Tired of being stuck in the confines of your car on your way back home after a long day at work? You probably even tried to revive your decently powered 150 cc motorcycle which was eating dust in the parking lot, but the entire affair of pulling the clutch a million times and troubling your left foot all throughout the journey doesn’t really bring any relief, especially after moving up the ranks in the office made you buy a car which has fired the clutch lever.
You should apply some six sigma to your commuting life then, equip yourself with something which minimizes effort, doesn’t call for innovation if you have to carry the lunchbox back home and brings some relief to those strong shoulders from carrying a heavyweight backpack, shoulders which will carry the weight of your father-in-law’s family business, you dream of being entrusted with.
You probably should find the answer to all the above in a decently powered automatic scooter. A 125 cc scooter has enough power to keep up with decently paced traffic, while the omission of a clutch lever ensures fuss-free commute. Under seat space will carry your decently sized helmet or the lunch box, while you can hook the backpack on the foot-board and all you you have to do is wring the throttle till the time you reach your destination.
So we thought its a good idea to help you figure which 125 cc scooter fits your bill, read on..
Honda Activa 125
For:
- Refined, peppy engine, which is quick off the block and has a strong mid-range
- Front Disc brake
- Reliability
- Generous seat and foot-board space
- Relaxed, upright riding position
- Pillion Comfort
- Telescopic suspension up front enhances ride comfort
Against:
- Long waiting period
- Price
- Safe design
- No parking brake
For an exhaustive review of the Honda Activa 125, click here
Suzuki Access 125
For:
- Initial throttle response
- Smooth engine
- 20 litre underseat storage space
- Good fit-n-finish
Against:
- Poor brakes
- Plain jane design
For an readers’ review of the Suzuki Access 125, click here
Vespa LX 125
For:
- Brand name
- Chic, retro styling
- Most powerful engine in the segment, develops 10 bhp
- 8- litre fuel tank capacity. Highest amongst all the scooters in this list
Against:
- Expensive
- Sparse dealer and service network
For our review of the Vespa LX 125, click here
Mahindra Rodeo RZ 125
For:
- Lowest priced 125 cc scooter in the market
- Strong acceleration
- 22 litres underseat storage capacity, highest in the segment. Also has a lamp to help you find your belongings in the dark.
- Rugged suspension
- Mobile charging point
- Back-lit instrument cluster is inspired by a chameleon
Against:
- Feels nervous under braking
- Styling
- Average fit-n-finish
For our review of the Mahindra Rodeo RZ 125, click here
Below is a Spec-sheet that compares all the features, specifications and price of the four scooters:
| Honda Activa 125 | Suzuki Access 125 | Vespa LX 125 | Mahindra Rodeo RZ 125 | |
| Displacement (CC) | 124 | 124 | 125 | 124 |
| Cylinders | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Max Power (bhp) | 8.6 | 8.5 | 10 | 8 |
| Torque | 10.1 | 9.8 | 10 | 9 |
| Transmission Type | V-Matic | Chain Drive | CVT | Chain Drive |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (litre) | 6 | 6 | 8 | 4.5 |
| Fuel Efficiency (kpl) | 47 | 42 | 45 | 59 |
| Braking (Front / Rear) | Disc / Drum | Drum / Drum | Drum / Drum | Drum / Drum |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic | Telescopic | Single sided arm with coil spring | Telescopic |
| Rear Suspension | Spring loaded, hydraulic type | Swing arm type, coil type | Coil Spring | Hydraulic |
| Price (On Road, Mumbai) | Rs. 70,002 | Rs. 58,720 | Rs. 76,187 | Rs. 53,412 |
Activa, as quality of scooter and it’s after sales services are great. activa could give a lower average as compared to access but the pickup and feel of riding it is very good