Honda Dio scooter – review, characteristics

The Honda Dio scooter is a real legend among connoisseurs of light motorcycles. Having first appeared in 1988, it has since undergone many changes, but has retained those features for which it is so valued - affordable cost, ease of operation and phenomenal reliability . Hundreds of thousands of Dio of different generations travel around Asian countries, and even more Chinese clones of this model, more or less successful. Representatives of the first two generations (Honda Dio AF 18/25 and 27/28) are vanishingly rare due to their advanced age, but the Dio AF 35 model, produced from 1994 to 2004, is still very popular on the secondary market. Representing a highly modified version of the Honda Dio City Movement ( second generation ), the scooter received a completely new engine, this time with a horizontal arrangement, thanks to which the designers managed to level the floor in the luggage compartment.

Versions of Dio AF 35 SR (with a disc brake on the front wheel) and 35 ZX (reinforced front suspension, uprated engine and other minor changes) were also produced. Since 2001, the Honda Dio Smart version has been produced, featuring a new engine that lost some power due to stricter environmental requirements. Since 2003, New Dio has been produced in parallel, and since 2014, only Dio 110 has remained on the assembly line, which is not very popular in Russia, since it does not fall under the “M” category. Mostly third-generation modifications are still driving on the roads of our country, so they will be discussed below - the entire model range cannot be described in one review.

Specifications

The main parameters for motorcycles, mopeds and scooters have always been low price, efficiency and reliability. Honda Dio AF 35 gets 10 points out of 10 on all points - this is a real workhorse for urban conditions, tireless and not too gluttonous. Balanced technical characteristics, coupled with an affordable price, have made this scooter incredibly popular, despite the fact that, strictly speaking, it is not even designed to carry passengers due to its compact single seat.

Engine

The first three generations were equipped with a 50 cc 1-cylinder air-cooled engine . True, on the Honda Dio City Movement the cylinder was vertical , but on the AF 35 it was already horizontal . Capable of producing 5.4 hp. and 6.2 Nm engine Honda Dio Live (third generation) has excellent efficiency even by modern standards, consuming gasoline very moderately. The maximum speed that the scooter can reach is 70 km/h . The sports modification AF 35 XZ stands out, its boosted engine is noticeably more powerful – 7.2 hp. , and the maximum speed exceeds 80 km/h .

Transmission

Classic continuously variable transmission , proven by dozens of previous models and millions of kilometers. The Honda Dio is characterized by particularly smooth operation, and during the driving process there are absolutely no jerks or dips in the dynamics. Such a smooth ride and confident acceleration dynamics have never been dreamed of by numerous Chinese copies of this super-popular model.

Chassis and brakes

The Honda Dio AF 35 was produced in various modifications, the simplest of which was equipped with drum brakes . But such old examples are rare for sale, and most of them are equipped with a disc brake on the front end. The suspensions are the most basic, quite rigid, but reliable. On the XZ modification, reinforced oil shock absorbers were installed at the front. The frame is ordinary, steel, it was replaced with light alloy only starting from the 4th generation.

Electronics

The Honda Dio AF35 has nothing more complicated than a battery, a generator and everything else that Japanese motorcycles began to be equipped with half a century ago. The only inconvenience when repairing electrical wiring yourself may be the need to remove the plastic, but you can do this operation on your own.

Weight and dimensions

The weight of the third generation Honda Dio is only 69 kg, excluding gasoline and other technical fluids. Dealing with it is not just easy, but very easy, and you can only drop the scooter on purpose. Its compact dimensions make this moped an ideal city dweller , easily weaving between cars and able to fit into any crevice in which a full-size motorcycle might get stuck. But, as stated above, this compactness is a consequence of the “single-seat” nature of the scooter. It became a two-seater only with the advent of the 110 cc sixth generation in 2014.

Controllability

This two-wheeled toy literally steers with the power of thought! Anyone with experience riding scooters will certainly rate the handling of the Honda Dio at the highest level . Well-thought-out weight distribution, coupled with a short wheelbase and comfortable seating position, provide excellent control - the bike turns on a one and a half meter diameter patch and easily takes sharp turns even at high speed.

Fuel consumption

Fuel consumption of the Honda Dio AF 35 starts from approximately 1.25 liters when driving at a speed of 30-40 km/h and in ideal conditions. But no one drives like that, so the real figures are closer to 2 liters per 100 km in urban conditions . When driving in a mixed cycle, consumption is unlikely to rise above 1.5-1.6 liters of AI-92 per 100 km.

Honda Dio af 18

The first and one of the main reasons for its popularity is its excellent time-tested build quality. The first Honda Dio AF 18 scooter was released in the 80s in Japan and is still popular in the market. You can even find 50cc ones produced in the last decades of the last century. They still function perfectly. Compared, for example, with Chinese models, Hondas have advantages not only in build quality, but also in terms of speed. This is not just a scooter model, it is a symbol of Japanese quality. Since the 80s, several dozen Honda Dio models have been produced, the cost of which did not exceed the price of a regular scooter.

The first series of the scooter in question had two options. They differed in the type of brake - drum and disc. This series of scooters ceased production only in 1992. However, even now you can find this model on sale, the seller has simply modified it somewhat and brought it into proper shape.

Honda Dio 18 general characteristics: Engine – AF18E; Length, height, width - 1600 mm, 990 mm, 615 mm; Gas tank volume - 4 liters; Oil tank volume – 0.8 liters; Load capacity - 150 kg; Moped weight - 63 kg; Fuel per 100 kilometers - 2 liters; Max. speed - 60 km/h; Start - electric starter and kickstarter; Max. power – 6.4 l. With. at 7000 rpm.

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Motorcycle price

The cost of used examples varies greatly depending on their condition. The oldest Dios, which look like you want to pour gasoline on them and burn them (even if just out of pity for the tortured equipment), can be bought for 20-30 thousand rubles . More recent examples, especially ZX variants, can easily cost three times as much, especially if the owners have taken good care of them.

Repair and tuning

Like any structurally simple moped, the Honda Dio AF 35 is easy to maintain and repair on your own . If you need access to the bottom of the scooter, you can always lay it on its side, placing a car tire under it, and perform all the necessary operations. There are enough spare parts and consumables for it, and they are usually inexpensive.

Repair

There is no point in dragging Dio to official dealers who are eagerly rubbing their hands - the scooter is as simple as three rubles, and absolutely everyone can understand its design. But it’s not a fact that you will have such a chance - this model is famous for its phenomenal reliability and enormous resource. So huge that no one knows exactly how far this bike can travel before it asks to retire.

Spare parts

Consumables and spare parts are in bulk in all stores selling components for scooters. The Honda Dio AF 35 is incredibly popular, so it’s easy to buy everything you need for it. As a last resort, there are online stores where you can buy everything, even a new motor assembly.

Tuning

Tuning a 50cc moped is not a good idea. The value of the Honda Dio for the end consumer lies in its efficiency and reliability, although, of course, there are enthusiasts and even entire clubs of owners. Some of them install a larger-volume piston, adding speed to the bike, but such kits are usually ordered from China, and their quality can vary from good to terrible. If we get lucky.

Detailed review

The appearance of the scooter is quite simple; due to the optics and plastic cladding, Dio Fit differs significantly from its “brothers”. The quality of the plastic is up to the mark. It is durable and moderately flexible. To allow the driver to monitor the situation on the road behind him, rear-view mirrors are installed on the sides.

About comfort. A soft, padded seat allows you to ride with maximum comfort. It seats two people: driver and passenger. There is a luggage area at the back, designed for a load of up to 5 kg. There is a luggage compartment under the seat, where you can put the most necessary things on the road (a set of keys, a helmet, a first aid kit). Under the instrument panel there is a small compartment for a mobile phone and other pocket items.

It is worth mentioning the suspension, without which it is impossible to imagine a truly soft ride. Like most scooters of this era, there are telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. A muffler with special neutralizers inside is responsible for exhaust gases.

Scooter modifications

In addition to the standard version, several more were produced:

• S.R. _ It was equipped with a front disc brake instead of a drum brake.
• SR Combi Brake . The same thing, but with a combined braking system.
• ZX . Sports version with a more powerful engine, reinforced front fork, spoiler and other rims.
• Cesta . Standard version with shopping basket integrated into the front. Almost never found in Russia.

Advantages and disadvantages

All inexpensive scooters are more or less similar to each other. But it’s not for nothing that Honda Dio became a legend, right? And all because she has much more positive qualities than negative ones.

Advantages

• dynamics for a 50cc moped . Especially in the ZX version.
• Decent brakes (except for the basic version with drums on both wheels)
• A spacious 6-liter gas tank provides a range of 300 km or more.
• Convenient and spacious luggage compartment , which can easily accommodate an integral helmet.

Flaws

• Relatively brittle plastic that sometimes fails to withstand being dropped.
• The advanced age of many of the first generation examples, including the AF 35.

Model features

Before putting the scooter into full-scale production, engineers seriously thought about the environment. And thus they introduced programmable fuel injection into the Fit. Due to this, fuel is used as efficiently as possible. Do not forget about starting the engine, which in this case is lightweight.

In conclusion, I would like to say that today’s “hero” of the review is one of the most suitable scooters for beginners and not only. This is confirmed by the high reliability, simple operation of the scooter as a whole and an affordable price. You can buy a Honda Fit scooter for 200-300 dollars.

Owner reviews

A normal scooter, it doesn’t look as cool in the photo as it does in real life. Until the Chinese riveted 100,500 copies, it looked very original. A bag of groceries from Auchan fits into the trunk without any problems)) You can ride together, but it’s inconvenient for the passenger, the motorcycle is really a single-seater. If you don’t want to get category A, this is a good option. I drove for three years, there were no problems at all, but the power became low, so I switched to Skywave 400. Igor, Moscow.

I worked in a scooter service for several years, so I know all the models that are popular with us inside and out. Dio is really fire, they almost always only did maintenance work, since for some reason it doesn’t want to break down even with a mileage of 50+ thousand. Truly indestructible technology. Dmitry, Vladivostok.

Dio 1999 has been sitting at the dacha for a couple of years now, in the spring it is reanimated without problems, just charge the battery and splash some fresh gasoline. For a city like Moscow, there is little power, and it’s a bit scary to drive out onto busy avenues. I don’t travel far, I don’t want to go on the highway for fifty dollars. Anatoly, Moscow.

FAQ

• I just bought a Chinese copy of the third Dio, will spare parts from Honda fit it? There are no original Chinese spare parts. Not a fact - check. The Chinese sometimes copy only their appearance, and sometimes they copy everything completely.
• Does it make sense to buy Dio AF35? Or is it better to take a fresher used one? You decide. But it was the AF35 model that became legendary.
• Does the motor of a 20-year-old scooter bought secondhand knock? Depends on how the previous owner cared for the scooter. But Dio’s motor is distinguished by incredible survivability and a huge resource, and it is very difficult to “kill” him.

Conclusion

Budget scooters have changed little over the past two to three decades. And in their camp, as well as among the big bikes, there are their own legends and role models. The Honda Dio AF35 is just one of them, and even now, several decades later, this small and nimble moped holds its mark , not inferior to modern competitors in quality and performance.

Specifications

Honda Dio Smart

The latest modification was distinguished by the presence of alloy wheels and reinforced front shock absorbers. The 4-stroke engine appeared on the Honda Dio Smart.

Some use scooter models for driving on dirt roads. However, here you will need to change the front and rear shock absorbers every season. The Honda Dio's muffler is perfectly protected; on dusty roads it does not get particularly dirty, since the air intake and filter are located high.

Honda Dio Smart – specifications: Engine model – AF55E; Length, height, width - 1710 mm, 1010 mm, 620 mm; Gas tank volume - 5 liters; Oil tank volume – 0.7 liters; Load capacity - 150 kg; Moped weight - 76 kg; Engine – four-stroke, water-cooled; Fuel per 100 kilometers – 0.75 liters; Max. speed - 60 km/h; Start - electric starter and kickstarter; Max. power – 5.0 l. With. at 8000 rpm.

Modern scooter models may have disc or drum brakes. Disc roads are more suitable for asphalt roads, but they will require replacement faster. The small size of the scooter is a problem for some drivers, but this makes it lightweight and designed for maneuvering in small areas.

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