And it absolutely needs to make its way to the US.
Let's talk scooters .
In places like Europe and Asia, scooters are practically a way of life. They're affordable, efficient, easy to ride, and small enough to zip through traffic and park just about anywhere. They make a ton of sense in crowded cities where roads are tight and fuel is expensive. Over here in the Philippines , scooters are pretty much the kings of the road. They're everywhere—from delivery riders and students to parents running errands and office workers in button-downs weaving through traffic.
And honestly, it's starting to make sense to more Americans, too. Scooter sales have quietly been rising in the US over the past few years. With gas prices fluctuating and more folks living in cities, people are finally seeing what the rest of the world has known for decades: you don't need a gas-guzzling truck or SUV to get around.
However, let’s face it—a scooter is still a scooter. They’ll all take you from point A to point B with minimal fuss. The question is, what truly distinguishes one from the next?
It's the looks .
This is why there’s such a big fuss about it. Vespa It goes beyond being merely a scooter; it’s an expression. This brand exudes Italian flair and classic aesthetics that many adore. However, this stylish appeal isn’t without its price tag. In the United States, a brand-new, fully equipped Vespa Primavera typically exceeds $5,000. For individuals in developing nations such as the Philippines, these prices are simply out of reach for most people. It becomes challenging to rationalize paying so much for a 125cc scooter, regardless of its attractive appearance.
This is where the Honda Giorno+ enters the picture.
This most certainly isn't your ordinary, budget-friendly scooter.
This is Honda’s solution to the “I desire a vintage-style scooter that appears fantastic without breaking the bank” dilemma. Although it isn’t available in the U.S. at present, it has been causing quite a stir across Southeast Asia—and rightfully so.
Let’s take a step back for a moment. The Giorno brand has been established for some time now. Actually, Honda has marketed a scooter named Giorno across multiple regions over several years. However, the Giorno+ is relatively newer—it's a 125cc variant tailored mainly for countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. This model retains the classic Vespa-like aesthetics while incorporating efficient, dependable, and budget-conscious engineering from Honda.
Now, for readers in the US, you can find something similar—the Honda Metropolitan It has a comparable vintage look, yet it’s a 50cc scooter with significantly less power and practicality. While it may be adorable, the Giordo+ offers much more as a true scooter experience.
The Giorno+ is driven by Honda’s sophisticated 125cc, four-stroke, four-valve, single-overhead-camshaft, liquid-cooled eSP+ engine. This configuration provides a top power delivery of 11 horsepower at 8,750 revolutions per minute and achieves maximum torque of 8.5 pound-feet at 5,250 rpm. Consequently, the Giorno+ exhibits swift acceleration relative to a typical 50cc scooter, enabling smooth navigation through urban environments.
It gets retro styling that's clearly inspired by a certain Italian manufacturer
A LED headlight provides excellent visibility under poor lighting circumstances.
But this isn't a scooter you ride to go fast. It's a scooter you ride to enjoy the world around you. It's relaxed. Friendly. It reminds you to take things slow and soak in your surroundings.
It’s also very functional. Beneath the seat lies a spacious 30-liter storage space, large enough to hold a helmet or all of your everyday items. Additionally, there is a handy hook located between your legs where you can suspend a shopping bag, backpack, or perhaps a takeaway container. The bike comes equipped with an LED lighting system which improves visibility, making sure you stay visible when riding at night. As for the seating, it offers great comfort suitable for navigating through urban areas.
For brake performance, you won’t find an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) here. Rather, Honda uses its Combi Brake System (CBS). This system manages the braking force shared between the front and back wheels, providing steady and secure halts even when braking abruptly. It’s straightforward yet efficient—particularly beneficial for novice riders accustomed to operating with individual front and rear brakes.
To be frank, the specification list doesn’t capture what sets the Giorno+ apart. Similar to many scooters within its class, it’s designed with simplicity in mind. It lacks features such as an advanced TFT screen, various ride modes, or traction control systems. The true value lies in its aesthetics. In terms of design, the Giorno+ truly excels.
The fuel filler cap is concealed beneath a sliding panel on the apron, which opens when you press a button.
All control elements are readily available on the switch cluster located on the frontal apron.
The design of the bodywork is gracefully curved and sophisticated without appearing excessive. The available colors have a pristine and high-quality appearance. Small touches like delicate chrome details, modern LED headlights, and a smooth, retro-inspired footrest enhance its appeal. It doesn’t seem forced; it simply appears natural. When compared with most other affordable scooters, this one clearly distinguishes itself at first glance.
And hey, it's a Honda This indicates that you'll enjoy exceptional durability and straightforward upkeep. These vehicles are designed to withstand potholes, heavy rains, and decades of frequent use without skipping a beat. I have witnessed comparable models from Honda and Yamaha with over 100,000 kilometers on their odometers that continue to run as smoothly as tiny cats.
However, the surprising part is this: in the Philippines, the Honda Giorno+ retails for ₱101,900—roughly $2,000 USD. This stylish, dependable, and functional scooter could probably last longer than both yours and your grandchildren’s lifetimes. To my mind, that makes it an incredible deal.
It kind of leaves you pondering why Honda hasn’t introduced it to the U.S. market yet. Admittedly, the scooter scene isn’t as extensive there, but considering the rising trend in urban transportation and vintage-style motorcycles, the Giorno+ could really take off in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, or Miami.
In the meantime, however, you'll simply have to appreciate it from a distance. Alternatively, consider planning a journey to Southeast Asia and renting one for several days. Believe me; it’s well worth it.
Sure thing, while many people in the United States are just starting to embrace the scooter scene, folks elsewhere have been zipping about in elegance for quite some time now—and the Honda Giorno+ perfectly illustrates just how well off we can be.
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