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
| ●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 | |