Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India has launched its first BS-VI compliant two-wheeler, the Activa 125. The new BS-VI Activa 125 packs several styling and mechanical enhancements over the BS-IV version, and we list out all those differences in this post.
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Styling
The BS-VI Activa 125 gets a sharper styling compared to the BS-IV model. Its revised front fascia features a new design for the headlamp. The headlight mask and the black panel above the illuminator, too, get new crease lines. The chrome garnishing on the apron also gets redesigned for a refreshed look. The front fender gets a styling upgrade too. Illumination tasks on the higher-spec model are performed by full-LED headlight with a restyled signature LED position lamp. Overall, the BS-VI Honda Activa comes with 26 new patent applications.
The BS-VI Honda Activa 125 comes in three variants – Standard, Alloy and Deluxe. All three variants benefit from Silent Start and PGM-FI system. The base variant, however, misses a few features such as the LED headlight and digital screen. Check out the variant-wise feature list in the table below:
| Feature | Deluxe | Alloy | Standard |
| Silent Start | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PGM-FI | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Headlight | LED | LED | Halogen Bulb |
| Meter Console | Semi-Digital | Semi-Digital | Analogue |
| External Fuel Cap | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Intelligent Display (Real-time fuel economy, distance to empty and average fuel economy) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Side Stand Engine Cut Off | Yes | Yes | Optional |
| Engine Stop Switch | - | Yes | Yes |
| Idling Stop System | Yes | - | - |
| Wheels | Alloy | Alloy | Sheet Metal |
| Front Brakes | Disc | Drum | Drum |
All three variants of the BS-VI Activa 125 are available in four colours – Rebel Red Metallic, Midnight Blue Metallic, Heavy Grey Metallic & Pearl Precious White. The side panels come with embossed 3D Activa 125 logo.
The BS-VI Activa 125 is 3 mm wider, 36 mm longer and 19 mm taller than the BS-IV version. It is also 3 kg heavier than. The wheelbase, at 1,260 mm, is identical to the BS-IV version. Check out the dimension comparison below:
| Specification | Honda Activa 125 BS-VI | Honda Activa 125 BS-IV |
| Length | 1,850 mm | 1,814 mm |
| Width | 707 mm | 704 mm |
| Height | 1,170 mm | 1,151 mm |
| Wheel Base | 1,260 mm | 1,260 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 169 mm | 155 mm |
| Kerb weight | 111 kg | 108 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity | 5.3-litres | 5.3-litres |
The Intelligent Display on the top-spec and mid-variant shows features a semi-digital layout and offers average fuel consumption, real-time economy and distance to empty readings. The base variant, on the other hand, uses an analogue console. The digital screen also displays service due indicator, malfunction light, odometer and a clock. The 5-in-1 key slot gives access to the external fuel lid, under-seat storage and the handle-lock. The BS-VI model also benefits from a front glove box for extra storage space.
Engine and safety features
The 125 cc motor on the BS-VI Activa 125 has undergone a massive upgrade to comply with the new emission norms. The Honda ACG Starter feature starts the engine via the same AC generator used to generate current and charge the battery while riding the scooter. The new system eliminates the need for a conventional starter motor.
The top-spec model comes with an Idling Stop System that turns off the engine during long stops, such as traffic light. The mid and base model, on the other hand, feature an engine kill switch. Another bigger change comes in the form of a Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system that replaces the carburettor technology of the BS-IV model.
The engine comes with a revised bore, stroke and a higher compression ratio. The single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine now delivers 6.10 kW (8.29 PS) of peak power at 6,500 rpm as against 6.35 kW (8.63 PS) on the BS-IV model. The peak torque has also come down marginally, and the BS-VI compliant motor delivers 10.3 Nm at 5,000 rpm as against the BS-IV version's 10.5 Nm at 5,000 rpm. However, the fuel-injection system will deliver more precise fuel supply and better economy. Honda claims a 13% improvement in the fuel economy over the BS-IV model.
| Specification | Honda Activa BS-VI | Honda Activa BS-IV |
| Displacement | 124 cc, Fan Cooled, 4 Stroke, SI Engine | 124.9 cc, Fan Cooled, 4 Stroke, SI Engine |
| Fuel System | PGM-FI | Carburettor |
| Bore x Stroke | 50.0 mm x 63.1 mm | 52.4 mm x 57.9 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0 +/- 0.2 | 9.8 |
| Max Power | 6.10 kW (8.29 PS) at 6,500 rpm | 6.35 kW (8.63 PS) at 6,500 rpm |
| Max Torque | 10.3 Nm at 5,000 rpm | 10.54 Nm at 5,000 rpm |
The Deluxe and the Alloy versions of the scooter also benefit from a side-stand indicator with engine inhibitor that prevents the scooter from starting up with the side-stand is down. The Standard variant gets the feature as an option.
What’s retained from the BS-IV model?
The BS-IV Honda Activa 125 has the same tyre, braking and suspension setup as the BS-IV model, and features drum brakes on both wheels as standard. A 190 mm front disc is available on the top-spec Deluxe model. The wheels are wrapped in 90/90-12 front and 90/100-10 rear tyres on both models. The suspension department continues to use telescopic front forks and a Spring Loaded Hydraulic at the back. The rear suspension on the BS-VI model, however, comes with three-step adjustability.
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Prices
The addition of new features and technology has resulted in a significant price hike. Check out the variant-wise prices below:
| Variant | Honda Activa 125 BS-VI | Honda Activa 125 BS-IV |
| Standard | INR 67,490 | INR 60,627 |
| Alloy | INR 70,990 | INR 62,563 |
| Deluxe | INR 74,490 | INR 65,012 |
Also, Honda is offering a six-year warranty package. The standard three years warranty can be extended by another three years by paying extra.
