Honda Zoomer-X: Reasons to buy

The naked scooter pioneered by Honda has seen varying levels of popularity in all the markets they have been launched. In the Philippines, it is the Zoomer-X that carries Honda’s flag in the segment. And with the Zoomer-X you will indeed be as noticeable in traffic as someone carrying a gigantic flag. Such is the appeal of this diminutive scooter. There is next to nothing in the market that comes in direct competition with it. But innovative design is not the only factor that makes the Zoomer-X so popular. Here are just a few more reasons to go for the Honda Zoomer-X:

Innovative design

Try as we might there is no getting around the whole design of the Zoomer-X. Even after three years on the road, this bike will still garner you looks and stares from nearly everyone on the road. Its uniqueness is polarizing and evokes all kinds of reactions. From curiosity to laughter. But anyone who buys it has to be in love with the design. And must like attention as they will get heaps of it. With dimensions of 1840 mm (L) X 759 mm (W) X 1065 mm (H) and a 1257 mm wheelbase, it is undoubtedly tiny. The coaster-like 12-inch wheels with fat 100/90 front and 110/90 rear tires make It look even more like a toy. The chunky USD front forks don’t help it either. Still, in person, it is bigger than what you’d expect from its pictures.

The naked styling is another reason why it looks so small. The area under the seat, for instance, is see through. Then Honda has painted the exposed frame of the bike in funky dual tone to give it another dimension. All the 5 different options are sure to make you even more noticeable than you already are with the Xoomer. The exposed frame also makes it look rugged. The octagonal headlight with stubby indicators makes it look like the head of a robot. Overall a chunky bike that every rider will find unique. It inspires people to customise them even further, a need Honda acknowledges and supports.

Pleasing equipment levels

Riders will be surprised to find a fully digital instrument panel on the Zoomer-X with chunky numerals much like the bike itself. Then there are chunky upside down front forks that are normally reserved for bigger bikes.

Underseat storage

The see-through area under the seat is big enough for a full face helmet. The seat flips opens on its side and locks down keeping things secure.

Efficient engine

The engine in this bike is the now familiar 110 cc air-cooled and fuel injected SOHC that shows up in many other Honda scooters. Similar to those scooters, the Zoomer-X also uses a CVT for transmission allowing effortless driving on city roads. The 8.81 PS at 7500 rpm and 9.3 Nm of torque at 6000 rpm is not a lot but still sufficient for most purposes. Using Honda’s enhanced smart power system, the bike delivers optimum power at all times. The engine is also quite fueled efficient and delivers 53 kmpl making the most of the 4.4-litre fuel tank.

Convenient ergonomics

Obvious comparisons could be drawn to the Grom but the real inspiration here seems to be the Ruckus. With high set handlebars and a low 765 mm seat height results in a relaxed and upright rider position. Wide handlebars allow greater control at slow speeds. The suspension and the fat tires absorb bumps nicely. The 135 mm of ground clearance means the bike can be ridden around without a care for anything damaging the underside.

Adequate brakes

Braking is sufficient with a disc brake in the front and drum brake at the rear. Then there is the combi braking system that applies both the front and the rear brakes when the right lever is pulled. This ensures that the bike always stops with immediacy and the brake force is evenly distributed.

Seemingly a toy, this bike is a very capable instrument that can serve as your city roundabout as well as any other bike on the road today. And while you do it, you’ll look like nothing else.