Key points of the Honda Vario 160 Repsol Limited Edition:
- Malaysian market gets the new Honda Vario 160 Repsol Limited Edition
- The new scooter is based on the standard Vario 160, but it features a special livery inspired by Honda’s MotoGP racing team.
- Comes powered with a 157cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine that produces 15 horsepower and 9.6 pound-feet of torque.
- It also gets single-channel ABS on the front wheel, full-LED lighting, and a built-in USB charger.
- The scooter is limited to just 2,000 units and is priced at RM 10,498, which is about $2,300 USD.
Details
The Honda Vario 160 Repsol Limited Edition is a small-displacement scooter launched in the Malaysian market. It is part of a trend among motorcycle manufacturers to produce race-inspired liveries for their scooters, providing racing enthusiasts with daily commuters bearing the stripes of their distant racing counterparts.
Here are some of the key features of the Honda Vario 160 Repsol Limited Edition:
- 157cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine
- 15 horsepower and 9.6 pound-feet of torque
- Single-channel ABS on the front wheel
- Full-LED lighting
- Built-in USB charger
- Repsol livery
- Limited to 2,000 units
- Priced at RM 10,498 (about $2,300 USD)
Repsol MotoGP Livery
The scooter features an eye-catching Repsol MotoGP livery, which sets it apart from the standard Vario 160 model. However, performance-wise, the Repsol Limited Edition is the same as the standard model. It is powered by a 157cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine with Honda’s Smart Power Plus (eSP+) technology.
Engine
This setup optimizes power delivery to produce 15 horsepower and 9.6 pound-feet of torque. The scooter also comes with a Smart Architecture Frame, providing a more agile and responsive ride. In terms of safety, it is equipped with single-channel ABS on the front wheel, offering added control in wet and slippery road conditions.
Electronics and Hardware
The Honda Vario 160 Repsol Limited Edition distinguishes itself as a techie scooter with several tech features. It comes with Honda’s Smart Key system, which offers keyless ignition and an anti-theft alarm. Additionally, it has a built-in USB charger for added convenience and full-LED lighting for optimum visibility during low-light and nighttime rides.
Pricing
The scooter is priced at RM 10,498 in Malaysia, which is approximately $2,300 USD. It is a limited edition model, with only 2,000 units available for purchase. The scooter was launched on July 20, 2023, and can be found exclusively at Boon Siew Honda dealerships in Malaysia.
Pros of the Honda Vario 160 Repsol Limited Edition:
- Eye-catching Design: The Repsol MotoGP livery gives the scooter a striking and attractive appearance, appealing to racing enthusiasts and those who appreciate sporty aesthetics.
- Popular Commuter: The standard Honda Vario 160 has gained popularity as a commuter scooter due to its impressive performance, practical amenities, and affordability. The limited edition version offers the same features with the added racing-inspired design.
- Optimized Performance: The integration of Honda’s Smart Power Plus (eSP+) technology optimizes power delivery, resulting in a responsive and efficient ride. The scooter’s liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine provides adequate power for urban commuting.
- Safety Features: The inclusion of single-channel ABS on the front wheel enhances braking control, especially in wet or slippery road conditions, improving overall safety for the rider.
- Tech Features: The scooter comes with several tech features, including keyless ignition with the Smart Key system, an anti-theft alarm, a built-in USB charger, and full-LED lighting, making it convenient and modern for the on-the-go generation.
Cons of the Honda Vario 160 Repsol Limited Edition:
- Limited Availability: The scooter is exclusively sold in Malaysia and is limited to just 2,000 units. This limited availability may make it difficult for enthusiasts in other regions to purchase the model.
- Similar Performance to Standard Model: While the Repsol Limited Edition features a unique livery, its performance remains the same as the standard Vario 160 model. Some potential buyers may have hoped for additional performance enhancements in a limited edition version.
- Price: The limited edition version may come with a higher price tag compared to the standard model due to its exclusive design and features. This could be a potential drawback for budget-conscious buyers.
- Limited Racing Connection: While the scooter bears the Repsol MotoGP livery, its actual racing performance does not match that of professional MotoGP motorcycles. Some buyers might prefer a scooter with true racing performance characteristics.
- Regional Availability: The scooter is available only in the Asian market, particularly in Malaysia. This limited regional availability might disappoint potential buyers from other parts of the world who are interested in owning this particular model.
Conclusion
The Honda Vario 160 Repsol Limited Edition is a visually striking scooter caters to racing enthusiasts and individuals who appreciate sporty designs. With its eye-catching Repsol MotoGP livery, it sets itself apart from the standard Vario 160 model and offers an officially licensed replica of the brand’s MotoGP exploits.
The scooter boasts several positive aspects, including its popularity as a commuter scooter, thanks to its impressive performance, practical amenities, and affordability. The integration of Honda’s Smart Power Plus (eSP+) technology optimizes its power delivery, providing a responsive and efficient ride. Safety features like the single-channel ABS enhance braking control, ensuring a safer riding experience.
Furthermore, the Vario 160 Repsol Limited Edition appeals to the tech-savvy generation with its keyless ignition, anti-theft alarm, built-in USB charger, and full-LED lighting. These features add modern convenience to the overall riding experience.
