trustworthy mechanic for a 'genuine' service.

As far as PDI is concerned, I ll make a small list and post it here. Some extra care points for you since you are buying the gearless scooter for the first time. I'm pretty sure you ll love the stress free driving

Thanks once again! Looking forward to the PDI checklist.

Just going off topic for a second here...getting a lot of pushing from friends and family to check out the REs being offered. Oh heavens! Trying to stay logical about stress free driving factor with gearless scooters and not slip into getting owning a RE. Youth! Tch! Tch!