Honda Activa 3G

Synopsis

Honda Activa 3G represents the pinnacle of the international automobile manufacturer’s attempts to capture the two-wheeler market, and the market has taken to it with enthusiasm. But how does it match up to its many rivals? Honda has clearly spent considerable time and energy perfecting the design of this gearless scooter to make it appeal to the metropolitan driver, and the new 2015 Honda Activa 3G 110 shows some significant and welcome changes, with a fully revamped tubular underbone chassis.

While not the most adventurous design you’ll see, it’s a bold effort with many positive features. The mudguard, new side panels, 3D Activa badges and front fairing are sleek and well designed, and all display the main body color. The mask of the bike features large headlamps and oblong turn indicators; and the rear-view mirror, which is black on all models, is also attached to the mask. The scooter’s body is solid and sturdy, and weighs approximately 108kg, making it heavier than its rivals in the same class.

Instrument Console

The instrument panel on the Honda Activa is well-designed and clear, with large displays for the speedometer and fuel gauge. It also features low oil and low fuel indicators and an odometer, with clearly visible indicators that can be read at a glance.

Engine and Gearbox

The Honda Activa 3G 110 is, Honda claims, developed on its world-class and extensively tested engineering technology. It is powered by a 109cc dream mileage engine. It generates maximum power of 8 bhp at 7500 rpm and maximum torque of 8.83 nm at 5500 rpm. It boasts v-matic automatic transmission.

Acceleration and Top Speed

Honda Activa 3G 110’s top speed is a highly respectable at 82 kmph but some riders have reported that they are able to push the bike to a max of 90 kmph, a truly impressive top speed for a vehicle of this kind. On this gearless scooter, the acceleration is capable of pushing you from 0 to 60 kmph in 10.2 seconds, which is a respectable performance for this type of scooter. Even when heavily weighted down with a pillion and on-board luggage, the acceleration responds admirably.

Mileage

Honda promotes the Activa 3G as offering a mileage increase of 15%. However, when put to the test the bike’s performance places it as merely average in its class: you can expect to get roughly 40 kmpl in inner city areas, and 50 kmpl on highways with the new Dream Mileage engine. The fuel tank stores 5.3 litres of fuel, giving about 240 kilometres before you’ll need to refuel again.

Comfort While Driving

Comfort is clearly a priority with this scooter, and the Honda Activa 3G is one of the most comfortable scooters in the market to drive. Its upright seat is wide and comfortable, and the pillion is equally expansive, with a well-placed footrest; and it includes tuff-up tubes, good storage space and a smart seat arrangement.

Safety Features

Honda Activa 3G comes complete with a key shutter, to help to insure it against theft. The tyres feature tuff-up tubes, which incorporate a double layer insulated with fluid that makes the tyre significantly more resistant to punctures.

Storage Space

Storage space is one of the scooter’s unique selling points, with a generous allowance that all drivers will appreciate when on the go. Honda Activa 3G comes with 18-litres of under-seat storage.

Suspension and Brakes

The scooter’s suspension is, on the whole, well designed and performs to a high standard on ordinary road surfaces. It includes competent shock absorbers on the front and back tyres. The front tyres have bottom link suspension with spring-loaded hydraulic dampers; the back tyres feature a unit link with spring-loaded hydraulic dampers. However, the bike is very clearly a city bike, and the suspension is not equal to less accommodating surfaces such as dirt tracks or uneven tarmac, and fails to cushion the driver from shocks.

The brakes system of the Honda Activa 3G is another strong feature. The brakes feel solid and are responsive to the squeeze of your hand, showing significant improvement on the previous generation of Hondas thanks to the inclusion of a new Combi Brake System (CBS), which applies the front brake at the same time as the back brakes, resulting in greater balance and a shorter stopping distance.

Ride and Handling

Overall, Honda Activa 3G feels capable and powerful, and is energetic from the moment you start it up. It’s certainly one of the best-performing bikes of this type, particularly when weaving in and out of dense city traffic. The bike’s weight, while inconvenient when storing or raising it, is actually an advantage for its handling: it is less affected by cross winds that can make riding bikes of this kind quite challenging. The bike feels very steady and stable on all sorts of terrain.

Tyre Size

Front and back, the bikes tyres are 90/100 x 10” metal alloy wheels. Its large wheelbases offer greater safety while riding by ensuring a better grip on road surfaces and improved stability in motion.

Shades

The Honda Activa is available in a range of eye-catching colors including Black, Pearl Metallic White, Lusty Red Metallic, Blue Trance Metallic and Geny Grey Metallic.

Reasons to Buy

Honda Activa 3G is advertised as the ideal city scooter, and it certainly delivers on that promise, delivering great manoeuvrability, acceleration and handling.

Value for Money

The Honda Activa 3G is a powerful scooter with plenty of driver-friendly features that put it ahead of the competition, making it good value for the asking price of around INR 48,852 (may vary). Its viscous air filter now offers a longer interval between services than previous models, which will help to keep the bike’s running costs low.

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