A stylish vehicle combining the best elements of the scooter and the motorcycle which offers amazing performance and rider control. The inherent characteristics of Honda’s new two-wheeler, Navi, can be summed up succinctly in this single sentence!
In other words, Navi is the modern interpretation of the mini-bike concept popularised by the iconic Rajdoot GTS.
A bike or a scooter?
Honda has not offered a clear-cut answer to this question. In fact, the specifications found on its fuel tank start with the sentence “The scooter is…”. However, on Honda’s official website Navi is neither listed under the scooter category nor the motorcycle section, as the company has decided to create a special segment for its latest offering. Since Navi is basically a cross between a motorcycle and a scooter, it would be wise to call it a ‘scooter-bike’.
Elegant design
At first glance, Navi looks too similar to Honda’s Grom 125. The vehicle does look spunky and cute as the innovative design elements add a youthful appeal to it. The headlamp and the fairing stand out. There are no gimmicky panels on the fuel tank. The tail-lamp will remind you of Honda CBF Stunner. The stylish Honda logo carrying the brand name gives an irresistible look to Navi. It is available in slew of vibrant colours such as green, redo orange and white.
The company is also offering a number of customisation options so that customers can make additions to their bike as per their requirement and liking. The only complain with its otherwise likeable design is that the handle bears a striking resemblance to that of Kinetic Luna.
Power and agility
Navi is powered by the 110cc single-cylinder engine with HET (Honda Eco Technology). The four-stroke SI engine generates 5.84kW of power at 7,000rpm and 8.96Nm of torque at 5,500rpm. The Kerb weight of Navi is 101kg and the fuel tank capacity is 3.8 litres.
Ride comfort
What really makes the Navi a joy to ride is its nimble handling. It is tailor-made to weave through city traffic at low speeds. The foot pegs under the feet may be a bit confusing for customers who have been riding bikes. Navi's engine feels and sounds identical to that of Activa. Notably, tall people may find it uncomfortable to ride this light and small ‘motorcycle’.
Who all can buy it?
This two-wheeler is basically a mini-bike with a scooter’s soul. It can be used by both men and women. If you want to buy a motorbike without a gear, go for it! Female Activa users can switch to Navi for a change and make riding a lot more interesting. Considering its compact size, it is ideal for teenagers.
Navi is a great option for parents of college-going youngsters who keep pestering them for a 'bike'. It will not burn a hole in their pockets and they need not worry about over-speeding. However, it is to be seen how many will be satisfied with its scooter-ish characteristics. Though you can make quick turns or manoeuvre through traffic with ease, it is not suited for people who prefer go on long rides.
Competitive pricing
The price of Navi is extremely competitive when compared to other two-wheelers with similar features. There are not many scooters or bikes on offer in the local market for around Rs 45,000. With its decent fuel efficiency and stylish looks, Navi is expected to create ripples in the two-wheeler market in the days to come.
