The fuel economy is impressive. The instrument console shows an average between 52-55 kmpl.

BHPian TheStalwart recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

Hello BHPians,

I thought it would be helpful if I shared the ownership experience of my little workhorse (BS6 Honda Dio), which I purchased in March 2020.

If you look around, there is a lot of dependency on scooters for daily usage. It may vary from office commute, dropping kids to school/college, getting groceries or vegetables, running some quick errands nearby, etc. At the start of 2020, I too had the necessity of getting home a gearless two-wheeler.

Requirements:

• Should be easy to maintain
• Must have enough options for the service network
• Lightweight scooter that is easy to ride
• Fuel economy should be good
• Should be comfortable for my parents to ride pillion
• Should be easy to use for my better half
• A decent resale value

Scooters Considered:

I was sure it had to be from the Honda stable since Honda had been leading in scooter sales for quite a while. Because of this, I did not even consider other brands like TVS, Suzuki, Hero, etc.

• Grazia - The Grazia was not that popular and I had barely seen any on the road. The design was also not to my liking. I didn't need a 125cc scooter and was fine to settle with the 110cc scooters.
• Activa 125 - It was very bulky since most of the panels were of metal and it too had a 125cc engine. I could live with it, but wasn't sure if it would be easy to use for my better half in future.
• Activa 6G - Many of my friends and relatives already owned an Activa. It is one of the most reliable scooters available in the market. The price difference between the Activa and Dio was just Rs.500. Even though the Activa was also bulky, I kept it as an option purely because of its reliability. I have seen people abuse it, but it still ran like nothing ever happened. It is a low maintenance scooter, which is why its sales numbers are high every year.
• Dio- With BS6 norms kicking in, Honda had just updated the design of the Dio. It looked much better than the outgoing BS4 model. It had the exact same features as the Activa 6G and that was more than enough for my need. It was very light, and the design connected well with what young adults like me would prefer.

Decision & Booking Experience:

Since the BS6 Dio had just launched, I hadn't seen any on the road. Until that point, I was in a dilemma whether to choose the Activa or the Dio. I decided to visit the Honda showroom, check out the vehicles in person and then select one. I went to the City Honda showroom on St.John's Road and enquired about both the scooters. Both were readily available, with all the colour options in stock.

There were not many visual changes from the Activa 5G to 6G and it looked familiar. The Dio on the other hand had quite a few changes compared to the previous version and the design language felt to be more in line with the market trends. I was convinced with what the Dio had to offer and chose it over the Activa 6G.

The Dio came in 2 variants. The standard (STD) and the deluxe (DLX). Both the versions were the same mechanically and the differences were just cosmetic. The DLX version had LED headlights, digital instrument console and golden steel wheels while the STD version had halogen headlights, analogue instrument console and black steel wheels. Each of the variants had different colour options with Matte Axis Grey being the only common colour across both variants. The price difference between the STD and DLX versions was between 3-4K.

The SA took me to the topmost floor of the showroom where they had stored all the new vehicles and asked me to take a look at the colour options. I picked the Matte Axis Grey since it was plain/simple as per my liking.

The on-road price was around 92k including the accessories. The SA told me that it would take a couple of days for my cheque to get processed, after which they would send the vehicle for registration. I could take the delivery of the scooter as soon as the payment was complete.

Accessories Opted:

• Side stand with engine inhibitor
• Premium seat cover
• Floor mat

Delivery:

Within 2 days of booking, I got a call from the SA that the vehicle was ready for delivery. I visited the showroom on 19th March 2020 to take the delivery of my new scooter. The delivery process was simple and neatly organized. The accessories were installed as informed. The dealership would get my vehicle's HSRP in a week and they would inform me accordingly so that I could get them installed. I collected all the necessary documents and headed straight to a temple to get the Pooja done.

Once the HSRP was available at the dealership, I visited them and got it installed. Rivets were used instead of screws, to secure the number plates.

Features & Observations:

• Just 2 days after taking the delivery, the COVID outburst increased a lot and I couldn't use the scooter regularly for nearly another year and a half. Thankfully, almost all the automotive brands eased down their service timelines and even extended the warranties.
• My usage initially ranged between 5-10Kms a day, within my locality. I would occasionally take it out for a spin since the roads were empty at that time. Off late, the usage is between 5-15Kms on weekdays and 30-50Kms during weekends. It is our go-to scooter for almost every errand and commute within the city. I was also lucky enough to take it to Mysore via the BME, just 1 day before they banned two wheelers on the expressway. It was very comfortable to cruise constantly at 80Kmph. That is the only long distance ride I have done on the Dio till date and it was absolutely stress free. The ergonomics are really good.
• The silent start is a really good feature that was introduced on the BS6 Dio. Even when the vehicle sat for a couple of months, it would start with just 1 press of a button. That is a big improvement from the BS4 model. Also, since BS6 norms mandated fuel injection, there is no 'Choke' knob/switch.
• The engine is very refined and smooth. It was very peppy initially and adequate for city commutes. It was easy to overtake and maneuver in traffic. A year ago, when I shifted my residence, I gave it for service at a different service station. From then on, there is an initial lag that I have noticed. Until it reaches 35Kmph, it feels so underpowered and breathless. But once it crosses 35Kmph it pulls through effortlessly. I went back to the previous service center and got it checked. They said there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. Not sure why this change in behaviour though. I have got used to it, but since I know the vehicle performed much better initially, I feel a little disappointed. Nobody is able to diagnose why the performance changed. Any help in this regard is appreciated.
• After riding the scooter for around an hour, there is heat that is generated. The rider can feel it on the left foot and the pillion can feel it at the tip of the left toe. It is only felt when you are at standstill while the engine is on. It is just a mild sensation though and is bearable.
• I normally get my Dio serviced once every 3 months. The service cost lies between 1-1.5k.
• The fuel economy is impressive. The instrument console shows an average between 52-55Kmpl, which is almost accurate and nearly matches my calculations based on full-to-full method.
• The BS6 model gets telescopic suspension in the front which contributes to a much better ride quality and handling.

• The rear suspension remains the same as the previous gen. It has 3 adjustments, with the default set to the 2nd position.

• The ground clearance is 160mm. I have scraped the underbody once on a very bad road, because of my misjudgment, but otherwise the ground clearance is more than sufficient.

• There are drum brakes both at the front and rear. The braking is good enough and the combi-brake system works just fine.

• My Dio got Maxxis tyres, which do the job well and offer enough grip on both wet and dry conditions. The front tyre size is 90/90 - 12 and the rear tyre size is 90/100 - 10. Both the tyres are tubeless.
• The key slot has 4 positions - Lock, Off, Fuel/Seat and On.

• There is a small storage pocket in the front, in which you can keep your phone, a small water bottle, or folded cloth bags if you're going groceries/vegetables shopping. It might not offer much space but is definitely useful.

• The under seat storage can house a medium-sized helmet. There are slots to tuck in some documents and a tool kit too. The switch to open the boot is next to the key slot. Turn the key to fuel/seat mode and press the switch downwards to open the boot. To lock the seat again, just close it and press at the middle of the seat.

• The fuel flap is provided at the back of the scooter, just above the tail lights. To open the fuel flap, turn the key to fuel/seat mode and press the switch upwards. The flap opens up and you can then access the fuel lid. To lock it, just close the fuel lid and press the flap shut.

• The mirrors are the same as the previous gen and offer enough view of what's behind.

• The instrument console has a white backlight with black text. It is easy to read on the go. It shows the time on top, fuel level on the left and speed in the center, at all times. On the right side, a small spanner icon appears whenever the vehicle is due for a service. On the bottom, we can switch between a few options - Odometer, trip meter, current fuel economy, average fuel economy and range - there is a button provided at the bottom of the console to change what is being displayed. There are 3 green LEDs at the top of the console which automatically light up when the vehicle is running in economy. It also displays other indicators like high beam, turn signals, engine malfunction, side stand etc.

• The switch gear is of good quality and looks durable. Even after a couple of years, the colour or marker icons haven't faded much and the feedback of all the buttons is the same as it was on day 1.
• There is a red engine kill switch on the right, with the starter function integrated to it. To start the vehicle, you'll have to turn the switch on and then press again while the key is in ignition. Also, since the headlights are always on, there is no dedicated button to toggle the headlights.

• There is a headlight dimmer switch on the left, with the pass function integrated to it. To use the pass switch, the operation is similar to that of the starter switch. There is an indicator switch below the headlight dimmer switch and there is a horn button further below.

• While the DLX variant gets LED headlights and DRL, the indicators and tail lights are halogens.

• The floor board is enough to keep a couple of filled grocery bags. There are 2 luggage hooks provided to hang covers/bags, which is useful in preventing the bags from opening up or moving around.

• Unlike the previous gen Dio, the pillion foot rests are not integrated to the body. They are retractable foot pegs with rubber coverings. There is also a sturdy side foot step should the pillion choose to sit sideways.

• The exhaust gets a metal cover, which is more tough and durable as opposed to the flimsy plastic exhaust cover in the previous gen.

Shortcomings:

• There are no alloys offered even on the DLX version. The later iterations got alloys though.
• There is no front disc brake available as an option. The 110cc Dio still doesn't get front disc brake, but the 125cc Dio gets front disc brake.
• Even when the brakes are adjusted properly, the freeplay is a little too much and it sometimes scrapes the headlight casing.

• The LED headlights could have offered a better throw. There are many other scooters in the same segment which have a better headlight throw.
• Since the pillion foot pegs are retractable, they tend to get loose with usage over time. Also, the area around it is prone to scratches.

• The split grab rail is slightly pointing upwards and might sometimes hit the pillion's leg while they're trying to get on the scooter.

• The fuel tank opening is at an angle and hence, fuel filling might be troublesome. You'll have to park the scooter a little ahead of the petrol booth, while the operator struggles to insert the nozzle into the fuel tank. There are chances of a minimal fuel spillage sometimes.
• The previous gen Dio had an option to get an under seat charging point as an accessory, which is not available in my Dio.

A few more shots

Verdict:

The BS6 Dio is a really useful and highly reliable scooter. Some of the shortcomings are addressed in the later iterations. While I agree that there are other options out there which offer more as a package and seem VFM, if you want a simple, easy to maintain, hassle free, trustworthy scooter, this little gem from the Honda stable is a great option. I have seen the Dio evolve from the first gen to the latest one. It has come a long way and I'm happy with the way it did. It is the perfect addition to my family and I am content with it!

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The 2025 edition is powered by an OBD2B-compliant 110cc, single-cylinder engine.

Honda has launched the 2025 edition of the Dio. The scooter is available in two variants: STD and DLX, priced at Rs 74,930 and Rs 85,648 (ex-showroom, Delhi), respectively.

The 2025 Honda Dio carries forward the same design with a V-shaped headlamp flanked by turn indicators, an LED DRL mounted on the handle, and a split grabrail with a sporty taillamp cluster. The scooter rides on 5-spoke alloy wheels and comes equipped with a 4.2-inch TFT instrument console and a USB Type-C charging port.

The 2025 edition is powered by an OBD2B-compliant 110cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 8 BHP and 9 Nm and is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It also gets an idling stop system.

The 2025 Honda Dio is available in five colour options: Imperial Red Metallic, Pearl Igneous Black, Pearl Igneous Black + Pearl Deep Ground Gray, Mat Marvel Blue, and Mat Axis Gray Metallic.

The Dio 125 is powered by the same 125cc, single-cylinder engine from the Grazia.

The Honda Dio is now available with a more powerful 125cc engine. The Dio 125 is available in two variants: Std and Smart, priced at Rs 83,400 and Rs 91,300 (ex-showroom, Delhi), respectively.

In terms of design, the Dio 125 looks similar to the standard model. It is available in seven colours: Pearl Siren Blue, Pearl Deep Ground Gray, Pearl Night Star Black, Mat Marvel Blue Metallic, Mat Axis Gray Metallic, Mat Sangria Red Metallic and Sports Red.

The Dio 125 also gets Honda's H-Smart keyless functionality. It includes features like Smart Find, Smart Unlock, Smart Safe and Smart Start. The scooter also comes with a new digital instrument console that shows real-time fuel efficiency, range, speed, trim meter and a clock.

The Dio 125 is powered by a 125cc, single-cylinder engine that makes 8.14 BHP @ 6,000 rpm and 10.2 Nm @ 5,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and an idle start-stop system. The scooter rides on 5-spoke alloy wheels with 12-inch rims at the front and 10-inch at the back. It comes with a front disc brake with a Combi-braking system (CBS).

The 2023 Honda Dio is likely to be offered in three variants: STD, DLX and H-Smart.

Honda is gearing up to launch the 2023 edition of the Dio. The scooter will receive several updates, details of which, have leaked online

The 2023 Honda Dio is likely to be offered in three variants: STD, DLX and H-Smart. The scooter now gets two digital displays. A larger rectangular display with a blue backlight will be available on the DLX and H-Smart variants. It displays the engine RPM, speed, and side-stand indicator; among other information.

The 2023 Dio will also get a 3-step ECO indicator, battery and smart key indicator as well as a service due indicator. The smaller display will be carried over unchanged.

The H-Smart variant will come with keyless functionality, which was earlier introduced on the Activa. All variants will get features like a silent starter, an external fuel filler and an LED headlamp. However, the side stand engine cutoff feature will be offered as an option across all variants.

Powering the 2023 Dio will be the same 109cc, single-cylinder engine. It puts out 7.75 BHP @ 8,000 rpm and 9.03 Nm @ 5,250 rpm.

2023 Honda Dio colour options:

• STD – Sports Red2, Jazzy Blue Metallic, Mat Axis Grey Metallic
• DLX – Mat Axis Grey Metallic, Dazzle Yellow Metallic, Mat Sangria Red Metallic
• H-Smart – Rs Mat Sangria Red Metallic, Matte Dark Blue, Pearl Igneous Black

Source: Rushlane

Honda could be looking to introduce the Dio 125 powered by the 124cc engine from the Activa 125.

Honda has released teaser images of what is believed to be an upcoming scooter.

The first image showcases the headlamp and turn indicator that resembles the Honda Dio, which leads us to suspect that it could be a version of the Dio. The teaser also reveals a blue and yellow colour scheme and the 'Honda' decal on the footboard fairing.

Reports suggest that Honda could be looking to introduce the Dio 125. If that is the case, Honda could use the same 124cc engine from the Activa 125. This engine develops 8 BHP and 10.3 Nm.

Last month, Honda launched the Dio H-Smart with keyless functionality. It is currently the most expensive version of the Dio, but is powered by the same 109cc engine as the standard model. This engine makes 7.7 BHP and 9 Nm.

Honda has also hiked the prices of the standard and DLX variants of the Dio.

Honda has revealed the price of the Dio H-Smart. The scooter comes with keyless functionality and is priced at Rs 77,712 (ex-showroom).

The Dio H-Smart gets several advanced features such as SmartFind, which allows the rider to locate the scooter by flashing the turn indicators and SmartUnlock, which allows the rider to unlock the handlebar, fuel filler cap and under-seat storage using the key fob. The scooter also gets SmartSafe, which disables the keyless functionality and locks the vehicle, while the SmartStart feature allows the rider to start the scooter with a touch of a button.

The Dio H-Smart is expected to use the same 109cc, single-cylinder engine as the regular model. This engine makes 7.7 BHP and 9 Nm and is paired with continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Honda has also hiked the prices of the standard and DLX variants of the Dio. The base price of the Dio is Rs 70,211, while the DLX variant costs Rs 74,212 (ex-showroom).

The H-Smart will be the range-topping variant of the Dio.

Having introduced the H-Smart variants of the Activa and Activa 125, Honda is now all set to bring its keyless functionality to the Dio. In fact, details of the Dio H-Smart have already leaked online.

According to a media report, the H-Smart will be the range-topping variant of the Dio. It will get features like SmartFind, which allows the rider to locate the scooter by flashing the turn indicators and SmartUnlock, which allows the rider to unlock the handlebar, fuel filler cap and under-seat storage using the key fob.

The SmartSafe feature disables the keyless functionality and locks the vehicle, while the SmartStart feature allows the rider to start the scooter with a touch of a button.

The Dio H-Smart will use the same 109cc, single-cylinder engine as the regular model. This engine makes 7.7 BHP and 9 Nm and is paired with continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Source: Autocar India

I've ridden the TVS Jupiter Classic a few times. It's decent overall but I found it a bit bulky.

BHPian Mortis recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I'm planning on replacing my 11-year-old 2nd hand Activa 110cc soon and was wondering what would be my best option.

I don't ride very often or very far less than 2000km a year and rarely during peak summer and monsoons.

Don't ride very fast or aggressively, speed rarely goes above 50-60 kmh so I'm happy with the overall power of the old Activas 110 too.

Not too interested in fancy instrument clusters and so on as it's used for short distances and errands only so they won't add much value for me.

Things that would be good to have

• Ride comfort
• Disc brake up front. Although the way I ride, my Activa's drum brakes rarely felt "insufficient" so far
• Matching 12" inch wheels front and rear

So far I'm thinking

• Budget option: Dio
• All rounder safe bet: Activa 6G
• Premiumish option: Suzuki Access 125

Can someone mention the pros and cons of these and alternative suggestions?

I have spoken to a few local bike mechanics and while all their opinions vary a lot, most suggest the Activa or Access but again opinions on the forums are very varied which makes me think scooters have some very poor QC as a category.

• Yamaha - I'm on the fence about it because I feel the Ray ZR is a bit overstyled and the Fascino is a bit chick-ish.
• TVS Jupiter -  if I'm not mistaken, it has both 12-inch tyres and disc brakes as well as ride comfort on its 110cc avatar but forum recommendations seem 50-50 and mechanics mostly give TVS a thumbs down. Also, have ridden my boss' Jupiter Classic a few times and while it's decent overall, in my little experience, the engine did feel and sound a bit coarse and it was too bulky.

Recommendations are welcome as well as suggestions to wait for refreshed models later in the year as I'm in no great hurry.

Here's what BHPian KPR had to say about the matter:

I agree with the convenience of a gearless scooter but it is nowhere near the 17" wheels of a bike when it comes to a comfortable ride. My choice will be a Platina ABS or a Honda CD110 or even a Splendor. If gearless is the way ahead for you then have a look at Scooty Zest and don't rule out any Yamaha. It lasts for eternity.

Here's what BHPian Aakash118 had to say about the matter:

Go for Access, it’s a proven product which should serve you well for the next decade. Dio & Activa are not bad either but coming from Activa, they may not give you that freshness you would expect from your new scooter.

Here's what BHPian bijims had to say about the matter:

From the options listed, the Suzuki Access 125 is the best bet, followed by the Activa 6g, the Dio is definitely the budget option. In my opinion, the Access 125 is the best option with a capable 125cc engine, good ride quality, good mileage, and excellent manoeuvrability. Although it does get quite an outdated instrument cluster and doesn't come with engine start-stop functionality. But these are minor flaws when compared to the excellent overall package offered by Access 125.

Here's what BHPian vj_torqueaddict had to say about the matter:

I have a 2019 model RayZR, it wasn't that flashy back then. I can vouch for it. In three years I have only ridden it for 4.5k kms. It is a carb model so less maintenance. It's a fill-it-shut-it bike. It has a front fork suspension and gas charged at the rear. Excellent ride quality with 2 on board. Slightly stiff front with a single rider. Max comfy speed is 60. Disc brake at the front which is spongy. But decent overall. Try looking for used. I love mine.

Here's what BHPian IshaanIan had to say about the matter:

Having owned a gen 1 Activa from 2002 till 2012, I would say go for the Access. The Suzuki just feels like what a modern Activa ought to. Motor is simply brilliant; smooth and powerful. If you'd like a change, then go for the Ray. It might be a little overstyled but remember that it is a good 10 percent lighter than other scooters so it handles and brakes markedly more effortlessly.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The Dio Sports is available in two variants: Standard and Deluxe.

Honda 2 Wheelers has launched the limited edition Dio Sports in India. The scooter is available in two variants: Standard and Deluxe, priced at Rs. 68,317 and Rs. 73,317 (ex-showroom, Delhi), respectively.

The Dio Sports comes in two different paint schemes - Strontium Silver Metallic with Black and Sports Red with Black. It is equipped with an LED headlamp and an LCD instrument cluster.

Powering the Dio Sports is a 110cc, single-cylinder engine that makes 7.6 BHP and 9 Nm. The scooter features drum brakes at both ends and rides on telescopic fork suspension at the front & a 3-step adjustable shock absorber at the rear.

The silent Honda scooter noise is accompanied by a throaty growl when the throttle is opened. This sound was not present before my DIY adventure.

BHPian NiInJa recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hello all, hope everyone's doing well.

I have a Honda Dio 2013 model that has been passed onto me by my brother who shifted abroad and it has been my toy ever since. For the last two/two and half years it has been running on and off, lying idle for months at length due to Covid and WFH. The scooter used to start after a few dozens of kicks with choke on and once operational, it would start with the electric starter as well. It was working fine for running errands but felt underpowered, had a few misfires once or twice when starting (a big explosion resembling a gunshot from the silencer) or some petrol overflowing (flooding?) from the pipe attached to the carburettor when kick-starting after a long time.

Recently, I developed an itch to do a DIY service on the scooter, just to see what's happening beneath the plastic body. Also, my wife yelling at me to start the bloody scooter so she could drop my kid to offline school is another reason.

So, here's what was replaced:

• Engine oil (HP 10W30)
• Gear oil (Castrol 80W90)
• Spark Plug (NGK)
• Air Filter (Local, could not get genuine Honda part nearby)
• Secondary filter (simple sponge, again not genuine Honda)

The service was uneventful. The air filter was clogged - no wonder the scooter felt underpowered, the spark plug had turned black and the gap had widened to the point that I heard the spark plug thanking me for removing it. And both the oils, well, let's just say I haven't seen any oil as dark like this. It was like soya sauce mixed in clear soup. I was surprised the scooter was still running.

Anyway, after changing everything mentioned above, the scooter became much, much smoother and the wheezing was gone. It can now pull easily up to 60 kmph or pull up an incline with two on-board. The only problem it now has is that the scooter now sounds like a KTM bike (honestly, I sort of enjoy that sound). The silent Honda scooter noise is accompanied by a throaty growl when the throttle is opened. This sound was not present before my DIY adventure.

I had a similar problem with my R15 when the service guy said there was a tear in the rubber pipe that connects the air filter with the intake mechanism. So my first check was to see if there are any cracks or a torn pipe on the intake side.

I have not opened any piping on the intake side, just the air-filter cover from the outer side. I've rechecked if there are any torn pipes but couldn't find any. Even went a step further and tightened the screws connecting those pipes. The carburettor was untouched as well. In fact, I removed both the filters, visibly checked for any torn paper folds, and fixed them again but nothing changed. One thing I wanted to try is to fit the old dirty air filter again but our society's janitors disposed it so couldn't retrieve it.

I don't want to take the scooter to a service center yet. It is running perfectly fine, much better than before save for the KTM noise. Any inputs to resolve this are welcome!

Some notes

• The engine head is wet with oil, possibly due to the misfires but it has not resulted in an alarming oil leak.
• Same with the carburettor, the lower part of the carb is moist with petrol but is not leaking petrol now.
• I don't have any service history of the scooter. The only history I know is that it was not serviced for a long long time.

Here's what BHPian ashishsGT had to say about the matter:

My suspect would be the air filter itself. Most of these local filters use subpar media, which can also have a bearing on the induction note. Since the growl is mostly associated with opening the throttle wide, I'm guessing this could be it. Try replacing it with an OE grade filter and see if it subsides. Just my two cents. Hope it helps.

Here's what BHPian supremeBaleno had to say about the matter:

Possibly due to one of the 2 filters that were replaced?

Any rust/holes in the exhaust pipe/assembly?

BTW, I understand air-filter, but what is the second filter in a bike?

Here's what BHPian audioholic had to say about the matter:

I guess this is with the air filter itself and its seating inside the airbox. When there is a leak in the airbox the scooter will get that growl of the KTM. First, replace the air filter with a genuine Honda one which you can buy in any Honda ASC off the shelf, and if this noise still persists, check the hose that goes into the intake from the airbox. There might be a leakage in this joint as well.

If this is all clear, then the secondary air filter has a vacuum hose that switches the valve on or off. I had this issue where the valve itself would make a clattery noise and then allow secondary air to be supplied even when there was no vacuum, i.e, even while accelerating while it should only be activated when the throttle is closed and there is enough vacuum in the manifold.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.