Honda Navi review, test ride

Honda has ensured most of the design elements around the Navi retain a youthful appeal. The crash guards, sticker graphics, tank pads and grab rail come in a range of colours that could further add to the individuality of the motorcycle. It does look like Honda has borrowed the concept of the central plastic tank pad from the Hornet; better plastic quality would have really helped here. The handlebars may be functional as they are, but give the Navi a rather comical, monkey bike-like appearance. The headlight on the other hand appears solid and borrows its outer contours from that on the Grom. However, what seems to be a bit out of place is the speedometer console; it appears dated and doesn't seem to conform to the Navi's general theme. The switches have been adopted from some of Honda's other motorcycles and certainly lack a premium feel.

The 110cc mill you see here is Honda's tried-and-tested formula seen on the Activa. Power figures too, are identical and stand at 8hp at 7,000rpm, while torque output is 9Nm at 5,500rpm. The Navi also runs a variomatic clutch that keeps things simple and allows for the absence of shifting through gears. So in all its entirety, the Navi's engine feels and sounds identical to the Activa's. Smooth and puttery is what this unit is all about.

Throw a leg over the saddle and you'll realise that the riding-position geometry also remains the same as the Activa. But that's where the similarities end. Honda has done a great job with the chassis. Once you get moving, the Navi slowly discards it's scooter-ish characteristics and starts to behave like a proper motorcycle. It feels nimble and manoeuvrable straight off the line. And despite having 12- and 10-inch rims, the Navi feels eager to bend down and ride that corner out. We haven't gotten a chance to ride the motorcycle out in the real world, so behaviour at higher speeds is still left to be discovered.