Honda Activa Review: Is It Right for Women?

Over 2 million Indians bought a Honda Activa last year. That’s a staggering number for any vehicle, let alone a scooter. But here’s the real question: should you be one of them?

Let me be honest upfront—I can’t see a single standout reason why this should be so popular in 2025. And yet, there are valid reasons why women riders specifically might still consider it.

The Activa Reality Check

The biggest reason for Activa’s success isn’t engineering excellence—it’s momentum. Honda has been making what works, and Indian customers haven’t demanded more. If 2 million people buy what was cool in 2001 and consider it cool enough for 2025, that’s what you’ll get.

What Works for Women Riders

1. Confidence for Beginners

The Activa’s little engine is the least changed part—and that’s actually good. It’s:

Smooth and honest
Not overwhelming in performance
Great at giving confidence to new riders
Perfect for those who struggle with chaotic traffic

If you’re learning to ride or prefer a gentle, predictable scooter, the Activa delivers exactly that.

2. Unmatched Service Network

Honda’s after-sales experience is genuinely good:

Massive service network across India
Quick turnaround times
Under ₹1,000 per service visit
Legion of independent mechanics who know Activas
Annual maintenance contracts available

For women who want hassle-free ownership, this matters.

3. Resale Value

One of the most popular reasons to buy an Activa is how easy it is to sell later. Word of mouth is powerful—people trust Activas, and that trust translates to strong resale values.

4. Warranty Options

The standard warranty is 3 years/36,000 km, but you can extend it up to 10 years and 84,000 km. That’s exceptional peace of mind.

What Doesn’t Work

1. Quality Has Slipped

This is supposed to be Honda, but:

Push-to-cancel indicator requires multiple presses
Seat foam fades quickly (our test bike showed wear at 1,100 km)
Paint scratches too easily

2. The LED Headlight Problem

The headlight excels at blinding oncoming traffic while never really lighting up the road for you. Not ideal for women riding after dark.

3. No Disc Brakes or ABS

In 2025, the Activa still doesn’t offer disc brakes. Honda is reportedly saving that for the 2026 25th Anniversary edition. For safety-conscious women riders, this is a significant miss.

4. Feature Poverty

The top model adds the “eSmart” keyless fob for ₹6,000 extra. It’s fiddly, unintuitive, and honestly not a great user experience. Skip it.

5. Telescopic Forks Took 20 Years

Honda brought telescopic forks to the Activa in 2020—rivals had them for nearly 20 years before that. The suspension does its job, but it’s nothing special.

Specifications for Women Riders

Spec	Details
Engine	109.51cc, 7.79 PS
Weight	107 kg
Seat Height	770 mm
Fuel Tank	5.3 liters
Mileage	50-55 km/l
Ground Clearance	171 mm

Who Should Buy the Activa?

Consider it if:

You’re a first-time rider wanting proven reliability
Service network proximity matters to you
You plan to sell it in a few years
You don’t need modern features or sporty performance
Brand trust matters more than innovation

Skip it if:

You want the best riding experience in the segment
Modern features and design matter to you
You ride frequently after dark
You want disc brakes for safety
You expect 2025 value from a 2025 purchase

Better Alternatives for Women

If the Activa’s reliability appeals but you want more:

Suzuki Access 125 - Better comfort, more fun, similar reliability
TVS Jupiter 110 - Better design, more features, superior storage
Honda Dio - Honda reliability with sportier styling

The Bottom Line

The Activa has been eclipsed by rivals on almost every parameter—design, comfort, features, even price-to-value ratio. It’s like a product frozen in time.

For women riders specifically, the confidence it inspires in beginners and the unmatched service network remain genuine advantages. But those same women deserve to know that better options exist.

If you’re buying an Activa, you’re buying trust and momentum, not excellence. Sometimes that’s enough. Often, it isn’t.

Verdict: The Activa is a safe choice, not the best choice. Test ride the competition before you decide.

Also read: Best scooters for women in 2025 | Complete scooter buying guide