A joint venture between Honda Motor Company, founded in 1948 in Japan and the Indian conglomerate, Usha International, founded in 1954 in India, resulted in the birth of Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI), one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in India. Since 2004, HMSI has been focusing on building motorcycles; earlier, its primary focus was to manufacture scooters for the Indian market. With a combined annual production capacity of over 6 million units and four manufacturing plants in India, located in Manesar (Haryana), Tapukara (Rajasthan), Narsapura (Karnataka), and Vithalapur (Gujarat), today, HMSI is the second largest two-wheeler manufacturer in India, having a market share of over 26%.
The products in the wide catalogue of HMSI have been carefully thought about and designed to cater to the diverse needs of Indian consumers.
HMSI is the manufacturer of the people’s favourite Activa and its sub-models. Also, it manufactures many other scooters, such as Aviator, Grazia and Cliq models, while also building motorcycles, such as the CB Shine, Hornet, and X-Blade. It focuses not only on building and selling motor vehicles of exceptional build but is also committed to sustainable mobility, for which it has introduced several eco-friendly technologies in its products. One of those technologies is Honda’s patented PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) Technology, which improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions.
On the whole, HMSI has played a significant role by boosting the growth of the Indian two-wheeler industry. Its knack for innovation and the quest for customer satisfaction helped it establish a strong foothold in the Indian market.
The Honda Dio is a popular scooter model manufactured by HMSI. First introduced in 2002, it has since become one of the most successful and popular scooters in India. Its success can be attributed to its stylish design, sporty looks and reliable performance.
A 109.51cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine powers the Honda Dio while delivering 7.65 bhp of power of 9 Nm of torque. Dio is equipped with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) gearbox that ensures smooth and hassle-free riding. Along with the engine, one of the most important features of the Honda Dio is its Combi Brake System (CBS) technology, owned and used exclusively by Honda. The CBS technology distributes braking force between the front and rear wheels, thereby reducing stopping distance and improving stability. A fully digital instrument cluster, LED headlights and a front storage compartment are among other features of the Honda Dio.
The Honda Dio has a prominent place in the growth journey of the scooter market in India. Many other manufacturers were inspired by its success in the market, thus helping introduce similar models and helping to create a separate segment of sporty and stylish scooters in the scooter market. For one looking for a reliable, stylish and affordable scooter, the Honda Dio has been a popular choice among young riders in India, and you might want to be considering purchasing this beauty. Let us quickly go through the design and features, performance and handling, safety and security, price and availability and pros and cons of the Honda Dio.
The Honda Dio features a sporty, sleek and aerodynamic body style that appeals not only to young but also to old riders. Honda Activa and the Honda Aviator scooter models form the inspiration for the design elements of the Dio. Like most sports scooters, the front of the Honda Dio features a sharp headlamp with LED lighting along with a bold Honda logo on the front.
Critics reviewed that the Dio has quite a compact and lightweight body, which makes it easy to steer in city traffic. It is 1781 mm long, 710 mm wide and 1133 mm tall. With a ground clearance of 158 mm and a seat height of 765 mm, it is comfortable for riders of different heights. The Honda Dio’s fuel tank can hold up to 5.3 litres of petrol. It has a kerb weight of 105 kg.
The Dio’s suspension system consists of telescopic forks at the front and a mono-shock at the rear, similar to the Yamaha MT-15 V2. Together, the suspension systems ensure that there are no sudden shocks and vibrations during the ride. A 130 mm disc brake at the front and a 130 mm drum brake at the rear ensure that the braking performance of the Dio is excellent, and it comes to a halt quickly and safely.
It features a DIC (Digital Instrument Cluster) that displays vital information like speed, fuel level and trip meter. It has a side-stand indicator and a service-due indicator that reminds the rider about the next service. These indicators hold a very important position in the long health of the bike. The Honda Dio has advanced Honda Eco Technology (HET) that improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions. As mentioned earlier, Honda is not only focused on producing and selling motorcycles but is also committed to making the world a better place. It has a mileage of approximately 55 km/l in city conditions and 60 km/l on the highway.
A 109.51 cc single-cylinder engine, air-cooled, with the delivery of maximum power output of 7.65 bhp at 8000 rpm and a peak torque of 9 Nm at 4750 rpm, powers the Honda Dio. Paired with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) automatic gearbox, it provides smooth and seamless acceleration, ensuring easy handling and manoeuvrability through traffic.
The Honda Dio claims a top speed of approximately 83 kmph, making it quite close to the average top speed of scooters in its class – 85 kmph. Its acceleration time from 0 to 60 kmph is around 9 seconds, making it one of the quickest scooters in its segment. A noteworthy point of this scooter is its fuel efficiency. HMSI claims that the Honda Dio has a mileage of approximately 55 lm/l, making it one of the most fuel-efficient scooters in India.
When talking about handling and manoeuvrability, a telescopic suspension at the front and a spring-loaded hydraulic suspension at the rear are featured in the Honda Dio. The front suspension effectively dampens and absorbs shocks, while the rear suspension ensures that bumpy roads do not account for an uncomfortable ride. Together, they work to give the rider a smooth ride. It has a lightweight design with compact dimensions, making it easy to handle and steer through in traffic. Riders of all heights can easily access the bike, owing to its low seat height.
Honda’s patented Combi Brake System (CBS), fitted in the Honda Dio as a standard, is yet another key factor in enhancing the handling and motility of the Honda Dio. As mentioned even above, it distributes braking force between the front and rear wheels and provides better stability by reducing stopping distance. The combination of a front disc brake and rear drum brake provides effective and reliable stopping power.
An array of safety and security features accompany the Honda Dio to ensure a safe and secure riding experience for the rider. Taking a closer look at them, we find the following security features in the Honda Dio:
The Honda Dio is available in a range of variants with different features and specifications. Its price varies from variant to variant and location to location. In India, the Honda Dio is available in six variants with different features and specifications – Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition, Repsol Edition, Sports Edition, 20th Anniversary Edition, and BS6. The lowest-priced variant is the Standard variant, which starts at around INR 68000 (ex-showroom), while the high-end Repsol variant is priced at around INR 72000 (ex-showroom).
Honda Dio is also available in neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Philippines. Its price in other countries depends upon the local taxes as well as import duty charges.
Being a well-known, reputed and established two-wheeler brand in India, Honda already has a large consumer base. Yet, it often launches promotional campaigns and offers huge discounts on its products to attract new consumers. These promotions hugely vary from country to country and even from state to state or city to city. Subject to terms and conditions, some of the current or upcoming offers, promotions or special discounts on the Honda Dio may include:
● Festive Season Offers: Honda may offer offers or special discounts on the Dio or similar models to attract customers during popular festive seasons such as Christmas, Diwali, Ekadashi, Republic Day etc.
● Cashback Offers: Honda generally offers cashback or cash discounts on the purchase of the Honda Dio to customers paying the full amount through certain payment methods.
● Exchange Offers: Exchange schemes are the talk of the town! Honda may launch exchange schemes for customers who wish to exchange their old two-wheeler for a brand-new Dio. This might either be in the form of a discount on the new Dio or a higher exchange value for the customer’s existing two-wheeler.
● Low-Interest Finance Schemes: With credit-providing companies such as Bajaj Finance and Cred quickly gaining a foothold in the market, Honda may offer low or zero-interest finance schemes on the Dio to make it viable to purchase for customers who cannot afford to pay the entire amount upfront.
● Free Accessories: Free accessories such as helmets, footrests, rearview mirrors etc may be offered by Honda as an added incentive for customers to purchase a brand new, shining and sparkling Honda Dio.
Please note that the above-listed offers, discounts or special promotions may be available only for a limited time and are subject to terms and conditions. We advise customers to check with their local Honda dealers or official websites to know more about the latest offers and promotions on the Honda Dio.
● Stylish Design: The Honda Dio’s sleek, slim and aerodynamic design is so appealing – it attracts both young and old riders alike.
● Fuel-Efficient Engine: The fuel-efficient engine that powers the Honda Dio provides good mileage and makes it an ideal scooter for daily commutes as well as occasional long-distance rides.
● Comfortable Ride: The Dio’s front telescopic suspension and rear mono-shock provide for a comfortable ride even on bumpy roads.
● Advanced Technology: Advanced features that the Honda Dio comes with, like LED lighting, digital instrument cluster, and Honda Eco Technology (HET), improve the overall performance and efficiency of the scooter.
● Good Braking Performance: The Honda Dio has better control and stability while braking as compared to other scooters in its segment due to its Combi Brake System (CBS) as well as Integrated Braking System (IBS).
● Limited Storage Space: Compared to the average storage space of scooters in its segment, the Honda Dio has a comparatively smaller storage space, which may not be sufficient for riders who need to carry a lot of luggage on long trips.
● Small Fuel Tank: The rider has to be prepared to make frequent stops for refuelling as the Honda Dio’s fuel tank is small.
● No Disc Brake on Base Variant: While other versions have a Combi Brake System (CBS) with a disc brake, the base variant of the Honda Dio comes equipped with a front drum brake, which may not provide results as efficient as the disc brake, especially in situations of emergency.
● Low Ground Clearance: With a ground clearance of just 158 mm, the Honda Dio is at a serious disadvantage. This may cause problems while riding on rough or uneven roads.
In the Indian market, two well-liked scooters are the Honda Dio and the Aprilia SR 150. Both scooters have distinctive characteristics and are made to accommodate various riding styles.
The Honda Dio is a sporty-looking, lightweight scooter that we’ll start with. A 109cc engine that generates 7.8 horsepower and 8.91 Nm of torque powers the scooter. It includes Honda’s trademarked HET (Honda Eco Technology), which makes an estimated 60 km per gallon of fuel claims. The Dio offers a smooth ride because of its telescopic front suspension and mono-shock rear suspension. Additionally, the scooter has a Combi-Braking System (CBS), which aids in secure braking.
The Aprilia SR 150, on the other hand, has a 154.8cc engine that generates 10.06 horsepower and 11.4 Nm of torque, making it a more potent scooter. With a pointed headlamp and aerodynamic bodywork, the scooter is intended to have a sporty and aggressive appearance. It has a pleasant ride because of its telescopic suspension up front and mono-shock in the back. Additionally, the scooter has a front disc brake and a back drum brake for enough stopping force.
● Design
Both the Honda Dio and Aprilia SR 150 have distinctive appearances when it comes to design. The SR 150 features a more athletic and aggressive look than the Dio, which has a more futuristic appearance.
● Features
The Dio is more comfortable and features a riding posture that is more conducive to everyday commuting. Contrarily, the SR 150 offers a sportier riding position that might not be ideal for everyone. Additionally, the Dio’s under-seat storage area is bigger than the SR 150s.
● Cost
The Honda Dio costs around Rs. 65,000, while the Aprilia SR 150 costs approximately Rs. 1.05 lakh. Although the Aprilia SR 150 is more costly, it has a more powerful engine and a sportier look.
● Verdict
In conclusion, the Aprilia SR 150 and the Honda Dio each have distinctive features and are made to suit various riding styles. The Aprilia SR 150 is a more powerful and athletic scooter appropriate for enthusiasts, whilst the Honda Dio is a lightweight, fashionable scooter perfect for daily commuting. When deciding between them, it ultimately boils down to taste and price.
Let’s start with the Honda Dio, a chic and athletic scooter made for daily commuting. The 109cc engine that powers it generates 7.8 horsepower and 8.91 Nm of torque. Honda’s unique HET (Honda Eco Technology), which is intended to improve fuel efficiency, is included with the Dio. It offers a smooth ride thanks to its front telescopic suspension and rear mono-shock. For increased safety, the scooter has a Combi-Braking System (CBS).
The Hero Xoom, on the other hand, is a more useful scooter that is made for both city and highway riding. It has a 125cc engine that generates 9.4 horsepower and 10.4 Nm of torque. The Xoom has a telescopic front suspension and a hydraulic rear spring, which together make for a smooth ride. Additionally, it has drum brakes at the front and back that offer sufficient stopping force.
● Design
Compared to the Hero Xoom, which has a more conventional design, the Honda Dio has a more futuristic appearance. The Xoom comes in four colours, whilst the Dio comes in six eye-catching hues.
On the other hand, the Hero Xoom is a more practical scooter that is designed for riding on both city streets and highways. 9.4 horsepower and 10.4 Nm of torque are produced by its 125cc engine.
● Features
The Xoom’s hydraulic rear spring and telescopic front suspension work together to provide a comfortable ride. Drum brakes that provide adequate stopping power are also included at the front and back of the vehicle.
The Hero Xoom features a more traditional look, while the Honda Dio has a more cutting-edge style. While the Dio is available in six vibrant colours, the Xoom only comes in four.
● Verdict
In conclusion, each device—the Honda Dio and the Hero Xoom—has its own set of qualities and powers. The Hero Xoom is a useful scooter made for both city and highway riding, in contrast to the elegant and fast Honda Dio, which is made for daily commuting. The decision between the two scooters ultimately boils down to price and personal choice.
Other Competitors Of Honda Dio
The TVS Ntorq 125 scooter delivers a powerful punch thanks to its athletic appearance and cutting-edge technology. It is propelled by a 125cc engine that generates 9.1 horsepower and 10.5 Nm of torque for a powerful performance. It stands out from the competition thanks to a variety of cutting-edge innovations that make riding more enjoyable and easy.
Turn-by-turn navigation, music, and more can all be effortlessly enjoyed by simply connecting your smartphone to the scooter’s Bluetooth-enabled instrument cluster. The scooter also has a useful smartphone app that allows you to monitor your trips, check the condition of the car, and do other things. Therefore, the TVS Ntorq 125 should be on your list if you’re seeking a sleek, feature-rich scooter that delivers an exciting ride.
An eye-catching scooter that is ideal for cruising the city is the Yamaha Ray ZR 125. Everywhere you go, people will notice its athletic and fashionable design. A 125cc engine within the scooter provides enough power to make rides exciting. It can manoeuvre through city traffic and small streets with ease thanks to its 10.3 Nm of torque and 8.2 horsepower of power.
One of the many contemporary elements that add to the attraction of the Yamaha Ray ZR 125 is a powerful LED headlamp that offers great sight at night. You can easily view the digital instrument cluster, which provides all the information you need to know about your voyage. You feel more secure because of the front disc brake’s contribution to your safety.
There is no need to introduce the Suzuki Access 125 scooter because it is well-liked throughout India. This scooter is dependable and effective, making it ideal for daily commuting. The scooter is propelled by a 124cc engine that generates 8.7 horsepower and 10 Nm of torque while operating smoothly and steadily. It is ideal for riding in cities since it is simple to control and manoeuvre. A number of characteristics of the Suzuki Access 125 make it a useful and practical choice. The instrument cluster’s semi-digital display is simple to read and gives you all the information you want. Your safety is increased by the front disc brake’s rapid and efficient stopping ability.
A scooter that blends fashion and utility is the Hero Maestro Edge 125. It’s a fantastic choice for city errands and everyday commuting. The scooter is propelled by a 125cc engine that generates 9.4 horsepower and 10.4 Nm of torque for a strong and smooth performance.
Both novice and experienced riders will find it to be simple to ride and control. Numerous features of the Hero Maestro Edge 125 set it apart from the competition. In low light, the LED headlight’s brightness guarantees great sight. You can easily view the digital instrument cluster, which gives you all the information you need to know about your voyage.
Urban commuting is made easy with the Bajaj Chetak electric scooter. It’s a fantastic choice for individuals who care about the environment and want to lessen their carbon impact. The scooter is propelled by a 4kW electric motor that produces 5.4 horsepower of power and 16 Nm of torque while operating quietly and smoothly. It is ideal for riding in cities since it is simple to control and manoeuvre.
The Bajaj Chetak has a number of characteristics that make it a useful and practical choice. You can easily view the digital instrument cluster, which gives you all the information you need to know about your voyage. The LED lighting increases the scooter’s aesthetic factor while ensuring good visibility on the road.
To wrap this article on the Honda Dio up, we will surely say that the Dio is a popular as well as practical scooter with several obvious advantages – stylish looks, sleek body, excellent fuel efficiency, superbly advanced technology and of course, Honda’s flagship path-breaking braking performance. However, it is not wise to forget that it does have a storage or boot space of just 18 litres, which is 4 litres lesser compared to the average storage space, and 15 litres lesser than the storage space of the TVS Jupiter 125. Its fuel tank is relatively smaller, and it also has a low ground clearance, which might be a deal breaker for some people.
Nonetheless, it still remains quite a popular choice among customers looking for reliability, comfort and style packed into one scooter. In this guide, we have covered all the aspects of the Honda Dio, right from the design and features, performance and handling to safety and security, price and availability and pros and cons. Do not forget to check with your local dealers and visit the official website to stay updated on the latest discounts, promotions and deals. We hope you found this guide informative and interesting. Keep following us for more such interesting information!
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