It all started with the Activa 125 in September 2019. After Honda updating it for BS6, other 125cc scooters followed suit over the consecutive months. Now, its closest competitor, the Hero Maestro Egde 125 is also compliant with upcoming emissions norms. Joining the squad was Yamaha in February 2020 when it launched the new Ray ZR 125, the successor to its 110cc version. Now that the customers have various options to choose from in this space, we inspect which one of these three BS6 125cc scooters is better on paper.
Design
Despite all of them being scooters, each one has a different flavor to its design. The Activa 125 retains the same unisex appeal of its 110cc version, albeit with sharper lines and contours across its bodywork. The Maestro Edge 125, on the other hand, has a more boyish appeal to it with a bold and sporty character. The most unique of the three is the Ray ZR 125. Yamaha has bestowed it with a radical styling with elements such as faux air-intakes on the front apron and a T-shaped LED DRL nestled in the short visor.
Features
On the feature front, the most equipped of the lot is the Activa 125 which had received a host of new gizmos with the BS6 update. Besides the LED headlamp, DRL and tail lamp, it packs a semi-digital instrument cluster comprising a host of data such as fuel range, average and real-time mileage, service due reminder, side stand indicator with engine inhibitor and other basic information. The Activa 125 also features an external fuel filler and front glove box.
For illumination, the Maestro Edge and Ray ZR are equipped with conventional headlamp but sport an LED DRL. The instrumentation comprises of semi-digital console for the Maestro and a fully-digital LCD unit for the Ray ZR. However, these displays aren’t as comprehensive as that of the Activa.
Hero has equipped the Maestro Edge 125 with an external fuel filler cap, i3S idle-start-stop system, USB charger and boot light. With a side-stand engine cut off switch and multi-function key with seat opener, the Ray ZR 125 is the least equipped scooter here.
Engine
Performance-wise, the Maestro Edge 125 leads the pack with its 125cc, fuel-injected motor pumping out 9bhp and 10.4Nm. Next in line is the Activa 125 which produces 8.1bhp and 10.3Nm while the Ray ZR 125 makes the least amount of power at 7.9bhp and 9.7Nm. However, the Ray ZR compensates for its lack of power by being the lightest here with a kerb weight of 99kgs. Whereas, the Activa and Maestro are considerably heavier at 111kgs and 110kgs, respectively.
Cycle parts
All three scooters are majorly identical in terms of hardware. They ride on a 12-inch front and 10-inch rear wheel which are suspended by telescopic forks and a monoshock. Braking is handled by a disc-drum setup but they can also be had with drum brakes at both ends. Moreover, these scooters also feature combined braking system which works on both wheels even if you apply only the rear brake.
Pricing
Starting with the Honda Activa 125, although it comes with the longest list of features, it is also most expensive with prices starting at Rs 67,490 and going up to Rs 74,490. The BS6 Maestro Edge is the most powerful but lies in the middle of the three when it comes to features as well as pricing. Its top-end variant with the new Prismatic colour scheme costs Rs 70,650. Coming to the Ray ZR, the disc brake variant of the scooter retails at Rs 69,730 which makes it marginally cheaper than the Maestro but considerably so as compared to the Activa.
(All prices are ex-showroom)
