Hero Destini 125 vs Honda Activa 125 - Spec Comparison

Let’s see how the two family scooters stack up against each other on paper!

Of late, there has been a surge of new product launches in the 125cc scooter segment in the country. Different manufacturers are offering unique products to appeal to a variety of buyers in this segment. Case in point - scooters like the NTorq, Burgman Street, Grazia and the likes. Hero also recently launched its first 125cc scooter, the Destini 125, in this segment. Going by the looks and features offered, the Destini 125 goes head to head with the Honda Activa 125, so let’s see which one betters the other on paper.

Design & Features:

The Destini 125 looks quite sober thanks to its conservative styling. Looking at the front portion of both the Destini 125 and Activa 125, the former bears an uncanny resemblance to the latter. The top-end VX variant comes with a big chrome panel on the apron, extra doses of chrome on the side bodywork, dual-tone seat cover and alloy wheels. On the other hand, the base LX version gets silver garnishing on the apron, single-tone seat cover and steel wheels. Hero offers a boot light and mobile charging port under the seat as standard on the VX model. The Destini 125 also comes with an analogue-digital instrument combo cluster with service due indicator, and an external fuel filler.

The Honda Activa 125 also comes with a chrome-chested front apron, flanked by the LED DRLs and indicators on top. Honda offers an LED headlamp but the tail light and the indicators are the plain old bulb type. The side panels are more subtly designed, but with premium 3D badgings. A mobile charging socket is offered but as an option. The semi-digital instrument cluster gets a eco speed indicator, along with service reminder and other tell-tale lights. There’s also a 4-in-1 seat opening switch, but the fuel filler cap is still under the seat, so the rider needs to step down every time for refuelling. Both the scooters come with full metal body for better durability.

Powerplant:

The Destini is slightly more power-biased whereas the Activa is a bit torquier. However, the difference is quite minor and only a proper road test will help us have a better understanding on the engine’s characteristics. While Honda’s engine is pretty much conventional, the Destini 125 features Hero’s i3S technology. In theory, it conserves fuel by switching off the engine after 5 seconds of idling. The rider can start the engine pulling in either of the brake levers and twisting the throttle.

Underpinnings:

The Japanese scooter comes with a preload-adjustable rear suspension to help you fine-tune the ride quality. Otherwise the suspension setup is the same. Honda also offers an optional 190mm front disc, which should considerably reduce the braking distance compared to the drum units. The Activa is also shod with a larger 12-inch wheel up front whereas the Destini makes do with 10-inch wheels on both ends.

Activa 125 has a slightly longer wheelbase. But the real difference lies in the weight. Despite the fact that the two scooters have metal bodies, the Activa is 3.5kg lighter. This should translate into slightly better pickup. Both have an ample ground clearance of 155mm, which should help tackle most of our infamous speed breakers and potholes.

The Destini is priced at Rs 54,650 for the entry-level LX version while its top-of-the-line VX variant costs Rs 57,500. Honda has priced the Activa 125 at Rs 59,921 for the base drum variant. Comparing the base prices of the two scooters, the Destini is less expensive by around Rs 5,200, which is commendable despite its lack of a couple of features compared to the Activa. The drum brake with alloy wheels variant of the Activa 125 retails at Rs 61,858 while the range-topping disc variant will set you back by Rs 64,307.

While the Activa’s proven mechanicals make it the ‘safer’ option, Hero’s value-for-money offering remains unparalleled with the Destini. It could be a good option for someone looking for a functional 125cc scooter under a tight budget. However, the i3S technology’s effect in the real world remains to be seen.