When Honda launched the Aviator. it did seem to be a lot more than the specification promised. Sowhen we got our test Aviator,l parked the Access for a while and used the Aviator instead. For the purpose of this test. I pitted one against the other over the commute to see what the difference was. Data logging the commutes only served to highlight the differences in the two scooters and as a tester, having hard data sit exactly where you think it should is a good feeling. So, let's get stuck right into it. then.

Both the scooters are as Japanese as Tokyo itself. which means the build and finish are almost automatically fantastic. Neither scooter has as much as a line out of place and we've seen the venerable Activo. age really, really well. We've not spotted a tatty Zeus either. So the portents are great too. We would wager that neither scooter will fade for years together.



What does separate the two, however, is the styling. Just check out that Aviator. Repeated references to the Honda Civic notwithstanding, it's neither meek, nor sleek. Instead, it looks upmarket. classy, and almost elegant. Initially, we thought the looks were all right. but in time, they've grown on us. On the other hand, we feel almost sorry for the Access' engine.

Such an enjoyable powertrain wearing that rather dowdy look is like seeing Gisele Bundchen dressed as a three-mantent safe, but not particularly likely to get you a second glance. Seriously Suzuki. that motor's a proper firecracker, so how about we ditch the tent and get it the scooter equivalent of a flattering two-piece swim suit. Now there's a fully cosmetic variant thatwe could properly drool over.