Honda updates its classic little Metropolitan scooter with two new colorways, each complete with a contrasting two-tone cockpit. The engine and drivetrain remain the same with low-emission power production and reliable service. New paint means a new price, so the MY2023 sets you back another bill compared to last year.

2023 Honda Metropolitan Performance and Capability

The beating heart comes with an emissions pedigree from both the EPA and California authorities, so you can legally ride it in any city in the lower 48, within limits of course. Honda Metropolitan top speed is 41 mph, give or take 1 mph based on elevation and rider weight factors.

This means no interstate or even state highways for the Metropolitan. It performs best in neighborhood-type areas and otherwise low-speed roads.

The Honda Metropolitan produces 4.4 horsepower @ 8,000 rpm with 3.0 pound-feet of torque that tops out at 7,500 rpm. This means the engine likes being wound up fairly tight indeed.

Ever so slightly undersquare, the liquid-cooled thumper comes with a 39.5 mm bore and 40.3 mm stroke to give it a displacement of 49 cc. The sizzlin' 12-to-1 compression ratio demands top-octane pusholine to prevent knock and ping.

Induction control falls to a 19 mm diameter throttle body. The valvetrain is simple with a single overhead cam and a pair of poppets.

The brushless alternator pulls double duty as the starter. This combination saves both weight and space.

The water pump is magnetically driven, which eliminates a few seals. The fuel pump is electromagnetically driven with compact dimensions. As for the transmission unit, Honda uses its Automatic V-belt Drive unit that delivers the twist-and-go operation scooter riders expect.

Design

What we have here is what I call a classic Italian design, circa 1960-ish. A jacked-up fender leads the way with room to accommodate the front suspension compression.

Its graceful curve repeats in the face of the legguard with a circular chrome detail that is both tasteful and simple. A small chrome badge joins this ornamentation as the only other detail in the field.

A cyclops headlight and handlebar fairing dominate the top. Around behind the light, an analog speedometer and small LCD screen handle the instrumentation in a very clean manner that matches the rest of the build.

A pair of cubbyholes, one closed and the other open, give you storage options for your small bits and bobs while underway. A bag hook helps you get the most out of the 'tween-feet storage. The full step-through gives you a small deck between your Fred Flinstones, just right for a couple of grocery bags.

Of course, under the seat is a lockable, 22-liter storage space. It holds a single full-face/modular brain bucket, so not an extraordinary amount of space, but enough for a book bag.

The bench seat rocks a sculpted front end to give your legs a break at stops with just a little rise in the pillion area and no real physical segregation. A chrome grab rail gives your passenger some security and acts as a hardpoint for a bungee cargo arrangement.

All of the turn signals come in chrome bullet housings. There's more chrome at the base of the taillight to finish it off with shiny accents.

Chassis

The frame on the Metropolitan is a two-piece die-cast aluminum unit that helps the Metro meet its 179-pound curb weight. It's a strong underbone section that allows for the full step-through without compromising the structure.

Right-way-up forks run with blackout treatment on the sliders to match the drive unit out back. It's the usual swing-drive arrangement that uses a single-side swingarm with a single coil-over shock to support the rear and tame the swingarm's motion.

Suspension travel is typical with 2.8 inches up front and 2.4 inches out back. This is plenty of give for the urban jungle.

Cast-alloy wheels come in a 10-inch diameter and are shod in an 80/100 hoop at both ends. They are small, sure enough, but fit with the overall design.

However, this necessitates the use of mechanical, drum-style brakes at both ends. Honda managed to get its Combined Brake System on board, which provides balanced braking efforts for stability.

2023 Honda Metropolitan Price and Availability

The 2023 Honda Metropolitan costs $2,599. The colorways for this season include Matte Armored Green Metallic and Blue Metallic as the main colors. Both come with a cream cockpit complete with brown features for a nice bit of contrast that draws the eye.

Competitors

Since Honda is borrowing from the Italian style, I thought it fair to go straight to one of the most recognized marques worldwide. I grabbed a Vespa and its Primavera 50.

Vespa Primavera 50

Compact features include the signature “tie” detail complete with chrome-rimmed chevrons on the visage and a chrome detail on the front fender. Vespa manages to get 12-inch wheels to work with the design with larger hoops in a 110/70 and 120/70 on the front and rear respectively. They also managed to get a disc brake on the front wheel, but lack a combined-brake feature like the Metro' carries.

Vespa also slips in the power. The engine is a 49.9 cc thumper but falls behind in power with only 3.2 ponies and 2.2 pounds o' grunt against 4.4/3.0. It slips even further in fuel efficiency with 80.91 mpg against Honda's 117 mpg rating.

Oh boy, things get much worse for Vespa at the checkout. Never one to use price as a selling point, Vespa wants $4,149 for its Primavera 50, which is significantly higher than the Metro's sticker.

He Said

“Since color was the main change, I feel compelled to say I like these color combos much more than anything from the recent lineups. Beyond that, it's cool that Honda maintains the classic flavor that makes the Italian style rides so attractive.”

She Said

My wife and fellow motorcycle writer, Allyn Hinton, says, “Of the things I want to gig on the Metropolitan, I stop short when considering the price. We're talking about a $2.6k scooter, so drum brakes and no electronics are excusable. It's very affordable from a well-known manufacturer and well suited for downtown errands and trips across campus.”

FAQ

Q: Is BMW R nineT reliable?

There have been no major or minor issues with any part of the BMW RnineT.

Q: What engine is in the BMW R nineT?

The engine in the RnineT is the air-cooled 1170cc boxer twin as used in the R1200 models, such as. the GS and the RT.

Q: Where is BMW RnineT made?

All BMW motorcycles are made at their Berlin, Germany factory.

Q: How much does a BMW R nineT cost?

The base RnineT Pure costs $11.595.