Honda Dio110 Basic specifications.
With the new school year approaching, it’s the season when many people will be commuting to new jobs or schools. Some may find public transportation inconvenient and turn to two- or four-wheeled vehicles for commuting to school or work. Two-wheeled vehicles are the most convenient form of transportation, and considering maintenance costs and the ever-rising cost of gasoline, a fuel-efficient moped scooter is the best. Starting a new life requires a new companion. And when choosing a new vehicle that will last a long time, cost-effectiveness is also important. So, we’d like to introduce the Honda Dio110 Basic, which is priced at an incredible 217,800 yen (tax included, same below).
Honda Dio110 Basic.
The Dio110 Basic is a model released in March 2023, and is an ambitious product that simplifies the equipment from the Dio110 and lowers the price. It is extremely popular for its exceptionally low price for a Class 2 moped. This article is a digest of the episode ” The Honda Dio110 Basic is slim, light, cheap…just right! ” posted on Moto Champ TV , a free video streaming service on YouTube . If you want to know more, please watch the video at the link.
Brought to you by MC Shimo and editor-in-chief Chabo.
The video features MC Shimo, who will be commentating on the Suzuka 8 Hours, and Moto Champ editor-in-chief Chabo. MC Shimo has racing experience, so at the end he also gives his test ride impressions.
The eSP engine installed in the Dio110 Basic.
The Dio110 Basic is basically the same configuration as the Dio110 that has been in the lineup for some time. Therefore, it is equipped with the same air-cooled 109cc single-cylinder eSP engine, and the maximum output remains the same at 8.7ps. This means that the basic power performance is the same. Another feature of the Dio110 is the 14-inch tires front and rear, which have been carried over to the new Basic model.
It uses a physical key instead of a smart key.
This video was released in August 2024, so the price has since risen. It was priced at 217,800 yen at the time the video was released, but is now priced at 250,800 yen. The new car price of the Dio110 was 253,000 yen (currently 286,000 yen at the time the video was released), while the basic model is priced at an astonishing 217,800 yen (now 250,800 yen). The reason for the low price is the simplification of the equipment. First, costs were reduced by changing from a smart key to a physical key. The lower price was also achieved by changing the paint.
Compare prices with rival cars.
The best way to see just how cheap the Dio110 Basic is is to compare it with rival models. Many models are in the upper 200,000 yen range, so you can see just how good a deal the Dio110 Basic is.
Compare vehicle weight with rival vehicles.
Light weight is an important factor for a commuter bike. Since it’s something you ride every day, if it’s too heavy you’ll get tired. Lightness is also an essential factor when talking about power performance. It has a big impact not only on speed but also on fuel economy. Comparing it to rival models, the Yamaha JOG125 is the lightest model, but the difference in weight with the Dio110 Basic is only 1kg. When you actually ride it, you probably won’t notice the weight difference.
I’m curious about the under-seat space.
The reason for its light weight is its slim body. Although it is slim, the seat is long enough, and the helmet storage space underneath also seems spacious. However, when you flip the seat up, it is surprisingly narrow. This is because the fuel tank is located at the rear, so it seems best to use the two helmet holders at the front for your helmet. However, it is worth noting that a spark wrench and flathead screwdriver are located in the space under the seat for easy access.
The left brake is equipped with a brake lock lever.
One feature that is rarely found even on Class 2 moped scooters is the brake lock lever on the left brake lever. This is a great feature for scooters that cannot be locked in gear when parking on a slope, as you hold the brake lever while pulling the lock lever towards the rider. Releasing the brake lever in this state will lock the tire. To release it, hold the brake lever and the lock lever will automatically release, making it useful when waiting at a traffic light on a slope.
Dio110 Basic meter area.
This is true not only for the basic model but also for the Dio110, but the fact is that there is no clock in the meter. As a model for commuting to work or school, you want to know if you’re going to be late, so it would be nice to have a clock. It might be a good idea to attach a smartphone holder and use your smartphone as a navigation system.
MC Simo will be test driving the car on the circuit.
So how does it perform on the road? MC Shimo’s honest impression after test riding it on the circuit is that it’s “normal” in a good way. Compared to the Lead 125, also made by Honda, it gives the impression of being mellow overall. The Lead 125 has an eSP+ engine and a 4-valve head, so the engine is lively. It’s a bit unfair to compare it to the Honda, but of course it’s more than enough for normal riding. So what about the ride quality and maneuverability with the 14-inch tires? The ride is very smooth, with a very straightforward impression, without any sharp edges. While the maneuverability isn’t as shaky as the 10-inch or 12-inch wheels common on scooters, it provides a stable handling that anyone can ride with confidence. That said, it doesn’t feel sluggish, and it turns smoothly, and it feels very stable both in a straight line and when cornering.
The brakes are very effective and controllable.
The brakes are excellent when riding. One of the reasons is that the body is lightweight, so they work very well and are easy to control. The 14-inch tires probably have a synergistic effect. Considering the low price, the Dio110 is an impeccably basic bike, but one thing that isn’t as highly praised is the hardness of the seat. While the ease of movement back and forth is a plus, it may feel a bit hard and cheap for a commuter model.
