Honda Activa 125

Detailed Review by Maxabout Team

Overview

The upper echelons of international environmental control have pushed for cleaner air. This resulted in the adoption of Euro 5 or, in India's case, BS6 emission standards. Honda was the first to market the mandate with the Activa 125 BS6. Aside from being environmentally friendly, the Honda Activa BS6 also has a plethora of additional features and technology. The scooter is tested in various conditions to see how different the BS6 version of the Activa 125 is and if the new technology makes life easier.

Honda Activa 125 Design and Style

When it came to designing the new Activa 125, Honda didn't really break the mould. The majority of the basic design remains unchanged, but the individual details look quite different. For one thing, all body panels, from the front fender and apron to the headlight cowl and rear bodywork, now have a lot more cuts and creases. The rear bodywork has also been extended, lengthening the scooter by 36mm.

The indicators on the apron now have a vertical orientation with a redesigned chrome centrepiece. It makes the front of the scooter look more premium than before. This premium feel is carried throughout the scooter, with two thick chrome bands running across the sides and a new shortened grab rail. The rear turn indicators have been vertically elongated. A chrome strip runs through the centre, almost forming a Honda's "H" logo at the back. Honda hasn't gone overboard with the chrome on the scooter.

When compared to the previous-generation Activa 125, Honda has raised the bar. Consider the handlebar grips, which now have a grippy rubber finish. It's a welcome improvement over the BS4 model's plastic ones. Then there's the premium-looking plastic around the instrument cluster and on the front apron. The switchgear is tactile and simple to use, and the scooter is well-built for the most part.

The new Activa 125 features subtle design changes that would require a keen eye to distinguish. The LED headlamp mounted on the steering unit is sleek, and the LED DRLs resemble those on the Honda Civic. The scooter has sharp contours that effectively conceal the bulk of the rear section.

Honda Activa 125 Engine and Gearbox

The BS6-compliant engine is the new Activa 125's main selling point. It receives a fuel-injection system, which results in a more refined and smooth-sounding engine. It even has an ACG starter, which starts the engine using the same generator that charges the battery, eliminating the need for a separate starter motor. As a result, there are no cranking noises and the engine starts with a single touch of the electric start button. The new Activa 125 is also vibration-free even at its top speed of around 90 km/h, thanks to improved fuelling.

All this refinement comes at the expense of performance. The 124cc engine generates 8.1 HP, 0.4 bhp less than the BS4 version. The difference may not seem significant, but the Activa 125 feels unenthusiastic even with a full-throttle twist, so overtaking in traffic requires some thought.

Honda Activa 125 Suspension, Brakes and Tyres

Because the Activa was never intended to be a sporty scooter, the suspension is tuned for comfort rather than sharp handling. The telescopic front forks and rear mono-shock are set up softly. It results in a plush ride over most types of bad roads, with almost no bumps or potholes filtered to the rider. But only if you're riding alone. Put a pillion on board (unless the pillion is extremely light), and the scooter will continue to bobble around once you hit a bump. This constant secondary motion over bumps is unsettling and may rob you of confidence when riding on bad roads or even speed breakers.

Despite being one of the heaviest scooters in its class (111kg), the new Activa 125 rides smoothly. The steering is light, and the scooter is simple to maneuver in city traffic. But the same soft suspension that provides such a plush ride makes it a little nervous when thrown around corners. This is understandable given Activa's primary goal of being a capable, comfortable family scooter.

The disc brake-equipped Activa has one of the best braking distances on a 125cc scooter. 18.94 metres from 60 km/h to zero. The brake feel is also good, allowing for precise inputs. But when pressed hard on the brake lever, the bike makes a strange rubbing sound from the front brakes.

Instrument Cluster of Honda Activa 125

Honda has outfitted the new Activa 125 with all of the required technology. It has an LCD display beneath the analogue speedometer that displays current fuel efficiency, mileage, range, trip metre, odometer, and clock. The instrument panel also includes a malfunction lamp and a side stand indicator, and an engine inhibitor that prevents the engine from starting if the stand is down.

Honda has also included a start-stop system in Activa's feature set. If the engine is left idle for more than 3 seconds, the system shuts it down, saving fuel, especially at traffic lights. When you twist the throttle on the Honda, the system immediately starts the engine, with no lag or delay.

Key Features of Honda Activa 125

One of the most notable features of the new Activa is the new ACG (Alternating Current Generator) starter. When you push the starter button, the alternator starts the engine instead of a separate electric starter motor. It may not appear to be such a big deal now, but it will blow your mind when you see it in action. It enables completely silent starts, eliminating the traditional sound of the starter motor attempting to turn the engine.

This, combined with the idle stop-start system, elevates the Activa 125 to new heights. When this system is turned on and the engine is turned off (say, at a red light), all you have to do is twist the throttle to get going. And, thanks to the ACG starter, this process is completely automated. In fact, you'll start at the same time as any other scooter with an engine.

2023 Activa 125 also has a couple of segment-first features. When you lower the side stand, the engine is killed by the side-stand engine cut-off system. It will prevent you from starting the engine if the stand is down. The trip computer provides instant fuel efficiency, average fuel efficiency, and distance to empty readouts. All very useful if you don't want to rely on guesswork to determine your next fuel stop.

Aside from that, the Activa was the first 125cc scooter in India to have an LED headlight. While this headlight has a good throw and spread, it needs to be brighter in order to be useful on completely dark roads.

Underseat storage is adequate for a regular full-face helmet though don't expect a premium helmet to fit under there. There is a glove box on the front apron for storing stuff like your phone, and it appears to be weather-proof. But it feels wrong that in such an expensive scooter, you don't get a boot light or a charging socket as standard.

Top Speed and Mileage of Honda Activa 125

The Activa returns an average of 50 to 55 km/l on a combined highway and city run. With a tank capacity of 5.3 litres, the scooter can travel 280 kilometers on a single full tank. The 125cc scooter can speed up from 0 to 60 km/h in approximately 8.7 seconds. The top speed of the Honda Activa 125 is 92 kilometers per hour (approximate).

Honda Activa 125 Competitors

Hero Destini 125, Suzuki Access 125, TVS NTorq 125, and Yamaha Fascino 125 are some similar scooters in the Indian market.

Conclusion

If you expect the Activa 125 to be as quick off the line as scooters like the Aprilia SR125 or TVS Ntorq 125, you'll be sorely disappointed. The Activa 125 was not designed to do any of these things. In fact, it is ideal for someone looking for a no-nonsense scooter that can comfortably accommodate a small family while also having enough space to store groceries.

2023 Activa 125 could have improved braking power and feedback, and a simpler mechanism for opening the seat. The new Activa 125's level of refinement and smoothness might blow your mind. Also, it has higher-quality plastic, more modern features, and a more premium overall feel, adding significant value to the package.