2013 Honda Metropolitan Scooter NCH50 Review
2013 Honda Metropolitan Scooter NCH50 Review, bring the genre into the modern day with the launch of new fuel injection four-stroke that gets 117 mpg claimed / expected, while meeting EPA and CARB emissions standards. 2013 Honda Metropolitan riding around the streets of the coastal suburb of Los Angeles, the advantages and disadvantages of the 50cc class rapid express themselves. The most obvious advantage is maneuverability. It weighs only 179 pounds (with a 1.2 gallon fuel tank is full), you really can flick Metropolitan around at will. Ten-inch wheels front and rear are identical 80/100s-back makes it easy and fast, if not perfectly accurate.
2013 Honda Metropolitan Scooter NCH50 Review
Suspension is limited at around two inches at both ends, but the springy action prevents packing, so it can handle most street irregularities. The ten-inch wheels aren’t the best for nasty potholes, however. Avoid them if you can. With a 22-liter (nearly 6-gallons) locking storage compartment under the seat, the 2013 Honda Metropolitan 50 is perfect for that quick run to Trader Joe’s for some needed provisions. Honda Genuine Accessories offers a Rear Trunk and Rear Carrier for additional cargo-carrying capabilities.
2013 Honda Metropolitan Scooter NCH50 Preview
You can park the Metropolitan 50 anywhere, thanks to its small size and maneuverability, so getting into and out of clogged parking lots is easy. Inside the leg fairing, Honda has put in a new open-top storage bin, for added carrying capacity. The shape of the hard pocket is designed to hold most one-liter bottles, so you can carry your designer water bottle along and hydrate as you go.
With a top speed of 35 mph, you have to carefully choose the routes you take. Even with a 35 mph speed limit–common in Los Angeles–you are going to feel outgunned. You must keep the throttle pinned to maintain 35 mph, and the Metropolitan’s top speed can drop to 25 mph on a decent hill. Downhill, you only get a couple of extra miles per hour, as the motor retards itself when you get over 35. For slowing down, you have a choice of front brake only (right hand, and not that impressive) or linked front/back braking (left hand, and quite strong). You’ll quickly learn to brake with your left hand and accelerate with your right.
Acceleration is meager-this is a long-stroke 49.4cc motor, after all. While you can split lanes to get to the front of the line at stoplights in LA, be careful. Even twisting the throttle to its stop, you aren’t going to leave any cars in the dust.
2013 Honda Metropolitan Scooter NCH50
A push-off with your legs provides the fully automatic CVT-equipped motor with helpful assistance when you are leading the way from a stop. I’m 5′ 9′ and 165 pounds, and I felt a little large for the Metropolitan. My legs would have liked a couple of more inches, but, again, it’s a 50. Honda offers a range of larger scooters for those who require more room and power, at a higher price, of course. The Metropolitan runs just under two-grand.
2013 Honda Metropolitan Scooter NCH50 Style
Styling on the 2013 Honda Metropolitan 50 scooter is very European. The new voluptuous head- and tail- lights don’t bring Asia to mind, in a good way. While t’s not a Vespa, it still has great panache. If you’re comfortable riding a scooter, the Metropolitan offers the style you’ll want.
Good handling, EFI, and great styling make the 2013 Honda Metropolitan 50 a formidable foe in the smallest scooter class.
2013 Honda Metropolitan Scooter NCH50 Wallpaper
2013 Honda Metropolitan Scooter NCH50 Specifications
2013 Honda Metropolitan Specifications: | |
Engine Type. | 49.4cc single-cylinder four-stroke |
Bore and Stroke. | 37.8mm x 44.0mm |
Compression ratio. | 10.1:1 |
Valve Train. | SOHC; two-valve |
Induction. | PGM-FI with automatic enrichment |
Ignition. | |
Transmission. | Automatic V-Matic belt drive |
Suspension | |
Front. | Twin-downtube fork; 2.1 inches travel |
Rear. | Single shock; 2.3 inches travel |
Brakes | |
Front. | Drum |
Rear. | Drum with CBS |
Tires | |
Front. | 80/100-10 |
Rear. | 80/100-10 |
Wheelbase. | 46.5 inches |
Rake. | 26° 30′ |
Trail. | 2.8 inches |
Seat Height. | 28.3 inches |
Fuel Capacity. | 1.2 gallons |
Estimated Fuel Economy. | 117 mpg |
Colors. | Pearl White, Pearl Black, Pearl Black/Red |
Curb Weight. | 179 pounds (includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel-ready to ride) |
Honda Genuine Accessories. | Rear Trunk; Rear Carrier; Rear Trunk Attachment Kit; Outdoor Cover |
Riding Style: | |
Helmet: | Vemar Jiano EVO TC |
Jacket: | Fly 8th Street Mesh |
Gloves: | Cortech Accelerator II |
Jeans: | Cortech Mod |
Shoes: | Sidi Slash |