The first model of the Honda Dio AF 18 scooter from a world-famous Japanese manufacturer was first released in the mid-nineties of the last century. Initially it was a modification equipped with a drum-type brake unit. Then variations appeared with front disc brakes and other improvements. However, the moped in question still remains popular largely due to its reliability, efficiency, compactness and pricing policy.
Honda Dio AF 18: characteristics
Below are the main technical characteristics of the Japanese mokika:
- two-stroke power unit - AF18E with a displacement of forty-nine cubic centimeters;
- number of cylinders – one;
- cooling – forced air type;
- power indicator - six and a half horsepower at 6,500 rpm in sixty seconds;
- turnover – 0.74 kg/m;
- compression ratio – 7.3;
- oil/fuel tank capacity – 0.8/4.8 liters;
- tires – 3.00/10;
- maximum speed – sixty kilometers per hour;
- main base - one meter thirteen centimeters;
- length/width/height – 1.6/0.49/0.7 meters;
- ground clearance is ten centimeters;
- total weight - sixty-three kilograms.
In addition, the Honda scooter is equipped with a CVT transmission, electric ignition, telescopic front and pendulum rear suspension, and drum brakes.
Honda Dio Review
The most important thing you should know about the Honda Dio is that it is optimal for driving on city roads. Thanks to the implementation of a front telescopic fork, this scooter has excellent handling on asphalt. You could even say that the suspension of these models is initially configured for a semi-sporty type of driving. The fork travel is small and allows you to hold onto the road extremely tenaciously, including turning into turns at relatively high speed. This also gives rise to the Honda Dio's requirement for a relatively smooth road surface. In the city, undoubtedly, the telescopic fork will be a big plus - it allows you to maneuver perfectly in constant traffic jams.
However, many scooter riders purchase Honda Dio for driving on dirt roads. But in this case, you need to be prepared to at least preventively replace the front and rear shock absorbers every season. It is worth noting that shock absorbers for this scooter are almost always on sale and finding the right ones is not a problem at all. The undoubted advantage of the Honda Dio, like all Hondas, is that it has excellent muffler protection, and the air intake and the filter itself are located quite high, which significantly reduces its contamination with sand and dust on country roads.
Of course, the proven reliability of Honda Dio engines is already legendary. Even the fact that the Honda Dio can run on any brand of gasoline speaks about its resistance to breakdowns, but you shouldn’t abuse this and from my own experience, it’s better not to save a penny and fill it with 95. Speaking about the engine, it’s worth mentioning its excellent dynamics acceleration, which is especially important in traffic when maneuvering between cars. Almost the entire Honda Dio model range can easily run its required 60 km per hour, but at the same time they still have a sufficient speed reserve. Even after simple modifications, you can easily accelerate it to 70 or even 80 km/h.
Honda Dio scooters are equipped with both disc and drum brakes. Disc brakes wear out faster, but are also more effective when driving on asphalt roads. Starting with the AF34 model, some scooters received a set of combo braking systems (combined braking systems). This means that when you start braking with the front brake, the rear brake is activated at the same time in a ratio of 70 to 30, respectively. Overall, this innovation is very useful as it improves driving safety on the Honda Dio. This is especially important for those who do not yet have much driving experience.
The best thing about the Honda Dio is that the scooter is ideal for tuning. It is relatively easy to achieve acceleration of a scooter to 75 or even 80 km/h, and with proper skill, the speed can be increased to a crazy 100 km/h (but, of course, it’s better not to do this).
At the same time, everyone should remember that at such speeds, the Honda Dio engine is constantly in the “red” zone and, accordingly, overheats, and other parts are subjected to heavy loads.
Summarizing all of the above, we come to the conclusion that the Honda Dio is indeed the scooter that will serve faithfully for many, many years. And the ratio of its price, quality and design is simply ideal.
Characteristics of different modifications of Honda Dio:
Honda Dio AF18
Number of cylinders - 1 Number of strokes - 2 Gas distribution system - petal Cooling system - forced cooling Maximum engine power - 5.5 horsepower Compression ratio - 7.3 Transmission - variator (belt) Tire size - front and rear wheels - 3.00-10 Front wheel suspension type - telescopic Rear wheel suspension type - pendulum Front wheel brake type - drum Rear wheel brake type - drum Base mm. — 1170 Length mm. — 1655 Height per saddle mm. — 725 Ground clearance — 100 Dry weight — 62 kg Gas tank volume — 4.8 l
Honda Dio AF27
Engine type - single-cylinder, two-stroke. Displacement - 49 cm3. Engine power - 6.8 hp, 7000 rpm. Cooling system - air, forced Ignition - electronic Engine starting - electric Transmission - automatic (variator) Front suspension - telescopic fork Rear suspension - rear pendulum combined with the engine, damping provided by an air-oil shock absorber Front brake - drum Rear brake - drum Tires - 120 *60*12 / 130*60*12 Weight - 70 kg. Dimensions (LxWxH) - 1640x615x995 mm. Fuel tank volume - 5 l. Fuel consumption - 2 l./100 km.
Honda Dio AF28 ZX
Length, m — 1.650 Width, m — 0.630 Height, m — 1.005 Wheelbase, m — 1.150 Ground clearance, m — 0.095 Seat height, m — 0.715 Curb weight, kg — 71 Dry weight, kg — 66 Seats — 1 Minimum turning radius, m — 1.8 Engine — AF18E (air-cooled, 2 strokes, 1 cylinder) Displacement, cm3 — 49 Diameter x stroke, mm — 39.0×41.4 Compression — 7.1 Power, hp/rev. min — 7.0/7,000 Maximum torque, kgm/rev. min — 0.74/6,750 Starting — Kick starter, battery Ignition system — CDI Lubrication system — Separate Oil tank volume, l — 1.2 Fuel tank volume, l — 5.0 Transmission — CVT Tires front/rear — 3.00-10 42J Brakes: Front — Disc Rear — Drum
Honda Dio AF34
Engine type - Single-cylinder, two-stroke Displacement - 49 cc. see Engine power - 5.7 hp, 6250 rpm Cooling system - Air, forced ignition - Electronic Engine start - Electric / kick start Transmission - Automatic (variator) Front suspension - Telescopic fork Rear suspension - Rear pendulum combined with the engine, damping is provided by an air-oil shock absorber Front brake - Drum Rear brake - Drum Tires - 120*60*12 / 130*60*12 Wheels - Aluminum alloy Weight - 77 kg.
Honda Dio AF34 Cesta
Number of seats - 1 LxWxH (mm.) - 1675 x 615 x 995. Wheelbase (mm) - 1145 Ride height - 700 Dry weight (kg) - 70 Engine capacity (cm3) - 49 Engine model - AF34E Engine type - 2-stroke Piston diameter/stroke (mm) - 40 x 39.3. Cooling - air Power (hp/rpm) - 5.7/6250. Transmission type - CVT Gasoline consumption per 100 km (l.) – 1.85 Gas tank volume (l.) – 5.3 Oil tank volume (l.) – 1.3
Honda Dio AF35 SR
Number of seats - single Dimensions LxWxH (mm) - 1675 x 625 x 995 Wheelbase (mm) - 1145 Ground clearance (mm) - 105 Ride height (mm) - 700 Minimum turning radius (m) - 1.8 Gross weight/dry weight (kg ) — 75/69 Engine capacity (cm3) — 49 Engine model — AF34E Engine type — 2-stroke Diameter (mm)/piston stroke (mm) — 40.0×39.3 Engine cooling — air Maximum power (hp/rpm) — 7.0 /6,500 Maximum torque (kgm/rpm) - 0.79/6,250 Compression ratio - 7.1 Transmission type - variator Fuel consumption per 100 km at 30 km/h (l) - 2.13 Gas tank volume (l) - 5.3 Oil tank volume (l) - 1.3 Brakes - drum Tire size - 3.00-10 42J
Honda Dio AF35 ZX
Number of seats - single Engine capacity - 49 cubic meters Power hp/rev - 7.2/6500 Fuel consumption l/km - 2.61/100 Length-width-height (mm) - 1675x630x995 Wheelbase (mm) - 1145 Ground clearance ( mm) — 105 Seat height — 700 Dry weight (kg) — 71 Engine model — AF34E Engine type — 2-stroke Piston diameter/stroke, mm — 40.0x39.3 Cooling — air Number of cylinders — 1 Transmission type — variator Gas tank volume ( l.) - 5.3 Oil tank volume (l.) - 1.3 Front brake - disc Rear brake - drum
Honda Dio AF56/AF57
Length, mm. — 1710 Width, mm. — 620 Total height, mm. — 1010 Base, mm. — 1190 Ground clearance, mm. — 115 Seat height, mm. — 710 Total weight, kg. — 71 Maximum speed, km/h. — 60 Engine type — AF55E Displacement, cc. — 49 Compression ratio — 7.0 Power, hp/(rpm). — 5.0 / 8000 Torque, Nm/(rpm) — 0.47/ 7000 Oil tank volume, l. — 1.2 Fuel tank volume, l. — 5.0 Front wheel size — 90-10 50J Rear wheel size — 90-10 50J Front brake — Disc/Drum Rear brake — Drum
Honda Dio AF62
Length, mm. — 1720 Width, mm. — 630 Total height, mm. — 1020 Base, mm. — 1180 Ground clearance, mm. — 110 Seat height, mm. — 769 Total weight, kg. — 73 Maximum speed, km/h. — 60 Number of cylinders — 1 Number of strokes — 4 Working volume, cubic cm. — 49 Diameter and stroke of the piston, mm. — 44.0×37.8 Compression ratio — 10.1 Power, hp/(rpm) — 4.1 / 8000 Torque, kg*m/(rpm) — 0.38 / 6500 Oil tank volume, l. — 0.68 Fuel tank volume, l. — 5.0 Front brake — Drum Rear brake — Drum
Advantages
Despite the small engine capacity, the technology in question remains popular for a long time. Honda Dio AF18 scooters are optimal for traveling on asphalt. In urban conditions, this is an indispensable option for lovers of light motorcycles not intended for racing and high loads.
The front telescopic suspension unit has some rigidity and adjustable travel, which allows for good maneuvering on the roads. The wheels grip the surface well, allowing you to take almost any turns perfectly. Shock absorbers are very sensitive to potholes and uneven roads. Nevertheless, even if the elements fail, they can be replaced without problems in most specialized workshops. On dirt roads you will have to get used to the shaking, but at low speed it is quite possible to overcome such sections.
What do owners of such scooters fall in love with?
The Honda Dio 18 scooter is optimal for fast driving on smooth city roads. The model is not for curved village roads, but for asphalt. Thanks to the build quality of the front telescopic structure, the scooter is great to handle on asphalt roads. The scooter's suspension is initially prepared for a sporty riding style. The smooth travel of the fork allows you to stay on the scooter well even during sharp turns on the road. A telescopic fork will be a huge advantage for the owner of a scooter, as it makes it possible to maneuver well in large traffic jams.
But, if the scooter is used on dirt roads, then the front and rear shock absorbers have to be changed every summer and winter season. A big plus is that shock absorbers are sold freely, and it is not difficult to find replacement ones.
Another advantage is the reliable protection of the muffler from external influences on it, and the filter is located very high, which significantly reduces the risk of contamination on dirt or country roads.
Engine reliability comes first. The scooter is resistant to any damage, since its engine is suitable for any brand of gasoline. But, my advice is not to abuse the cheapest brands of gasoline; 95 is best, this will give more power to your small scooter.
As already mentioned, the braking system for these scooters can be either drum or disc. It is worth noting that the disc brake system wears out over time, but it is more suitable when driving on asphalt roads. The quality of disc brakes is indicated by their price, because it is significantly higher than the price of drum brakes. Models of Honda Dio scooters have been created that have combined braking systems, but this is not one of the advantages, since they are prone to rapid breakdown. But this is good for those who do not yet have much experience in driving a scooter.
Features and device
According to all the main parameters, Honda Dio AF 18 scooters are reliable equipment that can travel many thousands of kilometers without repair. The moped's power plant is unpretentious, is adapted to not the highest octane fuel, and has a successful design. The high arrangement of air intakes and filter elements provides additional protection of internal mechanisms from dust and water.
The scooter in question is considered a single-seater, but it is capable of transporting one more passenger. The maximum speed limit is sixty kilometers per hour. This figure can be easily increased by boring the variator or replacing the switch with a version without a controller. The remaining mechanisms can easily withstand up to 80 km/h. The Honda Dio AF 18 carburetor is quite economical, consuming about two liters of fuel per hundred kilometers. At the same time, the average oil consumption is eight hundred grams per thousand mileage.
Convenience and comfort
A scooter is a very comfortable place for one person, but if more than one person is on a scooter, then it is no longer very comfortable. Despite the small seating space, this has its advantages: light weight and nimble movement.
Acceleration from 70 to 80 km/h can be easily achieved from the first minutes of working with the scooter, and with great effort and skill, the speed can increase to 100 km/h. But it’s better not to experiment!
Do not forget about those speeds at which the scooter engine overheats and all internal parts are subject to increased load.
In conclusion, I would like to write that the Honda Dio 18 is a good scooter that will faithfully serve its owner for a long time. And the sophisticated design and quality are truly worth the money spent on it.
Equipment and safety
The modification in question is equipped with drum brakes; on more modern models, the front unit is of a disc type. Despite its effectiveness, it requires more careful maintenance since it is open and susceptible to contamination.
The Honda scooter is equipped with a spacious trunk located under the saddle of the unit. There are no pockets for tools and other small items in the front part. Due to its reliability, ease of maintenance and cost, this moped has remained popular for almost two decades. With proper care and timely replacement of consumables, it will serve the owner for a long time, without losing its main indicators.
Advantages and disadvantages
Honda Dio AF-18 and AF-25 scooters are great for riding on asphalt and are an excellent choice for the city. The front telescopic suspension is moderately rigid, with a small stroke, which makes it possible to actively maneuver on the road. The scooter grips the road perfectly and allows you to take turns at high speed. In an urban environment, the Honda Dio is easy to maneuver in traffic jams. True, the shock absorbers that form the basis of the Dio telescopic fork are very demanding on a smooth road, because every crack in the asphalt will be reflected in the steering wheel.
However, the AF-18 can also be driven on dirt roads. Only in this case you will have to get used to the shaking, as well as to periodically replacing the shock absorbers. Fortunately, this procedure is very simple, and buying new shock absorbers is also easy.
But in all other respects, the Honda Dio AF-18 and AF-25 scooters are extremely reliable and do not require repairs over many thousands of kilometers. The most important part of the scooter - the engine - is so successful in design that it is not afraid of any operating conditions, is undemanding to fuel, and can even run on 80-octane gasoline. The air intake openings (both the air filter and the cooling system) are located quite high, which protects the mechanisms from dust and water.
Honda Dio is quite economical, consuming (in ideal conditions) 2-2.5 liters of gasoline per 100 km. Approximate oil consumption is 0.8 l/1000 km.
Honda Dio AF-18 is designed to carry one person, but it is quite capable of carrying a passenger. The dynamics and power of the engine are quite sufficient for a comfortable ride for two. The maximum speed is limited to 60 km/h, but it can be easily increased using simple methods - for example, boring the variator (or installing a sports variator), replacing the switch with an analogue without limiting engine speed. All other parts can easily withstand the acceleration of the scooter up to 80 km/h.
The AF-25 SR is equipped with a front disc brake, which is more effective on asphalt than a drum brake. However, when operating in dusty conditions, the disc brake requires more careful maintenance because it is open and can become clogged.
Honda Dio AF-18/25 has a spacious underseat luggage compartment, but does not have a pocket in the front.
Scooter maintenance consists mainly of periodic cleaning of the air filter.
Scooters of the Honda Dio AF-18/25 family are highly reliable in operation, so it is not surprising that even at the age of more than 20 years they are still in service.
Honda Dio AF 18: tuning
Since this modification is a budget option, it makes no sense to spend a lot of money on its modernization. However, inexpensive improvements can be made that will improve speed and some other indicators. First of all, you need to check the standard settings. After cleaning the exhaust pipe, air filter, adjusting the carburetor and variator, the owner will definitely be pleased with the results obtained.
To make the scooter more playful, you should remove the speed limiter. Buying a new filter, adjusting the jet for it and boring the accompanying elements makes it possible to slightly increase the speed parameters. You can additionally invigorate the two-wheeled “horse” by cleaning the exhaust pipe, heating it with a gas cutter, or sawing it in half, cleaning it and reconnecting it by welding.
What else can be improved?
You can also improve the Honda Dio AF 18 scooter by improving the piston group. First you need to check the compression, which should be between eight and ten atmospheres. If this indicator is not met, you will have to replace the rings or the CPG completely. In the first option, it is advisable to buy high-quality elements.
The process of polishing the cylinder head and the top of the piston will be useful. Getting rid of carbon deposits will increase the power of the moped. When performing this manipulation, you should remember that excessive force can lead to depressurization of the unit. New weights with greater weight can be installed on the scooter's variator. Before installation, it is advisable to run a grinding machine over the weight sockets, and then lubricate them with graphite lubricant (a thin layer).
User reviews and advice
An army of thousands of owners of Honda scooters, including the series in question, actively puts the strengths and weaknesses of the technology into discussion. Mostly, the reviews are positive, especially from participants in forums and discussions who purchased a new moped.
For the sake of objectivity, let’s consider the pros and cons of this unit, which users point out. The advantages include:
- unpretentiousness, reliability;
- efficiency;
- ease of use, informative display;
- compactness and good dynamics;
- design decoration;
- reasonable cost.
Consumers also found some shortcomings. Among them:
- harshness when driving on bad roads;
- weak front suspension;
- small ground clearance;
- presence of a speed limiter.
In addition, owners note that original production parts for the Honda Dio AF 18 scooter are not so easy to find. Nevertheless, the overall user impression of this moped is positive.
