In the ever-growing two-wheeler market, scooters have emerged as the go-to option for millions of commuters, offering a perfect blend of comfort, fuel efficiency, and ease of maneuverability. Among the top contenders in the scooter segment are the Honda Activa 6G and Suzuki Access 125. Both of these scooters have earned a reputation for their solid performance, stylish design, and reliability. In this article, we’ll compare these two popular models, focusing on their performance, comfort, features, and overall value.
Honda Activa 6G: The Legacy Continues
The Honda Activa 6G is the latest version of Honda's immensely popular Activa series. Known for its reliability, smooth performance, and practicality, the Activa has become a household name in India. The Activa 6G continues the legacy, refining the design and features for modern consumers, while retaining the core aspects that made it a best-seller.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Activa 6G follows the brand's traditional appeal, with a simple yet elegant look. The front apron, chrome highlights, and modern headlamp design give it a stylish and contemporary appearance. The build quality is robust, with a metallic body that ensures durability and longevity. The scooter is well-suited for urban commuting, offering practicality without compromising on aesthetics.
Power & Performance
The Honda Activa 6G is powered by a 109.51cc single-cylinder engine that delivers a maximum power of 7.73 bhp at 8000 rpm and a torque of 8.79 Nm at 5250 rpm. This engine is mated to a CVT gearbox, which provides a smooth and comfortable riding experience, especially during city commutes.
The performance is ideal for urban settings, where agility and fuel efficiency are key. The Activa 6G is known for its good mileage, with owner-reported figures around 50-55 km/l, making it an economical choice for daily use. It is more than capable of handling short-distance commutes and even occasional weekend rides.
Comfort and Features
Honda ensures that the Activa 6G is designed with comfort in mind. The seat height of 765 mm is suitable for riders of various heights, providing a relaxed riding posture. The under-seat storage capacity of 18 liters offers ample space for essentials like a helmet, making it convenient for everyday use.
The Activa 6G also comes with a range of user-friendly features, including a silent start system, which minimizes noise when starting the scooter. In terms of suspension, the front telescopic forks and spring-loaded hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear ensure a smooth ride over bumpy roads. Additionally, the scooter comes with a digital instrument cluster that displays vital information such as a service due indicator and real-time mileage indicator, further enhancing the convenience factor.
Suzuki Access 125: Performance and Premium Features
The Suzuki Access 125 offers a more powerful and feature-rich alternative in the 125cc scooter segment. Suzuki has positioned the Access 125 as a scooter for riders who want both performance and practicality. With a more powerful engine and a suite of premium features, the Access 125 caters to those looking for an upgraded scooter experience.
Design and Build Quality
The Suzuki Access 125 has a modern and premium design. It stands out with its sleek lines, chrome accents, and stylish front apron. The design is aimed at attracting those who want something more muscular and sophisticated. The chrome-plated parts, such as the front grille and rearview mirrors, enhance its premium appeal. The scooter’s build quality is excellent, and the sturdy frame ensures a long lifespan even with regular usage.
Power & Performance
The Suzuki Access 125 is powered by a 124cc single-cylinder engine that produces 8.6 bhp at 6750 rpm and a torque of 10 Nm at 5500 rpm. This engine offers a noticeable boost in performance compared to the Activa 6G. It is mated to a CVT gearbox, providing smooth acceleration and power delivery.
With its larger engine and higher power output, the Access 125 is better suited for longer commutes, and it offers better acceleration and higher top speeds compared to the Activa 6G. Riders looking for more power and smooth highway riding will appreciate the enhanced performance of the Access 125. Additionally, the owner-reported mileage of the Access 125 is around 48 km/l, making it a relatively fuel-efficient option in the 125cc segment.
Comfort and Features
Comfort is another area where the Suzuki Access 125 shines. The seat height of 773 mm provides a comfortable riding position for a wide range of riders. The under-seat storage capacity of 21.8 liters offers plenty of room to store a helmet and other essentials, making it more spacious than the Activa 6G. This added storage space makes the Access 125 a more practical option for those who carry more items regularly.
The Access 125 comes equipped with an LED headlamp for better visibility, especially while riding at night. It also features a more advanced instrument cluster, which is a mix of analog and digital elements, providing riders with a wealth of information, including fuel efficiency, speed, trip details, and more.
The scooter is equipped with telescopic forks at the front and twin shock absorbers at the rear, ensuring a comfortable ride even on uneven roads. The suspension setup provides better handling and stability, enhancing the overall riding experience.
Key Differences Between Honda Activa 6G and Suzuki Access 125
Engine and Performance
The Suzuki Access 125 stands out with its 124cc engine that offers more power and torque compared to the 109.51cc engine in the Honda Activa 6G. The Access 125’s engine produces 8.6 bhp and 10 Nm of torque, making it more suited for longer commutes and offering better performance on highways. On the other hand, the Activa 6G’s engine, while smaller, still provides adequate power for city commuting and offers excellent fuel efficiency, making it a more practical choice for daily city rides.
Design and Build Quality
The Honda Activa 6G features a more classic design, focusing on simplicity and functionality. Its look is timeless and appeals to a broad demographic. The Suzuki Access 125, however, has a more premium and modern design, with sleek body lines and chrome accents, offering a more stylish appearance.
Comfort and Features
Both scooters offer good comfort, but the Suzuki Access 125 has a slight edge in terms of storage capacity, with a larger under-seat storage of 21.8 liters, compared to the 18 liters offered by the Activa 6G. Additionally, the Access 125’s LED headlamp and more advanced instrument cluster provide better functionality and a more modern experience.
In terms of suspension, the Suzuki Access 125 has twin shock absorbers at the rear, which offer better stability and comfort on rough roads, while the Activa 6G uses a spring-loaded hydraulic shock absorber, which, while adequate, doesn’t match the premium ride quality of the Access 125.
Price and Value for Money
The Honda Activa 6G generally comes at a more affordable price point compared to the Suzuki Access 125, making it a more budget-friendly option for those looking for an economical scooter for daily city commuting. However, the Suzuki Access 125 offers more power, a premium design, and better features, justifying its slightly higher price for those who prioritize performance and comfort.
Conclusion
Both the Honda Activa 6G and Suzuki Access 125 are excellent choices, each catering to different needs and preferences. If you are looking for a reliable, fuel-efficient scooter for daily city commuting, the Honda Activa 6G is a fantastic choice. Its simple design, solid performance, and fuel efficiency make it a well-rounded option for everyday use.
However, if you need a scooter with more power, better comfort features, and a premium design, the Suzuki Access 125 is the better option. It is perfect for those who want extra performance, a stylish appearance, and a more comfortable ride.
Ultimately, the choice between the Activa 6G and Access 125 depends on your specific requirements, preferences, and budget. Whether you go with the reliable Activa 6G or the performance-oriented Access 125, both scooters are designed to provide a smooth and enjoyable riding experience.