Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) offers a wide range of motorcycles designed specifically for commuters in the Indian market. One popular model is the Hornet 2.0, a small-displacement naked streetfighter with a similar appearance to the Honda Hornet CB750. For 2023, this commuter bike has received a few updates. Let’s take a closer look.
Although the Honda Hornet 2.0 has sporty styling, its main purpose is for commuting. It is equipped with basic components and a reliable engine. Like previous versions, the 2023 Hornet 2.0 is powered by a 184cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine that produces 17.3 horsepower and 11 pound-feet (15.9 Newton-meters) of torque. It is also lightweight, weighing just 142 kilograms when ready to ride.
Following its naked bike design, the Honda Hornet 2.0 features 17-inch wheels front and rear, inverted front forks with a gold finish, preload-adjustable monoshock rear suspension, and ABS-equipped front and rear brakes. One notable change for the 2023 model is the addition of a slipper clutch, which provides smoother downshifts and a lighter clutch pull, enhancing comfort for daily commuting.
The 2023 updates also include minor tweaks to ensure the bike complies with India’s latest BS6.2 standards. These include OBD-2 compatibility and a warning light on the dashboard to alert the rider if abnormal emission levels are detected.
In terms of pricing and availability, the Honda Hornet 2.0 stands out among its competitors. It is priced slightly lower at Rs 139,000, which is approximately $1,684 USD. Additionally, it is the only bike in its class to feature full LED lighting and comes with Honda’s industry-leading 10-year extended warranty coverage.
In 2022, Thai Honda launched an updated version of the Forza 350 scooter in the Thai market. This new model featured several convenient features for everyday riding, stylish maxi-scooter design, a new instrument cluster, smartphone connectivity, and more. It aimed to stand out in a market mostly dominated by sub-200cc options.
For riders looking for a more premium Forza 350 experience, Honda also offered the RoadSync option, which allowed riders to use voice controls on supported Honda bikes through a smartphone app. The option included a dedicated switch cube on the left handlebar to operate the smartphone for supported bikes like the ADV350, CB1000R, CB750 Hornet, CB300F, Forza 350 and 250, Forza 750, H’Ness CB350, X-ADV, XL750 Transalp, and CB350RS.
However, Thai riders who rely on scooters for daily transportation would appreciate an upgraded suspension. While scooters may not be a top consideration for many riders worldwide, it becomes crucial for those who use them regularly.
In August 2023, Thai Honda introduced the Forza 350 Dark Gravity Special Edition, featuring a black and purple color scheme. This special edition received an upgrade from Hyperpro Suspension Technology in the Netherlands. Hyperpro outfitted the bike with signature purple rear shocks, enhancing the suspension performance.
It remains unknown whether the Hyperpro suspension partnership or the color scheme came first. Nevertheless, Thai riders looking for a new scooter will benefit from both improved suspension and a stylish ride.
The standard features of the Forza 350 include the Honda Selectable Torque Control system, ABS on both ends, LED lighting, USB charging, ample underseat storage space, and the Honda Smart Key system.
Pricing for the Forza 350 Dark Gravity Special Edition starts at ฿ 231,900, which is roughly $6,618 as of August 29, 2023. The standard Forza 350, introduced in 2022, started at ฿ 179,000 or approximately $5,111. The significant suspension upgrade justifies the premium price of the special edition.
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has launched the new Dio 125, a commuter scooter that is designed to navigate the busy streets of India. The Dio has a long-standing reputation in the Asian market and has now been updated to a modern machine while maintaining its compact size and user-friendly features. Let’s delve deeper into the latest model.
The Honda Dio has always been known for its simplicity, and the current generation model follows suit. Although it features updated bodywork, the new Dio still prioritizes convenient design features. For example, the flat floor allows riders to easily store bags and cargo between their legs. There is also generous under-seat storage for daily essentials, as well as small cubby holes on the front apron for quick-access items. The back of the scooter includes passenger accommodations with a large one-piece saddle and passenger grab handles for added safety.
Powering the new Honda Dio is a 125cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine with Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) technology. This provides the scooter with decent performance and efficiency, delivering around eight horsepower and seven pound-feet of torque. Additionally, the Dio 125 is OBD2 compliant to meet 2023 emissions regulations and features a silent ACG starter.
Aside from the engine, the Dio 125 offers typical features found in this segment. It is equipped with a telescopic fork and a preload-adjustable rear monoshock for suspension. The base model comes with drum brakes front and rear, while the higher-end Smart variant includes a disc brake at the front. Other technological features include LED lights, an idling stop system, a side-stand indicator, and a combined braking system. The top-of-the-line Smart version features keyless ignition and additional security features.
As for pricing and availability, the new Dio 125 is offered in a wide range of colors. The Standard model starts at Rs 83,400 (approximately $1,010 USD), while the higher-end Smart model is priced at Rs 91,300 (around $1,128 USD). Honda also provides a 10-year warranty coverage for the Dio 125 to ensure peace of mind for customers.
Honda is expanding its electric scooter lineup by bringing the Honda EM1 e: to the Indonesian market. With a high percentage of households owning motorcycles and millions of motorbikes in the country, Honda sees great potential in Indonesia.
Although electric motorbikes currently make up a small portion of two-wheelers in Indonesia, the country is in the midst of a transition towards electric vehicles. The Indonesian government has announced plans to become fully electric by 2050 and has implemented a subsidy program to encourage the adoption of electric two-wheelers.
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The Honda EM1 e: is currently available for purchase in Indonesia through PT Astra Honda Motor. It features Honda’s Mobile Power Pack e: battery packs, which are removable, swappable, and can be charged using a special home charger provided by Honda.
In Indonesia, the EM1 e: is available for sale, unlike in Japan and Europe where it is offered for rental. The price for the scooter alone is 40,000,000 Indonesian rupiah (about $2,610), while the version with the Honda Mobile Power Pack e: costs 45,000,000 rupiah (about $2,936).
Compared to Honda’s combustion models in Indonesia, such as the Honda BeAT, Genio, Scoopy, and Vario, the EM1 e: is more expensive. However, its pricing is comparable to the Honda ADV160, which is available in ABS and Combined Braking System versions. For those looking for a more luxurious option, the Honda Forza is priced at 90,330,000 rupiah (about $5,894) as of August 23, 2023.
Like other countries transitioning to electric vehicles, Indonesia is in the process of developing the necessary infrastructure to support EVs. The progress of this infrastructure development remains to be seen.
When you have a strong desire for a chopper but can only afford a scooter, there are two options: either customize your scooter to look like a chopper or get yourself a Zongshen Yomi 125. The motorcycle you see in the image above is not a custom-built cruiser but rather a production motorcycle from Chinese manufacturer Zongshen.
Zongshen is a popular Chinese brand, and we have discussed some of their bikes in the past. While most of Zongshen’s bikes follow the standard two-wheeler design, the Yomi 125 stands out. Recently launched in China, the Yomi adopts the styling of a classic American chopper, albeit in a mini-bike caricature form. It features an elongated front end with a relaxed head angle and bodywork that imitates the custom look of American-made choppers.
Underneath its exterior, the Yomi 125 is equipped with a small and beginner-friendly single-cylinder engine with a displacement of only 124 cubic centimeters. It delivers a modest power output of eight horsepower at 8,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) and a torque of 5.4 pound-feet at 6,000 rpm. The top speed is claimed to be no more than 55 miles per hour. Interestingly, despite mimicking the appearance of a chopper, the Yomi 125 does not aim to replicate the riding experience of one. Instead of a belt-driven manual transmission, it features a scooter-derived continuously variable transmission (CVT) for convenience.
Nevertheless, the Zongshen Yomi 125 could be an attractive option for young individuals looking to experience the two-wheeled lifestyle. With a low seat height of just 65 centimeters, even the shortest riders can easily mount the bike. Furthermore, it weighs only 113 kilograms, making it extremely lightweight. In terms of pricing, the Yomi 125 is quite affordable at 9,800 Yuan (approximately $1,352 USD). However, there are currently no plans to sell the Yomi 125 outside of China, so it is unlikely to be seen on American roads anytime soon.
Čezeta, the Czech scooter brand that emerged in the 1950s, is still on the lookout for a new buyer. Back in the day, Čezeta produced small-displacement scooters similar to Vespa, with their distinctive full metal body and elongated nose. These scooters became a practical and efficient means of transportation in post-war Europe.
However, unlike Vespa, Čezeta didn’t experience much growth over the next 50 years. The brand’s last attempt at resurgence was in 2018 and 2019 when Čezeta Motors s.r.o produced a limited run of an electrified version of the Type 506 scooter. Unfortunately, the project didn’t gain momentum, and now the brand has come to a halt.
In 2020, the CEO of Čezeta, Neil Eammonn Smith, announced that he was looking for a buyer for the brand. However, due to the global pandemic at the time, this news didn’t receive much attention. Fast forward three years, Čezeta is still searching for a new owner. The company is open to individuals or corporations interested in taking over the production of this iconic scooter.
In 2020, Smith stated, “I have worked hard for the past seven years to bring Čezeta back to life and restart the Czech motorcycle business. We have created one of the best light electric vehicles around with the assistance of our staff and crowdfunding investors. During the last year, however, it has become evident that we need fresh investment and partnership opportunities in order to realize the full potential of Čezeta’s scooter. Thus, I have made the difficult decision to sell the company.”
If someone takes ownership of Čezeta, they will be entering a rapidly growing electric motorbike market. The addition of an electric scooter with a focus on heritage would be welcomed in the lifestyle segment. With the right marketing, Čezeta’s rich history and unique designs could be leveraged to attract customers. Furthermore, acquiring the Čezeta brand would include EU trademarks for the Čezeta name and logo, as well as an extensive collection of Čezeta memorabilia.
Electric bikes and scooters have become immensely popular for urban transportation in Europe, leading to an influx of unique and unconventional designs in the personal mobility market. The latest addition to this lineup is the electric trike by Lámpago, a Turkey-based company. Despite its name, which means “lightning” in English, this trike is not particularly fast, but it certainly catches the eye with its stylish design.
With a top speed limited to 28 miles per hour, you might wonder who would be interested in this vehicle. The Lámpago electric trike serves as a novelty ride and offers a fashionable alternative to cargo e-bikes or e-scooters for navigating urban areas. It falls under the classification of personal mobility devices and does not require a motorcycle license to operate in Europe. Instead, a class AM or A1 license is sufficient.
In terms of design, the Lámpago resembles a Vespa scooter with a sidecar that seamlessly merges into the main body of the vehicle. It features smooth and rounded bodywork akin to an egg, with doors on both sides and two seats positioned one in front of the other. The trike follows a conventional layout with two wheels at the back and one at the front, similar to a Reliant Robin. However, the absence of a roof or any overhead structure categorizes it as an electric moped, necessitating the use of a helmet while riding on public roads.
On the technology front, the Lámpago is equipped with a 60-volt, 30-ampere-hour lithium battery pack that provides a range of approximately 25 to 45 miles on a full charge. While the exact specifications of the electric motor are not disclosed, it is estimated to have an output of around 1,000 watts. The trike features 10-inch wheels and is equipped with front and rear drum brakes for stopping power. Its total load capacity is stated to be 200 kilograms.
As of now, Lámpago has not released any information on the pricing or availability of this charming electric three-wheeler.
A scooter is brilliant for getting around town easily and cheaply: super nimble, park anywhere, easy to ride, sips gas and extremely practical. But, take them out of town, and they are simply too slow to be any good at covering longer distances.
That’s where the maxi scooter comes into its own: all the practicality of a scooter but with more power and comfort, better chassis and suspension dynamics, better rider aids, excellent weather protection, under seat storage, and longer wheelbases for added stability. They also have twist-and-go automatic transmissions that can have some of the larger-engined models give sports bike a good run for their money in the light-to-light drag races. Some even have three wheels for even more confidence-inspiring grip on wet or loose surfaces. Here’s our pick of the ten best maxi scooters.
Updated August 2023: Scooter manufacturers continue to strive to bring us one option after the other that is comfortable for everyday use as well as have some of the latest tech and features on board. Each year, there are significant improvements made to the existing models. To keep you up to speed on all the latest developments, this article has been updated with new information and a comprehensive list of pros and cons for each scooter.
With a parallel twin engine producing a healthy 55 horsepower, coupled to a CVT transmission, the Suzuki Burgman 650 has all the performance you could need with a whole dose of luxury tech: ABS, electric folding mirrors and adjustable screen, heated grips and seat, an immobiliser, not to mention two power modes.
It’s big, but that means excellent comfort for two (there are even grab rails for the pillion) and equally good weather protection, combined with a cavernous under seat storage area which can be supplemented by a top box. It’s not especially light at 610 pounds but as that weight is worn low down, it’s not too much of a problem. 59 MPG is also excellent, and with a gas tank capacity of nearly four gallons, it’s great for touring.
Pros
Comfortable riding ergonomics
10+ gals of under seat storage
Low seat height
Cons
May feel a bit too heavy
Comes with a hefty price tag
It’s tough to get one these days
9Yamaha TMAX
Yamaha
Perhaps the best-known of all the maxi scooters, the Yamaha TMAX was the model that first convinced a lot of people that such a motorcycle could combine practicality with performance and fun. The 530cc parallel twin engine pushes out 45 horsepower which might be less than the Suzuki Burgman but, then again, it does weigh 170 pounds less, which is not to be sniffed at.
The chassis frame is aluminum which helps with the weight reduction and also adds stiffness, although the design does reduce rider floorboard size slightly. There’s cruise control, heated seating grips, traction control and an electrically adjustable screen. The center stand can be locked in the ‘open’ position which is a great theft deterrent and storage is adequate, although a top box can be fitted. Your pillion passenger will never complain about comfort, and as a way of adding sportiness to practicality, the TMAX is hard to beat.
Pros
Oozes of comfort
Significantly lighter than most maxi scooters
Great wind protection
Cons
Limited storage space
Expensive
Rider floorboard is a tad bit narrow
8Honda X-ADV
Honda
Take one Honda NC750X motorcycle in maxi-scooter form, and equip it with wire wheels, taller suspension and dual-purpose tires and here you have something totally unique: The Honda X-ADV, an off-road capable maxi scooter and that’s pretty unique. Another unique feature is Honda’s well-developed dual clutch transmission which is a step up from the CVT transmissions of every other scooter on this list. The 745cc parallel twin produces 58 horsepower and a 520 pound all-in weight is pretty much par for the course. Traction control, ABS, a TFT dash, excellent storage and power modes make this one o the more interesting choices in the maxi scooter class.
The Piaggio MP3 is by no means the only three-wheeler maxi scooter, but it is one of the better examples of leaning three-wheeler technology. While adding an extra wheel, hub, disc brake and caliper, not to mention all the sophisticated suspension components that allow the wheels to remain in contact with the road while allowing the bike to lean in corners, adds weight. It also increases safety by an appreciable amount by increasing front end grip, braking power and stability.
The suspension can be locked in the upright position, meaning you don’t have to put your feet down when stopped or worry about the side stand when you park it. Comfort and wind protection is on a par with the rest although the 492cc single cylinder engine, with 40 horsepower, does have to work quite hard to push along 538 pounds.
Pros
Adjustable, lockable suspension
Safer than a convention two-wheeler
The presence of a reverse gear
Cons
You do feel its 538-pound weight
The lighting is not fully LED
High maintenance costs
6BMW C 650 GT
BMW
Typical for BMW, when they do something, they do it extremely well, if not extremely cheaply! The 647 twin-cylinder engine produces a class-leading 60 horsepower, while the chassis is a mixture of steel tubing and cast aluminum sections, making an extremely stiff structure while being light, although the overall weight is still 575 pounds. This is reflected in BMW’s typically excellent build quality, and the use of high-grade materials and the C 650 GT still manages to return 61 MPG from its 4.2 gallon gas tank.
ABS, traction control, twin front discs, power sockets in the front cubbyhole, and illuminated under seat storage which is large enough for a short weekend away or two full-face helmets. As is common with BMW, the accessories range is huge, but you’ll bump up the price significantly equipping it to the standard of other bikes on this list.
Pros
A good range of after-sales accessories
Great, functional side-view mirrors
Premium build quality
Cons
Expensive
High maintenance cost
There’s a considerable CVT “wind-up” until the 45 mph mark
5BMW C 400 X
BMW
While we’re with BMW, we can’t ignore the C 400 X, a smaller-engined version of the C650, which is trying to ape the Honda X-ADV in having slightly chunkier, go-anywhere looks. The 400cc single-cylinder engine produces 34 horsepower, which seems a little breathless for the 450-pound weight, but the upside is a claimed 80 MPG, with a tank capacity of 3.4 gallons.
There are a few 400cc maxi scooters around but the C 400 X stands out by having ABS and traction control, LED lighting, phone connectivity and a charging socket in the glove box. Under seat storage is expandable to take a helmet, which has to be clipped back up to ride away, with a locking system that prevents the bike from being ridden while it is down.
Pros
Comfortable, plush seat
Forward-mounted foot pegs
ABS and traction control for a sub-400cc scooter is a rarity
Cons
Power to weight ratio isn’t great
High maintenance cost
For a 400cc, it sure is pricey
4Yamaha Tricity 300
All the benefits of three wheels, as with the Piaggio MP3 500, but giving greater gas mileage. The 292cc single cylinder engine of the Tricity 300 produces 28 horsepower, which isn’t great for the 527 pound weight, but it does achieve 75 MPG and has a top speed of 90 mph. Practicality, weather protection and riding security are the main features, although it does lose out on the rider aids that mark out the larger-engined models on this list. It’s on the borderline of being able to tackle longer journeys and would be a bit breathless two-up, but it is a practical and safe scooter, that is larger than most small-displacement scooters.
Kymco is largely known for its small-displacement scooters but the AK550 will force people to think again. The 550cc parallel-twin engine produces 53 horsepower, the chassis is aluminum and the suspension and braking components wouldn’t be out of place on a sports bike: upside-down forks and Brembo four-piston calipers.
At nearly 500 pounds it’s not overly light but that just adds to the secure, planted feel of the bike. Handling is dynamic and fun, and the weather protection from the slick bodywork slightly less than on, say, the Suzuki Burgman, as is the under seat storage, but the compensation comes in the form of a full-color dash with extensive connectivity options. Great quality abounds and the performance more than makes up for inferior storage.
Pros
Offers great handling
Comes with an appreciable infotainment kit
Comfortable rider ergonomics
Cons
The storage space isn’t the greatest
A lack of adequate wind protection
You need spanners to adjust the position of the adjustable screen
2Yamaha XMAX
Yamaha
Baby brother to the TMAX, the XMAX has a 292cc single-cylinder engine producing 33 horsepower, in a package that weighs a mere 397 pounds, with gas mileage of 76 MPG. ABS and traction control are valuable additions and both the screen and handlebars are adjustable to enable the perfect riding position to be dialed in.
Under seat storage is good enough to fit two full-face helmets and LED lighting is a classy touch. If it looks like a slightly scaled-down TMAX, that is no bad thing, and it certainly doesn’t lack in rider and passenger comfort, even if the engine might be a little small for longer touring journeys. Twin discs up front give all the stopping power you could need.
Pros
The ride quality is really, really good
Funky design language
A peppy, economical engine
Cons
It is a little pricey considering its segment
Shorter riders may not like the tall seat height
Not suited for long trips
1Honda Silver Wing
Honda
Officially called the FJS600, it was aimed directly at the Suzuki Burgman and Yamaha TMAX, and being lighter than the Suzuki and offering more comfort than the Yamaha, it was a good middle-ground maxi-scooter. The 582cc parallel twin engine produces 50 horsepower and typical Honda engineering integrity and build quality means that, with regular servicing, it will last for years. Comfort is excellent, weather protection is great and single discs front and back are perfectly good enough. If your budget is limited, this is an excellent choice.
The Honda Forza 750 touring scooter will receive new colors for the 2024 model year. While the final price has yet to be announced, it seems that 2024 will be a vibrant year for this model in Honda’s lineup.
In 2022, the Forza 750 received a minor update, and now Honda is introducing new colors for the largest Forza in their lineup. The new color options include Matte Jeans Blue Metallic, Candy Chromosphere Red, and a “special edition” Matte Black Metallic with gold wheels. These colors join the existing Iridium Gray Metallic in Honda’s color lineup.
No changes have been made to the scooter’s mechanics. It will still be powered by a 745cc parallel-twin engine paired with a dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The Forza produces up to 58.6 horsepower and about 50 foot-pounds of torque. It also comes standard with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), or traction control. The scooter shares the same internals as the Honda X-ADV 750, which also received a new color announcement for 2024.
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The Iridium Gray Metallic color option remains mostly unchanged, with a slight update to the graphite shade for previously black-colored parts.
The 2024 Forza will retain the same chassis as its previous editions and will be joined by its more adventurous sibling. It features a tubular steel frame, inverted fork, and rear mono-shock with the Honda Pro-Link system. The scooter will also come equipped with the same brakes, technology, and other features found in previous model years of the Forza.
As of now, Honda has not released the official price for the 2024 Forza. However, it is expected to launch around the same time as the updated 2024 X-ADV, which is slated for autumn or the third quarter of 2024.
In January 2023, Hero Motocorp started delivering its first electric two-wheeler, the Vida V1 scooter. This scooter was launched as part of the Vida brand’s electric spinoff. It entered a competitive market in India, competing against other electric scooters like the TVS iQube, Ather 450, and Ola S1. After six months of being on the market, Hero has made some updates to the V1 scooter. Let’s take a closer look.
The updated Vida V1 now comes in two new paint options: Cyan and Black. These options join the existing colors of white, orange, and red, providing customers with a total of five vibrant choices. The scooter’s overall appearance remains the same with a modern and dynamic bodywork design. It features apron-mounted LED headlights and a two-tone finish for a sophisticated and energetic look. The scooter also retains its step-up saddle, which allows for comfortable two-up riding with space for two riders.
Notably, the Vida V1 offers a premium and convenient experience for riders with its high-end features. These include a seven-inch full-color TFT display with touchscreen capabilities, keyless operation, and cruise control. The scooter also has OTA (Over-The-Air) capability, enabling remote software updates for ongoing improvements.
In terms of power, the 2023 Vida V1 is equipped with a rear hub electric motor that has a maximum output of 6 kilowatts (around 8 horsepower). With an output of 25 Newton-meters (around 17.5 pound-feet) of torque, the scooter accelerates quickly from 0 to 25 miles per hour in just 3.2 seconds. It has a top speed of 50 mph, making it suitable for commuting in urban areas. The Vida V1 also offers four ride modes (Eco, Ride, Sport, and User) for riders to customize their performance settings according to their preferences.
The 2023 Vida V1 features 12-inch alloy wheels, which not only enhance its sporty appearance but also contribute to better stability and handling on the road. The suspension system consists of standard telescopic front forks and a single rear shock absorber. The scooter is equipped with a combined braking system (CBS) that combines a front disc brake with a rear drum brake, providing more evenly distributed and controlled stopping power.
The Vida V1 comes with an outstanding warranty, offering a five-year or 50,000-kilometer warranty on the scooter itself, ensuring customers have peace of mind regarding its durability and reliability. The battery is also covered by an impressive three-year or 300,000-kilometer warranty, reflecting the manufacturer’s confidence in its performance and longevity. Priced at Rs 145,900 (approximately $1,822 USD), the Vida V1 offers a premium yet attractive option in the Indian electric scooter market.
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