I bought the Honda Activa for I was looking for a gearless scooter. The choice was huge, Bajaj Wave, Kinetic Nova, Kinetic 4S, TVS Scooty Pep etc. I settled on Activa primarily for the Honda brandname (not that I think it is the best but due to public opinion it could fetch a reasonable resale value). Also the engine sounds real smooth and the pickup is good for a gearless 4-stroke scooter. Its suspension too seemed to be real good.
The biggest negative of course is the mileage. I wish Honda could consider ways and means to increase its mileage when even 2-stroke gearless scooters like Kinetic give the same mileage. To get the maximum mileage I instruct the mechanic to adjust engine settings in such a way that the pickup is less. (You can either choose between pickup or mileage). The seat also could be made a bit narrower (like Dio).
I also read about the scooter tilting to the right while at low speeds but after I bought it. I think it is a bit true - you tend to have to strain your right arm more while driving it.
Also I have heard that it requires frequent replacements of clutch plates (as often as once a year) Could anybody confirm this?