Honda Cliq Launch Ride Review

What's new?

This is a confusing question even for the experts. The chassis is based on the Navi but lacks the spine that a traditional motorcycle and the Navi has, making it a scooter. But it also has the powertrain and the front suspension from the Activa. So it seems like it has been more derived from the Activa than the Navi – but the Navi also exists because of the Activa. 

Confusion aside, this scooter could have easily been the Navi Go, a scooter variant of the Navi. It’s got the same small size and styling elements as the Navi, like the hairdryer-shaped element on the flanks. However, what it looks like to the untrained eye is a completely new product, and full marks to Honda for achieving that. It starts at the front with the knobby tyres. These are specially made by Ceat and MRF for the Cliq but they’ll no doubt be a great fit for the Navi’s Adventure variant. They’re on/off road tubeless tyres that sit on 10-inch rims, and are designed to take on the worst roads and lack of roads that rural India has to offer. There’s a traditional fender over the front wheel, but it is made out of plastic and has a carbonfibre weave, no matter the colour. The front fairing is anything but traditional. It is an all-plastic affair that houses a large headlamp with two indicators on the sides, like the Dio. Unlike a regular scooter, there is no plastic housing or fairing for the handlebar. The instrument cluster is mounted ahead of the handlebar, in the space between the ‘bars and the front of the fairing. A little lower down are the ignition key slots and choke lever in their traditional spots. The switches are familiar ones, from Honda’s commuter motorcycles, and the mirrors are from their 150cc motorcycle parts bin as well. 

The footboard can be had as a flat board or with an optional lockable storage. We expect most customers to stick with the flat footboard as it is much more convenient. The seat is ever so slightly stepped and is extremely long for the size of scooter that it is. The tail lamp is a large unit and gets separate indicator stalks. The side panels have elements of Navi styling, and Rs 500 will get you the Deluxe variant and its graphics that you can see here. There is 14 litres of underseat storage, and the options list has a power socket, and the visor you see in the images. The grabrail is an extremely sturdy one. 

Plastics quality is just about acceptable, and the dark colours make it feel more premium. We aren’t too sure if the carbonfibre finish for the front fender and around the instrument cluster will be a hit with a rural audience. The bright two-tone colour combinations are certainly attractive.

The ride feel

The proportions of the Cliq are so good, they make the product look larger than it really is. One look at the photo with our larger-than-life tester, however, and the actual size becomes clear; the Cliq is a segment below scooters like the Activa, size-wise. In fact, even the Scooty Zest looks and feels larger than the Cliq – this is a direct result of it being based on the Navi. As such, if you’re a tall person, watch out for the handlebar smacking into your knee when you make U turns. The tyres offer so-so feel on tarmac, and cornering with them is fraught with uncertainty. However, show the Cliq a dirt road, and the tyres make so much sense. Ride quality is slightly choppy, given the small wheelbase and the trailing-link front suspension. It definitely isn’t the best in class. The CBS braking system helps with left-hand-only brakers, but on dirt roads it makes the front wash wide if you tap the lever while leaned over. While the brakes themselves are more than adequate, coming from the Activa, the tyres with their block pattern tread squirm under braking, giving less confidence. This is a scooter that is best ridden slowly and steadily at all times.

The engine, derived from the Activa (again) and displacing 110cc, generates 8bhp and 9Nm. It propels this 102kg scooter forward with surprising vigour. It is also a proven engine, debuting many years ago in the Aviator and being refined since. Its reputation for efficiency and reliability will stand in good stead with the target market.

Verdict

We’d have liked a much longer ride with the Cliq, but at first ride it is a confusing product. It shines on dirt roads thanks to the tyres, the reliability of the powertrain is legendary and the price is a definite draw for the commuter motorcycle buyer. But will it manage to crack the segment with its funky styling and carbonfibre finish parts where so many others have failed? It’s a little ahead of its time, so we’re going to wait and watch.