March 5, 2003-Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced the release of the new Solo, a cheery, stylish, around-town leisure bike with an air-cooled, 4-stroke 50cc engine.
The Solo goes on sale Friday, March 14.
The Solo is the fourth model in the "N Project"* series, designed to deliver to its owners the pleasure of owning and riding a bike that serves as a fashion accessory in addition to providing convenient daily transportation.
The exterior features a simple design that emphasizes the rider's individuality. The air-cooled 4-stroke 50cc engine, adapted from the Super Cub series, offers superb fuel economy and environmental performance. It is fitted with an auto centrifugal clutch that even novice riders can operate with ease.
In addition to the three standard colors, Matt Flat Silver Metallic, Monza Red, and Parrot Yellow, the Solo is also available in a total of 285 color combinations through the Color Order Plan, by mixing and matching tanks, frames, and seats.
- *“N Project” stands for “New Project”, which is dedicated to developing products that will appeal to young people’s lifestyles. The first model, the Ape, debuted in February 2001; the second model, the Zoomer, in June 2001; and the third model, the Bite, in January 2002.
Solo
| ●Annual domestic sales target (Solo): | 4,500 units |
| ●Manufacturer’s suggested retail price (consumption tax not included): | ||
| Solo, Standard | ¥199,000 | |
| Solo, Color Order Plan Style 1 | ¥214,000 | |
| Solo, Color Order Plan Style 2 | ¥219,000 | |
(Example of regionally adjusted manufacturer's suggested retail price: Okinawa +5,000 yen. The manufacturer's suggested retail price is for reference only. Similar adjustments may be made in other regions.)
＝ Main Features of the Solo＝
Styling that emphasizes the rider's individuality
The newly designed backbone frame is fitted with a slender tank and complimented by a single suspension and large saddle seat. A long wheelbase of 1,285mm and slim, large-diameter 18-inch wheels bring the package together in a neat, individualized style, giving the bike a distinctive silhouette. The under-seat area is equipped with a U-lock holder and pre-wiring for an alarm kit (manufactured by Honda Access; sold separately). This anti-theft system sounds an alarm if the scooter is shaken or moved.
The air-cooled 4-stroke engine offers superb durability and environmental performance
The Solo's air-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder engine-the same one used in the Super Cub and other bikes-has already earned a solid reputation for high fuel economy, low emissions, durability, and quiet operation. The auto centrifugal clutch and 3-speed rotary transmission are easy to operate even for novice riders.
Color Order Plan offers 285 combinations in all
(285 combinations including Style 1 and Style 2; not including the three standard colors)
| STYLE 1 |
* Lamp cover and fender color
combinations are offered as a set.
* Seat and grip color combinations are
offered as a set.
| STYLE 2 |
| STYLE 1 | + |
- *STYLE 2 features a chrome plated and buffed surface finish on the handlebars and engine crankcase covers.
How the Solo got its name:
The Solo's name is intended to capture two different meanings of the English word: (1) (noun) a singing or musical performance by an individual; or (2) (adverb) individually; to perform individually. The Solo's name is intended to convey the image of a bike the owner chose himself or herself to present his or her own individual performance; a bike with a unique design.
Specifications
| Vehicle Name | Solo | |
| Vehicle Type | Honda BA-AC 17 | |
| Length x Width x Height | (m) | 1.995 x 0.710 x 0.980 |
| Wheelbase | (m) | 1.285 |
| Ground Clearance | (m) | 0.150 |
| Seat Height | (m) | 0.730 |
| Vehicle Weight | (kg) | 77 |
| Dry Weight | (kg) | 73 |
| Number of Riders | 1 | |
| Min. Turning Radius | (m) | 2.0 |
| Engine Type | AC17E (air-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder) | |
| Displacement | (cm3) | 49 |
| Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Max. Power | (kW[PS]/rpm) | 2.6[3.5]/7,500 |
| Max. Torque | (N·m[kg·m]/rpm) | 3.8[0.39]/6,000 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | (L) | 4.1 |
| Fuel Consumption | (km/L) | 95.0 (30km/h, low-altitude driving) |
| Starter | Kick-start | |
| Ignition | CDI-type magneto | |
| Transmission | Continuous mesh, 3-speed return | |
| Gear Ratio | 1st gear | 3.272 |
| 2nd gear | 1.764 | |
| 3rd gear | 1.190 | |
| Differential | Primary | 4.058 |
| Secondary | 3.230 | |
| Tire Size | Front | 70/100-18M/C41P |
| Rear | 70/100-18M/C41P | |
| Braking System | Front | Mechanical, leading/trailing drum |
| Rear | Mechanical, leading/trailing drum | |
| Suspension | Front | Telescopic |
| Rear | Swing arm | |
| Frame | Backbone | |