TVS Jupiter vs Honda Activa: Pros of each scooter over the other

The Jupiter is lighter and more agile whereas the Activa can reach 80 km/h easily.

BHPian Bhuvan recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I own a 2016 TVS Jupiter ZX done 25K km, bought against the general opinion of my family (esp. father) for my sister who hardly used it for 6 months during her last semester in college. Although a lot has changed in newer generations, deep down the company DNA will reflect in the product.

My brother-in-law has an Activa 6G with a remote key, after using it for a couple of weeks and my prior experience of older generations.

I list my observations below.

Jupiter Pros over Activa

• Jupiter is lighter and more agile to use than the Activa (bought it because the primary user at that time was my younger sister).
• Activa and Jupiter both offer telescopic suspension at the front but on loose surfaces as you turn, the front tyre starts to lose grip due to the heavier back in Activa, from my personal experience.
• Petrol refill lid in Jupiter is single action and easier to use, unlike Activa where it's 2-stage in 6G (the lid is opened by a three-way button and then unscrewing the petrol filler cap which results in the rider or pillion getting down to refuel).
• Underseat storage area has always been better in Jupiter.
• Jupiter ZX was bought at approx. Rs 62k and Activa was approx Rs 64.5k, remember this was 2016 and the base Jupiter model was 59k on road.
• TVS offered a 5-year default warranty at no extra charge and delivered the vehicle immediately.
• I have always found the brakes in Activa inadequate for the weight of the vehicle whereas in Jupiter the brakes are slightly better and progressive in action.

Activa Pros over Jupiter

• Jupiter has vibrations which is tiring on long rides whereas a 15-year-old 70k run Activa will run butter smooth if maintained well, that's Honda.
• Jupiter's seat is very odd in design, rider and pillion will keep on sliding forward when brakes are applied and this results in back pain in the shoulder blade area. Activa seat design is simply great for both rider and pillion.
• Jupiter's seat cushion is soft which results in sore behind on longer rides, no such issue in Activa.
• Activa 6G has MRF tyres vs Jupiter has TVS tyres, TVS tyres are extremely poor in quality from experience.
• Except horn switch, all switches have been replaced in Jupiter because they failed, even the horn button has some rust issue which was incorrectly diagnosed as a faulty battery when not used for an extended period resulting in irregular irregular-sounding horn, I have used abused Activas where switch gear worked perfectly.
• Activa 6G and previous generations can reach 80 kmph easily with slight strain on the engine but in Jupiter, the vibrations will let you experience roadways bus.
• Handle lock assembly mounting screws of Jupiter tends to get loose with time and the whole front has to be removed to tighten it up, never faced such an issue in Activa.
• Jupiter's exhaust pipe tends to rust.
• Jupiter's original spark plug went kaput out of nowhere within the first month, changed to Champion brand, this went out within a few weeks, TVS service technician suggested an engine head gasket leak causing this, I took a chance and went with the Bosch spark plug this time as I could not muster the courage to get engine opened on a new vehicle and get an earful from father, never faced this issue again.

Activa 6G which I used recently had a remote key, which basically works as a keyless system. The vehicle detects the key and you rotate a gas burner-type knob for unlocking, seat/petrol lid open mode, and ignition. I can't remember any more options, but I am skeptical about the low battery in the remote key (there was no option of a physical key in that remote) and the vehicle's unable to detect it.

In short, Activa will age better and that's the only reason it sells approx. 3 times more than the Jupiter. Today, If I have to buy a scooter, then Activa it is.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.