The history of the Honda Vario in Indonesia, from 110 cc to 160 cc engines

Honda Vario is an automatic transmission motorcycle produced by Astra Honda Motor in Indonesia. It was first launched in 2006.

 Its presence was intended to anticipate the scooter market which was then controlled by Yamaha with its Mio.

Since its birth, its work has been very popular with its efficient fuel consumption, masculine and modern models. Honda Vario at that time still had a 110cc engine capacity. Along with the development of motorcycles, scooters from Honda had undergone several engine changes. From 110cc, 125cc, 150cc to the latest using a mechanical heart with a capacity of 160cc. The evolution of the technology also underwent an overhaul, from the carburetor to the injection. The following is the journey of the Honda Vario in Indonesia.

The history of the Honda Vario in Indonesia, from 110 cc to 160 cc engines

Honda Vario First Generation (2006)

This generation is a form of anticipation from Astra Honda Motor (AHM) for the growing popularity of scooters in Indonesia. The Honda Vario was immediately in demand by the people of the country because it was the first scooter to be circulated with a liquid-cooled carrying.

He comes with a design that is more attractive than his opponent. The model is quite futuristic, by adapting the dual lights located on the front body shield. Body lines are a little boxy, as well as larger dimensions than Mio. Automatic, giving a masculine impression.

In the early generation, there was only one engine choice. Equipped with a clean 108 cc SOHC pacemaker, with a size (Diameter x Step) 50 x 55mm. Compression is made quite dense at a ratio of 10.7:1. The result of the engine specifications, produces 8.99 PS of power at 8,000 rpm and 8.4 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. 

He is classified as revolutionary because of the embedding of liquid cooling technology that has not been adapted by his rivals. In terms of features, the Vario is also superior with the parking brake lock and side stand switch, which ensures the engine cannot start if the side standard is forgotten to lift.

Honda Vario Techno (2009)

Three years later, AHM launched the latest generation. Use the name Vario Techno. The manufacturer overhauled its look and it looks much more modern. The dimensions are a little more gambot and the design is more futuristic, especially the separate model headlamps whose lines are more tapered and long upwards. Stoplamp also underwent a revision. The proportions are more pleasing to the eye than the previous version.

Nothing has changed in terms of the engine. The specifications are still exactly the same, relying on the Keihin AVK22 carburetor to supply gasoline. As a result, the resulting power output is also the same. But there are some new technologies that are embedded in the Honda Vario Techno. Namely the Combi Brake System braking system. From here the beginning of the Vario generation using a rate-stopping technology called CBS.

The purpose of the CBS embedding, to maximize braking. This system works by combining the front and rear brakes that act simultaneously. The trick, just pull the brake lever on the right and the system automatically works. According to Honda's claims, this greatly affects the shorter braking distance.

Honda Vario PGM-FI (2013)

In this generation AHM raises the class and changes the segmentation of the Honda Vario. The changes are many, starting from the design that is getting gambot to fit a helmet (helmet-in). Not only the shape, the pacemaker sector is also improved. Without eliminating the 110cc variant, Honda has equipped this motorbike with a larger engine option, 125cc.

The gasoline supply system was also updated, initially changing the fuel atomizer to injection (PGM-FI). The new engine mix has an impact on its performance. Power output is capable of reaching 11.3 PS at 8,500 rpm and 10.7 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. Much improved than before. The tank capacity, which was 3.6 liters, has also been enlarged to 5.5 liters.

Added the Idling Stop System feature, in order to improve fuel efficiency. This system shuts down the engine when idle, for more than three seconds. With it, no gas is wasted. When you want to turn it on, you don't need to press the starter switch again, just pull the gas and the motor will automatically turn on.

In addition, the Vario 125 is also equipped with an ACG starter, which makes it silent when the motor is started. This is also AHM's answer to the many inputs about the previous version's harsh Vario starter sound.

Honda Vario 110 eSP (2015)

With the end of the carburetor era, forcing Honda to upgrade the 110cc Vario. On the other hand, the presence of the 125 version which has large dimensions, makes consumers want a Vario with a more compact form. Seeing this opportunity, AHM launched the Vario 110 eSP, whose design is similar to the first-generation Vario.

Unfortunately, the engine originally used a radiator, in this model the engine is actually downgraded to air-cooled. Apparently the machine used was taken from the Honda BEAT. That's why the engine coolant is air, not using liquid anymore. Even so, there are still ISS and CBS features.

The model has not changed much from the first-generation Vario, only the additional features of LED lights. In addition, there is a new feature, namely the Answer Back System so that there is a small remote in the ignition of the Honda Vario 110 ESP.

Unfortunately, the Vario 110 did not sell well in the market and had to be put to death in early 2020. His death is in line with the presence of the latest Honda Beat which has more modern features.

All New Honda Vario 125 & 150 (2015)

Responding to various choices of 150cc automatic scooters from other manufacturers, Honda again "exploited" the Vario by adding a 150 variant. Both were launched simultaneously in 2015. Through the Vario 150, AHM also wants to 'colonize' all classes in automatic motorcycles.

Vario 125 and 150 have identical designs, there are only differences in the stripping and the color of the indicator panel lights. But when compared to the previous model, changes are seen in the body which is much more frightening, with squared accents on each side. The headlamp is also equipped with LEDs in each variant. This time, the 110 cc version is treated with a different form of its own.

Business pacemaker, this latest variant has the most interesting capabilities. With a 150 cc PGM-FI engine cubication, it is capable of spitting out a maximum power of 12.64 PS at 8,400 rpm. and 12.8 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) technology has also been embedded in the three variants. The point is to minimize the sound when turning on the starter. To save fuel, the idling stop system must be maintained.

Regarding completeness, the answer back system feature is embedded. Serves to make it easier for motorists to find motorbikes in parking locations. Just press the button on the remote key, then the motor will sound and the light will turn on.

All New Honda Vario (2018)

Leaving his brother with a 110cc engine, the All New Vario is only a 125cc and 150cc variant. This latest model was launched in April 2018. The shape has changed quite a lot. Especially the use of the new multilevel headlamp model, which makes the motorcycle look much more modern. While on the front and rear, already use LED bulbs and have DRLs.

The handlebar area is made lower and bent, and uses a full digital speedometer. The tail looks sporty, thanks to the separate fenders and short exhaust ala Honda CBR150R. This generation also has a keyless system. All the technology that existed before, of course inherited in this latest generation.

Although the pacemaker is similar, the power output is much different. The specifications are still the same, relying on a 150 cc engine, with a size (Diameter x Step) of 57.3 x 57.9 mm. But thanks to several new components, the power jumps to 13.1 PS at 8,500 rpm and 13.4 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm. Likewise the 125 cc version, which is capable of producing 11.1 PS of power at 8,500 rpm and 10.8 Nm of torque at 5,000 rpm.

The crank device for starting the engine, in both is omitted. But don't worry, because the digital instrument provides battery voltage information. So you can monitor when you need to replace it. Braking matters, still without ABS. Honda retains the CBS system with drum rear brakes. But in front of the disc brake.

All New Honda Vario 160

Astra Honda Motor (AHM) in early 2022 released the All New Vario 160. With the presence of a new model, the 150 version stopped being produced. It gets an update on the design side, the engine as well as the frame that makes it worthy of a glance for reliable daily activities. Vario 160 is said to use the bigger, greater and prouder approach.

All New Honda Vario 160 gets the latest generation engine. Now he is carrying a 160 cc engine crammed with four valves, SOHC, liquid cooled and enhanced Smart Power Plus (eSP +) technology. It is capable of producing a maximum power of 15.3 hp at 8,500 rpm with a peak torque of 13.8 Nm at 7,000 rpm. Bore x stroke size is now 60 x 55.5 mm, previously 57.3 x 57.9 mm. The compression ratio has also increased, the old model 10.6:1 is now 12:1.

When compared to the old model, the increase in power is quite significant. Previously 13 hp / 8,500 and torque only increased slightly, namely from 13.4 Nm / 5,000 rpm.

He now uses the same frame technology as the Genio and the All New Scoopy. Namely the application of the eSAF (enhanced Smart Architecture Frame) frame. Makes this sporty premium scooter even more agile and easy to drive. But unlike its smaller sibling, the eSAF frame attached to the Vario 160 didn't have a positive impact on other sectors. The weight actually increased. Previously 112 kg is now 115 kg (CBS) and 117 kg (ABS). The volume of fuel and luggage space under the seat has also remained unchanged, respectively, at 5.5 liters and 18 liters.

The concept is still the same as before, still carrying a sporty style scooter. Has firm design lines. But now he is no longer slim. Some body panels are made to bulge solid. Clearly visible on the front. Made like a multilevel model. The front lighting system still relies on the Dual Keen LED Headlight. Also equipped with a turn signal that no longer squints down. Given a barrier with the pull of the headlamp cover line. Looks aggressive and classy.

Adjusting to the front shield, the center panel looks a little bloated. While the tail applies modern motifs. The rear body is filled with a 3-dimensional (3D) emblem that reads Vario 160 (specifically for the ABS type). The elegant impression becomes even stronger seen from the side.

The back is still supported by a luxurious appearance, because it applies a separate stop lamp and turn signal design. The stop lamp model has changed completely but remains tapered upwards. The special thing is that it is given a muffler cover which is coated with aluminum just like the PCX 160. The sporty impression becomes even more pronounced.

Of all the design changes received, the dimensions are only a slight difference. Previously 1,919 x 679 x 1,062 mm, now it is 1,929 x 679 x 1,088 mm (LxWxH). The seat height was originally 769mm to 778mm. The wheelbase is now shorter at 1,277, the old model 1,280 mm. The lowest distance to the ground increased by 8mm to 140mm.

For the highest variant, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) has been embedded. Automatic rear braking equipped with discs. While the CBS type is still like the old model. Then there is a USB charger type A to recharge the cellphone without the need to use an additional adapter.

Make other equipment is still identical to the previous model. Such as front-rear LED lighting and turn signals, Side Stand Switch, Brake Lock System, multifunctional double inner rack, Smart Key System integrated with Answer Back System and Anti-Theft Alarm and full digital instrument panel and use negative display technology. The shape is still the same as the old version, it's just that for the most expensive variant there is an ABS indicator.

The affairs of the legs still rely on telescopic front and rear suspensions using swing arms that are maximized by a single shockbreaker. However, it is believed to be able to dampen vibrations and still feel comfortable to wear even in rough terrain though.

While the wheel diameter is still identical, namely 14 inches. But now use a new model of crossbar. The round skin is also now wide-profile. Previously, I used 80/90 and 100/80, now it is 100/80 (front) and 120/70 (rear). Both tires are tubeless.

Now the All New Vario 160 has two variants that are no longer distinguished by stripes and graphics. Now split into CBS and ABS. For the CBS type, there are Active Black, Grande Matte Black, and Grande Matte Red colors. This unit is sold for IDR 25.8 million OTR DKI Jakarta.

As for the ABS type, there are Active Black, Grande Matte Black, and Grande White colors. This model has a 3D badge on the rear body panel and burnt titanium alloy wheels. The price is IDR 28.5 million OTR DKI Jakarta.