2009 Honda Metropolitan
User Reviews
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Commute now too short!
By (I am an Owner) on Apr 06, 2018I bought my cream coloured, 50cc, 2009 Honda Metropolitan in February of 2018, nearly two months ago. I intended to us it for my work commute and neighborhood errands, trips of .5 to 6 miles. It does not disappoint.
Being a novice rider both short and stout, I have found the Metropolitan ... easy to ride and sufficiently powered to haul me up hills, albeit at 20mph. On a flat road I may attain 33mph.
Using both the under seat storage and the hook on the steering column, I am able to transport 2 bags worth of groceries, and have also managed to strap some odd shaped items onto that rear loop shaped structure using bungee cords. A simple backpack easily adds enough cargo capacity for a modest grocery run or afternoon's errands, though a little planning and careful packing is prudent for success.
Because the Metropolitan is small and I am wide, I have not yet found the right angle to set the mirrors. I have a good view of cars behind on either side, but when I try to see cars directly behind me, I mostly see my own coat. Mirrors are adjustable both at the mirror and at the base of the mirror arms, so I hope to resolve this situation.
The nature of this beast includes small diameter tires, and they do make the most of every road surface irregularity. It helps to use the floor not just as a footrest, but as a load bearing spot to use my feet to gain extra stability and support going over rough spots. Traffic speed bumps as well as those in parking lots seem too high for my Metropolitan to handle with grace, though this may be due to the massive weight load I present. I quickly learned to go around these speed bumps.
Another less than ideal experience I've had is the dismay of finding scuffs and black smudges on the plastic housing. It must come off my boots as I ride, and my helmet when I hang it on the book. Fortunately, my scuffs come off nicely with Magic Eraser cleaning sponge, but I'm not sure how that will affect the finish over time.
The horn seems effective, and the controls are easy to learn and manage. It's hard for me to judge my fuel consumption as I have never completely filled the tank. A handful of loose change now and then keeps me going.
I do find it helpful to let my Metropolitan warm up before heading out on a cold day under 40 degrees F. Otherwise it seems prone to stall. It is very easy to hear when the motor is ready to get going, and at that time it seems quite ready to take off. A quick squeeze on the brake settles it right down for a controlled, easy start.
I did have the opportunity to replace the back tire. Labor and shop parts cost about $80, and the tire about $20. I had the brakes and front tire evaluated at the same time. Of special note, my insurance policy includes a free tow with the roadside assistance, and for those choosing insurance I strongly recommend that insurance feature. I did push my Metropolitan 1.5 miles, and it wasn't hard, but the free tow after that was really very helpful.
In conclusion, I would like to say that several people tried to upsell me to a larger, stronger type of machine while I was shopping for this scooter. Although I expect to upgrade or add a second, bigger bike in about a year, I am very pleased that I did not let anyone talk me out of getting my Honda Metropolitan. It very well fills my need, and I simply love riding it. I frequently take an extra turn around the block when I get home from work, and today actually pulled into the lot at work thinking I wished my commute were longer.
Rating breakdown
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Best Thing I Have Ever Bought
By (I am an Owner) on Oct 18, 2010Let me say that I live in Los Angeles, and commute through the city about 10 miles to work. I have to go through some of the worst traffic in the country, in Hollywood and Beverly Hills, at rush hour. In my car, I would be raging all morning and all evening because of the frustration. This scooter ... has changed my life!!
Zippy, responsive, comfortable and convenient, my 2009 Met gets 100mpg and hasn't let me down yet in 1000 miles. I carefully split lanes in stopped traffic to cut 20min off of my commute. Even in the rain, with caution, it doesn't disappoint. Mine is cherry red and super cute, and I plan on getting the trunk soon for more storage. The underseat stores a half helmet, which is good for quick trips in hot weather.
I get up to 38-40mph on the flat roads, although it is a little wimpy going uphill. But it's nothing surprising, seeing as this machine is so small it hardly weighs anything! I keep mine locked in a garage at work and at home, and have never had problems.
This scooter saved my sanity and my wallet. Plus...it's so much fun to ride!!!
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Honda Metro 2009
By (I am an Owner) on May 25, 2009I used to have crotch rockets--1997 Honda CBR 600 and a 2003 Honda RC 51. I have always loved getting around the two-wheeled way, but I sold those bikes because of my back problems and the uncomfortable riding postions they offer. I bought this scooter (used with about 1500 miles on the odometer) ... about 4 months ago and I don't have any regrets. I've read other reviews mentioning a rather mundane top speed of 30-35 mph. I'm 5'11 and 205 lbs and have no problem reaching the rev-limited 40 mph mark on flat ground. I don't think I'd have any problem reaching 45 or even 50 mph with the stock rev limiter removed. Granted, this little engine doesn't have the torque for blazing acceleration, but I don't think that's why one purchases a bike like this. So far, I've had no problems or complaints. The one upgrade I wish this bike offered would be a front disc brake, as the drum style does need frequent adjustment depending on rider weight and driving practices. I had a one hour round trip commute that I've cut to 40 min (I live in Los Angeles where we can legally split the lanes). I also reduced my gas consumption by about $200-300 per month, depending on pump prices. I'm averaging between 90-97 mpg! The riding position is comfortable, too. I hope this helps and wish you luck in your two-wheeled endevours.
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Great mode of transpotation: High gas prices or not!
By (I am an Owner) on Nov 18, 2008Recently just aquired the little guy and I love it. I am 5'11" just under 200# and it scoots around town like nothing. On the flats I get up to 30 - 35 mph... up hills its a little gutless, but to run around the small town I live it it works out great. Well worth it!! Even if I won it in a raffle!!!
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