What is it?
Honda’s newest offering in India is a cross between a scooter and a motorcycle and is aimed towards the younger generation as an interesting alternative to the plethora of scooters they are subject to. Apart from being a fun bike, the Navi’s USP will be the infinite level of customisation options that will be offered by Honda in the future.
All new-
It is if you consider the segment it caters to. A segment of mini-bikes that is non-existent in India. In that context, the Navi is the first-of its-kind. The basic dimensions have been kept similar to the Activa – Honda’s highest selling vehicle in India and use its frame and tried-and-tested 110cc engine and variomatic transmission. The design is minimalist yet outrageous at the same time. The tank is surrounded on both sides by single-piece hard-wearing plastic units that should be easily interchangeable to suit your colour preference. The bike will be available in a host of bright colour options surrounded by a blacked out frame and wheels. Honda seems to have developed a fetish for Carbon-fiber with faux stickers adorning the tank, side panel, exhaust heat shield and instrument console housing.
What else?
The scooter platform means the 110cc engine is at the back and this liberates space between the tank. Handy for keeping a handbag or small packages. Honda is offering an optional storage bin that fills up the gap nicely and should be useful to stow away small items. Honda has tried to keep the Navi’s riding position similar to the Activa and it is. Except for the footpeg positioning, handlebar reach and seat height is similar to the now familiar scooter.
Powerful?
The Navi uses the 110cc mill from the Activa in the same state of tune but feels quite peppy thanks to being lighter than the scooter by 7kgs. Initial acceleration is brisk and the bike gets to the 60kmph range without effort. Top speed is a claimed 81kmph and that is adequate for such a kind of bike. The motor is refined though is more audible due to the exposed frame but that adds to the experience and isn’t a nuisance.
Fun-to-ride?
It’s a no-brainer really. Take a small light frame, put in an adequately performing mill and small wheels and what you have is a unique, fun experience. The riding position is familiar and the spindly, wide handlebar and minimalist speedo keeps things simple. The suspension is similar to a scooter though the front gets upside-down forks which add to its uniqueness. The front gets 12-inch wheels which makes it stable over bumps while the tear is a 10-inch unit. The TVS tyres grip well and what you have is a small, lightweight bike that is nimble, handles well and is a hoot around corners. The ride is well controlled and doesn’t wallow and small road imperfections are done away with ease. The brakes are progressive and do a fairly good job of slowing things down.
Value?
Here is the best part. The Honda Navi retails at Rs 39,500 which makes it extremely affordable to first time buyers (read collegiate teenagers) and also for someone looking for a simple, no frills mobility solution. It will also appeal to those who looking for a cool and quirky offering to park in their garage. Now here is the kicker. Honda has promised to offer customisation parts for the Navi at affordable prices and customisation kits starting from as low as Rs 6,000. They are also working on kits similar to the ones shown at the expo. This basically means that if you get tires of the way your Navi looks, you can just change its panels for a different look. Or make a street version of it, or an off-road version, or an adventure version..