(Edited Review after 6 months of usage and 2services.I dont like to recommend it to anyone as Im facing back pain whenever I use this Activa only for 10 kms average distance . Problem not rectified even after 2nd service of vehicle and driving for 3000 kms) Looks like Suspension problem is inherent with most of the Scooters, particularly Activa. There are many customer reviews complaining of Back pain and Suspension problem in Activa. Honda is just riding on their Brand name in Scooter segment. Its suitable for only shorter distance like 2-3 kms to local shops that too for old people or ladies who strictly ride at maximum 30-40 kmph speed/ taking kids to school & who cant ride Bikes due to being Gear vehicles. If you always carry load/ use with Rider and pillion/ if you are heavy weight, then the suspension will suit you.
we observed shock absorbers in action only when I travel with someone on rear. Thats clearly due to stiffer suspension.Check zigwheels 4000 kms long term review on stiff suspension. Below is an extract from Zigwheels review.
"Gladly the telescopic forks on the Honda Activa 125 addresses this issue as it rides over undulated surfaces without any effort but the rear suspension setup is a bit stiff"
I had bought this Activa 125CC Drum model to replace my 150 CC Honda CB Unicorn as its difficult to go with my Family with 2 kids on Unicorn. I had done test ride of below other options in scooters: Hero Maestro: Everything is good except pickup(didnt like pickup), thought of going to Hero for their dealer and service network.If you dont have Honda and other dealers in your city, but you will anyway have Hero dealers in even any small town, so this is only option & you can go for it due to their After sales Service and vast dealer network.
Vespa: Even though pricy, we have free accessories offer worth 6000 and base drum model comes for on road price of 80, 000 with this offer. Handle height & handle bar width is very good and best in class. Also, Its body is monocoque( single piece body which can offer more durability without any rattling in long run) This is ideal scooter for taller people who are more than 5 feet 6 inch. But I didnt like initial pickup and engine sounds like Bajaj chetak. Floor board is not flat like other scooters. But this is best option for tall riders and for ladies due to color options like baby pink, Yellow etc. For Gents and for multipurpose, we have Blue, Matte black, White and Red. But heard that Spares are costly and also maintainance cost is on higher side compared to any other Scooter.
TVS Jupiter: I didnt get a chance to test ride. but good thing is this scooter had mobile charging port and petrol tank lid on back side of the scooter and not under the seat like most other scooters. we need not lift the seat at petrol bunks. this is useful for those who carry valuables under seat. like business man who carry cash or other valuables every day. However, most of the reviews are also positive for this scooter as well. Yamaha Cygnus Alpha: I didnt check this, but people in cities have and can look this option also. Finally my final choice, Blue color Honda Activa 125 CC with Drum brakes: ACTIVA 125 CC Pros: Excellent pickup and looks, new telescopic suspension unlike other Activa versions which is supposed to improve Suspension, 12 inch front wheel and Hondas smooth and superb HET engine. Costed 65000 excluding accessories. accessories cost 4000 in JSP Honda, Hyderabad.
Cons: Suspension yet to be improved to handle bad roads. However it seems better than old activa which has non telescopic suspension and 10 inch front wheel. My father was using old Activa from 5 years and we feel suspension is very bad on that model. May be it clicked very well only due to Honda Name and no other options earlier like now. I had read from Activa 125 CC reviews that suspension is improved. But my personal experience is suspension can be improved more which is the only problem in this Activa 125CC. Another small concern is low handle bar height. This is ok for people upto 5 feet 6 inch. but for riders taller than 51/2 feet, can look at other options( Vespa is excellent in terms of Handle bar and riding comfort) as I feel some shoulder pain and back pain initially due to low handle bar height and poor suspension as I need to ride over bit bad road with potholes and more speed breakers. Now accustomed to it. but bit worried if this causes any health problem if I had to use in long run. Regarding brakes, I had opted for Drum brakes and it is good enough. I think Disc brakes are good for bikes, and unnecessary for scooters as scooters doesnt support speed driving more than 60 KMPH due to limited suspension capability, particularly on our not that good roads. Note: Dealers suggest Extended Warranty and AMC(650+ 800) along with Teflon coating(400 for 2 times wax polish) . which in my opinion they are mere waste as I took extended warranty earlier for my Unicorn, but not used it any time. It didnt cover parts which wear and tear like disc brake pads, plug etc. If you buy AMC, we have to go to only Honda showrooms for servicing and bear with their long queues. Moreover, as showroom service center technicians are habituated with just water wash, engine oil change, you wont get good servicing unless you stay there with patience or know someone personally in service center who can direct to some good mechanic. I have same experience with Hero dealers also earlier when I used Passion Plus as my first bike. I got better service with local mechanics than technicians in showrooms. Finally, teflon coating catches dust easily and you have to clean your vehicle every day if you had teflon coated your bike/scooter. But if you want to get Pooja done to your vehicle, get it Teflon coated before doing Pooja. Otherwise, Turmeric and Kumkum leaves marks on your Vehicle body if there was no Teflon Coating. Also, take good brand Turmeric and Kumkum from your Home which we use in our kitchen. Dont buy from shops nearby Temples as they dont sell good quality. When you are getting Teflon coating done for your Vehicle, dont let them apply it for Tyres due to the same reason of catching dust. Will update mileage figures once I check them.
Bottomline: Honda Activa 125 CC with Drum brakes is Good bet at 70000 with accessories for riders around 5 and half feet and heavy weight of above 90 kgs or who always travels in doubles without any doubt, but if price is not a concern and if you are 5 feet 8 inch or more, better go for Vespa. Vespa Base model with drum is a good option if it comes in 80000 including accessories offer, due to its driving comfort with tall enough handle bar height and good suspension. Can someone who had used Vespa for long term update the suspension and riding comfort?