TVS Jupiter 125 SmartXonnect

Given your usage pattern, the fact that you are used to a scooter and don't have experience riding a geared motorcycle, we would recommend you stick to one. Since you are familiar with the Honda dealer and after-sales network, upgrading to the Honda Activa 125 would make sense. It will offer you better performance, ride and handling and more features over your older Activa 5G. 

You should also take a look at other proven options like the TVS Jupiter models and the Suzuki Access if you're considering the Activa. The Jupiter, in particular, has a few segment-first features and makes for a genuinely compelling alternative. 

A test ride will help you figure out which is the better option for you. 

Since you have had such a good experience with TVS, you could stay within the company's fold and step up to something like an Ntorq 125 / 150. The Ntorq models pack in more performance - especially the 150. But it doesn't come at the expense of comfort or practicality, and they can easily be used on a day-to-day basis. 

However, if you want to stick to a family scooter, then you should look at options like the TVS Jupiter 125, Suzuki Access and the Honda Activa 125. Of the three, the Jupiter is the only one with the huge 33-litre underseat storage area - an unmatched USP - as well as 12-inch wheels at both ends, which will give you a more stable ride over rough roads. 

A test ride should help you decide which scooter is best for you. 

In the ICE scooter space, among the practical, family-centric offerings, consider the TVS Jupiter 110/125 and the Suzuki Access. Both have some of the best ride qualities on an Indian scooter and are quite fuel-efficient, spacious, and practical. If you want something quicker, then the TVS Ntorq 125 / 150 models are worth taking a look at because they blend peppy performance and everyday usability quite well. 

Since you have a pretty long commute, in the EV space, you should look at options like the Ather Rizta 3.7, Bajaj Chetak 35 models and TVS iQube 3.5 variants so you have enough range to tackle other things outside of your daily run. These EVs will be quite a bit more expensive to buy than the petrol-powered scooters listed above, but you will recoup the additional money with the low running costs. 

We'd recommend a test ride of these machines over all sorts of roads so you can decide for yourself which is the best option for you. 

Since you have had a bad experience with TVS recently, we'll recommend you take a look at the Suzuki Access, Honda Activa 110 / 125 models and the Yamaha Fascino / RayZR Hybrid. These Japanese scooters have an excellent reputation for reliability and are generally uncomplicated and inexpensive to service. 

We must mention that the current TVS Jupiter 110 / 125 are some of the most well-rounded scooters in our opinion, and should you be willing to look past your bad experience, these should serve you well. 

A test ride of all these options, as well as a chat with the service manager for these scooters. It will help paint a clearer picture and help you make an informed decision. 

In the family scooter segment, our current top picks are the Suzuki Access, TVS Jupiter 110 / 125 and Honda Activa 110 /125. All are smooth, decently comfortable and will be fuel efficient as well as reliable in the long run. 

If you want a sporty scooter, then the TVS Ntorq 125 is your best bet. Although its fuel economy will be a little lower than the others if it is ridden spiritedly. 

Take a test ride of all your preferred options before you decide. 

Since you mentioned you ride two-up quite regularly, we'd recommend you take a look at the TVS Jupiter 110 and 125. The neat thing here is that TVS has incorporated a winged preload adjuster for the rear suspension, which makes it easy to set preload according to the number of people aboard it. 

The Jupiter models are also quite fuel-efficient and have, by and large proven to be reliable. A test ride is in order so you can make an informed decision.