Simple scooter for daily commutes: Activa, Jupiter or Access

Honda Activa sells the most but I have also read good feedback about the Suzuki Access. TVS Jupiter has more features but a costly service.

BHPian raksrules recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I am in the market for a scooter. I am still contemplating between new and used as my usage will be around 10 Kms on weekdays (max 14 Kms when my kid's school reopens). In this 14 kms ride, my kid (10 years) will be the pillion for 2 Kms and rest of the 12 Kms (this includes my office commute), I will be alone.

The scooter may be used on some weekends for rides with my wife to the market and such. Right now, my wife doesn't know how to ride a scooter but I have a feeling she will want to learn.

I don't want any fancy gadgets or Bluetooth or smart features. For me, the scooter is a tool for taking me from point A to B. I have a car already for the entire family so I will never use the scooter for more than one pillion.

I have been checking Team-BHP threads and also sub-reddit indianbikes. And from my observations on the road, what I found was that the Activa is like a default scooter for people. So much so that "Activa" is synonymous with "Scooter". 8 out of 10 are Activas on the road.

I am not sure if the Activa is that good or if people are trying to decide on the scooter and after much deliberation get fed up and say "Choddo yaar...activa hi le lete hain".

I have not driven any scooter except Hero Maestro Edge which my brother owns, and I take to my office today. I used to ride a Unicorn bike 10 years back.

I would also like to not spend a lot so the only contenders are:

• Honda Activa
• TVS Jupiter 125
• Suzuki Access 125

I know Activa sells most but I am reading good opinions about Suzuki Access from people. TVS Jupiter has more features and 2 helmet storage and all but seems it takes a hit on mileage and the service of TVS is expensive and in general, the scooter has vibrations, that is what I have read.

I would like the opinions of people here who can suggest what would be a good ride for me.

I am also considering used scooters but I don't have the knowledge to assess good from bad so I am still contemplating.

Here's what BHPian IshaanIan had to say about the matter:

Activa is popular for a reason and I would pick it over the Access and Jupiter.

Access has the best engine but the chassis does not inspire any confidence and almost feels like an Activa that has been in an accident.

Jupiter I have not ridden personally nor have I owned any product from TVS but I have heard that their service is not that great. Also, don’t think storing helmets under the seat is wise since the helmet would bake in the heat unless parked in covered parking and the thermocol like material in the helmet will become compromised and would not perform as well or dissipate/absorb enough energy at the time of impact during an accident. Helmets are best carried with you and taken indoors rather than locked under the scooter’s seat.

I would also like to add the Yamaha Ray to the list as it offers a better chassis and more responsive motor than the Activa while being a good 10 percent lighter thus being easier to manage and far more fuel efficient.

Here's what BHPian Aviator_guy had to say about the matter:

My use case is similar and I recently purchased Access 125 lowest variant. Here are my cents in case it helps in your decision-making.

• For low usage, a used scooter is not a bad choice at all. That was my first option but could not find a good one or the asking price was way too high. If you can find one, then look for less than 4-5 years run Activa/Access. I won't suggest a used Jupiter as I'm unsure about its long-term reliability.
• If the primary purpose is single rider then Activa 110 would be my recommendation. You can't go wrong in terms of ergonomics, comfort, and reliability. Any eligible driver in the family irrespective of age group or gender would be comfortable riding it. That's what makes it the most popular!
• If you fancy a bit more fun ride, a taller scooter or would have a pillion rider frequently then Access125 it is. Seat length is better vs Activa and the handling is awesome. Only flip side is that for lady drivers, ergonomics could be an issue due to its tall nature. If your wife plans to ride it someday then please test drive it. In my case, I ride it solo most of the time, occasionally accompanied by my wife or kid as a pillion. My wife does not ride as she's more comfortable driving 4w so the local errands on 2w are left to me.
• I also contemplated Jupiter 125 and was impressed with the practicality of large under-seat storage, longer seat, front filling tank etc. But somehow I was not sure about its long-term reliability and the features were not deal breaker for me.

I'd suggest you test drive to check ergonomics and comfort. You can't go wrong with either Activa or Access.

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