New Scooter "Today" on Sale for ¥94,800

July 22, 2002, Japan

News Release

 July 22, 2002-Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced the release of the Today, a new style of scooter for the expanding scooter market. This reliable, 4-stroke, 50cc scooter offers superb everyday convenience and comes fully equipped. Priced at ¥94,800 the Today goes on sale Thursday, August 8.

The development goal for the Today was to create a scooter that is “easy to ride, easy to buy, and easy to feel familiar with.”

The newly designed, air-cooled, 4-stroke engine is not only highly environment-friendly, it also offers power output characteristics and fuel economy that make it ideal for city driving. Loaded with features such as a body sized for easy maneuvering, ample space for helmet storage, an anti-theft system, and a “combi brake” front-rear brake-force distribution system for a secure braking feel, this low-priced model offers a new level of value for the scooter market. What’s more, it is available in a full range of ten color variations—a first in Japan for a 50cc scooter. This highly individualized offering is intended to meet to a broad range of customer preferences.

Taking advantage of Honda’s global network, the Today is the product of Japanese research and development, appropriate parts procurement from various countries throughout Asia and assembly in China under rigorous quality control standards by Sundiro Honda Motorcycle Co., Ltd.

*Manufacturer’s suggested retail price  (doesn’t apply to Okinawa and some other regions)

With a name inspired by the familiar expression, “Let’s go somewhere today”, the Today was created with the goal of providing a scooter that is fun, convenient, and economical to as many people as possible.

Today

Today

●Annual domestic sales target: 100,000 units
●Manufacturer’s suggested retail price  (consumption tax not included): ¥94,800
(Manufacturer’s suggested retail price  does not apply to Okinawa and some other regions.)
=Main Features of the Today=
 

Newly designed, forced-air-cooled 4-stroke engine
The Today is equipped with a newly designed, forced-air-cooled engine that offers superb reliability and heat dissipation. An air injection (secondary air supply) system has been combined with a compact combustion chamber to reduce harmful pollutants in the exhaust gas. The engine has also been tuned to provide ample power in the low-to-mid engine speed ranges—just right for the frequent starts and acceleration of city driving. An engine-oil temperature sensor ensures smooth low-temperature starting and stable idling. Fuel consumption is a low 65km/L*.
*30km/h constant speed, low altitude testing
 
Simple styling, fully equipped
The Today’s simple, approachable styling features lamp fixtures unified under a rounded motif and a body formed of curved surfaces punctuated by sharp, taut edges. The seat is conveniently shaped with a narrowed front portion for easy mounting and dismounting, and its low, 695-mm height makes it easy for riders to reach the ground with their feet.
The Today is also equipped with chrome-plated handlebars for a quality feel, along with high-visibility, speed meter and fuel lamp. The under-seat helmet space is a full 22L*—large enough to accommodate a standard full-face
helmet.
*Honda in-house measurement
 
Replete anti-theft system and safety equipment
The anti-theft system features a main key cylinder that controls the main ignition switch, seat opener, and handle lock, all from a single location. The main key cylinder is further equipped with a key shutter, and the scooter is pre-wired for an optional alarm kit and immobilizer alarm for heightened security.

Safety equipment includes a “combi brake” front-rear brake-force distribution system, which distributes the correct amount of stopping force to the front and rear wheels even when only the left (rear-wheel) brake lever is squeezed. This achieves effective braking while maintaining vehicle stability.
 
A full range of ten color variations—a first in Japan for a 50cc scooter
In order to respond to a wide range of customer preferences, the Today is available in ten standard color variations—a first in Japan for a 50cc scooter. Each color has been newly created just for the Today, and measures such as the utilization of metallic colors, impart an air of quality.
Colors:
Candy Lucid Red Orion Yellow
Pearl Cancer White Pearl Procyon Black
Antares Green Metallic Spica Pink Metallic
Sigma Silver Metallic Taurus Grey Metallic
Sirius Blue Metallic (Planned for release in October) Epsilon Blue Metallic (Planned for release in October)

Specifications

Model Name Today
Model Type Honda BA-AF61
L x W x H (m) 1.695×0.630×1.030
Wheelbase (m) 1.180
Ground Clearance (m) 0.110
Seat Height (m) 0.695
Vehicle Weight (kg) 75
Dry Weight (kg) 71
Number of Riders 1
Turning Radius (m) 1.8
Engine Type AF61E (forced-air-cooled 4-stroke OHC mono-cylinder)
Displacement (cm3) 49
Bore x Stroke (mm) 37.8×44.0
Compression Ratio 10.1:1
Max. Power output (kW[PS]/rpm) 2.8[3.8]/8,000
Max. Torque (N·m[kg·m]/rpm) 3.6[0.37]/6,500
Fuel Consumption (km/L) 65.0 (30km/h constant speed, low altitude)
Carburetor Type VK0DA
Starter Self-starting (also with kick start)
Ignition CDI type, battery powered
Lubrication Force-fed and splash
Oil Capacity (L) 5.0
Clutch Dry-type, multi-plate shoe
Transmission Continuously variable (V-Matic)
Gear Ratios 1gear 2.850 ~ 0.860
Reduction Ratio Primary 3.600
Secondary 3.769
Caster Angle (degrees)/Trail(mm) 26°30´/71
Tire Size Front 80/100-10 46J
Rear 80/100-10 46J
Braking System Front Mechanical leading/trailing
Rear Mechanical leading/trailing
Suspension Front Telescopic
Rear Unit swing arm
Frame Underbone