#HONDA NAVIGATION UPDATE REVIEW FULL#

The rear-mounted engine contributes to that quality, shifting much of the weight to the back. The Navi’s aesthetics and ergonomics may resemble a motorcycle, but the ride is closer to a scooter. Compared to a sportbike, the riding position is neutral and relaxed, but compared to a scooter, it’s much more commanding. Mid-mount pegs keep the knee bend at a 90-degree angle and the reach to the bars is short. The Navi’s motorcycle-style ergonomics only enhance that feeling. Combined with the user-friendly throttle response, the poised chassis allows riders to pick through rush-hour traffic with confidence. The balanced chassis not only remained composed at lean but also stayed steady at slow speeds. At best, the top speed of the Honda Navi is 55 mph, so it’s suited for around town and backroads but not freeways. Along with the supple suspension, the 27.5-degree rake made the Navi eager to tip in and the 50.6-inch wheelbase preserved that agility without sacrificing stability at top speed. Only the harshest hits unsettled the chassis. The 26.8mm inverted fork only offers 3.5 inches of travel and the rear shock lowers that figure to just-2.8 inches, but the soft suspension soaked up most road irregularities. Unlike the brakes, the basic suspension exceeds expectations. The “old school ABS” of the Navi’s drum brakes match its minuscule mill and $1,807 MSRP. Despite stomping on the brake pedal with all my might, the rear wheel refused to brake traction. On the bright side (especially for newbies), the drum units lack the power to lock up. The linked system does maintain the Navi’s stability, but only compounds the vague feel at the lever and pedal when used in tandem. Light on initial bite and overall stopping power, the brakes require a heavy hand and extra distance to do the deed. The drum brakes help with those efforts, and they’re predictably soft. With drum brakes front and rear, the Honda Navi has limited stopping power. Of course, you can’t take yourself too seriously on a 109cc motorcycle, and the gentle powerband ensures those antics remain harmless fun.

In full tuck, with the throttle pinned and a light tailwind, the Navi even touches a top speed of 55 mph. With its leisurely pace, the Navi obeys all posted speed limits, but on the backroads, riders can wind the miniMOTO all the way up to 50 mph. It takes the thumper more time to reach its maximum 7.8 horsepower at 9,500 rpm (there’s no tachometer on the instrument panel). The Navi pulls away from a stop easily, and torque quickly peaks at 6.6 lb-ft at 5,500 rpm. The Honda Navi’s accessible seat height, short wheelbase, and low weight make it very maneuverable.īoots: Dainese Persepolis Air Shoes The Honda Navi’s 109cc Single is mounted to the swingarm. To prove the Navi’s moto meddle, Honda invited us to Costa Mesa, California, to put the newest mini to the test. Honda hopes that mix of practicality and performance will carve out a new niche in the miniMOTO range, one that caters to students, commuters, and scooter converts. Toeing the line between a twist-and-go scooter and step-over motorcycle, the latest mini borrows the fan-cooled, 109cc Single from the Activa 6G and the Grom’s popular design language. The 2022 Honda Navi borrows its 109cc from the Activa 6G scooter. However, the new 2022 Honda Navi is by far the most affordable and user-friendly bike in the lineup.

With each member filling a niche, Team Red’s miniMOTO family may seem complete. The Super Cub adds urbane sophistication to the mix and the Trail 125 counters with rugged utility. The Grom favors sporty styling while the Monkey opts for retro-cool. Like any great team, Honda’s miniMOTO lineup has something for everyone.

The 2022 Honda Navi is the newest addition to the miniMOTO lineup.

#HONDA NAVIGATION UPDATE REVIEW FULL#

Honda navigation update review