Honda unveils the SH150i to America

In June 2009, Honda dealers in the U.S. will begin selling the 2010 SH150i. It’s a 153cc, 16” wheeled scooter that looks a lot like the Kymco People, but is priced like a Vespa. So what makes it special? Other than it’s the first new scooter from Honda for years? Well, unlike those other scooters, it is fuel-injected and liquid cooled. Those closed, electronically controlled systems mean better efficiency and reliability, and, combined with an air injection system and exhaust catalyzer, fewer emissions.

It also has combined brakes, which I think is new for a scooter of its size. The website doesn’t say much about it, but “combined brakes” usually means that squeezing either brake applies at least some pressure to BOTH brakes. This may be electronically-controlled “brake by wire”. With the large tires, it ought to be a very confidence-inspiring ride.

The styling is decidedly as modern as its technology. Despite the fact that it looks more like something you would see in southern Asia, Honda claims this is the best selling scooter in Italy. European or Asian, this is a big step for Honda in America. It’s the first scooter of this style by one of the Japanese big 4 (3, since Kawasaki doesn’t import any scooters). Big wheeled and high-tech, this is a scooter that will either flop here or further the scooter trend started over the last year by high gas prices. If America continues to buy scooters at an increasing rate, will it accept this practical, modern model? Or will scooter buyers break into two camps: classic vs. tuner, like the Harley vs. sport bike dichotomy of the USA motorcycle market? It will be interesting to find out.

I hope America embraces it. It represents what I’m preaching about scooters: fuel-efficient, good for the environment, and practical for commuting. It doesn’t take an SUV, with all the fuel and space it takes up on the road, to transport one person from home to the office. By including on a scooter all of the systems that Americans expect in their automobiles, this could be an important model for the future of scootering in America.