Review: All-New Honda Genio

The All-New Honda Genio is a chic scooter designed for beginner riders and the fast-growing female rider market. With a strong focus on style, safety, and fuel economy, this innovative 110cc scooter aims to give Filipinas and the youth a chance to experience the joy and freedom of riding.

If you need a practical way to get to school or work but are sick of lining up to ride the MRT, standing for hours in a bus packed like sardines, or frustrated because you can’t book a Grab or Angkas because of high demand and price surges, having your own personal scooter at your disposal that you can use to zip through traffic will change the way you travel forever.

Since I bought my first scooter in 2011, I’ve found just how empowering it is to be able to go anywhere without having to rely on public transportation or having someone else drop me off and fetch me. I’ve saved so much time and stress from commuting as well as money from not having to take taxis all the time.

Honestly, getting a scooter and learning how to drive is the best thing I ever did. It gave me freedom and mobility in the city and sparked that wanderlust to explore and travel on my own. If you’re a girl looking for an easy-to-use scooter or a guy looking for a bike that will appeal to daughters/girlfriends, etc. , I think the Honda Genio would make a great first bike.

I got a chance to do a short test ride of this scooter last September 2019 during the official unveiling (along with the highly anticipated Honda ADV) and just a couple of weeks ago, Honda sent me a brand new test unit for a review. Here’s what I can share about the All-New Honda Genio.

Design

The Genio reminds me a lot of my first scooter (which you can see in my blog’s header) so I was instantly attracted to it. It’s cute! The Genio has the look and feel of an e-bike, which makes it look friendly and unintimidating even for first-time / newbie riders. It’s kind of a leveled-up version of the Honda Scoopy with more tech features that will appeal to modern riders.

The distinct look is a plus factor for those who want a scooter that stands out from the crowd. While other scooters like the Honda Click or Honda Beat look somewhat aggressive with dark colors and sharp-edged styling, the curvy design and mostly white color of the Genio feels more feminine. Since Honda got Yassi Pressman as the bike’s model and brand ambassador, you can guess who the target market is.

The Honda Genio launched in the Philippines only comes in two color variants right now: White/Red and White/Blue, which feel like a throwback to 90s retro or vintage scooters. If the Honda ADV resembles one of the bulky Transformers, the Genio really reminds me of a cute and compact droid like R2-D2 or the red R4-P17 (the astromech droid) from Star Wars.

In terms of size and low seat height, this scooter is suited for the body frame of average Filipinas. It’s very light-weight and easy to handle without compromising the safety and comfort of the ride. The Genio feels casual and a bit sporty, ideal for those who want something serviceable to use every day to go to school, to the office, for weekend dates, errands, and other socials. It’s practical yet stylish, without being too flashy.

In other countries like Indonesia, the Genio was released with more colorful and hip options to appeal to a wider demographic of both male and female riders. Maybe in the future, Honda Philippines will release the other colors in the country too, or riders can customize the bike by repainting it or using stickers, decals and other accessories to match their personality, as lots of younger riders like to do.

New colors (updated Feb. 2021)

The Genio just added three additional new colors to choose from: Vintage White, Valiant Red, and Matte Gunpowder Metallic Black with line and chalk art typo color patterns. Along with the original Ross White with Red Stripes and Ross White with Blue Stripes, the motorcycle now has five total color variants. 

Personally, am loving the more classic look of these options better than the initial sporty white with red stripes and white with blue stripes.

Genio’s Vintage White boasts of its sophisticated and elegant look that is sure to stand out on the road. With its irresistibly eye-catchy aesthetics, it personifies the Modern Filipina’s traits, proving that they are not limited to a single role in society and they are capable of living their life to the fullest. 

The Valiant Red color variant, on the other hand, symbolizes their confidence in riding side-by-side with their counterparts on the road. Lastly, the Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic represents women’s profound independence and love for adventure, showing how they can come out of their comfort zones and become the best versions of themselves. 

Features

The Honda Genio comes equipped with smart technology and enhanced smart power. The front looks relatively clean with LED headlights.

The rounded digital dash is very simple and minimalist looking. It doesn’t display a lot of information except for the current odometer speed, total kilometers traveled, and fuel consumption in bars. A green ECO indicator lights up the panel when the bike is consuming fuel more efficiently.

The round shape and style of the dash makes me think of a digital stopwatch or vintage Swatch watches for some reason. The dash and whole body is simple and highly customizable with stickers or decals.

Controls make use of a secure key system, from where you can open the opener or lock the bike for added security. Instead of having to take out the key and open the seat, just one twist on the key fob and pressing the seat button will conveniently open the decent-sized storage compartment.

While the storage isn’t huge (it can’t fit a half or full-sized helmet), it’s roomy enough for a shoulder bag or small backpack with some basics. It comes with a 14L U-box capacity and a built-in power outlet/charger for gadgets, to keep up with riders’ fast-paced lifestyle, social media and games.

I remember one time riding back solo from Kaybiang Tunnel through Alabang (an area that I am really not familiar driving around), my smartphone died and I forgot to bring a power bank. I had no way of checking where I was and had to rely on directions from various strangers to get back.

Having a way to recharge your phone can be a lifesaver during emergencies so you can check navigation on GoogleMaps or call someone for help. I just wish the outlet used a direct USB port because this one needs a cigarette lighter adaptor, which I don’t have.

The bike makes use of tubeless tires (so you don’t have to worry about getting flat tires) and an inner rack that you can strap bags and other items if you need to. It’s also equipped with a combi-brake system having a front disc brake and rear mechanical drum braking system to ensure safety and more confidence while driving.

Specifications

• Engine Type: 4-stroke, Air-cooled
• Displacement: 110 cc
• Maximum power: 8.87 HP
• Maximum torque: 9.3 Nm
• Category: Scooter
• Drive Type: Belt Drive
• Exhaust Pipes: Single Exhaust
• Valve Configuration: SOHC
• Length: 1869 mm
• Seating Capacity: 2 Seats
• Oil Tank Capacity: 0.65 L
• Width: 692 mm
• Height: 1061 mm
• Starting system: Electric & Kick
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Fuel Supply System: PGM-F1
• Transmission Type: CVT
• Gear Box: Variable Speed

• Battery Voltage: 12 V
• Accessory Outlet: Yes
• Head Lamp: LED
• Tail Lamp: Bulb
• Indicator LIght: Yes
• Adjustable Headlights: Yes
• Rear Wheel Size: R14
• Front Tire: 80 / 90 R14
• Tire Type: Radial, Tubless
• Rear Tire: 90 / 90 R14
• Rear Suspension: Swingarm
• Front Suspension: Telescopic Fork
• Battery Capacity: 3 Ah

Field Test Notes

During the review period, I used the Honda Genio mostly for city driving, meet-ups with friends, food tripping, errands, grocery runs and a quick weekday out-of-town leisure ride.

City Driving

• I just want to say again how great and useful it is to have a motorcycle for mobility in the city because of the terrible traffic. I feel really grateful that I know how to drive given the limited public transportation options and the current situation in the country because of CoVid quarantine.
• The Genio makes going around the city so convenient. It’s incredibly lightweight, agile, very comfortable to use. It’s so easy to back out.
• To meet up in Intramuros, my friend had to charter a tricycle from a private village to a mall, catch a P2P from Alabang to Greenbelt, then transfer to Grab taxi (leaving 3 hours before our scheduled meeting time). Her one-way Grab taxi fare alone is probably worth the cost of gas on a scooter for 2 weeks. Hi Mica! :p
• Meanwhile, I left the house 45 minutes before our meeting time, loaded 100 pesos of gas (which made it a full tank) and just parked on the sidewalk right outside our meeting place. Easy peasy.
• It’s easy to weave and maneuver through city traffic on this.
• Parking in lots of places in Manila like malls and narrow streets are usually very limited. If I was driving a car, I’d have a hard time finding a parking slot. But since scooters like the Genio are small, it’s relatively easy to find parking spaces where it’ll fit. You don’t have to pay for parking fees if you’re just staying for a short time.
• The thing I love about scooters is how practical they are. The floorboard is convenient for stashing grocery bags, laundry and other items I need to carry around. You don’t get that with underbone bikes and manual motorcycles.
• Grocery stores were extremely crowded the past week right before the community quarantine, but since the scooter is light and easy to park, I could easily just bring it up a sidewalk or find a small space to park and get what I needed to get from stores like medicines and emergency food supplies without having to rely on public transportation. Super practical.

For travel / touring

• With its 110cc displacement, the Genio is ideal for city driving, but can also be used for longer leisure rides. Based on my previous experience with scooters, it’s not about the displacement, but how comfortable you as a rider are using a bike that will really take you to places.
• While the Genio may not be as fast or flashy as sportbikes, most of us just really need a practical means of transportation that can get us to our destination safely and efficiently. You don’t need the most expensive or biggest bike to do that.
• In fact, being on a smaller scooter is a bonus when you have to regularly pass through areas with high traffic and small towns.
• The suspension is really good. I felt the cushioning from the uneven asphalt, cracks on the road and potholes.
• It’s small but powerful. I achieved a pleasant cruising speed at 70-80 kph.
• When I tried to push it to 90 or 100 (just for the purpose of testing max speed), it felt like I’d lose a bit of control. The handlebars started to vibrate more and it didn’t feel so stable, so I slowed down.
• P.S. There are certain speed limits on major roads, so it’s good that this scooter will force you you to slow down and achieve a relatively safe driving speed.
• The tires are a bit narrow, so it doesn’t go as smoothly over gravel and loose rocks as other bikes with bigger tires, but it still feels relatively stable. If you see sand and gravel on road corners, it’s best to slow down.
• I really enjoyed using this in Marilaque and look forward to riding again once the lockdown is lifted.

Fuel Consumption

The Honda Genio has a claimed fuel efficiency of 59.1km/L based on its specs., which guarantees that riders will be able to go far with a 4.2 liter tank. The AT Scooter is equipped with new generation engine eSP 110cc that supposedly increases fuel efficiency while producing optimum performance. 

For our weekend out-of-town ride, I loaded P80.13 of gas for 1.808 liters or = 44.32 pesos per liter on the scooter and traveled a total distance of 158.8 km with 2 bars to spare on the tank when I got home. That’s from Quezon City to Infanta in Quezon and back.

Price

The All-New Genio has a suggested retail price of Php 72,900.00. It’s been available in Honda shops in the Philippines since January 2020.

Verdict

The All-New Genio is a good introductory scooter especially for first-time riders and female riders who want to enjoy the freedom of the open road. It’s a decent city commuter, great for errands and casual rides. Style-wise, I think it’s cute, practical, beginner-friendly and unintimidating. Because it looks a bit like an e-bike, it will probably appeal mostly to younger riders and women (both riders and non-riders).

Whenever I travel to small islands in the Philippines like Camiguin, Bohol, Siargao, Siquijor, etc., I usually rent a scooter to get around. Aside from being a great practical bike for personal use, motorcycle rental shops based in the provinces or small islands could consider adding this to their fleet of bike rental units.

I think in terms of its overall look and aesthetic, the Honda Genio is the type of stylish and easy-to-use automatic scooter that millennial travelers (especially solo female travelers) could rent and use compared to the typical options, which are usually limited to manual or semi-automatic bikes or sportier models.