And it definitely needs to reach the US.
Let's talk scooters .
In locations such as Europe and Asia, scooters are essentially a part of daily living. These vehicles are budget-friendly, effective, simple to operate, and compact enough to navigate through traffic and find parking spaces almost everywhere. They prove highly practical in densely populated urban areas with narrow streets and costly fuel. Here in the Philippines Scooters truly reign supreme on the roads these days. You can find them all over—the delivery couriers zipping around, students commuting to school, parents tackling their daily chores, and even office workers in formal attire navigating through busy streets.
Honestly, this idea is also beginning to resonate with more Americans. Over recent years, scooter sales have been gradually increasing across the U.S. As gasoline prices remain volatile and an urban lifestyle becomes more common, individuals are now recognizing what much of the global population has understood for many years: a large fuel-consuming vehicle like a pickup truck or an SUV isn’t necessary for everyday transportation needs.
However, let’s face it—a scooter is still a scooter. All of them will take you from point A to point B with minimal fuss. But what really distinguishes one from the next?
It's the looks .
That's why there's so much hype surrounding Vespa It goes beyond being merely a scooter; it’s an expression. This brand exudes Italian flair and classic design that many adore. However, such stylishness isn’t cheap. In the U.S., a newly equipped Vespa Primavera could easily exceed $5,000. For most individuals in developing nations like the Philippines, this price point is simply unfeasible. It becomes challenging to rationalize paying so much for a 125cc scooter, regardless of its aesthetic appeal.
This is where the Honda Giorno+ enters the picture.
This most certainly isn't your ordinary, budget-friendly scooter.
This is Honda’s solution to the “I desire a vintage-style scooter that looks fantastic without breaking the bank” dilemma. Although it isn’t available in the U.S. right now, it has been causing quite a stir across Southeast Asia—deservedly so.
Let’s take a step back for a moment. The Giorno brand has been in circulation for quite some time now. Indeed, Honda has offered scooters under the Giorno moniker across multiple regions over several years. However, the Giorno+ represents a relatively recent addition as a 125cc variant specifically tailored for countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. This newer version retains the classic Vespa-like aesthetics but combines them with efficient, dependable, and budget-conscious technology from Honda.
For readers in the US, you can find something similar— Honda Metropolitan It has a comparable vintage look, yet it’s a 50cc scooter with significantly less power and functionality. While it may be adorable, the Giordo+ offers much more as a scooter.
Powering the Giorno+ is Honda's advanced 125cc, four-stroke, four-valve, SOHC, liquid-cooled eSP+ engine. This setup delivers a maximum power output of 11 horsepower at 8,750 rpm and peak torque of 8.5 pound-feet at 5,250 rpm. This means the Giorno+ offers brisk acceleration (compared to a 50cc scoot), making it adept at navigating through city traffic with ease.
It gets retro styling that's clearly inspired by a certain Italian manufacturer
A LED headlight provides excellent visibility even under poor lighting circumstances.
But this isn't a scooter you ride to go fast. It's a scooter you ride to enjoy the world around you. It's relaxed. Friendly. It reminds you to take things slow and soak in your surroundings.
Moreover, it’s highly functional. Beneath the seat lies a spacious 30-liter storage space, large enough to accommodate a helmet or all of your everyday items. Additionally, there is a handy hook located between your legs where you can easily dangle a shopping bag, backpack, or food takeaway container. The bike comes equipped with an advanced LED lighting system which improves visibility, making sure you remain noticeable during nighttime cycling sessions. As for comfort, the seating provides exceptional support suitable for navigating through urban areas.
In terms of halting capability, you won’t find any advanced ABS systems here. Rather, Honda uses its Combi Brake System (CBS) to manage brake pressure across both the front and rear wheels. This ensures consistent and secure stops even when braking abruptly. The system is straightforward yet efficient—particularly beneficial for novice riders accustomed to independent control over each brake.
Honestly though, the spec sheet isn't what makes the Giorno+ special. Like most scooters in this category, it's intentionally straightforward. There's no TFT display, no riding modes, no traction control. What you're really paying for is style. And in that department, the Giorno+ absolutely shines.
The fuel filler cap is concealed beneath a sliding panel on the apron, which opens when you press a button.
Everything can be controlled effortlessly via the switches located on the frontal panel beneath the dashboard.
The design of the bodywork is gracefully curved and sophisticated without appearing excessive. The available colors have a pristine and high-quality appearance. Small touches like polished chrome details, modern LED headlights, and a smooth, retro-inspired footrest enhance its appeal. It doesn’t come across as forced but rather naturally appealing. When compared with most other affordable scooters, this one distinctly catches the eye.
And hey, it's a Honda . That means you're getting bulletproof reliability and easy maintenance. These things are built to survive potholes, rainstorms, and years of daily abuse without breaking a sweat. I've seen similar Honda and Yamaha scooters with upwards of 100,000 kilometers on them still purring like kittens.
However, the catch is this: in the Philippines, the Honda Giorno+ retails for ₱101,900—equivalent to less than $2,000 USD. This stylish, dependable, and functional scooter could probably last longer than both yours and your grandchildren’s lifetimes. To my mind, that represents incredible value.
It kind of leaves you pondering why Honda has not introduced it to the U.S. market yet. Admittedly, the scooter scene isn’t as extensive there, but considering the rising trend in urban transportation and vintage-style motorcycles, the Giorno+ could really make waves in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, or Miami.
For now, however, you will simply have to appreciate it from a distance. Alternatively, consider planning a journey to Southeast Asia and renting one for several days. I assure you, it’s well worth it.
Sure thing, while many people in America are just starting to embrace the scooter scene, folks elsewhere have been zooming around effortlessly for quite some time now—and the Honda Giorno+ perfectly illustrates just how well life can be with these rides.
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