I am a decrepit New Zealander who has been riding motorbikes for over 30 years. I was forced to sell my last bike (Yamaha XV400) in 2005, so I could get my dream car, a Peugeot 406. But, the call of two wheels persists, so I started looking for the cheapest 2 wheelers around. Even then they cost more than I could afford.
BTW, big ups to all writers in this site - your English is superb, superior to the standard frequently observed here in NZ.
Anyway, yesterday was fine, if still winter cold, so I checked out a Yamaha 100 scooter (horrible little chainsaw I only rode around the block.), before looking at the Honda Dio (known here as the Lead 100).
There was a nice thrum pulsing from the little beast, then I was off onto only the second scooter ride of my life. Take off was a bit wobbly, then I noticed the weight of the steering. A little countersteering had me centred into a stable cruise mode at 50kph. The level of torque felt good compared to the Yamaha, which I hadn’t revved out due to unfamiliarity with the light handling, so I probably missed out on the raw acceleration of the two stroke. Mind you, I had already done the two stroke thing thirty years ago, enough is enough.
I went over some speed humps that were comfortable on the Peugeot up to 40 kph, but felt safer at 35kph on the Dio. By now I was set to go as far as the gas in the demo’s tank - a good sign as I couldn’t wait to get off that Yamaha. I cruised around some hilly streets, and found I was able to maintain 50kph up some pretty impressive slopes. This was something I had heard 50cc scooters couldn’t manage. I am 108kgs, and I was quite chuffed by the acceleration around roundabouts and away from traffic lights. I was easily able to stay ahead of the usual daily vehicle flow.
I reached a 70 kph zone, but at full throttle on a slight uphill into a strong headwind, I couldn’t coax more than 65kph out of the little Dio, which had only travelled 40km from new by this stage. The dealer later told me he had achieved 95kph on the motorway (our limit is 100kph on the motorway, 50kph around town). He weighs 85kg, but he might also be a colossal liar.
I found myself grinning halfway through my 35km circuit around Lower Hutt, revelling in the natural feel to the handling, swinging easily through S bends, swooping through downhill off camber hairpins, roaring along (at legal speeds, officer!) all of my favourite old roads.
I am 5’11", or 181cm, and the seat height was fine, but the flat handlebar meant I had to lean down a little rather than sitting up in a relaxed position. The seat was firm, and along with the limited suspension travel, made me weave around the worst of the manhole covers and rough edged road "repairs" the local council inflicts on us. However the steady platform provided by the suspension allows great control, as does the direct connection given by the flat bars.
Despite being a little scrunched up by the low handlebars and sometimes buffeted by the suspension, I was having a great time. This little scooter was giving about 80% of the riding enjoyment of a real motorcycle, at speeds where I could mentally keep up, and stay safe. Braking was unexpectedly fine, because the back brake did most of the work - that was where the weight was. No problems with traction at all, though it was a rare dry day. Still, I’ve got a car for the rain.
So the Dio passes the mental therapy test. The sound has been described as being like the roar of B29 engines in the movie "Memphis Belle", on a smaller scale. Nice. I presume it’s the cooling fan making this music, with a litle variator whine reflected from parked cars. I was pleased by the anti dive effect of the front suspension when braking, it kept everything on the level.
Due to ME, or CFS, I am unable to ride for long distances, so the Dio will probably suffice for the local riding (up to 50km within urban boundaries, with just one short motorway to negotiate) I anticipate. I intend to go shopping with a carrying case, and just refresh myself during the day - speaking of which, it was only 13 degrees C that day, but only my torso became cold.
Economics: I am on a disability benefit and have limited income. The Dio, which costs $NZ1, 400 in India, sells for $NZ2, 500 over here. The money to pay for it could pay off $NZ80 or more per month from my debts, but hey, that’s what debts are for. I could probably save $NZ50 a month on petrol by using the scooter. Close enough for me.
OK you guys, what do you think? Should I buy this bike?? My only other option will be a crappy Chinese 150cc scoot which will disintegrate within two winters, or a bigger used bike that won’t save me any money. Speaking of which, 40km only used one width of the gas gauge needle!
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Well, guys and gals, it’s four months later, and I’ve done nearly 700 km on my Dio. I find I am restless and disappointed if circumstances prevent me from riding for a day, and the quickest way to recover from a fit of bad temper, is to go for a blat around town for an hour or so. I’m getting around 35 kpl or 100 mpg. We’ve had very bad weather, with gale force winds most days, and a lot of rain, so I’m sure this is affecting my mileage (as in, I can’t go outside to exercise, so I get heavier and use more petrol!).
I’m enjoying my Dio as much as ever, and I’m practically addicted to riding it. It is light weight, convenient, quick enough for around town, comfortable for an hour and a half, and most of all fun to ride. I often ride alongside Ducatis and sports bikes, and see the squirming discomfort of those riders limited to town speeds. I think I’m having a better time. I can get several days worth of groceries into the top box and under the seat, and I park it right outside the door whereever I shop. Most of the few scooters around are cheap Chinese imports. I feel a warm glow knowing that the Honda name is on my ride. Although I try not to be antisocial, I find I can get away with cheeky manoeuvres easily on my Dio, and car drivers don’t get angry. I have filtered through a few traffic hold ups (nothing like yours in India!), and felt very clever that I was riding a scooter.
I am saving about $NZ25.00 a week by riding the scooter as opposed to driving the car, and this is helping to pay for the Panasonic Plasma TV I have just bought. I have also made a DVD of a medical conference I hosted by Dr Nancy Klimas of Florida, USA (Immunologist, on CFS or ME), and this is selling throughout the world, so this helps, too.
There are a couple of minor rattles, but I’ll get these attended to at the first upcoming service. Overall, I’m very pleased with my choice, and my thanks to the Indian designers and spanner wranglers who put it together!