Engine: The air cooled, fuelled by injection 49 c.c. engine, delivers 3.3 bhp/7000 rpm and 0.36 Kgm/6750 rpm, claimed figures. 

      Actually, under full throttle acceleration, the scooter reaches the speed of 20 Km/h (12.4 mph) very fast, 40 Km/h (25 mph) moderately, while it reaches the top indicated speed of 48 Km/h (30 mph) a little later. 

  

      Because of the performance of the scooter, its clear that it is intended for use around the neighbourhood. It is inappropriate even on metropolitan avenues. At the traffic lights on normal urban conditions, the full twist of the throttle is required in order to stay together with accelerating cars. 

      An indicative average fuel consumption figure is 2.3 l/100 Km (123 mpg Imperial). 

                         

      Riding position: The saddle height is low, 785 mm (30.91 in). Αverage stature riders or higher will step both feet firm on the road. The saddle is quite spacious, two full grown adults will be easily seated. 

     It’s comfortable even on rides which are considered rather distant for the scooter’s character. The space for the pillion on the saddle is small yet comfortable, the knees form a reasonable angle for short rides. 

  

      Vision’s dimensions are very small. Even the width of the handlebars is kept narrow. The weight of the scooter is very low, 100 kgs (220 lbs) nominal curb, which refers rather to a toy! 

     Compared to the Vision 110, its just 2 kg lighter although this difference is felt even greater. The combination of the weight and dimensions results to an extremely user friendly scooter, appropriate for weak riders also. Rider is placed in and over the scooter, riding position is upright, yet neutral. 

                          

      On the road: Suspensions feel soft, they are not adjustable. A single side swing arm is equipped, there is only one shock at the rear. OE tires are CST, with dimensions 80/90-14 to the front, 90/90-14 at the rear. They consist a moderate choice. They should be changed to a softer compound, particularly on low friction factor roads. 

  

      Urban rides are a piece of cake for the Vision 50. The light weight and compact dimensions define a minimal scooter. Except from performance, no compromises will be asked to the rider. A small issue concerns street imperfections which are not absorbed sufficiently by the rear shock. 

  

      It’s a strange thing though, the more congested the streets become, the better the Vision feels adapted to the environment. The absolutely-necessary-to-get-the-job-done-dimensions and weight, are reason for this. Vision provides to the rider the calmness to face even the most congested traffic. 

      The secret weapons that rider gets is first a huge steering lock and second, superb filtering. Just for curiosity, rider will attempt quite some times to check if the Vision can be manoeuvred through narrow traffic paths. Actually, if a standing big man can do it, Vision will probably do that also! 

  

      In order to retain uniformity with previews reviews, the height of Vision’s handlebar and mirrors is the same with cars’ and SUVs’ mirrors respectively. This could be the useless information of the week for the visitor of this website, because it’s such a narrow scooter. 

      Due to their shape and bulk, it will be only the buses that could make things difficult for the Vision under tight filtering. On these, rare occasions, the plastic mirrors of the scooter seem to protrude a little more than the minimal width of the Vision. In other words, an absolute downtown scooter has just been described. 

   

      On B-roads, Vision is agile and stable at the same time. Due to the small wheelbase and light weight, agility could be expected to be greater. That would decrease stability though, which is very good indeed. Conclusively it could be said that Vision is between the best of both worlds. 

     Theoretically the steering geometry of the Vision 50 is somewhat slower compared to the one of the Vision 110, which cannot really be confirmed on the road. Road imperfections are again not absorbed sufficiently by the rear shock. Feedback to the rider is relatively good, which is due to the OE tyres. 

  

      At the fast pace, at least as much as performance dictates, on low friction factor roads, feedback to the rider is closer to the term increasing uncertainty. Rider will not feel confident to charge. Once more this is due to the CST OE tyres which also dislike wet roads. 

  

      At the fast pace on high friction factor roads the poor performance is even more obvious. The owner of the Vision 50 will wish for an easy way to multiply the power provided. Actually there is one option and it is naturally called Vision 110. That name seems to make a fool of the Vision’s 50 owner, providing more than double the power and torque. 

  

      Combined brakes are equipped. Applying the 130 mm rear drum brake, a single pot is activated at the front 220 mm rotor, featuring a three piston caliper. The front brake is powerful, providing a powerful initial bite and relatively good feedback. On high friction factor streets braking is direct, on average friction factor streets braking is superb. A little caution will be required from the rider on emergency braking then. 

    

     The rear brake is linear, providing just average stopping power and relatively good feedback. On high friction factor streets, the rear drum brake will not be powerful enough to lock the wheel, rider only. On low or average friction factor streets it is ideal though. Conclusively the combination of the two brakes is powerful on high friction factor streets, while it is close to ideal (!) on low friction factor streets. 

 

      Model history/versions/optional/reliability/build quality: The Vision 110 was introduced in 2011. Vision 50 was presented one year after. 

     A 16 inch wheels version is also available, which is slightly more expensive. According to Honda this version is slightly more stable and comfortable on cobbled streets which are frequently met in Europe. 

             

     The storage space under the seat will be adequate for a full face helmet. A kick stand, a centre stand, a hook for shopping bags, an aluminium rack for a maximum 3 Kg load are provided. The handlebar may be locked on either side, there are two open gloves compartments at the leg shield. It would be better if a locking gloves compartment would be there for the rider. 

  

      A step through design is provided, while the floor is rather narrow. There are two indents at the leg shield, rider’s feet will be nicely accommodated there! Two helmets could be secured on the scooter. Build quality is good. 

      Vision is manufactured in China, complying with Honda strict specifications of course.

  

      Comments: Lights are OK, the headlamp is powerful. There are only the basic indications provided on the clocks, a modest white illumination is used. The sound of the indicators reminds of a music metronome. Pillion pegs could be smarter designed.

      The styling is conservative, which is something to be expected from this manufacturer at this, scooters, sector. The single sided swing arm provides some contemporary looks though. 

Price Vision 50, 14 inch wheels: 1780 € 

Price Vision 50, 16 inch wheels: 1920 € 

 + Brakes 

 + Usability on neighbourhood rides 

 - Performance 

 - Street imperfections are not absorbed sufficiently by the shock 

 - OE tyres 

More, specifications (IT)