More popular than the Super Cub?
Honda boasts a lineup of 15 models in the 2-class moped category. It is by far the largest number of models among Japanese manufacturers.
There are a variety of genres, from scooters to Cub-type models, manual transmission sports cars, and EVs, but the cheapest model among them is the Super Cub, which is a friend of the common people, but... it is the scooter "Dio 110 Basic" priced at $1716.79.
This model is a simpler exterior finish than the "Dio 110" ($1957.74) without the smart key.
The Super Cub 110 is priced at $2070.68, but the Dio 110 Basic is not only more affordable, but also more common than the Super Cub in terms of equipment, and is fully equipped with convenient items for everyday use.
By the way, many people may say, "I used to ride a Dio," but the Dio, Honda's standard moped (50cc) model, was discontinued in 2016. Currently, the only model bearing this name is the Dio 110 series, a Class 2 small engine displacement.
Dio 110 Basic ($1716.79)
Honda Dio 110 Basic storage and equipment
Let's start with storage, which is probably the first thing that everyone is wondering about.
The Dio 110 Basic has 18L of under-seat storage that can fit one helmet.
On the other hand, once you put a helmet in it, it'll be difficult to store anything else, but it is also equipped with a helmet holder so you can keep the space free for luggage.
There is also an inner box below the left of the handlebars that can hold a 500mm PET bottle, and there is a hook directly below the handlebars that is just right for hanging shopping bags, etc.
Under-seat storage with a capacity of 18L. The two protrusions (circled in red) on the side of the seat hinge are helmet holders.
Front inner box with lid located under the left side of the steering wheel
Next, the functionality.
The meter is a simple and easy-to-read design that combines an analog needle-type speedometer with a small LCD monitor. The fuel gauge is also displayed on the LCD.
The Dio 110 Basic has both a side stand and a center stand, but the side stand is easier to use in everyday life. That said, with scooters that do not allow you to "park with the gear in place," you need to be careful when parking on an incline so as not to slide back down, but the key point is that the Dio 110 Basic has a parking brake.
Parking brakes are not necessarily equipped on scooters (for example, Honda's PCX does not have one), but it is a reassuring and convenient feature to have.
A meter unit that combines an analog speedometer and an LCD monitor. The LCD displays a trip meter and a fuel gauge. When the fuel gauge reaches about 0.9L, the last mark on the fuel gauge flashes to warn you.
Honda Dio 110 Basic Performance
As for the ride, I will talk about it from the perspective of daily use mainly in urban areas.
There are probably some people who place the highest priority on "cornering performance on winding roads" when choosing a scooter to use as their daily transportation, but I think they are in the very minority.
Overall, the Dio 110 Basic gives the impression of being specialized for speeds of up to 60km/h - the speed range for city riding.
The engine is an air-cooled 109cc single cylinder with 8.7 horsepower. Many water-cooled 125cc models, including those from other manufacturers, have over 10 horsepower, but the Dio 110 Basic does not feel particularly "slow". The light weight of the motorcycle at 96kg is also a big factor.
It accelerates smoothly to the upper limit of 60km/h on general roads, and it seems like it will easily reach around 80km/h.
The official fuel economy is 55.6km/L (1 person on board) in the WMTC mode, and 59.4km/L (2 people on board) according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. It also has an idling stop function. The fuel tank capacity is 4.9L, so even if you estimate the actual fuel economy poorly, you will have a cruising range of 200km.
The OHC 2-valve 109cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine has a maximum output of 8.7ps/7500rpm and a maximum torque of 0.92kgm/5750rpm. "eSP" stands for "Enhanced Smart Power" and is characterized by its excellent output characteristics at low and medium speeds and low fuel consumption.
The wheels are 14 inches front and rear, which is rare for a scooter with a 50cc diameter. You might think that the large wheel diameter would prioritize stability, but the cornering is quick. It has the maneuverability of a 50cc scooter, and it can run smoothly and nimbly in crowded city areas and narrow alleys.
On the other hand, during the interview, we rode on a rough road full of holes, and in such situations, the 14-inch wheels were effective, giving us a stable ride.
As for the riding position, the upright front cowl is close to the feet, so you cannot stretch your legs. Therefore, the riding position feels fixed in a fixed position, but the seat is long, so it seems that it can be accommodated by tall people.
In addition, the step-through allows you to ride by "sitting on" the motorcycle rather than "straddling" it with your feet, so the ease of getting on and off is also a great feature of the Dio 110 Basic.
Scooters with 14-inch wheels on both sides are rare. By the way, among Honda's 50cc scooters, the PCX has 14-inch wheels on the front and 13-inch wheels on the rear, while the Lead 125 has 12-inch wheels on the front and 10-inch wheels on the rear.
What's great about the Honda Dio 110 Basic?
One thing that bothered me was that the area around the handlebars looked "a lump of plastic" and looked cheap (although the surface is decorated...), but this is not related to usability. If they were to make it "a cool design with high-quality materials, but the price will go up a little," well, it's hard to say.
More than that, I think it's amazing that the Dio 110 Basic doesn't have any elements that "we omitted ◯◯ because it's cheap" when used daily.
This "omission" is also related to the last question about which to choose, the Dio 110 or the Dio 110 Basic. As I mentioned at the beginning, the Dio 110 is equipped with a smart key, but there are also differences in appearance, with the body color only being "Matte Galaxy Black Metallic," and the rear carrier, motorcycle name emblem, and HONDA logo being finished in a sporty red.
Dio 110 ($1957.74)
The author's conclusion is "basic." The body color and exterior finish are a matter of preference, but when you consider that the "smart key cost" is about 35,000 yen... With that difference, you'll want to add the genuine accessory grip heater ($136.67) or a top case (main unit $188.24 + carrier base $41.41).
Report: Ueno Shigeki Photos: Iida Yasuhiro
Honda Dio 110 Basic Specifications
[Engine and performance]
Type: Air-cooled 4-stroke single cylinder OHC 2-valve Bore x stroke: 47.0mm x 63.1mm Total displacement: 109cc Maximum power: 6.4kW (8.7ps) / 7500rpm Maximum torque: 9.0Nm (0.92kgm) / 5750rpm Fuel tank capacity: 4.9L Transmission: Infinitely variable transmission
[Dimensions and Weight]
Overall length: 1870 Overall width: 685 Overall height: 1100 Wheelbase: 1255 Seat height: 760 (each mm) Vehicle weight: 96kg Tire size: F80/90-14 R90/90-14
[Body color]
Night tide blue metallic, matte galaxy black metallic, pearl snowflake white
[Price]
$1716.79
See HONDA Moto Index Page
See HONDA DIO125 Parts & Accessories Page
See HONDA Dio110 Parts & Accessories Page
See HONDA DIO CHESTA Parts & Accessories Page
See HONDA DIO FIT Parts & Accessories Page
See HONDA DIO 2st Parts & Accessories Page
See HONDA DIO 4st Parts & Accessories Page
