Shortly after being launched on the local market, in the month of February, the Honda Navi was ranked among the nine motorcycles best-selling in the country, accumulating a total of 641 units.
Produced at the Campana plant, province of Buenos Aires, this compact motorcycle caused quite a stir upon its arrival, as a result of its extroverted design and affordable price: it started with a value of $1,565,000 and in April it reached 1,997,300 pesos.
However, the greatest expectation around the Navi was generated by small sizeso the question about this Honda model was to determine if it is a motorcycle suitable for daily use, especially in the case of larger size pilots.
Iprofesional had the opportunity to test it for almost a month, enough time to prepare a complete test drive and be able to provide in detail all the information that is necessary to know, before define the purchase of this model.
The offer of “mini” motorcycles in Argentina
Small motorcycles fall into a category called Fun, of which Honda precisely had a lot of history. The Honda Monkey 50 and later the Dax 70 were iconic models between the ’70s and ’90s in this segment.
Today, Honda’s clear reference for this type of small motorcycle is NAVi, which is not alone, since within this type of motorcycle we find the Mondial Dax ($1,348,000), Mondial RV 125 ($1,900,000), Zanella Hot Shot 90 ($1,600,000) and Gilera GX1 125 (1,689,900 pesos).
The Honda NAVi was one of the most striking motorcycle launches on the small motorcycle market.
Navi design: for some yes, for others no
The design of the NAVi has mixed opinions. To many it seems like a nice and groundbreaking motorcyclewhile those on the other side of the sidewalk (clearly more conservative) think it looks like a motorcycle that, due to its lines and shapes, is closer to an appliance.
However, no one can deny that the NAVii looks original. The predominance of plastic covers on the sides (the engine is completely hidden) is what characterizes it most.
They even confuse it with an electric motorcycle, since it has a small trunk with a lock built into the frame, which is very practical for storing different objects, but in which a helmet could not be stored, due to its particular shape.
Honda NAVi: a pocket motorcycle?
Continuing with appearances, many classify the NAVi as “a nice little toy” and its compact size has a lot to do with it. However, This motorcycle is not much smaller than the Honda Wave 110, the CUB model that has long led the ranking of the best-selling motorcycles in the country.
So, for example, the NAVi is 1,808 mm long, while the Wave is 1,897 mm. The wheelbase is also very similar: 1,286 mm in the case of Navi, versus 1,227 mm for the Wave. In terms of width, the newest model is 748 mm, versus 705 mm for the Wave.
The Honda NAVi has similar proportions to the Wave.
Even the seat height of both is practically the same: 762 mm for Navi, against 765 mm for the Wave. Why do they look so different in size then?
The answer lies in the wheels, since while the Wave has 17″ wheels, both front and rear, the Navi has 12″ wheels at the front and a 10″ wheel at the rear.
These tires are responsible for visually making it look like “a pocket motorcycle.” However, it must be said that both wheels are wide, and in practice this translates into a very good tread and acceptable stability on streets in good condition.
The NAVi is a motorcycle with small details, that’s why they call it pocket.
If you must be extra careful when facing wells, road crossings or donkey hills, since in addition to the fact that the small tire does not provide the same maneuverability as a larger one, in this case it is added that the suspension has a very short travel, 89 mm at the front and 70 mm at the rear, so the absorption capacity is poor.
The solution to not skid
The NAVi does not offer ABS braking system, but instead uses the system called EBD; which in short is a system that combines the braking of both wheels.
NAVi brakes use a system called EBD.
This implies that when you press the rear brake lever, that is, the left one, the motorcycle also applies braking force to the front wheel, thus producing combined braking between both axles and preventing any skidding.
Why is driving the Navi more enjoyable?
One of the great qualities of NAVi is its easy handling And this is not only influenced by its very compact size or the brake system described above, but also by its CVT automatic transmission.
It is a very common transmission in scooters (hence Honda defines it as a mixture of a street motorcycle and a scooter), which only requires the rider to accelerate and brake, since there are no gears or clutch.
The other great characteristic of the Navi is its ductility and agility and the response of its engine has a lot to do with this. It is the same one that powers the Wave (110 cc single-cylinder, carbureted and air-cooled) but is much more enjoyable in the Navi.
The Navi’s low center of gravity, its large maneuverability or the fact that you should only accelerate and not think about making changes. All this combination makes traveling with the Navi really fun and different from other motorcycles.
Like little, The pocket is also happy with the NAVi since it can travel between 55 and 60 kilometers with one liter of gasoline. The gasoline tank is small (3.5 liters), but due to the low consumption, the range (approximately 200 kilometers) for urban sections is more than enough.
A motorcycle for all sizes?
Another of the big questions that many ask about this “petisa” motorcycle of Honda, revolves around whether it is compatible for tall people. To do this, we put the NAVi through several hands (everyone wants to try it) in order to collect different opinions.
Honda NAVi, a motorcycle questioned for its size, but suitable for all sizes.
Most agree that it is a quite comfortable motorcycle. For taller people, as is my case (1.82 meters), the ideal posture is sitting a little further back than usual, so that the legs and arms find a natural position.
For everyday use, the NAVi is a faithful companion for all users.
For the smaller size pilots, it is ideal and the possibility of being able to carry another passenger of equal size opens up.
Who is looking for the Honda NAVi?
The decision to purchase a motorcycle is a trend that is increasing. This phenomenon has to do, for the most part, with an economic transfer alternative or with a second mobility option for those who already have a vehicle.
In this context, the Low displacement motorcycles, those that cost between $1,500,000 and $2,000,000, are the most sought after.
Although Honda has the Wave 110 cc as the great reference for this type of motorcycle vehicle, with NAVi it added an option that, in addition to being an economical motorcycle ($1,997,300), has a very particular style that convinces the youngest to a greater extent and those that escape the most conventional designs. In this way, it is another option that is gaining ground for daily use and is postulated as another exponent to take into account.
