Honda Scoopy Patented In India; Why It Makes Sense For Our Market

If launched, the Scoopy would be the first truly retro-styled scooter in the segment

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India has filed a patent for the Scoopy scooter in India. Though the filing actually dates back to 2020, and given Honda’s recent patent-filing spree, we are unlikely to see the scooter in showrooms anytime soon, but the Scoopy makes perfect sense for the Indian market.

Firstly, the Honda Scoopy uses the same reliable 109.51cc air-cooled engine that we see on the Activa and Dio. However, the Indonesia-spec Scoopy produces 9PS and 9.3Nm while the Activa makes 7.79PS and 8.84Nm whereas the Dio churns 7.76PS and 9Nm. If Honda retains the Scoopy’s performance for the Indian market, it could be the not just the most powerful 110cc Honda here, but even amongst its competitors.

Then comes the styling. The current crop of 110cc scooters include the TVS Jupiter, Hero Maestro Edge 110, Hero Pleasure Plus, Honda Dio and the Honda Activa. So, at the moment, there’s no retro-styled funky scooter in the market, something that the Honda Scoopy is.

Right from its apron-mounted oval-shaped headlight cluster to the clean, sweeping lines usually seen on European scooters, the Honda Scoopy is a unique product. The Japanese bikemaker hasn’t skimped out on features either. It features an LED projector headlight, keyless ignition system, semi-digital instrument console and a USB charger.

In terms of equipment too, the Honda Scoopy doesn’t disappoint. It runs on 12-inch wheels at both ends, paired with a telescopic fork and a monoshock. For braking, it uses a disc at the front and a drum at the rear, aided by a combined braking system. If the scooter arrives in our market, it would be the first 110cc Honda scooter to sport a disc brake. The only scooters in this segment sporting a disc at the front are the Maestro Edge and the Jupiter.

Now comes the pricing. In Indonesia, the Honda Scoopy retails for IDR 2,04,75,000, which translates to roughly Rs 1.08 lakh. Considering that this scooter would be manufactured in India, expect the price to be close to Rs 76,000 (ex-showroom). For reference, the Activa is priced at Rs 70,599 (STD) and Rs 72,345 (DLX) while the Dio costs Rs 66,030 (STD) and Rs 69,428 (DLX). If Honda manages to undercut the priciest 110cc scooter of the lot, the TVS Jupiter ZX Disc SmartXConnect (Rs 80,795), the Scoopy definitely could pose a serious threat to it.