2019 Honda Activa 125 BS6 vs Hero Maestro Edge 125 FI: Specification Comparison

India’s first BS6 scooter vs India’s first fuel-injected scooter - which one’s a better pick?

In an endeavour to be prepared for the upcoming BS6 norms, Hero MotoCorp launched the Maestro Edge 125 FI back in May this year. However, Honda now has done one better by launching the BS6-compliant Activa 125 -- and it begs the question: Which one’s superior on paper? Here’s our analysis:

Powertrain:

While both scooters feature a fuel-injected engine, the Maestro Edge 125’s powertrain is fairly straightforward. On the other hand, Honda has equipped its all-new motor with features like ACG starter (which ensures a smooth and silent start-up), piston cooling jet (to cool down the piston), and tumble flow inlet (to ensure optimum air-fuel mixture). 

Interestingly, the carburetted versions of the Maestro Edge 125 get i3S (idle Stop Start System) but the FI variant doesn’t. A fuel-injected motor takes slightly longer to crank as it has to pump the fuel first, but Honda seems to have found a workaround whereas Hero hasn’t. It is likely due to the fact that the solution would add to the price of the scooter and Hero being a cost-conscious player might’ve skipped it.  However, when it comes to outright power, the Maestro Edge 125 has the upper hand. 

Underpinnings:

Both scooters get similar underpinnings. However, the Activa offers the advantage of preload adjustability using which you can tweak the suspension to suit varying loads. The Maestro Edge 125’s suspension has been borrowed from its 110cc counterpart, and the rear suspension does not get preload adjustability.

Dimensions:

In terms of external dimensions, the two scooters are closely matched. But when it comes to ground clearance, the Activa should be able to go over bad roads relatively easier than the Maestro Edge. It also gets a slightly larger fuel tank which should help in offering a bit more range. 

Pricing:

Honda gives you the flexibility of choosing from three variants for the 2019 Activa 125 whereas the Maestro Edge 125 FI is available only in one variant. Actually, the FI variant of the Hero scooter is the top-end model which sits above its two carburetted versions. 

In the Activa, the base variant gets steel wheels whereas the mid-spec model gets alloy wheels. Both these variants come with drum brake on both ends. The top-spec Deluxe version comes with a front disc and a rear drum, apart from alloy wheels. Honda offers a standard three-year warranty and an additional three years as an option. On the other hand, the Maestro Edge 125 FI comes with a standard five-year/ 50,000km warranty.

Verdict:

The Hero Maestro Edge 125 FI may not have fancy bells and whistles like range indicator, LED headlamp, and silent starter but it does offer slightly more power and that too for Rs 4,290 less than the base Activa 125. If you’re looking for a relatively no-frills scooter, the Maestro Edge seems to be a better deal. But if you want a scooter that’s future-proof and (slightly more) environmentally friendly, the Activa 125 is the one you should go for. Sure it gets a number of nifty features but the more practical bits are offered only in the higher-end variants. Also, the base variant misses out on certain features like alloy wheels and front disc brake which the Maestro Edge 125 get as standard.