Honda surprised one and all at the 2016 Auto Expo with the new Navi offering. It was definitely the highlight for two-wheelers at the expo and was adored by the media as well as the show goers. With the new Honda Navi, the Japanese bikemaker plans to start a new segment of mini motorcycles in the Indian market. What makes the new offering unique is the fact that it’s a scooter in the guise of a motorcycle. It has the underpinnings of a scooter with an automatic engine, but the styling and dynamics of a motorcycle.
Though it bears a striking resemblance to the Grom, Honda’s popular mini-motorcycle in the international markets but where the Grom is a full blown motorcycle from the ground up, the Navi is more of a scooter and motorcycle hybrid species. The styling of the Navi is similar to any street bike with a large headlamp, sculpted tanks and long seats. But since the engine has been placed in the centre similar to a scooter there’s space underneath the tank and an optional storage box is also provided.
The instrument console is an analogue unit for speedometer, odometer and fuel gauge. Switch gear on the Honda Navi is also similar as it has been lifted from the Honda Dream series of bikes. The tank can hold 3.8 litres of fuel while the riding dynamics is similar to commuter bile with wide handle bar and centre-set footpegs. The engine is a 110cc air-cooled engine from its ever popular Activa scooter and churns out 8PS of power, 9Nm of peak torque and by the looks of it oodles of fun. The engine is mated to a CVT gearbox from the Activa as well. Honda claims a top speed of 81kmph for the Navi and it should be a fun to ride two-wheeler as it weighs just 101kg. The Honda Navi uses telescopic front forks that should offer good ride quality and drum brakes on both ends to handle braking responsibilities. Bookings for the Honda Navi has started at Rs 1, 000 and one can do the same using an android app. Deliveries for the Honda Navi will start from April, 2016 onward.