ON THE SAME WAVE LENGTH

Honda’s Activa had smothered the competition for long but now Bajaj’s new Wave is a real threat.

‘The Wave looks set to breach the monopoly the Activa has enjoyed for long.’

BAJAJ WAVE
List price (ex-showroom,
Pune) Rs 32,500 (est)
Top speed 84 kph
0-60kph 12.28 sec
Kpl 44.3 (overall)
For Handling, value for money
Against Lack of brake lock

HONDA ACTIVA
List price (ex-showroom,
Pune) Rs 36,834
Top speed 77 kph
0-60kph 13.13 sec
Kpl 44.6 (overall)
For Smooth engine, build quality
Against Weak headlight, essentials offered as options

Buyers command, makers obey. That's the healthy state of the Indian two-wheeler market today. Take for example the nine percent growth of the scooter segment — it's galvanised all the major two-wheeler players in action, and everyone has a scooter launch lined up for 2005. There's also the fact that while the motorcycle market is hugely competitive, with each manufacturer having a couple of fine bikes in its stable, there is still some scope for better scooters.
The name Bajaj is synonymous with scooters, and the company has launched the first of a new scooter range — the Wave — positioned to appeal to the masses. But to do that, it first has to stare down the formidable Honda Activa, the model that single-handedly revived the fading Indian scooter industry.
We take a look at how the pair shape up, when looking each other eye-to-eye.