The Kinetic is the oldest of the three, and its age is showing, at least in its looks. What was once futuristic today tends to look plain in the company of the other two scooters. The best way to look at the Kinetic is from the side. The low stance makes the scooter look planted to the ground and that wee bit aerodynamic. But this is at the cost of low ground clearance, which is a pain when going over one of the many back-breakers on our roads. While the front suspension of the Kinetic is a leading link, the rear, as in most scooters, uses the engine to double up as a swingarm. This is suspended by a single coil over the shock absorber. There is a connecting link between the engine and the chassis, which helps isolate road shocks from the chassis and provide a smoother ride. The chassis is tubular, which was a departure from the monocoque configuration that earlier scooters came with.
  
In the looks department, the Saffire is a stunner! The ample front end neatly curves down to a belly-pan look, and dispenses with the need for a front mudguard. The side panels blend smoothly into the fluted rear which houses the integrated tail-lamp and indicator assembly. The handlebar nacelle is neat, but we would have preferred a more aggressive shape. Convenience-wise, the Saffire scores over the Kinetic in being able to house a full-face helmet under the seat (but then the Kinetic has a spare wheel). All said, whichever way you look at it, the Saffire holds your gaze for a very long time. The single-sided front suspension is due for an upgrade. According to Bajaj sources, a Saffire with a Ceriani front fork is to be launched shortly.
  
The styling of the Activa is another indication of Honda's thorough research of the Indian market. Contemporary yet fresh is the best way to describe it. Honda has wisely steered clear of going overboard on the futuristic theme, which may not have been accepted by the largely conservative buyer. But this does not suggest that the design is uninspiring or dull. On the contrary, the sweptback front panel, the matching front mudguard and the imposing handlebar nacelle housing a lovely clear-lens multi reflector headlamp, can all be best described as subtly elegant.
  
The paint job is brilliant, as is the fit and finish. The side panels, integral body parts of any scooter, are in a class of their own on the Activa. They discreetly house the centrally-mounted engine and the frame, provide enough storage space for a full-face helmet, and beautifully blend in with the overall lines. However, many buyers will raise an eyebrow on having to pay for a numberplate, side-stand and a ladies side-step as accessories!
  
The flattened curves of the Activa's body lend an attractive chiseled look, a rather pleasant sight after the bulbous rear ends that many scooters suffer from. But the best example of practical engineering is the way the engine cover can be 'clic-ked' and lifted up like a car's bonnet for easy access whenever required. Attention to detail, Honda- style. Another touch is the liquid-filled double-layered tube, which in the event of a puncture, should allow the rider enough time to reach a 'puncture-walla'. Under-standably, a spare wheel is being offered only as an option. The Activa's leading link front and single shock rear combination provides superb ride comfort, except over the worst of terrain.