Let's talk scooters.
In places like Europe and Asia, scooters are practically a way of life. They're affordable, efficient, easy to ride, and small enough to zip through traffic and park just about anywhere. They make a ton of sense in crowded cities where roads are tight and fuel is expensive. Over here in the Philippines, scooters are pretty much the kings of the road. They're everywhere—from delivery riders and students to parents running errands and office workers in button-downs weaving through traffic.
And honestly, it's starting to make sense to more Americans, too. Scooter sales have quietly been rising in the US over the past few years. With gas prices fluctuating and more folks living in cities, people are finally seeing what the rest of the world has known for decades: you don't need a gas-guzzling truck or SUV to get around.
But let's be real—a scooter is a scooter. They'll all get you from point A to point B without much drama. So what actually sets one apart from another?
It's the looks.
That's why there's so much hype surrounding Vespa. It's more than just a scooter—it's a statement. The brand carries this aura of Italian cool and timeless design that people love. But that style comes at a cost. In the US, a new, fully optioned Vespa Primavera can easily run over $5,000. And in developing countries like the Philippines, that's just not realistic for most folks. It's hard to justify spending that much on a 125cc scooter, no matter how pretty it is.
This is where the Honda Giorno+ enters the picture.
It's Honda's answer to the whole "I want a retro scooter that looks great but doesn't cost a fortune" problem. And while it's not sold in the US (at least for now), it's been making waves here in Southeast Asia—and for good reason.
Let's rewind for a sec. The Giorno name has been around for a while. In fact, Honda has sold a scooter called the Giorno in various markets for years, but the Giorno+ is a new-ish 125cc model designed primarily for markets like Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. It takes that same old-school Vespa-inspired design and wraps it around practical, reliable, and wallet-friendly Honda engineering.
Now, for readers in the US, you can get something close—the Honda Metropolitan. It shares a similar retro style, but it's a 50cc scooter with way less power and utility. It's cute, sure, but the Giorno+ is just... more 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.
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.
And it's practical, too. Under the seat, there's a generous 30-liter storage compartment, ample enough for a helmet or your daily essentials. There's also a convenient hook between your knees to hang a grocery bag, backpack, or even a takeout order. The LED lighting system enhances visibility, ensuring you're seen during night rides. The seat? Super comfortable for city riding.
When it comes to stopping power, there's no fancy ABS here. Instead, Honda employs its Combi Brake System (CBS), which distributes braking force between the front and rear wheels, ensuring stable and safe stops even during sudden braking. It's simple but effective—especially for new riders who might not be used to separate front and rear brakes.
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 bodywork is curvy and elegant without being overdone. The paint options are clean and premium-looking. There are neat little chrome accents, a sleek LED headlight, and even a flat, vintage-style floorboard. It's not trying too hard—it just looks right. Put it next to almost any other budget scooter and it immediately stands out.
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.
But here's the kicker. In the Philippines, the Honda Giorno+ sells for P101,900—that's just under $2,000 USD. For a beautifully styled, reliable, and practical scooter that'll likely outlast you and your grandkids. That's pretty insane value to me.
Gallery: The Giorno+ Might Be Honda’s Best Scooter Yet
It kinda makes you wonder why Honda hasn't brought it to the US yet. Sure, the scooter market isn't as big there, but with the growing popularity of urban mobility and retro-styled bikes, the Giorno+ would be a hit in places like New York, LA, or Miami.
Until that happens, though, you'll just have to admire it from afar. Or, you know, plan a trip to Southeast Asia and rent one for a few days. Trust me—it's worth it.
So yeah, while most Americans are still catching on to the scooter lifestyle, the rest of the world's already cruising around in style—and the Honda Giorno+ is a prime example of how good we've got it.
