I read some reviews on mouth shut.com on Kinetic NOVA135 and Honda Activa.Based on that I decided to go for NOVA.I purchased it on December 18, 2004.
I found this scooter quite good in 4 stroke gearless segment. I have never driven an Activa so I am comparing it on the basis of feedback received from my colleague who recently purchased an Activa.
Honda Activa is equally good scooter but there are some points which should be kept in mind according to one’s own priority.
Mileage:
My NOVA started giving definite 40+ mileage from the very first day and now it is giving around 50. I purchased it from Saboo motors, sicundrabad .They told me that after 2-3 services it will give a mileage of 50+. I have had its first service and completed 2250 km without any major problem. Minor problem consists of connection problem of horn.
My friends new Activa is giving a mileage of 30+.
Beauty And Style:
NOVA certainly beats Activa in this matter. I found my red colour NOVA very attractive. The silver colour combination with beautiful shape like a duck makes it a impressive thing to watch. A big red tail light and front designer indicators adds to its beauty. Three spoke tires are very suitable to competes to its beauty. The meter panel on is head is user friendly and attractive.
Activa and NOVA are almost of same ex-showroom prices. But NOVA come with all accessories while Activa not.
Body material:
The body of NOVA is made up of a polymer called ABS which lessens the weight of the vehicle. The whole body is divided into many parts . So, if one part breaks, one can separately get it changed. On the other hand, the body in Activa is made up of metal. So, in case if u have an accident, the ABS will brake while metal will bend or deform. The broken part of ABS body can be easily changed in very less cost(200-300 rupees)and recover the original beauty back, but in case of metal , it is difficult to bring the beauty back .
Moreover, if you want to change colour of your vehicle u can replace the whole body in 2000 rupees.
Engine Performance:
Honda is known for its silent engines. This is also true with Activa.The 102 cc 7 BHP engine of Activa is technically designed to keep the noise level at low. I have seen many Activa literally flying off in the traffic at a great pick-up with silence. Even at speeds higher than 60 km/hr Activa is very silent and smooth.
NOVA135 engine is 135cc 8.5 bhp which is bulkier. Pick up is not so good, a bit slow performance. Moreover, engine is certainly noisy in comparison with Activa. When you drive in economy zone, you can feel the engine vibrations below your seat and feet. That is the only drawback which I found in NOVA.I heard that this problem was not there in NOVA older version with115 cc engine. This is the only thing kinetic should seriously take care of.
After sales services:
Fine with kinetic, I don’t know about Honda.
Comfort:
NOVA seat is higher that that of Activa so may be a bit uncomfortable for persons with less height. This thins you should take care very much as it may prove tiring for you to drive it.
General Precautions:
As told by my showroom I did not drive my NOVA beyond 50 km/hr for the first 1000 kilometers. I also took care of monthly checkup of its exide battery .It did not give me any problem till now.
Moreover, when you are waiting at red light you should not keep pulling throttle uselessly because it generates waste heat in engine which may degrade the performance
of your scooter. It is true with both NOVA and Activa.
Always apply both brakes simultaneously for effective braking.
The 4-stroke gearless engines are more delicate than geared engines so one should strictly follow the precautions. Only then one can enjoy a long and problem free scooter life.