Photo: Honda
Radiators in homes must be on the list of the world's best inventions ever. Made of various kinds of metal, they let hot water run through them and spread warmth and joy all around. And another thing about radiators you should know is that they generally come in the same shape, no matter where you are on this Earth.
That means there's a great chance every one of you reading this knows what I'm talking about. And there's also a chance you understand me when I say Honda's new Motocompacto looks kind of like a home radiator.
The bike maker pulled the wraps off the new interpretation of its wacky scooter in September. It builds on the strange appearance of what was previously known as the Motocompo, and it's even weirder. Design-wise, that is, because in all other respects we're dealing with one decent piece of engineering for the segment it plays in.
Why do I say that? Well, because unlike most other scooters out there, this one is a sort of carry-on. It folds upon itself to become small enough to fit inside its own carrying thingy. And that, in turn, fits inside cars and public transport, or in a tight spot at home. How small can it become? 3.7 inches wide, 21.1 inches high, 29.2 inches long (9.3 cm by 53.5 cm by 74.1 cm), to be precise.
Why would you take the Motocompacto with you? That's easy: it was envisioned as a last-mile transportation solution, or for use on small distances, like say around a campus somewhere.
That's because the thing's battery will only last you for about 12 miles (19 km). It's swappable, though, and it can also be charged with the help of an on-board charger. The thing is not fast either. It can only go 15 mph (24 kph).
Honda knows the scooter is not exactly the pinnacle of two-wheeled motoring, and that's why it set a price that's well within the capabilities of most Americans. It is only asking $995, excluding tax, for it.
All of the above is public knowledge, so not exactly news. The reason we're once again talking about the Honda Motocompacto is the bike maker's announcement that the order books for the thing are now open, and you can get yourself one "through participating Honda and Acura dealers."
What that means is that, despite the wacky and youthful appearance, the scooter can't be configured and ordered online. It's a bit of a shame, if you ask us, as is the fact there aren't, as far as we can tell, all that many customization options available. Not even something as simple as a sticker.
At least, not officially, as we'll see what the aftermarket industry and imaginative youngsters have to say about it.
The bike maker pulled the wraps off the new interpretation of its wacky scooter in September. It builds on the strange appearance of what was previously known as the Motocompo, and it's even weirder. Design-wise, that is, because in all other respects we're dealing with one decent piece of engineering for the segment it plays in.
Why do I say that? Well, because unlike most other scooters out there, this one is a sort of carry-on. It folds upon itself to become small enough to fit inside its own carrying thingy. And that, in turn, fits inside cars and public transport, or in a tight spot at home. How small can it become? 3.7 inches wide, 21.1 inches high, 29.2 inches long (9.3 cm by 53.5 cm by 74.1 cm), to be precise.
Why would you take the Motocompacto with you? That's easy: it was envisioned as a last-mile transportation solution, or for use on small distances, like say around a campus somewhere.
That's because the thing's battery will only last you for about 12 miles (19 km). It's swappable, though, and it can also be charged with the help of an on-board charger. The thing is not fast either. It can only go 15 mph (24 kph).
Honda knows the scooter is not exactly the pinnacle of two-wheeled motoring, and that's why it set a price that's well within the capabilities of most Americans. It is only asking $995, excluding tax, for it.
All of the above is public knowledge, so not exactly news. The reason we're once again talking about the Honda Motocompacto is the bike maker's announcement that the order books for the thing are now open, and you can get yourself one "through participating Honda and Acura dealers."
What that means is that, despite the wacky and youthful appearance, the scooter can't be configured and ordered online. It's a bit of a shame, if you ask us, as is the fact there aren't, as far as we can tell, all that many customization options available. Not even something as simple as a sticker.
At least, not officially, as we'll see what the aftermarket industry and imaginative youngsters have to say about it.
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