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Fuelled by style and power Not just reliability and economy, the Aviator has improved suspension and stronger brakes

The new Honda uses a clever combination of strengthened ABS to help keep weight down, and metal for parts where strength is of the essence. The top-end model incorporates upmarket five-spoke alloy rims, as well as a front disc brake. Frontal styling is conservative, with a bulbous front apron housing flush-fitting clear lens indicators on either sides. While a dual colour paint scheme adds style, the headlight nacelle is bland, although what it loses in form it easily makes up for by providing a bright and well spread beam at night.

The Aviator deploys attractive instruments, with its speedometer calibrated up to 120kph and sitting stacked above its fuel-gauge. Both counters use smartly illuminated needle pointers. The Aviator uses perfect grips. Honda has wisely provided this scooter with the safety of a rear brake locking clamp. However, they have cut corners by omitting front storage space, as well as the convenience of a frontal fuel filling pod that is fast gaining popularity on Indian scooters. Under the Aviator seat is a lockable storage bay.

The Aviator enjoys a broad floorboard, behind which sits exquisite, rubberised pillion footrests. And this scooter undoubtedly looks best when viewed from behind. Its running boards blend harmoniously into chic rear panels, with an adventurous-looking tail deploying a very tasteful light cluster.

Riders will soon discover it takes a light press towards the centre of the seat to lock it, rather than pressure closer to the rear, as is the case with the Activa and Dio. The Aviator has top-class, Honda-typical fit-finish and all-round quality.

Honda debated hard before deciding to stick with their time-tested 102cc engine to power the Aviator. The 4-stroke Aviator enjoys a self-starter button as well as a kick-starter, and uses a force air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that operates two valves. It puts out a modest 7bhp at 7000rpm, and 0.8kgm of torque at 5500rpm. The tuning for the Aviator has changed slightly, as has the revised air-box shape that Honda says has helped it optimise induction.

We did feel an incremental improvement in the lower-end of the scooter’s power band. Our acceleration test found the Aviator going through the 60kph barrier in 9.95 seconds, which is significantly faster than the Activa. Top speed is a true 84kph.

The Honda Aviator is part of a new breed of Indian scooters. Although it sticks with the use of a tubular chassis and stressed engine, the new Honda enjoys a larger diameter 12-inch front wheel, and telescopic front suspension.

The riding position is roomy and comfortable even for tall, big-sized adult riders. This scooter feels a bit higher than an Activa, with nicely sorted ride quality. It turns into and goes around corners well, thanks to the larger front rim, and also stays better planted on rough roads. The Aviator provides sure-footed and blade-sharp stops thanks to its new disc brake. It tracks true even under hard braking, and manages to come to a halt from 60kph in 16.79 meters.

Riders migrating to the Aviator from an Activa or Dio may take a few days to get accustomed to its superior braking behaviour, for, added to the extra stopping power now at hand, it dives like a motorcycle while stopping, instead of raising its head like a scooter that uses linked shock-absorbers.

The Aviator provides 42.7kpl in city riding conditions, and 46.1kpl when riding at around 60kph on a highway.

It is easy to mistake the Aviator as a clone of the Activa. Yet, one mustn’t judge a book by its cover. There’s far more to the Aviator — decent styling surrounds its proven Honda engine, famous for smooth operation, solid reliability and good economy. Factor in improved suspension and stronger brakes and you’ll see why Honda looks ready to soar higher on the wings of the Aviator.

Type: Single cylinder, force air-cooled, 4-stroke

No of cylinders: One

Maximum power: 7bhp at 7000rpm

Maximum torque: 0.8kgm at 5500rpm

Starting: Self-start

Transmissions: Variomatic

Tyres: 90/90 x 12 – 3.50 x 10 inches

Fuel tank capacity: 8 litres

Fuel efficiency: 44.4kpl

Length: 1802mm

Width: 707mm

Height: 1162mm

Wheelbase: 1256mm

Ground clearance: 145mm

Vehicle kerb weight: 102kg

Max speed: 84kph (claimed)

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