It’s easy to focus on the $2499 price tag of the 2019 Honda Metropolitan, as well as its 117 mpg fuel consumption rate, and there’s nothing wrong with that. That’s the initial appeal of the Metropolitan – economy. Yet, the Metropolitan is also a fun and stylish scooter for the most densely populated urban areas.Although the 49cc motor is liquid-cooled and fuel injection, and it only has to power a 179-pound vehicle, it is still challenged when it comes to acceleration. If you’re at the front when the light turns green, you will want to twist the throttle as hard as you can to get out of the way of the crowd behind you.2019 Honda Metropolitan
The undersquare design of the SOHC motor does help it off the line, though a push with your feet doesn’t hurt.Stay away from speed limits over 40 mph, as you won’t be able to keep up with traffic. Plus, the 10-inch wheels, drum brakes, and non-adjustable short-travel suspension all remind you to tone it down.In hip downtown areas and places such as universities, the 2019 Honda Metropolitan is perfect for personal mobility. It is easy to use – the transmission is fully automatic – and is capable of carrying groceries or books, as needed.For more, visit our Motorcycle Buyer’s Guide.
2019 Honda Metropolitan Specs
ENGINE
Type: Single cylinder
Displacement: 49cc
Bore x stroke: 37.8 x 44mm
Compression ratio: 10.1:1
Valve train: SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Fueling: Fuel injection
Cooling: Liquid
Transmission: CVT
CHASSIS
Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable fork/2.7 inches
Our first segment introduces you to the new Arch 1s. This latest, slightly more sporting American V-twin, adds to the original KRGT1 coming from the boutique manufacturer based in Hawthorne, Southern California. Senior Editor Nic de Sena rode through Malibu with Gard Hollinger, who co-founded Arch Motorcycle with his friend, Keanu Reeves. The 1s is a unique ride for sure, and Nic explains what makes the bike really stand out.
For the entertaining story behind Arch Motorcycle from Gard Hollinger himself, you must listen to his podcast episode on Motos & Friends HERE
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The guest segment of Motos and Friends is brought to you by the faster and most technologically advanced, 2023 Suzuki Hayabusa—one of the most iconic sportbikes ever. Check it out in person at your local Suzuki dealer now, or visit suzukicycles.com to learn more.
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In our second segment, Associate Editor Teejay Adams chats with Thom Beers, the former Chairman & CEO of Fremantle Media North America, responsible for American Idol and America’s Got Talent. Thom’s astonishing resume as a Producer, Director, and actor, includes narrating many, many of the shows he’s created.
His fertile imagination led to most of the really big reality TV shows, and of course for us in the motorcycle world, you’ll be interested to hear the genesis and story behind his Jesse James show, ‘Monster Garage’, as well as the ‘Biker Build Off’ and ‘Zombie Choppers’ TV shows. Teejay’s chat with Thom gives us some amazing insight into other areas of Thom’s career, including ‘Deadliest Catch’ and others.
You’d imagine that most of Thom’s time is spent sitting behind a desk and on his phone. Not so. His intense stories of capturing much of the content for these shows make for some hair-raising listening. I for one, was fascinated; I hope you are too.
