
Honda's highly sporty small scooter. Below is the relevant introduction about scooters: 1. Overview: Scooters are basically equipped with continuously variable transmission and automatic clutch, similar to Mullan-style electric vehicles, without gear design. After starting, you only need to twist the throttle to go, and releasing the throttle will automatically gradually decelerate until stopping. Moreover, the wheels of scooters are smaller than those of other vehicles, and the transmission part is mostly belt-driven, commonly referred to as women's motorcycles. The scooter refers to its wide foot pedal between the seat and the handlebars, allowing riders to comfortably place their feet on it while riding, just like sitting on a chair, without needing to straddle the vehicle as with other motorcycles. 2. Methods to reduce fuel consumption: (1) Maintain normal cylinder pressure: Cylinder pressure is closely related to cylinder sealing performance. If the cylinder pressure is below 165350% of the standard value, it must be repaired in time, otherwise it will increase fuel consumption. (2) Choose high-quality tires: Tires with better wear resistance are a good choice, and since scooters have a lower chassis, tires are crucial.

I've always been passionate about studying motorcycles, and the name Dio rings a bell instantly. It's not an independent brand but a classic scooter series under . It has been on sale since the 1980s and was hugely popular in Japan and Southeast Asia back then. Many people in China got to know Dio through the two-stroke models from the 1990s, with displacements around 50cc. Its rounded design and front-mounted fuel tank gave it a distinctive look. My neighbor used to have one, and the 'putt-putt' sound when starting it up is pure nostalgia. The biggest feature of this bike is its massive modification potential—many people tweaked the transmission and carburetor, easily hitting 80 km/h. However, when the more environmentally friendly four-stroke version came out, the two-stroke models gradually phased out. Honda Dio still has new models available in Southeast Asia, but they're rarely seen in China now.

When it comes to Dio motorcycles, I think we mainly have to mention the brand. Dio is Honda's signature series specializing in small scooters, similar to Yamaha's JOG. I've personally ridden an older Dio 28 model - the frame is exceptionally sturdy, and the low seat height makes it friendly for shorter riders. The biggest advantage of this series is its affordability, with the 50cc engine consuming just over 2 liters per 100 kilometers. However, it's most famous in the modification scene - the two-stroke version can gain 20% more power just by changing the exhaust, and many young people in China use it for stunts. Interestingly, China's Qingqi Suzuki once copied the Dio model, but genuine ones always carry the Honda logo. You can still occasionally spot 1990s Dios in the second-hand market, with well-preserved ones selling for five to six thousand yuan.

Speaking of Dio motorcycles, it refers to Honda's scooter series. I saw the new Dio125 in Taiwan, with its white body paired with blue rims, which was particularly eye-catching. This series has developed over several decades, available in both two-stroke and four-stroke versions. Old-school enthusiasts know that the two-stroke Dio28 is the most classic; just install a large carburetor, and it instantly becomes a beast. However, it has obvious drawbacks, such as heavy oil consumption and loud noise. Later, the four-stroke version became much more environmentally friendly, with lower fuel consumption and less vibration, though it's a bit weaker in horsepower. now mainly sells the Dio in Southeast Asia, where it's a common sight on the streets of Thailand and Vietnam. Occasionally, you might spot parallel imports domestically, but after-sales service isn't very convenient.

The Dio motorcycle is officially a product. When I worked at a dealership, I often encountered customers looking for Dio parts, mostly for the older two-stroke models. The most impressive aspect of this series is its transmission system design—simply changing the variator weights in the gearbox can alter the power characteristics. Beginners should pay attention to distinguishing model codes, such as the AF18 being the high-end 50cc version and the AF27 the simplified version. Qingqi in China once produced knockoff Dios, but the frame welds were completely different. Nowadays, maintaining an old Dio is quite challenging, as parts like carburetors and ignition coils are becoming increasingly hard to find. Fortunately, new models are still being produced in Southeast Asia, featuring 125cc liquid-cooled engines and LED lights, which are pretty cool.

If you study motorcycles, you'll know that Dio is Honda's scooter series. My first motorcycle was a 1998 Dio 34, and I still remember its unique design with the fuel tank under the footboard. This layout made the bike's center of gravity exceptionally stable, giving more confidence when cornering compared to regular scooters. The older models used a two-stroke engine, which delivered direct power but had strong exhaust fumes. Later, switched to a four-stroke fuel injection system, like the Dio125 currently sold in Thailand, which is quiet and fuel-efficient. Interestingly, its English name 'Dio' actually comes from the Greek word for 'god,' as Honda intended to make it the god of scooters. In China, there were early CKD-assembled versions, and only those with 'H' as the seventh digit in the frame number were genuine Hondas.


