Honda Activa 6G

The Honda Activa 6G is powered by a 109.51cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine equipped with Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-Fi). This BS6 Phase 2 compliant motor produces a modest 5.77 kW (7.73 bhp) of power at 8,000 rpm and 8.90 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. While these figures are not segment-leading, the engine's real-world application is its defining characteristic. Honda’s eSP (enhanced Smart Power) technology, which includes an ACG silent starter and measures to reduce internal friction, delivers a remarkably refined experience. 

The throttle response is crisp and linear, making it exceptionally manageable in dense, stop-and-go city traffic. Acceleration from a standstill to 40 km/h is brisk and devoid of any hesitation. However, beyond 60 km/h, the engine begins to feel strained, making it suitable primarily for urban environments rather than sustained highway cruising. The primary focus here is efficiency and refinement over outright performance. In real-world testing conditions, riders can consistently expect a fuel efficiency figure between 45-50 kmpl, placing it among the more frugal options in its class. Its performance is best described as adequate, predictable, and exceptionally smooth—a combination engineered for the daily commuter.

For the daily commuter, the Activa 6G delivers on core comfort and practicality metrics. The riding posture is upright and neutral, with a well-positioned handlebar and a flat, spacious floorboard that provides ample legroom. The seat height of 765mm makes it highly accessible for a wide range of riders. The seat itself is long and broad, offering sufficient cushioning for both the rider and pillion during typical city commutes. For longer journeys, however, the firm rear suspension can translate into a slightly jarring ride for the pillion. In terms of storage, the Activa 6G offers an 18-litre underseat compartment. While useful, this volume is less than what is offered by key competitors; for instance, the TVS Jupiter provides 21 litres of space. 

The Activa's storage can accommodate a half-face helmet and a few small items, but fitting a standard full-face helmet is not possible. The addition of the external fuel filler is a significant practical improvement, eliminating the need to dismount and lift the seat during refuelling. Heat management from the air-cooled engine is excellent, with no noticeable heat directed towards the rider’s legs, even in heavy traffic.

One of the most significant upgrades in this generation of the Activa is the move to a telescopic front fork, replacing the dated bottom-link suspension of its predecessors. This change has tangibly improved ride dynamics. The front end now feels more planted and absorbs road imperfections with greater composure, reducing shocks transferred to the handlebar. In contrast, the rear suspension is a 3-step adjustable hydraulic monoshock that, while functional, can feel firm over sharper bumps, a characteristic amplified by the smaller 10-inch rear wheel. The scooter's handling is defined by its 12-inch front and 10-inch rear wheel setup. This configuration provides excellent agility for navigating tight city traffic, allowing for quick directional changes. 

However, it compromises high-speed stability compared to rivals like the TVS Jupiter, which employs 12-inch wheels at both ends. The braking system is the Activa's most notable compromise. It relies on 130mm drum brakes on both wheels, governed by a Combi-Brake System (CBS). While CBS effectively distributes braking force, the complete absence of a front disc brake option is a significant omission. The braking performance is adequate for city speeds, but lacks the sharp bite and feedback required for confident emergency stops, especially in wet conditions.

The Activa 6G’s design is a deliberate exercise in conservative evolution. It retains the familiar, family-friendly silhouette, prioritising mass appeal over trend-setting aesthetics. Its full metal body panels remain a key differentiator, offering a sense of durability and robustness that resonates with Indian buyers. The feature list, however, reflects this conservative approach. Higher variants (DLX and Smart) are equipped with a bright LED DC headlamp that provides good illumination, but the turn indicators and tail lamp remain halogen units. The instrument cluster is a strictly analogue affair, displaying only a speedometer, odometer, and fuel gauge. The lack of a trip meter, digital clock, or service reminder feels anachronistic when competitors offer feature-rich semi-digital or fully digital consoles. 

Practical features include an external fuel filler cap, operated via a multi-function key slot at the front, and an engine start-stop switch. The top-tier H-Smart variant introduces a keyless system, allowing for functions like keyless ignition, remote seat/fuel-lid opening, and a vehicle locator. While the silent start system is a premium touch, the overall equipment list is functional but sparse, lacking modern essentials like a standard USB charging port.

The Honda Activa 6G adheres to the mandatory safety regulations for its segment but does not go beyond them. The primary safety technology is the Combi-Brake System (CBS), which automatically applies a portion of the front brake force when the rear brake lever is engaged. This system is effective in preventing rear-wheel lock-up under moderate braking and helps in stabilising the scooter, especially for novice riders. Another crucial, now-standard feature is the side-stand engine cut-off switch, which prevents the rider from moving with the stand deployed. However, the most critical safety limitation is the braking hardware itself. 

The reliance on 130mm drum brakes at both ends, without the option of a front disc brake, places the Activa at a disadvantage. Drum brakes inherently offer less potent stopping power and are more susceptible to brake fade under heavy or prolonged use compared to a disc setup. This difference is particularly pronounced in wet conditions, where braking distances can increase significantly. While the LED headlamp on higher variants enhances night-time visibility, the overall safety package feels adequate for regulated compliance rather than being a proactive measure for enhanced rider security.

The 110cc scooter segment is fiercely contested, and the Activa 6G faces several formidable rivals.

TVS Jupiter 110:

The Jupiter’s most significant differentiator is its superior ride quality and handling dynamics. This is achieved through a combination of a telescopic front fork, a gas-charged rear monoshock, and 12-inch wheels at both the front and rear. It also offers a front disc brake option, addressing a key shortcoming of the Activa.

Hero Pleasure+ Xtec:

Targeting a younger demographic, the Pleasure+ Xtec distinguishes itself with a modern feature set. It boasts a segment-first LED projector headlamp for superior illumination and a digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity, offering call and SMS alerts—features completely absent on the Activa.

Hero Maestro Edge 110:

The Maestro Edge 110 presents a more stylish and feature-rich alternative. Its key differentiator is its sharp, contemporary design coupled with a more informative semi-digital instrument cluster on higher variants. It appeals to buyers who find the Activa's design too conventional and its feature list too basic.

Who should buy it?

The ideal Activa 6G buyer is a risk-averse individual who prioritises engine refinement, proven long-term reliability, and strong resale value above all else. This scooter is for the pragmatic commuter who values Honda’s vast service network and the peace of mind that comes with a trusted nameplate.

Who should skip it?

Buyers seeking modern features such as a digital console, Bluetooth connectivity, or a USB charger should look elsewhere. Similarly, riders who prioritise braking performance and ride comfort will find better-equipped alternatives that offer a front disc brake and more sophisticated suspension setups.