2017 HONDA VISION

Model updates: Honda’s tough, compact commuter gains a low-friction enhanced Smart Power (eSP) engine with more torque and improved fuel economy, plus smart all-new bodywork that offers more contemporary styling, greater floor area and improved pillion comfort. An upgraded front fork and revised Combined Brake System (CBS) round out the updates.

Contents:

1 Introduction

2 Model overview

3 Key features

4 Technical specifications

1. Introduction

Simple, straightforward and affordable transport. Sometimes that is all a rider needs a scooter to be – good value in both purchase and ownership, convenient day-to-day and ultra-reliable in the long term. And those are the boxes that the Honda Vision has firmly ticked since its introduction to Europe in 2011. 

Its robust, air-cooled simplicity holds strong appeal for both younger and older riders, as does its practicality and ease of use. And while it is affordable, the Vision has never made sacrifices on quality – it’s been built to last. For 2017 there is a brand new Vision. Assembled in Italy, the new machine stays close to its clear-cut first principles but is now more economical, makes more torque and features an updated chassis, styling and rider ergonomics.

2. Model Overview

The 17YM Vision features a 108cc air-cooled version of Honda’s water-cooled eSP (enhanced Smart Power) low friction engine, equipped with Idling Stop. It makes more torque where it’s most needed - off the bottom and through the middle of the rev range.

A complete re-styling brings sleek new bodywork; the riding position is roomier and pillion comfort has also been improved. Sturdier front forks and extra ground clearance enhance road holding on broken surfaces while CBS (Combined Braking System) provides ample and consistent stopping power from both brakes. 

There’s still plenty of storage under the seat, which is now opened by a combination switch control that also operates the ignition.

3. Key Features

3.1 Engine

The Vision’s new 108cc fuel-injected 2V OHC eSP engine is a highly durable and lightweight unit. Compared to the outgoing engine, peak torque is up from 8.7Nm to 9Nm with peak power of 6.5kw @ at 7,500rpm. The engine also meets the stringent new EURO4 regulations, under which the allowable limits for exhaust tailpipe pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrous oxide, are half of those for EURO3. Fuel efficiency is unchanged at 52km/litre.

A compact combustion chamber matches burn velocity and cooling performance. Bore and stroke is set at 50 x 55.1mm, with compression ratio of 9.5:1. The air intake port is ultra-smooth, assisting gas flow, and optimised ignition timing improves ‘knocking’ resistance.

Low-friction technologies are employed internally; the cylinder sleeve uses minute splines on its outer surface to reduce oil consumption and improve cooling and the cylinder is offset, further reducing friction.

A shell-type needle bearing is used for the rocker arm shaft while smaller, lighter rollers work in conjunction with the cam profile and valve spring load. Rolling resistance within the transmission is reduced by the use of three main bearings, all designed to deal with the loads they each individually receive.

A key fuel-saving technology incorporated into the Vision is Idling Stop. It’s operated via a switch on the right handlebar and when enabled automatically stops the engine running after three seconds at idle, and re-starts it instantly when the throttle grip is twisted. 

It’s seamless in use, thanks to a swing-back system that returns the crank to its position before air intake, and a decompression mechanism that negates cranking resistance due to compression. The ACG starter also generates electricity, doing away with a conventional system’s motor and gears.

3.2 Chassis

The Vision is built to be nimble and easy to ride. Its tubular steel underbone frame provides rigidity and up front a new 35mm diameter fork (an increase of 4mm) improves every aspect of handling and ride comfort. Rake and trail is set at 27°/70mm with a wheelbase of 1,290mm. Kerb weight is 102kg with a maximum carrying capacity of 150kg.

Fresh styling plays on the Vision’s unfussy strengths and increases appeal: a mixture of smoothed lines for the body with sharper angles for the headlight area, and revised indicators bring it right up to date. A practical rear ‘hugger’ mudguard has also been added.

With a 10mm narrower width (at 380mm) and narrower mirrors the Vision is even easier to navigate through busy city streets. The seat height of 770mm is 25mm lower and there’s much more leg room for the rider on the flat floor, with an increased floor length of 15mm in the centre, to 170mm and an extra 20mm either side at 370mm.

Pillion comfort has not been forgotten. The pegs have been moved 25mm forward while the grab rail features a revised shape. A side stand aids stop-and-go convenience.

The volume of the underseat compartment has been maintained at 18L ­– it’ll take a full-face helmet – but the seat now opens via a combination switch mounted below the handlebars. Two additional open storage areas are sited ahead of the rider’s knees and helmet holders on either side of the underseat area allow two helmets to be secured.

Both cast aluminium wheels are 16-inch in diameter and roll 80/90-16 and 90/9014 front/rear tyres. The brake system has been simplified; a single-piston caliper now works the front 220mm disc and links to the rear 130mm drum via single-circuit CBS.

The Vision will be available in the following colour options:

• Matt Carbonium Gray Metallic
• Pearl Cool White
• Pearl Nightstar Black
• Moondust Silver Metallic
• Pearl Splendor Red

4. Technical Specifications 

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.