When we decided to go for an automatic scooter, the choices before us was very limited: Kinetic Honda, Kinetic Nova and Honda Activa. We were looking for a second hand scooter initially and found Kinetic Nova to be very inexpensive. Once we bought that, we realized that the quality of ride was not that good compared to Honda Activa. It may probably be because of the lesser ground clearance, 2002 model, or the previous owner’s misuse, but we could not use it more than 3 months and were compelled to sell. The next time, our choices had come down and we selected Honda Activa - a new one. Although there a few drawbacks compared to Kinetic Nova, like lesser luggage space under the seat, slightly heavier, ordinary looks, once we started riding the vehicle, we nearly forgot all its drawbacks. We compensated the luggage space deficiency with a box in the front. It was no more heavy as we dropped comparison. This is a best choice for both genders, but good only for city roads (provided your city has good roads). Excellent pickup, reasonable mileage (45 kmpl), easy maintenance, two years warranty, all make it a wonderful vehicle to ride. You can carry as much luggage as you wish, provided you can manage to find a place to get seated.. :-) Tuff tubes provide puncture-free rides. That saves a lot of trouble and time..! Braking is superb compared to any other scooter of its kind. The ride is as smooth as a car and its very low noise keeps you tuned to the traffic from behind. Activa has already overtaken Kinetic Hondas and Novas and has a huge market share. I wish they only improve the looks (but certainly not like the Dio).
Updating my review now that my Honda Activa is 2 years 8 months old:
Once I took the vehicle for a long drive through the darkest of roads and found difficulty with the lighting which was not focused on roads. The maximum speed I can get to was 65 kmph, touching 70 with a little dificulty or while going downslope. I am not sure about other scooters but wonder if this is a limitation that can be generalized to all scooters. Activa is not good for pot-hole rides as you may get thrown up or your wrists may be hurt as you hold the handles. The mileage is good and steady though the average has come down to 42 kmpl. Average cost per km works out to Rs. 1.20 including all the repairs and service maintenance that I did. Still a happy Honda Activa owner..!