Honda Giorno is an iconic Japanese retro scooter, produced with a standard AF24 engine, as well as modifications with AF-54/77 engines. Although the model range is not truly vintage (it was developed about 30 years ago), the scooters look stylish and noble - something like the kind the heroes of the legendary comedy “Roman Holiday” rode around on. But don’t think that only fans of old-school mopeds love the Honda Giorno - it is primarily valued for its build quality, reliability and power. For a very reasonable price, the owner gets a high-quality scooter with good suspension, suitable for driving on both city and country roads.
History of creation and development
The first Honda Giorno scooters went on sale in early 1992. The new product immediately attracted attention: the public appreciated the successful combination of reliability, simplicity of design, utility and stylish retro appearance.
The ancestor of the Giorno line was the AF-24 model. It was built on the Honda Tact platform, known for its reliability. The Giorno AF-24 was produced in Japan without any significant changes. Even the model had only two modifications: Giorno Deluxe in a new color scheme and Exclusivity, which differed from the basic version only in the abundance of chrome.
In 1999, Honda introduced the new Giorno, the Crea AF-54, to replace the “retired” AF-24. The appearance remained the same, but the filling became more serious. The engine stroke increased from 2 to 4, the air filter was replaced by a liquid cooling system, and the fuel tank capacity increased to 5 liters. The 54th model was discontinued in 2007, as it was replaced by the more advanced Crea Scoopy AF-55-56 and AF-77.
Preface
This particular scooter was dug out of my personal stash. To be honest, I would not have thought that I would become the owner of such a device. The story of its appearance is not the most trivial.
Recently, I have had a desire to deeply understand the basics of motorcycle mechanics. Last winter, driven by a desire to tinker with something, I purchased a Honda Giorno 50 of an unknown year directly from the container at a ridiculous price. The logic of choice is simple - a Japanese scooter of a common model is reliable and inexpensive. If it breaks up into hundreds of little parts and then doesn't come back together, it won't be such a shame. The autopsy showed that this particular baby was fantastically cheerful and cheerful for his age. Minor scratches don't count. Under a layer of dirt and dust, 90% of the parts were in their original form and with their original fasteners. After changing the oil in the gearbox, tires and battery, the scooter became fully operational without any reservations. In general, as you understand, it was not possible to dig deeper, but the driving characteristics turned out to be so successful that Giorno still brilliantly plays the role of a traveling horse and helps me out to the fullest.
Advantages
- Retro design, the fashion for which is returning again (there is even a steering wheel trim, a dial speedometer and a pneumatic horn, like scooters of the 60s and 70s).
- Affordable price for the moped itself (within 45,000-55,000 rubles) and all parts (for example, a piston costs 3,500 rubles, intake valves – 1,200 rubles, kick starter – 360 rubles, five-pin switch – 1,350 rubles)
- Versatility (the model is equally popular among men and women, among young people and the older generation).
- The ignition switch is multifunctional - in addition to direct starting, it allows you to open the seat and lock the moped.
- High quality durable parts made in Japan.
- Easy repair and tuning, the electrical circuit is easy to learn even for beginners.
- A comfortable rim on the seat protects the luggage compartment from rainwater and dirt.
- Good suspension, allowing driving both in the city and on country roads.
- Quite economical consumption of oil and gasoline (no more than 4 liters per 100 km).
Flaws
- Not the most powerful engine (which is logical, given the low price of this Japanese scooter).
- Slow initial acceleration.
- The muffler quickly becomes clogged with soot and must be cleaned frequently.
- The underseat rack is too compact, even the smallest helmet barely fits.
- Poor repairability of plastic (it can rarely be repaired after a collision or fall).
- It is considered a two-seater, but it is cramped for two adults on a scooter.
- The chopper handlebars and long wheelbase make the scooter a little clumsy and cumbersome.
- Mirrors that protrude too far beyond their dimensions – long “legs” – increase the risk of getting caught on passing cars.
- Weak pump drive, so during active use of the scooter, problems associated with oil starvation are possible
Brake system
Japanese engineers equipped the retro scooter with a high-performance drum brake system, the mechanisms of which are installed on both wheels. Driver safety is one of the main aspects of the Japanese concern Honda, which they have been following for many years. The performance of the brake system is ensured by timely replacement of the brake pads during the operation of the scooter.
Retro design
The look of Honda Giorno is very elegant and stylish. Many parts are chromed, which adds status to this budget car. The frame is made in such a way that you won’t be able to sit in a “chopper” position with your legs outstretched; you can only sit on a “stool.” There is a small tunnel on the floor - it is not very practical, since you cannot place a bulky load on it.
Soft and comfortable seat. In theory, Giorno can be ridden together with an oversized passenger - the shape of the saddle allows this to be done, although without much comfort for the second rider (he will have nowhere to rest his legs, he will have to press in).
Where do the wheels come from?
There are more and more small scooters on the roads of large Russian cities. Interestingly, approximately every third Japanese scooter that can be found in Moscow is a Honda Giorno. The Dio, Lead and Tact models are no longer in fashion, give everyone vintage and retro style. Hipster fashion has captured the minds of young people. With a really cheap price, it turns out that the Honda Giorno is a kind of Vespa for the poor. The competitive price for a live sample starts at 25,000 rubles. If you try hard, you can spend 15,000–17,000 rubles for a scooter, which you will have to tinker with a little. A real gift! You can’t even buy a new Chinese moped for that price.
Specifications
| AF24 | AF54 | |
| Full Height | 1000 mm | 1005 mm |
| Clearance | 105 mm | 115 mm |
| Length | 1660 mm | 1685 mm |
| Width | 630 mm | 630 mm |
| Weight/dry weight | 69 / 64 kg | 84 / 79 kg |
| Engine power | 5.6 hp | 4.8 hp |
| Torque | 4.6 Nm | |
| Working volume | 49 cm³ | |
| Engine speed | 6500 rpm | 8000 rpm |
| Compression ratio | 7 | 12 |
| Number of cylinders | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel tank volume | 4.2 l | 5 l |
| Front brake | Drums | |
| Rear brake | Drum | |
| Wheelbase | 1175 mm | 1050 mm |
| Maximum speed | 60 km/h (electronically limited) | |
Honda Giorno AF24
Giorno AF24 is made on the basis of the Honda Tact - the model adopted the main technical characteristics from it. Inside there is a two-stroke air-cooled engine. The wishbone suspension is reliable, but you will have to get used to the rear and front drum brakes if you have never encountered such a system before (braking is harsh, if you overdo it, you end up with a downward dive).
Also, reviews often complain about the weak rear and front shock absorbers, but the problem can be solved by simply pumping it after purchase; fortunately, parts for the scooter are inexpensive and can be found in all spare parts stores.
Honda Giorno Crea AF54
The engine on Giorno Crea is four-stroke, carburetor AF-54E-1016636, water-cooled. It features smooth operation and low noise levels. The aluminum frame is lighter than that of Giorno AF-24. There is no central tunnel in the polyc, which is why the structure has become completely flat. The volume of the underseat luggage compartment has increased by 4 liters.
The fork copes with all road irregularities with flying colors and allows you to successfully take turns. A smooth ride is ensured by a combination suspension (telescopic at the front, pendulum at the rear). The minimum turning radius is 1.8 m. Torque is transmitted to the rear wheel by a V-belt drive.
Among other changes, it is worth noting the new fuel supply system: while the AF-24 had a PA35, the Crea model acquired a VK0B carburetor. The control range of the variator has been increased: for the predecessor it was only 2.45-0.85, for the Crea AF-54 this figure became 2.8 to 0.86.
Reliability
In those rare moments when I had to disassemble something on the Jorn, I never ceased to be amazed at the cleverness of the design. The fasteners and placement of various components are very thoughtful. The plastic of the sail, which most often takes the blow in an accident, is thick and flexible, it is almost impossible to break it. The only “but” is that due to its advanced age, upon first dismantling, the thin eyelets on the lining of the engine compartment quickly fall apart, but this has little effect. Over the several thousand kilometers traveled (and no one knows exactly how many there were before that), absolutely nothing broke. The controls and lighting function as if the scooter had just rolled off the production line. There is almost mythical precision in manufacturing and fitting of parts!
Tuning
The appearance of the moped is so stylish that any painting or modification of the design seems unnecessary. Although the owner is a gentleman - the design of the Honda allows you to modify it at your discretion. The same applies to its internal filling. The engine has good potential for subsequent upgrades; the transmission and suspension also allow you to modify them to suit your needs. Here are some options on how you can improve Giorno:
- Replacing the variator (for example, with a Malossi Multivar) will increase the maximum speed by 5-7 km/h and give smoother acceleration.
- Installing a new piston (for example, Malossi Sport or Athena Sport) will turn the engine into 70 cc.
- A new carburetor with a larger diffuser diameter (optionally, Dell'Orto 17.5 or 19 mm) will give a noticeable increase at high speeds.
- An additional air intake will add dynamics to the scooter.
- If you need to replace the spark plug, then you should use a figure eight (for example, from NGK 8).
- Replacing the battery will avoid frequent repairs (can be supplied from Honda Dio ZX AF35 or Honda Dio 34).
- Anyone who increases engine power will need a wide Kevlar belt (there is no need to rely on a standard one, it is not designed for such feats).
- A stiffer spring will allow you to take off faster from high speeds.
- Replacing headlights and brake lights with brighter ones will make the moped more suitable for driving at night.
- Installing a tuned rear wheel gearbox will give an increase of 10-15 km/h.
If you still want to modify not only the filling, but also the appearance of the scooter, we recommend using parts from later Hondas so that everything looks organic. For example, use the kit from the Exclusive front model - add more chrome parts and nameplates, neat mirrors, a protective body kit and tires with snow-white fenders. The wiring can be covered with braiding (the so-called “snake skin”) - this way it will be more protected from water and dirt.
Analogs
Honda Giorno AF 24 and Giorno Crea AF54 are in many ways analogues of the legendary Vespa and Lambretta. But this couple is in a different price category. In terms of price and parameters, Journey can be compared with the following mopeds:
- Suzuki Verde has a two-stroke engine, weaker than that of the Hondas we are considering. Externally it looks poorer due to the smaller number of noble nickel-plated parts. The headlights are weak, but the seat and footrest are more suitable for riding with a passenger. Price from 38,000 to 48,000 rub. depending on color and condition.
- Yamaha Vino is very close in parameters and design to AF24. It also has a 2T engine, but louder and snorting than the Honda. The average price for a Yamaha is 37,000-45,000 rubles. Among the advantages, it is worth noting faster acceleration and powerful optics; among the disadvantages, there is a weak suspension (softer than Giorno’s) and a hard seat, because of which you quickly get tired.
Ergonomics
The driving position of the Honda Giorno is classically relaxed. The length of the one and a half seat allows even a tall driver to fit comfortably. It’s just that the low position of the steering wheel prevents you from straightening your long arms and back. Everyone decides for themselves the issue of transporting passengers on the Jorn. I am categorically against it. This will have a sharply negative impact on the safety of movement, the service life of the suspension and engine. Only two 40-kilogram schoolchildren can comfortably fit on a small pillow.
There is not much space for luggage. The seat tank does not include a helmet, only a few personal items, an anti-theft cable and a can of oil. The rear trunk, judging by its size and strong slope, is more of a design element. There is a hook for transporting bags and packages. I would not recommend installing a trunk; all the delicate appearance will go away. It’s better to expand your luggage potential with a backpack.
How much does it cost and where to buy
| Price | Year of issue | Mileage | Salesman | City |
| 95,000 rub. | 2016 | 2270 km | auto.ru | Moscow |
| 43,000 rub. | 2010 | 6900 km | auto.ru | Moscow |
| 50,000 rub. | 2001 | 8800 km | auto.ru | Moscow |
| 38,000 rub. | 1998 | 8137 km | auto.ru | Moscow |
| 199,000 rub. | 2020 | New | kupiscooter | Moscow |
| 17,000 rub. | 2000 | Unknown | auto.ru | St. Petersburg |
