OD Garage: The Activa i gets a much needed first service

The Activa was in considerable need of a service with a rough feeling engine, squeaky suspension and a loose cone set. Thankfully Honda has addressed all the issues and the bike is running much better now. The fuel efficiency which had dropped to the high thirties is now back in the mid forties and I'm back to enjoying the conveniences the scooter offers and lamenting its stiff ride.

The Activa i which has run close to 1500km feels refreshed after returning from its first service

One thing I'm particularly starting to appreciate is the brakes. After spending months on Combi brake equipped Honda scooters I switched to the new TVS Jupiter for a few days while the Activa was at service. While the TVS has very competent brakes they somehow lacked the reassuring feel of the Honda's. You see, I'm now used to squeezing the rear brake and adding just a dab of the front to slow a scooter down and that's because I've been spoiled by the Combi brake system. That technique won't work on any other 'independent brake' scooter and you need a combined input on both brakes. Yes I have called the system aunty/noob/idiot friendly in the past but the fact of the matter is that it just works so well. All you have to do is squeeze the rear brake lever and brake force is neatly distributed between the front and rear wheel. You can literally grab the lever and the bike slows down with little drama. Never once have I had a locked front wheel. It's not a necessary feature but it's definitely one you will grow to appreciate.

The Combi brakes help slow the scooter with little drama. Never once have I had a locked front wheel. It's not a necessary feature but it's definitely one you will grow to appreciate

The stiff ride however continues to throw a spanner in the works. I have some fast but bumpy roads to deal with on my commute and my back is not pleased with the Activa i's ride. Unlike a motorcycle you can't stand on the pegs over a rough patch which means your back has to absorb all of the punishment. It's my only real issue with the Activa i but it's enough to make me seriously consider another commuting tool.

[2013 Activa i road test] [Activa