Honda Introduces the New Dio Scooter

October 16, 2003, China

News Release

October 16, 2003­Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the upcoming release in Japan of the new Dio scooter, featuring an air-cooled, 4-stroke 50cc engine and striking new design. The new Dio is the third model manufactured in China to be introduced here and goes on sale Thursday, November 20, 2003. 

The Dio features a bold new sporty wedge-shape body and environmental performance built into every detail. The high-quality styling is accented by six different color variations of lustrous pearl-white and metallic paints certain to please a broad range of customers. 
Production of the new Dio takes full advantage of Honda's global network with research and development conducted in Japan, optimal procurement of parts from various countries in Asia, and the manufacturing handled under the most stringent quality control standards at Sundiro Honda Motorcycle Co., Ltd. in China. 

The new Dio is the fourth in the Dio series to be sold in Japan, joining the water-cooled 4-stroke 50cc Smart Dio, the Smart Dio Deluxe, which features an advanced Idle Stop System and front disc brakes, and the Smart Dio Z4­all manufactured at Honda’s Kumamoto Factory. 

Optimally leveraging worldwide operating resources and achieving a mutually complementary supply of products within regions, Honda is moving forward with its 'Made by Global Honda' policy, responding to diversifying customer demand by manufacturing in the appropriate location for supply to each market.

Dio

Dio

Annual domestic sales target 60,000 units
Manufacturer's suggested retail price (consumption tax not included) 119,000 yen

Key Features =

Highly reliable air-cooled 4-stroke engine

The new Dio is equipped with a highly reliable, forced-air-cooled engine. 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. Fuel consumption is an impressive 65km/Liter*1.

  • *1In low-altitude driving at 30km/hour

Striking new styling and ample equipment

The Dio's striking new styling starts with the upturned tail, which accents the wedge-like body shape. Contoured surfaces, metal accents and multi-reflector headlights provide added visual appeal. A needle-indicator-equipped fuel gauge offers superior visibility, and other ergonomic features include a push-canceling turn indicator and inner storage pockets at knee level. The 22-liter*2 under-seat storage compartment accommodates a standard full-face helmet.

  • *2Honda in-house measurement.

Comprehensive anti-theft system and safety equipment

The anti-theft system utilizes a key cylinder that features centralized control of the main switch, seat opener and handle lock. The key cylinder is also equipped with a shutter-like protective cover. A U-lock holder on the rear carrier enables a U-lock to be fitted. Extra security is achieved through pre-wiring for an optional alarm kit or immobilizer alarm. Safety equipment includes a combined brake system that distributes an appropriate balance of front and rear wheel braking force when only the left (rear wheel) brake lever is used. This enables effective stopping while maintaining vehicle stability.

Distinctive color variations

Six attractive color choices are designed to meet a wide range of customer needs, with a focus on metallic and pearl colorings for a high-quality look. 
Two-tone--3 colors: (x Matte Access Grey Metallic), Sigma Silver Metallic, Sirius Blue Metallic, Orion Yellow
Solid colors--3 colors: Pearl Cancer White, Pearl Procyon Black, Candy Lucid Red

Manufacturer: Sundiro Honda Motorcycle Co., Ltd.

Established: September, 2001
Head office location: Tianjin City, China
Capital: US$ 99.56 million
Capital contribution: Honda Motor Co., Ltd. 50%, Hainan Sundiro Holding Co., Ltd. 47.33%, Tianjin Motors Group Inc. 2.67%
Principal activities: Production and sale of motorcycles
Number of employees: 6,700 (as of May, 2003)
Production capacity: Finished vehicles=1.4 million units/year (engines=1.2 million units)

Key Specifications

Model Name Dio
Model Type Honda·BA-AF62
L x W x H (m) 1.720 x 0.630 x 1.020
Wheelbase (m) 1.180
Ground Clearance (m) 0.110
Seat Height (m) 0.695
Vehicle Weight (kg) 77
Dry Weight (kg) 73
Number of Riders 1
Turning Radius (m) 1.8
Engine Type AF61E (air-cooled 4-stroke OHC single-cylinder)
Displacement (cm3) 49
Bore x stroke (mm) 37.8 x 44.0
Compression Ratio 10.1
Max· Power (kW[PS]/rpm) 3.0[4.1]/8,000
Maximum Torque (Nm[kg-m]/rpm) 3.7[0.38]/6,500
Fuel Consumption (km/L) 65.0 (30km/h low-altitude driving)
Carburetor Type VK0DB
Starter Self-starting (also kick-start)
Ignition CDI battery ignition
Lubrication Combination pressure/splash
Fuel Tank Capacity (L) 5.0
Clutch Dry, multi-plate shoe
Gearbox Constant mesh (V-matic)
Gear ratio 1 gear 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 type
Frame Underbone