Scooters are a fairly convenient way of transportation for people who do not want to ride at prohibitive speeds. Such mopeds are usually bought by people who want to move quickly and comfortably in conditions of constant traffic jams and difficult traffic. Also, scooters are chosen by those who are just starting to master two-wheeled technology, which is true in principle. But everything is evolving, and motorcycle manufacturers have learned to make scooters that can be compared with some cruiser or road motorcycle in terms of comfort and quality. In today's review we will talk about the Honda Dio 27 scooter. Is this moped really as comfortable and reliable as they say it is?
Features of Honda Cub
Although this representative of two-wheeled vehicles is by and large considered unpretentious, it still needs some care.
Otherwise, its structure will be destroyed by corrosion. The latter is subject to the chassis of a mini motorcycle, which is made of steel. In addition, from time to time, owners of Japanese two-wheelers have to adjust the valve clearance. Be that as it may, most of the iron horses in the Cab line from Honda have advantages that outweigh any shortcomings. Among the positive reviews from compatriots who chose to buy this moped, the first place is praised by the motorcycle for the low cost of maintenance and operation of the Cub. Moreover, this minibike is considered to be as simple as possible in maintenance. The above transport will also please you with its versatility of use. It can be used both within narrow city streets with hard surfaces and off-road. Of course, it will not be easy for this iron horse to overcome the most difficult cross-country routes, but it will clearly cope with crossing dry dirt. The light weight in addition to the modest dimensions of this motorcycle generally makes it an ideal means of combating the loss of time in metropolitan traffic jams. The small bike climbs curbs easily. And it’s much easier to store it in a basement or apartment than any light motorcycle.
Do not forget that most products in the Honda Super Cub line, which can be purchased in post-Soviet countries, are legally considered mopeds. To drive such vehicles, you do not need to obtain a category “A” license (for motorcycles). Reviews, however, often point to a couple of serious drawbacks in the operation of this equipment. Owners complain mainly about the weak front brake and cramped seating for tall people. In addition, some models in the series are very difficult to repair, since spare parts for them can only be found in the largest cities.
Technical characteristics of the Honda Cub 50
The main drive is chain. Fuel consumption level is 1 liter per 100 km. ways. The engine is a four-stroke single-cylinder. Engine displacement is 49 cm3. Compression - 10 to 1. Gas distribution - SOHC. Engine cooling type is air. Cylinder diameter - 39 mm. The piston stroke is 41.4 mm. The torque of the Honda Cab 50 is 4.7 Nm. Gearbox - 3 gears. The front fork type is lever. The rear suspension type is pendulum with a pair of shock absorbers. The brake system is drum front and rear. Length/Height - 1800/735 mm. The wheelbase of the moped is 1175 mm. Tires - R17 front and rear. The dry weight of the motorcycle reaches 75 kg. The gas tank holds 4 liters of fuel. The ground clearance of the mini motorcycle is 130 mm.
Summary
Honda Dio AF 62 is an excellent and inexpensive scooter with a four-stroke engine. It is slightly inferior in efficiency and smoothness to the injection version of the AF 68, but it costs a little less. The scooters are essentially universal, but thanks to the high ground clearance of 110 mm and two drum brakes, they can easily withstand a country trip under small rough terrain.
Reviews of the Honda Dio AF 62/68 confirm that this pair is one of the most economical and resourceful among the entire line. Since 2007, the scooter complies with Euro 4 standards.
AF-27 Model Review
We can say that the Honda Dio 27 is a restyling of the af-18 model, because the appearance and technical components have remained virtually unchanged.
But still, some changes have occurred; the scooter is now equipped with a full-size compartment for a helmet in the central trunk; in addition to the helmet, it is convenient to store many small items there. In addition, it uses a new dual-focus head optic for the slim type, integrated with a tilt-angle lens (Kirpton 35/30W gas actuation valve), and a large rear combination lamp integrated into the body.
Engineers have developed measures such as the layout of the fuel tank under the floor, as well as the large capacity (4 → 5 l) petrol tank, providing ample space in the trunk, it is convenient and functional.
In addition, an internal stand is equipped on the inside of the front panel as standard, making it easy to use in everyday life, providing a seat height (700mm) with good legs and generous space.
Honda Dio 27
The Honda Dio 27 engine is air cooled, two cycle and single 50cc cylinder. See Maximum power output of 6.8PS/7.00rpm, coupled with a continuously variable transmission (Vmatic), provides smooth and powerful output characteristics from low to mid-speed, providing both sportiness and ease of handling in urban environments.
The suspension consists of installed sports telescopic shock absorbers. The front and rear wheels are equipped with 10-inch tubeless tires (3.00 - 10 42 J) and a large diameter brake of 95 mm, providing an easy and comfortable ride.
The scooter is also equipped from the factory with:
- A large capacity fuel tank (5.0 L) and an oil tank (1.2 L) are installed.
- Equipped with a turn signal indicator which displays the turn signal indicator with a lamp inside the meter.
- The turn signal switch is equipped with a press, cancel and turn indicator that is automatically canceled by pressing only after activation.
- Maintenance-free battery, no need to replenish water.
Honda Dio 27 has three trim levels, this is the basic Super Dio which is equipped with drum brakes, the next modification is SR, it was already equipped with disc brakes. ZX, as in the case of the Honda Dio 35, is a sports modification that includes a spoiler, a chrome muffler, a more powerful engine and disc brakes.
There is another interesting version called the Honda Dio 27 Baja, it is characterized by a steering wheel from the Honda XR250 Baja, handle pads, in general it is an enduro scooter.
Baja version
In summary, the Honda Dio 27 is a great basic scooter that is easy to handle, stylish, functional and comfortable.
Japanese electric version
Later, the Japanese company introduced another version of this scooter, but it is used only in Japan. The manufacturer decided that this modification of the model will not be exported to other countries, since it simply does not make sense. In this version, instead of the usual internal combustion engine, there is an electric motor that receives energy from alkaline batteries. Of course, you won’t find a gas tank here either, because it is in its place that the batteries are installed. The beauty of this version is that it does not require gasoline. In order to use the scooter, you simply need to charge it from a household outlet. On the one hand, this is economical and does not spoil the environment, but on the other hand, the driver does not have the opportunity to travel far from the city, or even from his home. That is why this modification took root in Japan, but not with as much success as Honda had hoped for.
It is also worth noting that you will not need training or obtain a driver’s license for the Honda Dio 27 scooter, since the engine capacity does not exceed 50 cm3. This greatly simplifies the operation of this vehicle, because training for the motorcycle category will take a lot of time and money.
A little history of Honda Dio scooters.
The production of the Dio scooter began by Honda in 1988. The first Honda Dio 18 scooters came in two versions: with drum brakes and with disc brakes (Honda Dio 18SR). This model was successfully produced until 1992, then the conveyor of this model was stopped. Therefore, those who know this are surprised when they see an advertisement for the sale of Honda Dio af 18, 98 or 95 - this is impossible, production was stopped in 92. And indeed, the condition of the scooter is usually actually excellent - Honda Dio can easily be brought to perfect condition in just a day or two. This is what allows unscrupulous sellers to lie about the year of manufacture.
The subsequent development of the Honda Dio scooter series is as follows:
In 1990, the Honda Dio 27 scooter was released. A total of three variants were released: the basic one with disc brakes (SR) and the ZX variant with a disc brake and a spoiler with an integrated brake light.
In 1992, the release of Honda Dio 34 scooter models with the abbreviations SR and ZX began. The difference from its predecessors is that the Honda Dio ZX modification now has reinforced front shock absorbers and alloy wheels.
In 1998, the Honda Dio Smart scooter was released. Its main difference is that the scooter is now equipped not with a two-stroke, like all its brothers, but with a four-stroke engine.
As for the differences between different models of Honda Dio scooters, the main differences are only in the design, braking systems and engine power of the scooter.
Safety Honda Dio 27
Since 1993, the manufacturer has thought about the safety of the scooter, as cases of theft of this particular model have become more frequent. To do this, it was decided to add a closing curtain at the place where the ignition key is inserted. The point is that in order to open it, it was necessary to dial a special code on the dashboard, and only the owner knew it. At first, this helped and the number of thefts decreased significantly, but after a few years, scammers began to act in a barbaric manner, simply breaking the curtain. Therefore, in even newer models, as in Dio 27, the moped began to be equipped with a standard alarm system. Taking advantage of the situation, the company added the ability to start the scooter with a button. The only drawback to starting this way is that you will also have to turn off the scooter using the button, and not using the ignition switch.
Technical characteristics of Honda Dio
has long secured its strong place as one of the leaders in motorcycle production and is gaining increasing popularity. This is confirmed by the good quality of parts and the impressive characteristics of the top models of manufactured equipment.
Honda Dio is the most common and practical horse among all Japanese scooters. The manufacturer presents a wide range of these motor vehicles, including Dio AF 18, Dio AF 35 ZX, Dio AF 28 SR, Dio AF 34, Dio AF 35 ZX, Dio AF 28 SR, Dio AF 34. The product is perfectly adapted for those who only intends to master driving on two wheels, but is still afraid of the heavier and more serious representatives of the motorcycle world.
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Repair instructions for Honda Dio
Tips for repairing Honda Dio are available to any motorcycle enthusiast. In particular, we will talk about servicing the vital parts of an iron car: engine, carburetor and transmission.
The carburetor is a sensitive and important part of the scooter. The slightest breakdown will stop the operation of the entire machine. Owners are often afraid to touch carburetors because they are not confident that they can assemble them correctly. However, everything is not as scary as it seems at first glance. Honda Dio is recognized by experts as the most convenient and suitable representative for disassembling and cleaning the carburetor. The fact that it is not covered with plastic, its location above the transmission and the ease of setting up the mechanism speak in its favor.
A few recommendations:
- the adjustment process is carried out on a well-warmed engine;
- if there is any doubt about a blockage, clean the carburetor and rinse thoroughly;
The setting itself involves adjustment:
- idle move;
- quality of the mixture (by moving the needle and using;
- specialized screw;
- amount of fuel in the float chamber;
Honda Dio engine repair
The engine is the heart of the scooter. Principles for eliminating basic breakdowns:
- piston wear and increasing fuel and lubricant consumption are caused by low compression (below 8.0 kg/cm3 with a norm of 9.5-10.5); it is necessary to bore or change the cylinder-piston group;
- a clear and loud knocking sound at the bottom of the cylinder, often when throttling, indicates wear of the piston skirt—replace the piston or the entire c/p group;
- the engine stalls, losing power, usually when it is clogged - cleaning is required: burn it, or cut it, clean off the carbon deposits and weld again; the exhaust window can be cleaned;
- does not start, does not work well, does not hold idle speed if the seals are broken (fuel leaks form there) of the cylinder, crankcase, head gasket, crankshaft seals are worn out - replace the seals and gaskets;
The transmission also becomes unusable, and, sooner or later, it is replaced. The process of replacing the variator is not particularly difficult. The main thing is to choose the right belt - this will allow you to keep its settings unchanged. For example, a very long belt will begin to slip, and a wide one will reduce the range of gear ratios and will not reach the maximum width of the cones.
Recommended variant belt sizes
Models | Dimension in mm |
AF18; SR AF25, 28; AF27, 34, 35; Fit AF27; XR AF27; | 15-650 |
Smart Dio: AF56, DX AF57; Z4 AF57 | 17,7-670 |
ZX AF28 | 18-662 |
ZX AF35 | 18-667 |
https://youtube.com/watch?v=8hm0dRv9o28
Buyers' opinion
Owners of the scooter note its structural reliability, ease of operation, and trouble-free engine. The Honda Dio 27, reviews of which are overwhelmingly positive, has good cross-country ability and can pass where a powerful motorcycle gets stuck. But first of all, the positive feedback from the owners concerns the unprecedented efficiency of the “Dio-27”; the car consumes a little more than one and a half liters of gasoline for every hundred kilometers. Moreover, such consumption is observed when driving at a speed close to the maximum.
Honda Dio Smart AF56
We deliver to any region of Russia using transport companies with mandatory lathing and cargo insurance.
We give a 1 month guarantee. We carry out regular maintenance. All scooters have been trained and are fully ready for use.
Before purchasing a moped, you receive: more than 25 photographs of its components and assemblies, a video of the motor running (with sound), a video of the scooter in motion!
Even at this price level, we never sell anything that we wouldn’t agree to drive ourselves!
Honda Dio Smart is a very economical, low-noise scooter. The aluminum die-cast frame houses a 4-stroke liquid cooling system. The dynamics, contrary to popular belief, are quite decent and you feel quite confident in city traffic. Handling, ergonomics, cornering are beyond praise - Honda engineers did their best, it is a benchmark for this class of scooters.
The light optics are powerful - the head light is 40 watts, the headlight is almost like a car's. The seat allows two adults of average build to ride. Fuel consumption when driving at full throttle is 2 liters per hundred. Equipped with a dynostarter, i.e. The moped does not have a starter as such. It starts itself with a generator, so the starting process is absolutely silent (another reason to surprise your friends).
Source
The best maxi scooters with automatic or CVT
Japanese companies produce not only automatic motorcycles, but also maxi-scooters. Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha and other manufacturers have created several unique models that are in no way inferior to full-fledged “tourists”:
— Honda Silverwing 600. This maxi-scooter with the romantic name “Silver Wing” offers comfort comparable to a car. It's packed full of electronics, has heated grips and seats, excellent wind protection and spacious trunks. Here's what characterizes this two-wheeler:
- Two small wheels, identical in size;
- The two-cylinder engine is equipped with a balancing shaft, which means there are no vibrations;
- Comfortable sofa seats with adjustable backrests for both pilot and passenger make this bike extremely comfortable for long trips;
- The chopper-style seating position, with legs extended forward, is also very comfortable for long-distance travel;
- There is no need to hang panniers on it - there is a huge 50-liter trunk under the seat;
- This spendthrift is the king of city traffic. For a 600cc vehicle it is very light and maneuverable.
— Suzuki Skywave 650 and Suzuki Skywave 400 (Burgman). These two variations of the same model can be safely considered real sofas on wheels. They are considered business class scooters that have radically changed the idea of motorcycle travel. Several nuances make it unique:
- The engine is located under the rider, rather than near the rear wheel as on most scooters;
- The engine is two-cylinder, liquid-cooled;
- Power is 55 and 33 hp, and maximum speed is 190 km/h for the 650, and 150 km/h for the 400, respectively;
- Both of these models were developed as touring cruisers, whose task is to provide maximum comfort during long drives on the highway.
— Yamaha T-Max 500 and Yamaha T-Max 530 are radically different from previous models. If Silverwing and Burgman fully correspond to all ideas about maxi-scooters (impressive riding on the highway, measured movement in traffic), then the T-Max seems like an explosive rocket against their background. Here are its key features:
- A sharp, “evil” motor, capable of instantly accelerating;
- Power 48 horsepower;
- Maximum speed 180 km/h;
- Sports suspension and excellent handling;
- Excellent wind and dirt protection, allowing you to get to work clean even in bad weather.
— Yamaha N-MAX 155 is a wonderful maxi-scooter designed for the chaos of Asian cities. In his incomprehensible movement, he feels like a fish in water. Having studied its features, it becomes clear why this is one of the most popular models:
- Lightweight and maneuverable. It handles more like a bicycle or moped than a full-size heavy motorcycle with an automatic transmission;
- Large trunk under the seat, allowing you to put everything you need for city driving into it;
- The engine volume of 155 cubic meters is more than enough for comfortable movement in traffic;
- Good dynamics and brakes with ABS make it easy to shoot between cars in traffic jams.
What consumers say
Users of the moped in question note excellent driving performance, soft suspension combined with a rigid, informative frame, which allows you to move freely on country roads.
Consumers also consider the following positive aspects:
- ease of operation, information display;
- durable and unpretentious power unit;
- beautiful design;
- good load capacity along with decent speed;
- high quality plastic, which does not darken over the years and does not change shape even at the joints.
Among the shortcomings, owners note the capricious front fork, which often requires repair, especially after a long drive on domestic roads. Some users complain about the high cost of consumable parts, fortunately they do not break down so often. It is quite possible to purchase spare parts on order or from official dealers, but you will have to be patient while waiting for delivery. Perhaps these are the main disadvantages of this moped, if you do not take into account the wishes of a certain category of owners who prefer high speeds. It should be noted that the scooter was developed as a unit for urban movement and is unlikely to be suitable for cross-country racing.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- Rigid frame.
- Engine with a durable and reliable piston group.
- High quality plastic.
- Spacious and under-seat storage.
- Availability of passenger space.
- Attractive fairing shape.
- Easy replacement of battery and consumables.
Flaws:
- Maintenance cost.
- Low engine power and torque.
Af-35 review
ZX package
Honda Dio 35 was released in the innovative design of those years, “bio-design”; the design of the scooter is still relevant today. In addition to appearance, the company added three new trim levels:
- Basic;
- SR;
Modification SR - in addition to the basic one, it was equipped with a combined braking system. The ZX configuration is considered sporty; most often the ZX is subject to tuning; already from the factory, the Dio 35 in this configuration is equipped with:
- alloy wheels;
- oil shock absorbers;
- front disc brake;
- spoiler;
- after restyling in 1997 with a more productive engine.
The Honda Dio 35 scooter not only changed in 1997, in 2001 it began to be equipped with an anti-theft system. For the 50th anniversary of Honda, the DIO scooter was painted silver-red and dedicated a special edition to the racing team: Honda-BAR-F1.
Anniversary version
For the scooter, engineers developed the latest 2-cylinder engine for that time with an air volume of 49 cubic centimeters and a power of 7.2 horsepower (for the ZX version, for the rest 7.0)), full power was achieved at 6500 rpm. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (Vmatic variator). For a Honda Dio 35, weighing 75 kilograms, these are decent technical characteristics.
In addition, rubber mounts are used for the engine and muffler, and vibrations in the high speed range are reduced. Also, due to the excellent spatial efficiency of the horizontal engine, together with the placement of the fuel tank under the floor, (large fuel tank capacity (5.0L → 5.3L)) and engine oil tank (1.2L → 1.3L), the flattening of the lower surface of the central part, which further improves ease of use. In addition, a soft fabric mat is used on the bottom of the center section. The suspension features sports telescopic shock absorbers at the front, the front brake is a mechanical drive/rear type with a large diameter of 95 mm for the base Dio modification, and the Dio SR and Dio ZX modifications are equipped with excellent hydraulic discs. Combined with the front and rear width of tubeless tires, it provides an easy and comfortable ride even in dense city traffic. The scooter is also equipped from the factory with:
- New measuring school of instruments;
- A turn signal switch that automatically returns to the OFF position;
- New rear view mirror;
- Maintenance-free battery that does not need to be refilled with water;
- Rear spoiler with integrated brake light.
Second generation
Super Dio (AF-27/28).
She was born in 1990. In fact, this is a restyling of the previous Dio model, which is confirmed by the similarity in design and the AF-18E engine remaining virtually unchanged. However, the new model has grown in size, acquired a pocket under the steering wheel and began to be produced in a larger number of trim levels. The simplest - the basic Super Dio - was equipped with drum brakes, the SR version (AF-28) - with a disc brake, ZX - a sports package, including a forced engine, disc brake, spoiler with a brake light instead of a trunk and a chrome muffler, XR Baja - version with an enduro bias, equipped with a disc brake, a steering wheel from a Honda XR250 Baja motorcycle along with optics, a dashboard and wind protection for hands. Also for the Japanese market, electric versions of this generation of Dio were produced with rechargeable batteries instead of a gas tank and charging from an outlet. The second generation of the popular Dio was discontinued in 1996, but for some time this model was produced under the name Dio Fit and differed from the regular AF-27 by a completely changed design of plastic cladding and optics.
Chassis
The Honda Dio 27 scooter is distinguished by smooth gear shifting, moves without jerking, quickly picks up speed and has soft shock absorption. And its decent carrying capacity allows two people to ride. The Honda Dio 27 model, the characteristics of which fully correspond to the purpose of the moped, can be used in a variety of directions - from trips to nature to delivering pizza around the city.
Scooter chassis parameters:
- front suspension - telescopic fork with lever-type lateral shock absorber;
- rear suspension - articulated pendulum, short-stroke, with spring-hydraulic shock absorber;
- front brake - disc with single-piston caliper;
- rear brake - drum type;
- wheels, size – 3.00x10″.
"Sports tourism"
For those who need a sports motorcycle, but not without comfort, Honda offers models in the “Sport Touring” category. Motorcycles in this category are an intermediate link between “Sport” and “Tourism”. This company has this category represented by models VFR1200, F VFR1200FD, VFR800F. The first two models according to those. characteristics are identical. They have a 4-cylinder engine with a V-shaped cylinder position. The power of these units is 172 hp. at 1237 cc. see volume.
The engine of the VFR800F model is smaller in volume and power - 106 hp. at 782 cc see volume. Although the engine of this model is also 4-cylinder, V-shaped.
Scooter tuning
Due to the lack of a body kit and easy access to parts and components, Buzzers open up wide opportunities for improvement. To change the appearance, just paint the aluminum frame in any color; if you wish, you can buy a plastic box and make the moped more sporty and elegant (each part of the body kit will cost about 3,000-5,000 rubles).
To improve the performance characteristics of the scooter, you can make the following replacements:
- Spark plug. For example, for driving at high speeds you can install iridium CR8EHIX9 or CR9EHIX9.
- Variable speed drive. You can install a Malossi and complement it with a Zero Duke exhaust. This will increase speed by 10-15 km/h and even out the start.
- Anthers. In the original configuration, scooters do not have any protection against dirt, so it is better to put boots on the front shock absorber; as a result, oil seals will last 3-4 times longer without replacement or repair.
- Seat brackets. Their installation will be necessary for tall drivers (above 175 cm) - as a result, it will be possible to move the saddle frame back by 10 cm and increase the seat height. This will make your feet much more comfortable.