What Else Can You Buy Instead Of India’s Best-Selling Scooter

The second-generation Honda Activa 6G keeps all the strengths of its predecessor but brings in modernity and features in the form of a fuel-injected BS6 compliant motor, telescopic suspension, larger front wheel and external fuel-filler cap. It retails in the range of Rs 63,912 - 65,412 (ex-showroom Delhi). While the Activa 6G is a good buy, there are a couple of scooters and motorcycles available at a slight premium that might suit your needs better. Here’s the list. 

Hero Splendor iSmart 110 BS6 (Rs 64,900 - 67,100):

The Splendor iSmart BS6 is a more premium and modern iteration of Hero’s ubiquitous Splendor. The BS6 variant packs in a new 113.2cc fuel-injected motor that makes 10 percent more torque than the BS4 Splendor 110. Power output now is 9PS and 9.89Nm. The motorcycle also gets a new diamond type frame with a higher 180mm ground clearance and better suspension travel. While the Splendor misses out on the Activa 6G’s LED headlamp setup, it gets i3S start-stop assist. The Splendor offers better ride quality and is more usable in rough road conditions. It makes sense over the Activa 6G if you do not need to carry extra load and ride a lot on the highway and rural roads. 

TVS Jupiter Classic BS6 (Rs 67,911:

The TVS Jupiter has been the Activa 6G’s closest rival in the 110cc scooter segment. In its BS6 avatar, the Jupiter gets fuel injection as well as Bluetooth connectivity. Its 109.7cc fuel injected motor generates 7.4PS and 8.4Nm. The Jupiter has been a feature-packed since its launch in 2013 and the Activa 6G has now almost caught up with it on this front. However, the Jupiter does impress with its ride quality and spacious seat. It also gets a front disc brake, a safety feature the Activa still does not get even as an option. The Jupiter BS6 makes sense if you want a more premium-looking scooter with better ride comfort and more features. 

Bajaj Pulsar 125 Neon BS4 (Rs 63,616 - Rs 66,618):

The only BS4 motorcycle in this list is also the sportiest one here. It is the smallest Pulsar you can buy but that does not make it any less sporty. The Pulsar 125 Neon’s carburetted 124.4cc motor delivers 12PS and 11Nm, making it the second most powerful 125cc bike after the KTM 125 Duke. The Pulsar 125 borrows the larger Pulsar’s bodywork, features and mechanicals and is a fantastic prospect if you are looking for a sporty and premium motorcycle. The Pulsar 125 Neon BS6 has been launched as well but costs Rs 73, 088. If you are a college-goer, the Pulsar 125 Neon should appeal to you more than the Activa 6G. 

Suzuki Access 125 BS6 (Rs 67,100):

Suzuki has launched the BS6 variant of the Access 125 and the base drum brake, cast wheel variant should be within your budget. The new BS6 Access 125 gets revised bodywork, an LED headlamp and an external fuel-filler cap. The Access 125 has been a favourite due to its powerful yet frugal motor. The new fuel-injected motor does not disappoint on that count. It now delivers 8.7PS and 10Nm. The Honda Activa 6G and Suzuki Access 125 are evenly matched in terms of features and mechanicals so it all boils down to the motor and performance. While the Activa 6G impresses with its refinement and silent start operation courtesy the ACG starter generator, the Access 125 offers impressive performance. So if you are looking for a traditional family scooter with better performance, the Suzuki Access 125 makes more sense over the Activa 6G. 

Honda Shine BS6 (Rs 67,857): 

The Honda Shine BS6 too is available within your budget albeit in the base drum brake variant. In its BS6 avatar, the 125cc motorcycle gets an all-new fuel-injected motor with an ACG starter and a 5-speed gearbox. The new motor now delivers 10.7PS and 11Nm. It also gets a longer seat and better ground clearance. The Shine has been known for its reliability and torquey motor, like the Activa. So if you are looking for a more powerful but reliable motorcycle and do not mind the slight drop in fuel efficiency, the Honda Shine would be a good buying option.