ACTIVA
NOVA 135
SUPERIOR ENGINEERING ON CONSERVATIVE ACTIVA MEETS TRENDY DUAL-TONE NOVA 135
The Activa, though contemporary, is noticeably simple with steel panels, a bulbed front mudguard and broad front. Its multi-reflector headlight, which is surrounded by a pair of integrated indicators, is outshone by the Nova 135's unit. The Activa's neat dashboard is embedded in well-finished plastic with an accurate fuel gauge. It's a shame one has to pay for front storage on this scooter, while the flat floorboard comforts well and has smart running boards supporting it. The creased side panels are attractive and an uncluttered rear goes one up on the Nova 135's blend. Shockingly, a side-stand and any crash protection rails are paid options on the Activa. Underseat storage, though smaller than the nattily illuminated cavity available within the Nova 135, is quite adequate.
The Nova 135 offers a large front mudguard while dual-tone colour runs the length of its body. The front apron sweeps back with long indicators. Rounded instruments are clearly laid out. Within the front luggage tub is a cellphone holder and charging point, for those interested in staying in touch. The Nova has a nice foldable bag hook in plastic, unlike the plain Activa unit. The wide floorboard has rear foot-pegs nestled behind the broad running boards. The decals on this scoot are really tasteful and do wonders for overall appeal. The side panels are smart with a swooped aluminium grab-handle adding panache to its integrated rear, which is a less attractive part of the Nova 135 .
The Activa proves that clean yet conservative looks go down well in India as can be gauged by this scooter's consistent sales growth. However, in light of Kinetic's dual-painted new Nova 135, the Activa now seems a little lacklustre.
Fit and finish to the Honda is marginally better than the Nova 135. Levers, plastics and switches with push-to-cancel indicators are on an even keel, while the Nova irritates for lacking a
necessary brake-lock. The Activa fights back with far superior palm grips.
The Activa's oddly-shaped mirrors are narrow on the outside and wide on the inside where one needs no width. In contrast, the Nova has titanic mirrors that offer better rear vision. The broad and supportive seats on both scooters pamper a rider's as well as pillion's rear.
The Nova scores brownie points over the Activa in deploying aluminium wheel discs. Puncture-repelling tyres are the norm for both scooters, which has to be the reason behind neither offering a standard stepney.
A major plus for the Activa is 'CLIC' - easy access to the engine by completely tipping up its panels for engine admission. Where the Nova claims to offer single-screw access to its carburetor, spark plug and engine, in reality we found it takes a single screw to reach the carburettor, another single screw to the spark plug, and to clean the air filter element - so essential to a service - means complete removal of one side panel. Both scooters protect their undersides with belly pans.