Floats like a butterfly, stings like a bee: all-new Honda Giorno+ full review

What is it about classic scooters that give them that undeniable charm? 

Well, I suppose designers back then didn’t have to give much consideration on aerodynamics but rather devote their talents on aesthetics. In an era when production allows for more artistic freedom and involves very little cost-cutting measures, you get rolling works of art that transcends the test of time. 

Timeless Elegance

Honda draws inspiration from the slogan “Class that Lasts” forits latest scooter offering, the all-new Giorno+. The round(ish) headlamp with chrome accent, wide brown saddle, and the bulbous side panels of the Giorno+ will definitely win over retro scooter fans. You also get grips that match the color of the seat and a large rectangular taillight that fits nicely with the overall styling. No cartoonish decals on this scoot, just clean lines all around. The Giorno+ comes eye-catching colors like Virgin Beige, Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic, Pearl Jubilee White, and Piquant Orange. It would have been nicer if the step board was also body color or brown like that of its predecessor, the Genio, but what we get is the usual dull black plastic. Anyway,no biggie. 

More that just a pretty face

Under that pretty exterior is a 125cc, liquid-cooled, 4-valve, single-cylinder eSP+ engine which produces 8.49 kW and 11.6 Nm. This translates to a class-leading performance that rivals other 150cc scooters on the road. All that grunt is accessible at low to mid-range and it takes on a slight twist of the throttle to pull ahead of traffic as the light turns green. I found this often prompts a conversation with other riders as they catch up with me at the next stoplight. 

A front disc brake and rear drum brake offer more than enough bite force to bring your ride to halt as quickly as you accelerate. The combi-brake system enables you to apply both front and rear brakes using only the left lever. This helps distribute brake force evenly to both wheels during emergency situations and could also help lessen hand fatigue in stop-and-go traffic. While I didn’t see it as a necessity in the case of the Giorno+, having an ABS option could still be a plus (excuse the pun).

Prim and proper

In my 30 years of riding scooters, I have developed a taste for the finer things like comfort and refinement, both of which I found on the Giorno+. The front fork and single shock absorber at the rear smooth out road imperfections along the ugly portions of EDSA, C-5 and even C-6, on a bad day. The wide, cushy seat and the fat tires further help in achieving a more forgiving ride quality for the lower back.  

Strait line stability is impressive, considering I was running on 12-inch rubbers, front and rear. Its 116-kilogram weight did help in that regard. On the other hand, filtering through the gridlock was a breeze as making tight turns require minimal effort. The handle bar is also a bit more narrow than other commuter bikes, enabling me to squeeze through gaps in traffic without fussing about side mirrors. 

Hardly any vibration could be felt on the grips, less so on the seat and floor board. Believe me, this greatly helps in keeping fatigue and stress at bay, no matter the riding conditions. 

Practical too

Speaking of the floor board, I got business class vibes from the spacious leg room and there’s even plenty of leftover cargo space between the legs. Just don’t forget to secure your stuff using the folding luggage hook. Of course, there’s the underseatstorage where I was able to fit a modular helmet along with other smaller items. 

Fuel efficiency always relies on some factors like riding conditions and riding habits but based on World Motorcycle Test Cycle (WMTC), the Giorno+ can achieve 47 kilometers to a liter. No surprise there, Honda has been known to produce frugal scooters, especially those equipped with Idling Stop System (ISS) like this one. If you’re really bent on hypermiling, you could make use of the real-time fuel efficiency meter on the digital panel. Though, you might need to squint a bit to make out the display under the glare of sunlight.

At P 101,900, you also get a USB port in the glove box and smart key system with remote.

Yes, we’re kind of used to hearing one particular insect reference when talking about classic scooters. In the case of the Giorno+, the famous quote from the great Muhammad Ali “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” comes to mind. As beautiful and graceful as it is, the Giorno+ packs a punch.

Honda Giorno+ Specifications:

This table provides a quick overview of the key specifications of the Honda Giorno+, combining style and practicality with modern features.