Honda Aviator RS Review
Best just got better
Thursday, February 14, 2013Overview of Honda Aviator 110
The Honda Aviator represents Honda’s third foray into the scooter segment of the market, one that it already dominates to a significant degree thanks to the success of the Honda Activa. So what does the Aviator offer drivers?
What's New In Honda Aviator 110?
- All New 109cc Engine which develops 8 Bhp of Maximum Power
- Viscous air filter: It is more efficient in catching the dust particles which prolongs the filter life. Thus, it lessens the maintenance expense as it requires less frequent replacement and no cleaning.
- Maintenance-Free battery: The newly adopted battery makes use of Honda global technology. It is non-leaking and battery life is more than conventional battery.
- CBS: It is a safety system on motorcycles that balances the engagement of both front and rear brakes.
- New Shade - Purple
- Honda Eco Technology, Dream Mileage Engine
Honda Aviator Exterior
In terms of design, the Aviator is a total departure from the looks of the Dio or Activa. Its bold, futuristic aesthetic, inspired by the Fireblade, is clearly targeted at young adult male drivers who want to make a statement. In contrast to the softer design of the Activa, intended to be female-friendly, the Aviator has a distinctly masculine edge. The bike’s body, a highly rigid underbone chassis type, weighs 103kg dry, making it less bulky than the Honda Activa thanks to the combination of metal and highly impact-resistant ABS structure. The bike’s build quality is good, and it looks strong and sophisticated, with smart metal panelling and wrap-around turning indicators at the rear. There are few downsides to its clear and striking design, but the warning indicators are quite difficult to see in bright sunlight.
Instrument Console of Honda Aviator
The instrument console has much to recommend it, although the lack of digital display is disappointing for a modern vehicle of this kind. The analogue speedometer and fuel gauge are clear and easy to read, and the fuel, oil and battery indicators can all be read at a glance.
Engine and Gearbox
Honda Aviator 110 is powered by a 109cc, single-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled OHC Dream Mileage engine with a maximum power of 8 bhp at 8000 rpm and a maximum torque of 8.74 nm at 5500 rpm, making it above average in terms of power for a scooter of this kind. It comes with V-matic transmission.
Acceleration and Top Speed
With its powerful engine and lightweight body, the Aviator is capable of excellent acceleration, achieving 0 to 60kph in just 9.95 seconds, making it a bit speedier than the Honda Activa. Its maximum speed is roughly 85kph, a respectable achievement.
Honda Aviator Mileage
Honda claims that the Aviator boasts 15% better fuel efficiency than its previous models, but it’s not clear that this is borne out in reality. Like other gearless scooters, the Aviator’s fuel efficiency is disappointing to say the least, although its lighter frame means that it performs better than Honda’s other offerings in this market. Users have found that, as advertised, the Aviator delivers an average mileage of between 45 and 60 km per litre. Its fuel tank has a capacity of 6 litres. It is now powered by Honda Eco Technology Dream Mileage Engine.
Comfort While Driving Honda Aviator
Overall, the Honda Aviator is a comfortable ride for all drivers. The bike’s upright KVTA seat has been well designed to position the driver in a stable and secure way that minimizes fatigue, even when riding for long periods of time. The shoe-type seats of the driver and pillion rider are longer, wider and more spacious, with plenty of space and comfortable footrests and pegs.
Safety Features
Honda Aviator features a generously sized multi-focal headlamp with a 35-watt halogen lamp. The patented Honda tuff-up tubes are present, helping to minimize the chance of tyre punctures by an estimated 70%. Disappointingly, the scooter lacks advanced locking system.
Storage Space
The Honda Aviator displays Honda’s emphasis on storage space, in recognition of the fact that the bike will be used by many families and inner-city commuters who have need of space to stow a few items. The under seat storage capacity is a generous 20 litres, an improvement on the 18 litres of the Activa – this places it equal with the Rodeo’s 20 litre capacity, large enough to fit a helmet or bag.
Honda Aviator Suspension
The Honda Aviator features front telescopic suspension; at the rear, it boasts unit swing suspension with spring-loaded hydraulic dampers. The front suspension is particularly effective on this bike, significantly improving the quality and comfort of the ride and providing better overall control and stability at high speeds, as well as lower vibration and feedback.
Honda Aviator Brakes
The Aviator Deluxe model features a 130mm drum or 190mm disc brake at the front, and a 130mm drum brake at the back. The Standard model features 130mm drum brakes on the front and rear. The brakes feel balanced, stable and, most importantly, responsive – even when travelling at high speed or carrying heavy cargo.
Ride and Handling
The bike’s handling is particularly good for moving in and out of traffic, and it sports good pick-up. The bike’s more refined mill offers a better ride with significantly less noise, and, coupled with the improved suspension, makes for a smoother and more stable ride than Honda’s previous models. Its wide tyres also contribute to its stability, and the bike does not display any bias during leaning, maintaining its balance well.
Tyre Size
While the other Honda models have retained a 10-inch wheel front and back, the Aviator is unusual in featuring differing sizes. Its rear wheel is the standard 10-inch (3.50-10 51J), but the front wheel (90/90-12 54J) has been bumped up to a meaty 12 inches, in order to accommodate a larger disc brake.
Shades Available in Honda Aviator 110
Honda Aviator 110 is available in four attractive shades:
- Royal Gold
- Black
- White
- Red
Accessories
Like many scooters in this market segment, the Aviator includes few accessories – drivers wishing to customize their ride will have to purchase guards, body covers, bumpers, seat covers and other items separately.
Honda Aviator 110 Variants
Like the Activa, the Honda Aviator was launched in two versions: the Standard and the Deluxe. The differences between the two variants are not substantial.
Distinctive Features of Honda Aviator 110
Unlike many models in the market, the Aviator sadly does not feature a mobile phone charging socket, which is a small but significant oversight.
Reasons to Buy Honda Aviator 110
An excellent transport whether you’re a lone rider or a family, the Honda Aviator handles well and offers excellent performance on a range of road surfaces.
Value for Money
Despite its poor fuel efficiency, the Aviator represents good value for money, whether you’re buying the Standard model or its slightly modified deluxe variant, thanks to a powerful, high-performance engine.
Verdict
The Honda Aviator carves its own niche in the market by offering distinctive style, good performance, a comfortable ride, and ample storage space. Reliable and durable, it’s a ride that’s built to last, and look good doing it.