Honda Wave Alpha

Overview:

Honda a household name in the Asian market, has been in the line of motorcycle manufacturing for more than 5 decades. From power equipment to cars, to two-wheelers, Honda Motors has been the pioneer in automobile industries for eons. Coming from veterans, another model that rules the Vietnam Scooter market is – Wave Alpha. Since its introduction in 2001, Wave Alpha scooter has attained a niche for itself in the form of a young, dynamic scooter with modern looks and top-notch power. Recently, Honda introduced the 2015 variant of its ultimate city scooter. The new Wave Alpha sports a perfect amalgamation of top-notch performance, excellent fuel-efficiency, stunning design and economical price tag, making it an excellent two-wheeler for daily use. In the recent variant, the Honda Wave Alpha sports a new edgier design along with peppy color options, that further accentuates its on-road appeal. Apart from a design, the scooter also sports an advanced technology system which contributes to greater fuel-efficiency, maximum power optimization and make the scooter more environment-friendly, adhering to Euro 2 standards.

Pros:

• New stunning design which gives the scooter a strong sporty look, unlike any other scooter in the market.
• Four new color options that accentuate its peppy and fun appeal.
• The engine is equipped with an evaporative control system, that prevents carbon emissions, meeting the Euro 2 standards.
• Lightweight chassis and compact dimensions allow rider to easily zip across jam-packed traffic.

Cons:

• A combination of small tyres and mediocre suspension components results in Vision being a neutral handler.
• The notchy 4-speed manual gearbox requires the rider to put in extra effort to slot the desired gear.

Design

The latest Honda Wave Alpha, opens a new horizon of peppy and zesty scooters, that bring a breath of fresh air on the road with its electrifying outlook. To sum it up, Wave Alpha is a joyful ride, from front to rear it exuberate fun. In the front, the scooters get bold Halogen lamps headlights, along with peculiar side indicators. To accentuate its sporty appeal, the scooter is equipped with stylish leg shield with dynamic graphics on it, that also saves your legs from dirt. In the rear, the bike gets sharp tail lights, along with brake lights and a rear fender to provide a mix of safety and style. The new Wave Alpha also sports contoured exhaust which adds to its sportiness. The Wave Alpha is equipped with a clear analog style instrument console with backlights, for a better view in the dark. Buyers can choose from five vibrant colors options, each compliments Wave Alpha's funky style. A perfect collaboration of peppy style with sporty and strong outlook, the Wave Alpha scooter is apt for all genders and ages.

Measurements

Engine, Economy & Performance

The all new Wave Alpha sports a more advanced technology, which pumps up more power and offers significant fuel-efficiency. At the heart, the Honda Wave Alpha is equipped with a progressive 97cc Single Cylinder, 4-Stroke, Air-Cooled which delivers a mediocre power output of 6.8 hp@8000 rpm along with maximum torque of 7 Nm@5500 rpm. Mated with a manual 4-speed gearbox, the scooter delivers smooth gear change, swift acceleration and maximum throttle response. The retuned engine, also helps in low fuel consumption, and prevents carbon emissions, meeting the Euro2 standards. The engine has a bore and stroke of 50 mm x 49.5 mm which allows the scooter to accelerate quickly and smoothly, enabling the rider to zip in and out of traffic in a jiffy.

Engine Comparison

Handling

Comfort has always been a priority for Honda, and like every other scooter from this Japanese factory, the Wave Alpha also delivers superb handling and utmost comfort to the rider. The bike is equipped with an upright dual-straight seat which offers a comfortable riding position and relaxing while riding. Also, Honda has bestowed the new Wave Alpha with a low saddle height of 766mm, which is very suitable for short height riders. The well-placed footrests and a flat floor and wide leg space provide a more comfortable position to the rider. Furthermore, Honda has ensured to keep the Wave Alpha lightweight at 98Kg which allows the rider swift movements in the city. The scooter also gets wide 17-inch alloy wheels, which offers superb road stability and all kinds of terrains. A sleek chassis, with compact overall dimension, offers the bike a nimble handling and easy manoeuvrability, which is apt for a city rider like this.

Safety, Braking, and Miscellaneous

Known for the continuous up gradation of technology to caters every buyer's need, Honda has not neglected a crucial concern i.e. safety. To ensure absolute safety, Honda has integrated the Wave Alpha with drum brakes in both front and rear, which delivers a decent stopping power. The brakes provide sufficient initial bite, stopping the scooter in an instance. Along with advanced braking, the scooter also gets telescopic, hydraulic shock absorber in the front and cylindrical springs, hydraulic dampers suspension in the rear, which contribute to greater stability, absorbs bumps and low friction. Though its economical price, affects the quality of shock absorbers used in Wave Alpha, which fails on difficult terrains and potholes.

Verdict:

The Wave RSX is an ideal everyday use city scooter, thanks to its potent engine, which delivers the perfect balance of ample power and excellent fuel efficiency. In the price range, Honda offers a great deal to consumers.