Scooter Review Honda Dio/Vision The new Honda Dio has been built to satisfy multiple markets on a global scale. Can one scooter live up to the expectations?
Allen Drysdale 
Introduction
Honda has been busy developing a competitive global future. Developing singular models that can be sold across the globe. We've seen this on models like the PCX 125 or the CBR motorcycle range. Models built in massive quantities creating favourable economies of scale. Models that need to appeal to a broad cross-section of people.
So we now have the Dio or more commonly known as the Vision in other markets around the world. An efficient, low capacity model that will sell in the thousands. So how does this one stack up? Can Honda appease so many markets with just one model? We take a look…..
Specifications
First up, let me just say this scooter bears no resemblance to Honda's current Lead 100. The Dio is sleek, modern in design, a totally different scooter in look and concept. The Dio is handsome and somewhat stylish, a good looking scooter.
From a blank sheet of paper it would seem the Dio was drafted or developed by people who understand scooters. By this I mean the Dio has all the features that matter.
The Dio comes fitted with skinny 14 inch alloy wheels standard. The body is not overly small, not overly large either, somewhere in-between. The seat is comfortable for one, even two. Flip-out footpegs make pillion accommodation less of an afterthought.
Storage is fairly accommodating. The large underseat area will swallow an open face helmet. If required the Dio comes with two handy helmet hooks. A flat floor/bag hook combination increases storage capacity significantly. A rear rack is pre-drilled with holes, ready for any rear case application. The front leg shield features two handy storage bins which will hold smaller items like phone and wallet.
The Dio runs a fuel injected 110 cc, 2 valve motor. Good enough to produce just over 6 Kw's of power and comparable to most 125 cc scooters. The fuel tank filler is located under the seat, the tank itself holds 5 Litres.
Just a single shock on the rear. Centre and side stand are both available, the side stand with engine cut-out. Brakes are disc on the front, drum on the rear. The brakes using Honda's combined braking system so the left hand lever shares both front and rear with a single squeeze.
On the Road
From the moment I twisted the throttle I knew I was in for a treat. It could have been a combination of a few things, though mainly the chassis feels tight. Much tighter than a two-and-a-half-grand scooter should. The big wheels obviously helping with ride quality.
Actually it only takes a few corners and the Dio feels totally trustworthy and very capable of coping with variable road conditions. Smooth over undulations and quite capable of carrying extra speed into corners. The suspension does its bit, the rear shock is sufficient for single or two up applications. Up and down gutters, over speed bumps, across broken surfaces, the Dio is both agile and composed.
Being injected the Honda starts first time everytime. Initial acceleration is smooth, pick-up is enough to satisfy anybody hunting around in the 125 class. Top speed is a comfortable 90 km/h, though large hills will have you coming back to the 60 K mark in no time.
Brakes are again above the class average given the set-up. I find myself using the left lever often as it grabs both ends anyway.
Summary
Here is a scooter that will be manufactured on a global scale. Honda will sell thousands of these things. And they deserve too. The Dio exceeded my expectations for how good a scooter at this price point can be. Quote me if you like, the Honda Dio will be the "Number One" selling scooter in the 2012 calendar year.
The Dio is exceptional in the way it handles the daily duties. As a city commuter it really shines. It's light, nimble and composed, it fills you with confidence. The Dio will cover over 200 k's before needing a refill. The Dio will be both inexpensive to register and insure, one because of price, two because of capacity. Overall the Dio is a real long term prospect, a scooter you'll find room in the garage to keep.
There you have it, the new Honda Dio. Can Honda build one scooter to satisfy the needs of multiple markets? Quite clearly it can.
published 8/01/2012 |