The 2023 Honda Metropolitan Scooter is a two-wheeled bundle of good news, whether you measure it in miles per gallon, style per mile, or smiles per mile. And rightly so: for countless of riders, this renowned scooter has made traveling about a blast. Its user-friendliness stems from features like its step-through layout, no-shift automatic gearbox, and electric starter. The presence of lockable under-seat storage checks the large usability box. Honda’s legendary reliability amplifies the fun, the scooter’s incredible fuel economy, and Honda’s timeless design. This year’s addition of two new hues, Matte Armored Green Metallic and Atmosphere Blue, gives a modern spin to a classic.
The Metropolitan is an ideal blend of American functionality and European flair. The Metropolitan is perfect for local travel because of its low operating costs and user-friendliness. In addition to its smooth, rounded exterior, it has a convenient hook for fastening a bag and the option of a rear carrier. The Metropolitan is a great way to move about town on a Sunday or regularly.
2023 Honda Metropolitan Scooter – Features and Specs
Performance and Capability
The EPA and California officials have certified the engine as clean so that you may ride it in any city in the lower 48, within reason. The maximum speed of a Honda Metropolitan is 41 miles per hour, give or take a mile per hour due to variables like altitude and rider weight.
The Metropolitan will be left without access to the interstate or even state roads. It’s most effective on residential streets and other low-traffic stretches of pavement.
The Honda Metropolitan has a maximum torque of 3.0 lb.-ft at 7,500 rpm and 4.4 horsepower at 8,000 rpm. It indicates that a tightly coiled engine is preferred.
The liquid-cooled thumper is somewhat undersquare, with a diameter and stroke of 39.5 and 40.3 millimeters, respectively, for a total displacement of 49 cc. Top-shelf picholine is required to counteract the knock and ping caused by the scorching 12-to-1 compression ratio.
A throttle body with a diameter of 19 mm regulates air intake. A single overhead cam and two poppets comprise the whole valvetrain.
When needed, the brushless alternator may also restart the vehicle. Using these components together is a space- and weight-saver.
Due to the water pump being magnetically powered, no seals are required. The gasoline pump is small and powered by electromagnetics. Honda’s Automatic V-belt Drive unit serves as the scooter’s gearbox, providing the intuitive twist-and-go maneuverability that customers expect.
Design
What we have here is an example of classic Italian design from about the year 1960. The front suspension compression is allowed for by a fender that has been lifted.
A round chrome accent that is both elegant and understated echoes the leg guard’s beautiful curvature. The only other decoration on the pitch is a little chrome logo.
A Cyclops headlamp and a handlebar fairing dominate the top. Behind the headlight is where you’ll find the instruments, which are handled in a minimalist fashion with an analog speedometer and a tiny LCD screen.
While on the go, you may choose between two types of cubbyholes: one with a lid and one without. To make the most of the available space between the two beds, hang a bag hook. You can fit a couple of shopping bags on the little deck created by the complete step-through.
There is a lockable 22-liter storage compartment behind the seat. There isn’t much room for many books, but it will accommodate a single full-face/modular brain bucket.
There is no actual physical separation between the pillion and the driver, although the bench seat does have a contoured front end to offer your legs a respite during stops. A passenger safety grab rail in shiny chrome also doubles as a challenging point for securing a bungee cord load.
Chrome bullet housings are standard for the indicators. Chrome is used to provide a finishing touch to the taillight’s base.
Chassis
The Metropolitan has a die-cast aluminum two-piece frame that allows it to have a curb weight of 179 pounds. It has a sturdy design that permits a complete step-through without any structural damage.
The sliders on the right-side-up forks are treated with the same blackout design as the rear drive shaft. The standard swing-drive setup has a swingarm attached to the rear suspension and is controlled by a single coil-over shock.
The front suspension travels 2.8 inches, while the rear travels 2.4 inches. This slack is enough for the concrete jungle.
The 10-inch cast-alloy wheels are laced with 80/100 hoops at both ends. They may be tiny, yet they complement the whole.
But it means you’ll need drum-style mechanical brakes on both ends. Honda installed their Combined Brake System, which helps maintain control by distributing braking force evenly.
2023 Honda Metropolitan Scooter – Price and Availability
A 2023 Honda Metropolitan will set you back $2,500. Matte Armored Green Metallic and Blue Metallic are the primary colors for this season’s color palettes. Both have a soothing white interior with contrasting brown accents in the cockpit.
The 2023 Honda Metropolitan Scooter Compact has the distinguishing “tie” motif, with chrome-rimmed chevrons on the face and chrome trim on the front fender. Vespa’s 12-inch wheels fit the design thanks to front and rear rims that are 110/70 and 120/70 in size, respectively. Even though they installed a disc brake on the front wheel, they did not include a combination braking system like the Metro.
Vespa also slips in the power. The engine displaces 49.9 cc; however, it falls short of the 4.4/3.0 benchmark with 3.2 horsepower and 2.2 pound-feet of torque. Compared to Honda’s 117 mpg rating, it gets just 80.91 mpg.
At the register, however, Vespa’s luck dramatically turns for the worst. Vespa has never been known to advertise a low price, and the Primavera 50 costs $4,149, more than twice as much as the Metro.
2023 Honda Metropolitan Scooter – Technical Specifications
Engine
Type | 49.4 cc liquid-cooled 80º single-cylinder four-stroke |
Valve Train | OHC two-valve |
Bore x Stroke | 39.5 mm x 40.3 mm |
Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 |
Induction | Fuel injection w/ 19 mm throttle bores |
Ignition | Full transistorized ignition |
Starter | Electric + Kick |
Transmission | Automatic V-Matic |
Clutch | Automatic centrifugal |
Final Drive | Belt |
Suspension
Front | 26 mm telescopic fork; 2.72 in. travel |
Rear | Single shock; 2.4 in. travel |
Brakes
Front | Single 95 mm mechanical drum |
Rear | Single 110 mm mechanical drum |
Tires
Front | 80/100-10 |
Rear | 80/100-10 |
Measurements
Rake (Caster Angle) | 26.5º |
Trail | 76 mm (3.0 in.) |
Length | 65.0 in. |
Width | 26.4 in. |
Height | 40.7 in. |
Seat Height | 28.3 in. |
Ground Clearance | 4.1 in. |
Wheelbase | 46.5 in. |
Fuel Capacity | 1.2 gal. |
Curb Weight | 179 lbs. |
Other
Color | Matte Armored Green Metallic; Blue Metallic |