Honda Activa 6G Review: First Ride

In Honda's speak, the Activa 6G gets 6 major changes over the model it replaces. Apart from the shift to a BS-VI updated engine, what else is new with the 6th generation of the Activa? We took it for a spin to find out.

By Jared Solomon

3 Mar, 2020

3 min read

The best-selling scooter model in the world has just been updated to help it continue its dominance!

When launched in 2001, the Activa was an instant success and has continued to be so. In fact, today, the Activa alone accounts for the majority of Honda’s entire global sales. One in every five two-wheelers sold in India is now an Activa!

The mysterious reason for the Activa’s huge success is actually very simple – it was and continues to be the best product in the market. With Honda’s reliability factor, the best quality components, a beautiful engine, and regular updates, the Activa has been able to demolish every product that has dared to challenge it.

honda activa 6g static

New Updates
The new Activa is now, well, entirely new! And, of course, it’s now BS-VI compliant. The entire platform has been revamped, along with the frame and design, which are also new. It now gets telescopic front forks, a 3-step adjustable rear suspension, new lighting, a new instrument cluster, more rider space, an increased ground clearance, a bigger 12-inch front wheel, and fancy new switchgear.

honda activa 6g details instrument cluster

The biggest change, however, is the brand-new BS-VI engine. The 110cc HET unit features an eSP (Enhanced Smart Power) system that reduces friction and improves combustion to increase fuel efficiency by 10%. The engine also gets a unique Honda ACG Starter, which essentially starts the engine without any jolts or noises and makes the presence of a starter motor redundant.

honda activa 6g details telesciopic forks

Ride Quality
The seating position is more or less the same as before, but there is now a bit more floorboard space for your feet, which makes it even more comfortable to ride in urban conditions. And I absolutely love the new front suspension! The front end is now lighter and more responsive at the same time, which is great for city riding. The engine starts effortlessly and feels incredibly smooth. This is where the Activa has always excelled, and continues to do so. The engine performance is simply brilliant. The engine’s power has only marginally decreased – it’s so marginal that I didn’t feel any change while riding the scooter. The overall ride quality is great and still the best in the 110cc segment.

Still the Champ?
Without a doubt, yes! The Activa is still the highest quality product in the segment, and one that offers the most comfortable and practical riding experience. There are now some switches, such as the engine kill switch and a button for the seat storage and external-fuel lid.

Priced competitively, more fuel efficient, and better looking, the new Activa 6G has made challenging its uninterrupted reign even more difficult for the competition.

honda activa 6g rear static