So after reading the exhaustive user reviews on mouthshut I bought the nova.. it has been three days and it is not yet the time for reviewing the product, but I just would like to express my gratitude to all users for guiding me in the right direction.
My first impression in the first 3days. ( After one week / first service is given at the end of review) Now she has done a 1100 Km
Positives.
Great looks - it turns heads wherever it goes (or its me ! hehe)
Simply amazing pick up. Feels like a tow truck. Carries me and mom. Thats close to 130kg and the compartment full of goods weighing about 10kg without the slightest hesitation. Power to match the activa’s reputation of quick pickup. As I have been around two activas for two years and know the scooter quite well. (I admire it as well)
Very well balanced ride compared to the activa.. this feels like the scooter doesnt want to be unstable.
Humongous storage space compared to activa.
Comes with all the required accessories unlike the activa where the price is not inclusive of even the number plate!.
Good lights and bright blinkers.
Negatives
- Cornering is a nightmare, the bottom stand hits the ground the minute I lean hard left at a reasonable angle. But leaning right is fine enough. (As I bought the scooter for my mom and dad- they are never going to xperience this problem)
It can take a quick left turn with plenty of confidence, though.
- Fit and finish- in keeping with the kinetic tradition, a very close examination reveals that the joints are not all that very well fitting. there are few gaping holes on the floorboard (Other than that I found the nova quite well finished )
Now I wud recommend the nova for 2 reasons
Riding comfort. If u r looking for a scooter for ur mom and dad, forget the activa.. ( I did catch an occasional activa rider looking at the nova with a ’’I should have bought that’’ look on his face as I overtook them on the road)
Style.. Who am I to rate the nova as it has already proved its looks on a competion-- the NID design awards were well deserved , but I do feel an integrated bumper was absolutely necessary. They have made up for it using a strong steel aftermarket accessory. Affects the looks however.
The scooter of the year award is not given just like that.. I have been reading automags for 5+years and I think they do know which is the better product.
Storage - it is a small car when it comes to load carrying.
If anyone is not interested these should be the reasons.
Kicking the scooter to life needs practice and it has to be on its center stand to do that.
They dont like gearless scooters.
They are like the rest of the herd that does not believe that an indian product can match up to jap quality. The name HONDA seems to attract customers in droves.
Low ground clearance (same as activa)
Is not fiercely advertised or did not come to india with pedigree.
I think the nova is a good buy if u know its limitations. and trust me I have been around my friends activas for two years... It is a great scooter, truly. But there is NOTHING that the more stylish and bigger Nova cant do and the activa can!
Edit....
After a week.
1.The scooter is giving 40+kmpl roughly, completely driven in the city in nothing but stop and go trafiic.
I am racing calibers and centras on the road and wow! dont they hate it when a scooter goes vroom past them. ( I am a very careful driver though)
My mom tried a hand at it and has started to like it.
4.I sent a feedback mail to kinetic and they responded warmly more than once.
Kinetic is coming out with an aggressive campaign during asia cup.
Powerful lights.
Takes corners like a piece of cake now that I have got used to it. Not very low lean angles but comfortable.
Power oozes like a bulldozer from this silent little engine.
After one month
Had a problem once as I hurt her underbelly. The scooter started taking off on its own.. imagine stoppin a 7 bhp + machine that decides to run on its own!! but the service centre guy got it repaired in 10 minutes!! cable seating had fallen off channel.. so be careful and dont scrub her.
I took her out on the highway to Trivandrum and got Hold your breath - 60-63 Kmpl!! before first service..I was riding as guide by the MMX.
After first service
The kicker is smoother and starts up evry morning without a hitch..
I am in love!!