Good for a couple of years. Review on Honda Dio

I bought my Honda Dio 2.5 years ago, and have done 11000 kilometers on it so far. I had written a review here after the 5000 km / 1 year mark, and my review them was far more favorable. My review now is based on a longer usage and a more realistic understanding of the bike.

I'm a 33 year old woman, and this motoscooter is my primary mode of transport.

Initially, mileage was a constant 40 - 45 kms per liter, but somewhere after the 7k km / 2 year mark, mileage is in the 35 - 40 range, despite regular service and maintenance. After the first year's multiple services, I've serviced it thrice, at a cost of about 750 each time. The rubber belt had to be changed too - this is a problem that'll recur in this model.

I was never happy about the battery, and now, 2.5 years in, it is completely dead and needs to be replaced. While it is understandable in an older scooter, I had battery problems right after a couple of months of purchase. The battery switch set has also been replaced.

Design-wise, no complaints, riding comfort is respectable, at least compared to the activa.

Transmission has always been smooth, but after the first year, power, pick up and thrust start to sag, there's not much to do about it. My mechanic is reliable and does a good job, but after a couple of months of servicing, everything goes south.

Also, as I get older(and wiser?!) I am starting value safety, and the small wheels on such a powerful machine is starting to worry me, especially after a spate of scooter related accidents. The Dio will comfortably do 90+ kmph, precisely what you shouldn't be doing on such small wheels. If you need speed, get a motorbike. On the other hand, if you need a simple auto-gear urban use vehicle, this is fine, although you can go even simpler.

(Am now planning to sell the scooter while it is still in decent condition, and am switching to a moped. Yes, that's right. TVS XL 70cc heavy duty. I had a moped for 12 years without problems, and then another 70cc one for 3 years, had to sell it when I moved. Unbeatable reliability, good seating comfort, especially with the better shocks on the heavy duty. Will write a review after I get one.)

Summary: I was quite happy with my Honda Dio for earlier part of the 30 months that I've had it. Looks nice, has performed decently, but the bliss is short lived, as trouble will start around the second year. Parts and maintenance are both expensive. Therefore, if you need hassle-free, long term performance, you need to look for something simpler.