2020 Honda Activa 125 BS6 vs Hero Maestro Edge 125 BS6
Hero and Honda both companies are known for producing budget friendly commuter bikes and scooters in the Indian market. In the 125 cc scooter segment, Honda offers its most famous Activa 125 BS6 whereas Hero has Maestro Edge 125 BS6. Both these scooters offer a range of features and are suitable for daily commutes. Let’s compare these scooters with respect to Dimensions, Engine, Features and Riding Comfort.
From the exterior point of view, Activa 125 has a simple design and upright stance, whereas Maestro Edge has slightly sporty design. Both scooters can be easily distinguished in the crowded area and have their own unique characteristics.
- 68,042 - 71,542 ex showroom Delhi
- Petrol 5.3 litres
- 60 kmpl*
- 111 kg
- 69,250 - 71,450 ex showroom Delhi
- Petrol 5 litres
- 50 kmpl [Reported by users]
- 111 - 112 kg
Dimensions
Maestro Edge and Activa 125 have nearly the same dimensions in terms of length, width and height. However, Activa 125 comes with a seat height of 712mm which is lower compared to Maestro Edge. This is quite important for people with short height specially women. The majority of women drive scooters and Activa 125 with short seat height edges over Hero’s Maestro Edge. Similary Activa also has bigger fuel tank, thus giving you a slightly longer range compared to Maestro Edge.
The under seat storage in Activa 125 is 18 litres, however, we feel it might struggle to accommodate a decent size helmet. Again Activa 125 offers better ground clearance compared to Maestro Edge, which is added advantage.
| Dimensions | Honda Activa 125 BS6 | Hero Maestro Edge BS6 |
| Length | 1850 mm | 1843 mm |
| Width | 707 mm | Disc- 718 mm, Drum- 715 mm |
| Height | 1170 mm | 1188 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1260 mm | 1261 mm |
| Seat Height | 712 mm | 775 mm |
| Ground clearance | 169 mm | 155 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 5.3 litres | 5 litres |
| Under Seat Storage | 18 litres | Yes, [Capacity- Unknown] |
| Kerb Weight | 111 kg | Disc-112 kg / Drum- 111kg |
Features
Both the manufacturers have equipped these scooters with plenty of features. Activa 125 comes with LED headlamp and full metal body with chrome strips on side fenders, whereas Maestro Edge gets traditional Halogen headlamp along with LED insignia, fibre body and chrome badging on fenders. Honda provides side stand engine cut off option which helps you save extra fuel. Maestro Edge on the other hand has tonnes of sensors such as Vehicle Speed Sensors, Engine Oil Temperature, Air inlet Sensors and Bank Angle Sensor which altogether give safe riding experience.
Both scooters are equipped with semi digital instrument cluster and external fuel lid. In the digital world, where everyone carries a smartphone, a 12V charging socket on Maestro Edge is good to have feature. For the better fuel efficiency, Activa 125 is equipped with eSP technology, whereas Maestro Edge gets i3S technology.
Engine Specifications
| Engine Specifications | Honda Activa 125 BS6 | Hero Maestro Edge BS6 |
| Engine type | Single Cylinder, 4 stroke SI | Single cylinder, 4 stroke SI |
| Displacement | 124.9 cc | 124.6 cc |
| Power | 8.30 PS @ 6500 rpm | 9 PS @ 7000 rpm |
| Torque | 10.3 Nm @ 5000 rpm | 10.4 Nm @ 5500 rpm |
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic |
| Cooling System | Air Cooled | Air Cooled |
| Fuel Supply | PGM FI | Programmed Fuel Injection System |
| Mileage | 60 kmpl* | 50 kmpl* [reported by users] |
Riding Comfort & Handling
When it comes to ergonomics and riding comfort, both Maestro Edge and Activa 125 offers good riding position and with ample space on footboard. They both have storage spaces at the front as well as under seat, making it more practical for daily use and also to carry any valuable items. Owing to BS6 norms, both bikes provide Advanced braking systems to make sure rider never loses control of their scooter on slippery surfaces.
| Brake & Suspension | Honda Activa 125 BS6 | Hero Maestro Edge BS6 |
| Frame | Underbone | High Rigidity Underbone |
| Front Brake | Deluxe- Disc 190 mm. STD, Alloy- Drum 130 mm | Disc- 190 mm / Drum- 130 mm |
| Rear Brake | Drum 130 mm | Drum 130 mm |
| Front Tyre Size | 90/90-12 54J Tubeless | 90/90-12 54J Tubeless |
| Rear Tyre Size | 90/100-10 53J Tubeless | 90/100-10 53J Tubeless |
| Braking System | Combined Braking System (CBS) | Integrated Braking System |
| Suspension | Front- Telescopic Fork, Rear- 3 step Adjustable Hydraulic | Front- Telescopic Fork, Rear- Hydraulic Damper |
Final Verdict
Honda Activa 125 BS6 and Hero Maestro Edge 125 BS6 are designed for daily commuting and they come with good storage options. If you’re a short person then probably Activa 125 would be an ideal choice given that it has a low seat height compared to Maestro Edge. In terms of design, Activa 125 is simple and sober whereas Maestro Edge gets an aggressive and sporty design. Ultimately, it boils down to one’s personal choice and taste.
Both scooters have nearly the same price, however an extra fuel capacity and low seat height of Activa 125 BS6 might just give an upper hand over Maestro Edge BS6.
Let us know in the comment section, which one is your favorite and why?
Image Source- Honda Two Wheelers and Hero Motocorp
