Honda Vision 110 (2011-current): Economy in city centres around the world
The scooter tested had clocked just 636 km. The performance described is obviously inferior to the one expected by the owner on a properly run-in scooter.Engine: The air cooled fueled by injection 108 c.c. engine, delivers 8.4 bhp/8000 rpm and 0.88 Kgm/6000 rpm, claimed values.
Actually, under full throttle acceleration, the scooter reaches the speed of 20 Km/h very-very fast, 40 Km/h very fast, 60 Km/h fast, 80 Km/h moderately, while it reaches the top speed of 100 Km/h slowly.
Acceleration is decreased above 60 Km/h. On minor uphill roads, the speed of 80-90 Km/H will be maintained. At the opposite direction on minor downhill roads, top speed increases to 105 Km/h. These are speedometer indications, rider only.
Turning on the ignition switch, a considerable time of about 1 minute is required to get a precise fuel level indication. The speedometer indicator was slightly vibrating at the scooter tested.
Fuel consumption for the duration of this full throttle test was 3 l/100 Km. Honda claims an average of 1.9l/100Km on normal riding conditions. This variation is very logical indeed.
Riding position: The saddle height is low, 755 mm, even short riders will step both feet firm on the road. The saddle is quite large, two full grown adults will be easily seated. ItĒs comfortable even on rides which are considered rather distant for the scooterĒs character.
VisionĒs dimensions are relatively small. Even the width of the handlebars is kept narrow. The weight of the scooter is quite low, 102 kgs nominal curb, which refers to a smaller engine capacity scooter. The combination of the above results in a very user friendly scooter, appropriate for weak riders also. Rider is placed over the scooter, riding position is neutral.
On the road: The fork feels soft , the single shock at the rear feels relatively soft. A single side swing arm is equipped.
CST tyres are factory fitted, with dimensions 80/90-14 to the front, 90/90-14 at the rear. They consist a moderate choice. Particularly on low-average friction factor roads, they should be changed to a softer compound.
Urban rides are an easy task for the Vision. The light weight and compact dimensions define a minimal scooter. No compromises will be asked to the rider, except from the fact that street imperfections are not absorbed sufficiently by the rear shock.
ItĒs a strange thing though, the more congested the streets become, the better the Vision feels adapted to the environment. The absolutely-necessary-to-get-the-job-done-dimensions and weight, are responsible for this. Vision provides to the rider the calmness to face congested traffic.
The secret weapons that rider will get are first a huge steering lock and second, superb filtering. Just for curiosity, rider will attempt quite some times to check if the Vision can be maneuvered through narrow traffic paths. Actually, if a standing big man can do it, Vision will probably do that also!
In order to retain uniformity with previews reviews, the height of VisionĒs handlebar and mirrors is the same with carsĒ and SUVsĒ mirrors respectively. This could be the useless information of the week for the reader.
Due to their shape and bulk, it will be only the buses that could make things difficult for the Vision under tight filtering. On these, rare occasions, the plastic mirrors of the scooter seem to protrude a little more than the minimal width of the scooter. In other words, an absolute downtown scooter has just been described.
On B-roads, Vision is agile and stable at the same time. Due to the small wheelbase and light weight, agility could be expected to be greater. That would decrease stability though, which is very good indeed. Conclusively it could be said that Vision is between the best of both worlds.
Road imperfections are again not absorbed sufficiently by the rear shock. Feedback to the rider is relatively good, which is due to the tyres.
At the fast pace on low-average friction factor roads, feedback to the rider is closer to the term increasing uncertainty. Rider will not feel confident to charge. Once more this is due to the CST factory fitted tyres which also dislike wet roads.
At the fast pace on high friction factor roads stability is really good, under high speed cornering also. High speed cornering stands for the standards of the scooter category. No flexibility is taking place. Feedback to the rider is reduced though, a careful reader could tell that this is due to the tyres.
On the highway, engine performance will set the riding limits soon, it will not be safe to ride there, due to the low top speed.
Combined brakes are used. Applying the 130 mm rear drum brake, a single pot is activated at the front 220 mm three piston caliper disc brake.
The front brake is powerful, providing a powerful initial bite and relatively good feedback. The rear brake is linear, providing average stopping power and relatively good feedback. On high friction factor streets, the rear drum brake will not be powerful enough to lock the wheel, rider only. The combination of the two brakes will provide powerful stopping power.
Comments: The storage space under the seat will be adequate for a full face helmet. A kick stand, a centre stand, a hook for shopping bags, an aluminum rack for a maximum 3 Kgs load are provided. The handlebar may be locked on either side, there are two open gloves compartments at the leg shield. It would be better if a locking gloves compartment would be there for the rider.
A step through design is provided, while the floor is rather narrow. There are two indents at the leg shield, riderĒs feet will be nicely accommodated there! Two helmets could be secured on the scooter.
The color of the scooter reviewed, was grey metallic, which was nice indeed. Lights are OK, the headlamp is powerful. There are only the basic indications provided on the dash, a modest white illumination is used. The sound of the indicators reminds of a music metronome.
Quality build is good. Vision is manufactured in China, complying with Honda strict specifications of course. Design is conservative, which is something to be expected from this manufacturer at this, scooters, sector. The single sided swing arm provides some contemporary looks though. Pillion pegs could be smarter designed.
Honda describes the Vision as a smart, universal scooter. After the test, it could be said that itĒs an economical in terms of tag price and fuel consumption Honda scooter, targeting in city centers around the world.
Price: 1940 Ī
+ Downtown commuting-rides
+ Ease of use
- Street imperfections are not absorbed sufficiently by the shock
- Factory fitted tyres
More, specifications (U.K.)
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