2022 Honda Navi. (Honda/)

Ups

• $1,807 MSRP
• 15-liter key-locked water-resistant storage space
• Larger engine than most scooters

Downs

• Drum brakes
• Price-point suspension
• Better act fast if you want one

Verdict

Intended as an urban/suburban mobility alternative, the Navi offers up a larger 109cc engine and large storage bin over other scooters, but it’s biggest selling point is its $1,807 price tag. That not only significantly undercuts the $2K price barrier, it’s also cheaper than the sea of scooter competition out there. Any scooters that can compete with the Navi’s price can’t come anywhere near the build quality and established dealer/parts network of a Honda.

2022 Honda Navi. (Honda/)

Overview

The Navi has been available in India and Mexico for several years already, and 2022 marks the first year Honda has decided to bring it to the USA. The scooter utilizes the 109cc four-stroke OHC air-cooled single-cylinder engine and CVT transmission from the popular Activa scooter, but from that point on it blurs the distinctions between motorcycle and scooter. Outside of a clutch and shift lever, all the other controls are basically the same as a motorcycle, meaning new riders will already have a basic sense of the controls if they decide to progress up from the Navi. Honda hopes that besides attracting people who have never ridden before, the Navi will also generate a cult following similar to the popular Grom and Ruckus miniMOTO models.

Updates for 2022

There are no updates, as the 2022 Navi is a brand-new model for the US market. Available colorways are red, Nut Brown, Ranger Green, and Grasshopper Green.

Pricing and Variants

The 2022 Navi will retail for $1,807.

Competition

Competitors for the Navi include Yamaha’s Zuma 125, the Suzuki Burgman 200, Piaggio’s Liberty 50 and Liberty 150 series, Vespa Primavera 50 and 150 and Sprint 50 and 150, and Kymco’s Spade 150 and Like 150i ABS. Honda’s own catalog has competitors as well, including the Grom, Ruckus, Monkey ABS, Super Cub C125 ABS, Trail 125, ADV 150, PCX, and Metropolitan.

2022 Honda Navi. (Honda/)

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Using the 109cc four-stroke OHC air-cooled single-cylinder engine from the popular Activa scooter sold in India and other markets, Honda is claiming 7.83 hp at 7,500 rpm and 6.6 pound-feet of torque at 5,500 rpm. This is significantly more than any 50cc-engined scooter, and “…gives a lot more acceleration…allowing easy holeshots and effortlessly keeping up with city traffic,” said Kent Kunitsugu in his First Ride Review of the Navi. And with the CVT automatic transmission, there’s no gear shifts to worry about, plus it allows the Navi to accelerate up to 45 mph pretty quickly, and 55 mph is possible.

Handling

With a 10-inch rear wheel and 12-inch front wheel, the Navi obviously is quick to turn and very agile, “permitting you to easily dart and navigate through tight traffic situations without any flightiness or instability,” states Kunitsugu in his Navi First Ride Review. He adds, “The telescopic fork and single rear shock provide a decently smooth ride over most imperfect urban pavement, although big or sharp bumps and potholes expectedly overwhelm the suspension and are definitely felt through the chassis.”

Brakes

Cable-actuated 130mm drum brakes are used at both ends to help keep the price down, and while they’re not as flashy as disc brakes, in the Navi’s case they get the job done. The front and rear brakes are linked with the rear brake pedal; pushing on the rear brake pedal also actuates the front brake to a certain extent, helping to settle the chassis under braking.

2022 Honda Navi. (Honda/)

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Honda is claiming 110 mpg with the Navi.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

The Navi’s ergos are reasonably comfy by scooter standards, with a standard handlebar that rises up to put your torso in a mostly upright position, well-padded and supportive seat, and decent legroom. The Navi also has passenger pegs and room for a passenger on the single seat.

Electronics

The Navi has no electronics to speak of. Even the fueling is by a single carburetor, not fuel injection.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Navi comes with Honda’s standard one-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty. Additional coverage is available through the HondaCare Protection Plan.

Quality

Honda hasn’t become a household name by producing inferior quality products. While some of the Navi’s componentry isn’t top-shelf due to its price-point intentions, the fit and finish is typical Honda: Excellent.

2022 Honda Navi. (Honda/)

2022 Honda Navi Claimed Specifications

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com