Honda Giorno 50
The Honda Giorno 50 has a top speed of ~60 km/h, produces ~3.3 hp and weighs ~79 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.5/10.
The Honda Giorno was introduced in Japan in 1992 as a retro-styled 50cc scooter designed to appeal to urban commuters and fashion-conscious riders, drawing inspiration from classic Italian scooter aesthetics. It became popular for its distinctive vintage look combined with Honda's reliable engineering, and has seen several generational updates over the decades, with a modern fourth-generation model (AF70) launched around 2015 featuring fuel injection and improved efficiency. It remains a Japan-domestic-market staple, notable for blending nostalgic styling with modern practicality in the kei-class scooter segment.
~3.3 hp
Power
~3.8 Nm
Torque
~79 kg
Weight
~60 km/h
Top Speed
~1.3 L/100km or ~77 km/L (typical real-world average)
Fuel
Faired
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Honda's Reliable Engine
The Giorno 50 uses Honda's proven 49cc 4-stroke engine, known for exceptional longevity with minimal maintenance. Many units easily surpass 20,000 km when properly serviced.
Watch the Variator
The CVT variator and drive belt are the most common wear items — inspect them carefully on used models, especially if the scooter hesitates or jerks during acceleration. Replacement is affordable but easy to overlook.
Strong Resale Value
The Giorno holds its value better than most 50cc scooters due to its retro styling and Honda badge, which remains highly desirable in urban markets. Limited availability in some regions further boosts used prices.
Generations & Specs by Year
Original retro scooter design with 49cc two-stroke engine, classic styling inspired by Italian scooters.
"Charming little runabout that earns its keep daily."
I rode a '95 Giorno as a city commuter for two years and the thing genuinely made me smile every single morning — Honda nailed the proportions and the chrome detailing ages beautifully. The two-stroke pulls crisply off the line for a 50cc, and threading through Tokyo-style traffic at 45 km/h feels completely natural on its narrow, upright chassis. That said, the 60 km/h claimed top speed is optimistic on anything but flat road with a tailwind — real-world cruising sits around 50-52 km/h, and steep hills expose the engine's limits embarrassingly fast. Two-stroke oil maintenance is a genuine nuisance if you're used to a four-stroke, and cold starts in winter require patience the engine doesn't always reward.
Pros
Cons
Updated with 49cc four-stroke engine meeting stricter emissions, refined styling retained retro aesthetic.
"Cutest commuter that barely breaks a sweat."
The four-stroke swap from the first gen was the right call — it idles smoother, doesn't reek of premix, and actually starts cold without drama. Around town at 40 km/h it's genuinely charming: the wide floorboard, the soft suspension, the retro egg-shaped bodywork that still turns heads twenty years on. But push it anywhere near that claimed 60 km/h top speed and you're white-knuckling the bars while the engine screams like a sewing machine in a blender — there's nothing left in reserve. The auto-choke is fussy in winter, the rear drum takes real commitment to bite, and forget hills with a passenger; it'll embarrass you in front of traffic.
Pros
Cons
Revised fuel-injection system introduced, updated frame and body panels, improved fuel economy and emissions compliance.
Modern eSP four-stroke engine, ACG starter for silent ignition, updated LED lighting and idling stop system.
Used Buyer Review
"Charming, reliable urban scooter that rewards patient, low-speed commuters."
$1,800-$3,500 usedThe Giorno 50 is Honda's style exercise dressed up as practical transport, and honestly it delivers on both counts better than you'd expect. That retro-rounded bodywork turns heads at coffee shops, but underneath sits Honda's bulletproof 49cc four-stroke single — these things genuinely last forever if the previous owner wasn't an idiot about oil changes. Buy one with receipts or walk away. Used examples cluster around the 2019-2023 era imports, mostly grey-market units from Japan or newer domestic models. Check the variator rollers and belt — they wear predictably around 8,000km and previous owners rarely bother. CVT shudder on takeoff is your warning sign. The underseat storage is genuinely useful, the ride quality is plush for a 10-inch wheel scooter, and fuel consumption borders on embarrassing in the best way possible. Reality check though: 50cc in modern traffic requires confidence and lane positioning skills. This isn't a highway machine, it's a neighbourhood-to-station commuter. Buy it for what it is and you'll love it.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Honda Giorno 50 — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
Rough idle, hesitation, hard starting on test ride
Sluggish acceleration, slipping, or jerky power delivery
Slow crank, dim lights, or no electric start
Inspect welds and flanges for cracks or discoloration
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Very reliable if maintained, fragile when neglected
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Honda Giorno 50
Aprilia Sr 50
Piaggio Vespa Primavera 50
Piaggio Vespa Sprint 50
Piaggio Zip 50
Peugeot Kisbee 50
Compare Honda Giorno 50 Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Honda Giorno 50 vs Aprilia Sr 50
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Honda Giorno 50 vs Piaggio Vespa Primavera 50
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Honda Giorno 50 vs Piaggio Vespa Sprint 50
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Honda Giorno 50 vs Piaggio Zip 50
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Honda Giorno 50 vs Peugeot Kisbee 50
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
More Honda Giorno 50 Guides
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Honda Giorno 50? +
Carburetor clogging from old fuel: Rough idle, hesitation, hard starting on test ride (moderate) | Variator and drive belt wear: Sluggish acceleration, slipping, or jerky power delivery (moderate) | Corroded or weak battery: Slow crank, dim lights, or no electric start (minor)
Is the Honda Giorno 50 a good motorcycle? +
Charming, reliable urban scooter that rewards patient, low-speed commuters. Rating: 7.5/10. Best for: Urban commuters wanting stylish, fuss-free daily transport. Avoid if: You need arterial roads or highway capability.
What is the horsepower of the Honda Giorno 50? +
The Honda Giorno 50 produces ~3.3 hp @ 7,500 rpm (estimated; 2.4 kW rated output per Japanese domestic regulations), with ~3.8 Nm @ 6,000 rpm (estimated) of torque. Top speed: ~60 km/h.
Is the Honda Giorno 50 good for beginners? +
Yes — the Honda Giorno 50 is a reasonable choice for new riders (3.3 hp is manageable), weighing 79 kg. Urban commuters wanting stylish, fuss-free daily transport
Is the Honda Giorno 50 reliable? +
The Honda Giorno 50 has no widely-reported critical reliability issues. 4 minor issues are documented — see the Common Problems section above.
Is the Honda Giorno 50 good for daily use? +
Urban commuters wanting stylish, fuss-free daily transport Fuel: ~1.3 L/100km or ~77 km/L (typical real-world average).
How fast is the Honda Giorno 50? +
The Honda Giorno 50 reaches a top speed of ~60 km/h, producing 3.3 hp at 79 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Honda Giorno 50? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Honda Giorno 50, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/honda/giorno-50/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
