Ever driven a BMW 330 Coupe on an Autobahn? No speed limits, just miles of smooth curving road! I have. . .! Being an NRI and in the prestige auto industry I have driven the cars people dream of driving AND on roads where they should be driven on.
So when I decided to call it quits and return to Pune what did I choose after much deliberation? No, certainly not a Mondeo nor a Corolla. . . where will you use all the pep and where will you park? I went for the Honda Dio! They told me it is made of plastic (no probs, I do not want to use it in my after life). They told me it is for ladies (thanks guys, but I do not need the bike between my legs to reaffirm my manhood!). They told me it was expensive. But hey, after 3700 kms. I am still grinning from ear to ear.
It is trouble-free as only an Honda can be, powerful enough to leave the macho bikes still shifting gears when the lights go green. It will happily haul me (85 kgs. +), wife, 2 daughters and a week’s purchase of rations at a merry 60 km/h without much ado. I can flick it through the traffic and the curves just like a BMW 330 and boy is the engine smooth! I swear that beyond 60kmph it feels it has a Wankel engine (another dream drive . . a Wankel engined Mazda RX7, if you can find one!). For those of you who think Wankel is a rude word. . err. it feels like an electric motor! Buzzy, sharp and very quick!
The dealers Kothari did a competent job of the 1st service. Tightened the brakes, replaced the oil & filter, washed the baby, delivered it on time as promised and charged me Rs. 120 (as promised). Looking for an immensely entertaining 2 wheeler? Go for the Dio! Only wish it gave more bang for the litre. You see I am used to being charged for Petrol at prices cheaper than mineral water. These Petrol prices hurt badly!
3700 Kms. Update:
3700 Kms. and still not a problem. I continue ride on the worst roads this side of Kandahar and my Dio remains rattlefree and as tight as a (err. . several interesting similies cross my mind, but hey lets keep this above board folks) as a bow-string!!
I now agree why some reviewers crib about the lights. The low beam is barely tolerable but the high beam was probably designed to send signals to alien civilisations . . . it lights up everything but the road ahead! Electricals are weak . . . some rain-water trickled in and shorted the fuse. . . electric start & horn went Kaput! Cost some 20 odd bucks to replace but the hassle was avoidable. Horn volume wavers and bleats like a goat on the verge of taking its last gasp. Moreover, it will not function for a few hours whenever I wash the scooter.
Sometimes it is a little moody while starting but 95% of the time the smooth, little hair-dryer motor purrs to a start whenever demanded. Kotharis of Pune continue to offer their exemplary service and it is a joy getting my scooter back from service . . . all new and shiny!
5800 Kms. Update:
Still no major issue. Some rusting around the number plate but that is due to the cheapo bolts used to fix the plate. Mirrors & brakes need tightening on every service. I have a problem with electricals every monsoon – self starter is on the blink & turn indicators do not work sometimes. My dealer at Ulhasnagar continues to deliver such stellar service that I decided to upgrade. . . to a Honda City!
Yes, I loved my Dio so much that I traded in my Santro for a City. But that is another review . . .