Boon Siew Honda launches youthfully new and EEV-certified Honda Beat scooter from RM5,565 (with GST).

Malaysian Honda bikes assemblers and distributors Boon Siew Honda Sdn Bhd updated its line up after introducing the all-new Honda Beat scooter earlier today at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) campus in Bangi.

The new entry-level AT scooter is the replacement of the Honda Spacy model that will be discontinued soon. It is also the first scooter model to enter the Malaysian market with EEV (Energy Efficient Vehicle) certification and status.

Compact, stylish and highly economical, the Honda Beat was designed and developed with the current generation of urban youths in mind. More specifically, the Beat targets first-time motorcycle buyers between the ages of 17 to 28 years old – perhaps also explaining today’s launch venue.

Aesthetically, this compact scooter boasts a sharp but friendly styling that’s complemented by a dynamic headlight design and a smoked tail lamp unit. The Honda Beat is available in a choice of four vibrant paint schemes as standard – red, blue, black and even pink.

Powering the compact scooter is Honda’s air-cooled eSP 108.2cc single-cylinder OHC engine primed with its signature PGM-FI electronic fuel injection module. It healthily outputs 8.66hp @ 7,500rpm and peak torque of 9.14Nm @,600rpm, with both sent to the rear wheel using a twist-and-go V-belt automatic transmission.

Typically, the chassis is brimmed with a single front disc brake and a rear drum unit, but the hardware has been enhanced with Honda’s Combi-Brake suite as seen in the Honda Airblade scooter. This evenly distributes the front and rear brake force when the left lever is pulled hard.

Besides that, the chassis also gets telescopic front forks and a rear swingarm unit, a decent 4.0-litre fuel tank size, as well as 14-inch alloy wheels wrapped in tubeless tyres – 80/90-14M/C40P size up front and 90/90-14M/C40P for the rear.

Other notable features include a side-stand engine kill switch, a sporty hybrid analogue and digital instrument display panel, as well as both an electric and kick-starter. Additionally, the instrument panel also features an Eco Lamp feature to aid riders in attaining greater fuel efficiency.

Available for viewing and purchase now via authorised Honda dealers nationwide, the new and EEV-certified Honda Beat retails with a basic sales price of RM5,565 (with GST). Included in said price too is Boon Siew Honda’s standard two-year or 20,000km warranty scheme as well.

First impressions
Shortly after launching the new Honda Beat, Boon Siew Honda also conducted a special short test-ride session of the new model for press members present.

Besides a quick excursion around UKM Bangi’s massive on-campus inner roads, we were also able to test and compare the Beat’s Combi-Brake feature against its Spacy predecessor in a special course too.

Firstly, the ergonomics of this scooter felt natural. All the button controls are where you expect them to be, while the meter panel is easy to grasp at a glance. Though the seat saddle felt plush, taller riders with long legs (this writer being one) may find the foot well a tad bit cramped as pictured above.

But that small quirk quickly disappears once you thumb the start button and get this scooter’s claimed 94kg dry weight moving about. Unlike to the Spacy model it replaces, the Beat’s 108.2cc single-cylinder mill boasts quicker acceleration and throttle responses. It other words, the Beat felt quite zippy despite its size really.

Despite our short time in its hot seat, we can safely report that this scooter’s ride and handling felt rather excellent. The low claimed weight figure, comfort-focused suspension settings and the twist-and-go automatic transmission means that almost everyone can hop on and scoot about easily with the Beat.

Adding to this scooter’s overall comforts too is the impressively high engine vibration suppression – a testament to Honda’s low-friction and eco-friendly eSP engine tech. There was little to none of which in the handles and seat, thus making this scooter a lot less tiring to ride over long periods too.

The Combi-Brakes, on the other hand, also worked as advertised. Pull the lever hard enough and both the front and rear anchors are triggered. The result is a shorter braking distance as opposed to using the front or rear brakes only. This also means that you don’t need to use both levers at halting the Beat.

All in all, we reckon that this entry-level scooter will meet most – if not all – of the expectations its targeted buyers would typically have. We’ll have more on this once a proper long-term road test is conducted.

For now, this EEV-certified scooter is up to par and could be well worth the basic asking price of RM5,565 (with GST) it commands. Check out more details and images of the new Honda Beat below.

2016 Honda Beat Specifications

Gallery: New Honda Beat Launch & Test-Ride @ UKM Bangi