Honda Activa 125 BS6 vs Suzuki Access 125 BS6: Image Comparison

The two 125cc scooters compared via a series of detailed images

The Honda Activa 125 was the first BS6-compliant scooter to be launched in the country. It came with an all-new motor and a host of premium features. Its primary rival, the Suzuki Access 125 too got BS6 updates in the form of new features and fuel-injection. We compare the two scooters here via a series of detailed images. 

Both scooters retain the familiar Activa 125 and Access 125 look but get fresh design in the form of new headlamps and subtle revisions to the front apron. They get LED headlamps but continue to use LED turn indicators. The Activa gets LED DRL's. Both scooters get chrome design elements. THe Activa 125 gets chrome trip on the front apron while the Access 125 gets chrome headlamp surround and round chrome mirrors. 

Also read: Honda Activa 125 BS6 Review

Both scooters feature a slightly revised tail section to accommodate external fuel filler caps. The Activa 125 gets a cleaner look with a single chrome strip at the front while the Access 125 gets chromed 3D lettering along its sides. While goth gets large aluminium grab rails, the Activa 125 has a better-looking design. the Honda gets premium looking aluminium footpegs while the Suzuki has a more prominent exhaust with a chrome heat shield. 

Also read: Suzuki Access 125 BS6: Road Test Review

While the Activa 125's fuel filler flap can be opened via a switch near the ignition slot, you still have to manually unscrew the fuel cap. On the Access 125, you have to use the key to open the fuel cap. Both processes are not as efficient as the flush-fitting external fuel filler cap on the TVS NTorq 125 which can be opened without getting off the seat. We feel that the Honda has the better-looking tail lamp unit of the two. 

While both scooters feature a semi-digital instrument console, the Activa 125's more comprehensive digital display shows instantaneous and average fuel economy and a distance-to-empty readout. The Suzuki has a cleaner looking instrument console with an econometer ring that turns to green or blue depending on the way you ride. Both scooters have equally impressive switchgear quality and overall fit and finish levels. 

Both scooters have a fuel-injected motor. The Activa 125 BS6 gets an all-new 125cc motor that delivers 8.29PS and 10.3Nm. The motor gets features like engine start-stop and an ACG starter generator for silent starting operation. It feels extremely refined but disappoints with its weak performance. The Access 125 BS6's fuel-injected motor delivers 8.7PS and 10Nm of torque. The motor impresses with its performance and crip and precise throttle response.  In acceleration tests, the Access 125 BS6 is 1.53 seconds quicker to 60kmph and almost 2 seconds quicker to 80kmph than the Activa 125. Even in 20-50kmph roll-on tests, the Access 125 BS6 is 1.75 seconds quicker than the Access 125 BS6. This can be attributed to the fact that the Access 125 is 8kn lighter than the Activa 125. Both scooters offer around 53kmpl in the city but the Access 125 offers substantially better fuel-efficiency during highway runs. Know more details about how the two fare in the real world, read comparison here.  

Both scooters get telescopic forks and a monoshock suspension setup. Both scooters get a 12-inch front/ 10-inch rear wheels while braking is via front disc brake/rear drum brake with combined braking system. Though the Access 125's braking setup offers good progression and feedback it still lacks bite, thus affecting its braking distance. Here's where the Activa comes into its own, outbraking its rival by 7.13 meters.

 With a heavier rider onboard or when travelling two-up, the Activa 125’s soft setup fails to contain secondary motion satisfactorily and the scooter can end up feeling a bit wallowy over large undulations. The updated Suzuki Access 125's suspension setup is configured to soak potholes or huge speed breakers up with ease, consequently offering excellent ride quality. 

The Honda Activa 125 BS6 is available in 3 variants -- Drum with steel wheel (Rs 68,042), Drum with alloy wheel (Rs 71,542) and Disc with alloy wheel (Rs 75,042). The Suzuki Access 125 BS6 meanwhile is available in 5 variants with the base drum brake steel wheel variant being priced at Rs 68,800 while the top-spec SE disc brake alloy wheel variant costing Rs 73,400 (All prices- ex-showroom Delhi). The Honda Activa 125 BS6 is a premium scooter that with its features awards a more sophisticated riding experience. The Suzuki Access 125 BS6, on the other hand, impresses with its sporty handling and responsive motor.