Good but It Could Be Better

Good but It Could Be Better

Well, I just purchased the Grazia two days ago here in Kathmandu, perhaps a bit early for a review, but some first impression. I have read all the expert reviews (the unbias ones) on the 125cc class and almost 100% say the TVS Ntorq is #1. But it continues to not be launched in Kathmandu. I waited 4 months. So I was forced to buy the Honda Grazia and knew in advance its pros and cons as I read all the reviews on this as well. One criticism by all is that it has comparatively a rougher ride. It is true; you can feel every flaw in the road. And Honda does not yet have the optional phone charger in stock. The phone storage door is flimsy, cheap, and lockless, unable to leave the phone inside when away. There is no extra front end storage for sunglasses, water bottle and so on. And the baggage holder would be better placed in the front rather than under the seat. I also find the seat lock switch embedded into the ignition switch to be an inconvenience. It is far easier to use a body side lock than try to fit a key into the ignition switch, especially in low light conditions.
In the morning, there is difficulty starting without using the choke but with it okay. I am unable to get the brake lock to work. The Eco Speed Indicator is totally useless. All it tells you is that between 30 and 50kph hour is an Eco mode so three green lights go on, even if the driver rides it rough, all three lights still stay on. Under 30klph, all stay off. I mean, what’s the point. What idiocy.
And in my opinion, there is not sufficient light for the instrument panel because it seems to be too dim all the time. Very, very irritating. Further, I feel with all these new two wheelers coming onto the market with these 'auto-on' lights, there should be an override if we want to use full headlights even during daytime. But no.
On the plus side, the design is nice, although the side and rear view are a bit outdated, and overall conservative, as most Honda products are. I was really looking for a new scooter that had more youth appeal and sportiness, but again, no NTorq available here. The Grazia handles very well, with snappy cornering and stable cornering, and the front disc brake is a huge improvement. Sad why the 12” tyre is only in the front and not the rear too. Perhaps someday we might even get a safer 14” wheel. The engine is very smooth, reacts to the throttle quickly, and has good acceleration for low and mid speeds, although high end is found a little lacking compared to some competitors. But this is marketed as an “urban scooter”, isn’t it? But if so, strange, why the ride is a bit rough, demeaning a little passenger comfort.