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-   -   Which 125cc Automatic Scooter for my dad? (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motorbikes/197730-125cc-automatic-scooter-my-dad.html)

I am looking for advice. My dad is after a new scooter - he currently rides a 10 year old Honda Activa which is now falling apart!

This time I would prefer he buys a 125cc as it makes it comfortable to travel 2 up. I live overseas and when in Bombay on annual vacation always use my dad’s scooter. I definitely am the more power is good mindset – as it makes riding a pleasure!

There have been several recent launches from Honda, TVS and Suzuki. After having watches youtube reviews from different sources, I am leaning towards the Suzuki Access 125. My main considerations are:

1. Steel body - this is because dad is old school, but also because the scooter gets parked on the road sometimes in very tight spaces. Steel body will ensure there are scratches and dings, but not cracks or breakage!
2. Fuel efficiency – again dad is from a Bajaj scooter generation – so “kitna deti hey” is important to him
3. Small foot print – this is because of parking in tight spaces and also less bulk to manoeuvre through Bombay traffic
4. Lightest Weight possible – As my dad is in his 70s so the lighter the better for him. My sister or mom may very occasionally use it, so again they prefer light weight
5. Ride comfort – soft and compliant (no handling needs at high speeds – except when I ride which is 2 weeks in a year). However, it should not bottom out on speed bumps with 2 up
6. Value for money – It’s got to be an average scooter purchase price (so rule out expensive Piaggio or anything fancy)
7. Serviceability – The scooter needs to be ubiquitous (he comes having ridden Bajajs & Honda Activa) – wherein most roadside mechanics should be conversant in fixing the scooter and parts should be freely available at Balaram Street (a neighbourhood with only 2 wheeler parts shops. He is likely to retain the bike for the next decade and after a first few years, his trusted non- authorised mechanic will be looking after the scooter
8. Accessory – Dad likes a front glove box on his scooters (at the cost of knee room!) – if you advise a scooter – could you also confirm if a front glove box is available to purchase?

Having weighed the above attributes/ criteria – I have concluded the following, but appreciate guidance from team-bhp members, scooter users and owners.
1. Suzuki Access – ticks all boxes the best in my opinion. Concerns I have is reliability (should be good as its Japanese), spare parts availability. It is reasonably ubiquitous in South Bombay and also has good fuel efficiency. Looks are good too!
2. Honda Activa 125 – I personally don’t like its looks, however it is a Honda (though I have not seen many 125 vs normal 4g Activas). Rarity always translate to spare part problems for future, so am sceptical
3. Honda Activa 4G/5G – I am afraid this may be the default choice, it lacks 125cc engine but is a known species. Please tell me no!
4. TVS Wego/Jupiter/NTorq – I have huge respect for TVS and they have done really well with all 3 scooters and are very competent products. The reason I am discounting them is – they are not ubiquitous in South Bombay. There is also no known service centre in South Bombay. This means disaster in terms of parts and servicing in the future (I am talkin in 7-10 years’ time)
5. Yamaha Rayz – I like this scooter, but no steel body. Also it is not very popular, spare parts/ servicing in South Bombay may not be straight forward
6. Hero Maestro – My sister likes the looks of the scooter, but I am not so sure it is a better choice than the Japanese. Also its not a metal body (correct me if I am wrong).

So fire away your opinions, suggestions and advise.

I've been using Access 125 2018 for about 2 months now. Solo ride is a bit harsh, but it doesn't bottom out on even the most unscientific speed-breakers when going 3 up (wife + kid). Starts in one crank, engine is smooth as butter, acceleration is awesome for city riding. No complaints whatsoever. Getting about 50kmpl. I use it daily for office commute. Swallows my LS2 full-face helmet as well. That's one of the main reasons I didn't go for Ntorq or Grazia - low boot space.

I was in a similar boat a few months back as I had to search for a scooter for my father.

After umpteen test drives, showroom visits and discounting all the available choices we finally went in for a Suzuki access, the first suzuki product in our family.

The experience has been very good, he loves the power on tap and the seating position. The underseat storage is also huge with a practical layout. The suspension setup is supple and handles well.

After about 8 months of ownership I am very happy about the choice but do be aware that it is not completely a metal body as you prefer, it's mostly fiver except the front mudguard.

A very positive side of access.

We had 2 Access in our family - 1) 2009 2) 2012. Both had running around 60-70K KMS. First Access's piston replacement/overhauling was Done @ 50K KMS which was good for another 10K KMS & then it started excess oil consumption.

2nd Access was on starting of same issue. Had a discussion with our regular mechanic, who is having Activa's running around 1-1.5 lac KMS without major issues having age around 6-8 years.

So 1 Access was replaced with Activa 4G few months back. Brother's usage required rough n tough vehicle - hence last week only replaced with Activa 125.So expecting to be trouble free running for coming years. :)

Access isn't metal body either. The scooter in itself is trouble free, however the service can be a pain. Check the closest service center to your place, as they have very few and hence expect huge rush anytime. Servicing in itself is average, as is with others as well I guess.

@autocrazy - I suggest that your dad does a TD of the scooters to figure out the ergonomics first. We may pick up a scooter for it's specs & features, but if the seating is not as per his liking, then the specs / features wont really matter.

Case in point: I am using a Dio for some time. Though the scooter meets basic requirements, I feel that I am sitting at the edge of the seat and dont feel very comfortable.

Thanks. Sounds good. How is your service experience?


How is your service/ spares experience? Does your father like the stance?

I assume both your access were old model? How is the activa 125? And Honda service experience?

I think any service where numbers are large suffers. I believe Honda had similar reputation when active was new, but the superior product meant fewer visits to workshop. This confidence for me only comes through a Japanese product. I believe TVS and Hero may have more niggles and similar poor service?

Good suggestion, but a short ride can hardly prove long term comfort. Also I need to shortlist some models before he tests them, as he is not going to be as enthusiastic as I may be about test rides

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I own new Access 125, one year old. My experience is very positive. As described above, the biggest draw to this scooter is engine. Pulls like no other even when 2+1 on board. Seat is long with lot of under storage. Ride is not so accommodating for a solo rider. But improves with the load.
But before anything, my advise, it's a tall scooter. What is your dad's height? See if he can rest his feet comfortably when riding the scooter. Scooter is light which helps.

We also have old Access, which is 6 years old, no complaints so far with trouble free rides. Running is low.

Access was always 125cc scooter. Hope this helps.

I have been test riding recently. Of the lot, I found the TVS Jupiter to be good. The ride is good, decent build quality and ergonomic.

True on both counts. But if the person can focus on ride comfort even during those short rides, it can actually help. You would also need to take 2-3 rides as you start eliminating the short-listed models.

For short-listing itself, what you can do is - check with fellow members what their dads ride. The suggestions on this page are mostly from the members who are mostly young - quite younger than your dad.

Again, from my own experience - I may rip to the ton and then even search for the 6th gear on my Storme, but on the Dio - I putter around at 20,25 - may be 30 kph. What your dad would like can be different from all that fellow members may be liking in their scooters.

My dad has a 2008 model Access 125, with 65k on the odo. There hasn't been any major repairs till date apart from the normal wear and tear. It still gives 45-50 kmpl.

Regarding the service and spares, it was never a problem in our city. The scooter is serviced by his trusted mechanic, just opposite to the Suzuki showroom :D.

I had my share of ride on this scooter and I like the way it pulls. Solo ride is a bit stiif, while with pillion it is average. Hope this helps.

I think TVS Jupiter and Hero Maestro are the best options. All these mopeds are identically same as far as dimensions and other technical specifications are concerned. Apart from technical specifications and features, your father will get used to this vehicle within one day.

We have a TV Jupiter in the family. I ride it sometimes. I find it an excellent package. It is a well-built moped. The seat is big and comfortable. The engine is smooth and responsive, breaks are good. FE is good. The storage compartment under the seat is quite big, footwell (what do they call it in a moped?) have plenty of space

Access 125 is good with little to no engine braking. Good boot/leg space and nice long flat seat.

If your dad is using an Activa for a decade, why not the Activa 125?

These are not mopeds as you keep repeating. Moped is a different class with manual pedalling option. This thread is about automatic scooters.

I think you are over engineering the problem. You have almost all the scooters in the market as your probables :)

Shortlist a couple and then evaluate objectively. I have an Access and its definitely a fill it, shut it, forget it vehicle. The kind I like as beater. I understand Activa is similar but volumes at service centers create a poor experience.