2004 Honda Metropolitan Reviews

2004 Honda Metropolitan

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ptbiboa
Epinions.com ID: ptbiboa
Member: Pete Warren
Location: Eugene, OR
Reviews written: 23
Trusted by: 2 members

2003 Honda Metropolitan 1

Written: Apr 17 '05 (Updated Oct 25 '06)
  • User Rating: Excellent
  • Reliability:
  • Comfort:
  • Handling And Control:
  • Quality and Craftsmanship:
Pros:90+ MPG! Fast enough! $4.00 for a fill-up!!!
Cons:Not made for tall people. Kids want to ride it all the time.
The Bottom Line: Buy a Honda with confidence. Will run for years and retain it's value. Wear a helmet!

I just purchased a 2003 Metro. You may hear about Metro 1's and Metro 2's. The 1 really doesn't exist. It is actually the Metropolitan. The version 2 is Metropolitan 2. To make things easy, lets just call them 1 and 2. The 1 goes up to 38 mph on the straight a-ways without a headwind. This is plenty fast enough for bikes this size. The Metro 2 on the other hand, goes 25 mph. The 2's are basically made for California. Not very fast, but good enough in the neighborhoods. Gas mileage is over 100 miles per gallon they say. I still haven't put a lick of gas in it yet, so I can't confirm this. But anything remotely close to this estimate is fantastic. Quality is A1 with Honda. This bike has both kickstart and electric start. When it starts, it is so quiet, you really may not notice it. They recommend using 91 octane fuel. Under the seat is a very large compartment. Also, the centerstand lock is accessible underneath the seat as well. For those unfamiliar with the centerstand, it is very easy to stand the bike up when you are done riding. A step on the stand and a pullback on the handlebars will pop the bike right up on the stand. The turn signals make a sound when activated and it has high and low beams for lights. They have many colors to choose from and I believe these panels they use are interchangeable for those not liking the color they purchased. I fit on the bike, but at 6'3" and 215 lbs, I must flare the legs out the majority of the time. My knees can fit in front of me, but it is very tight. The saddle is firm, but comfortable. Another bene is it's a 4 stroke. It runs on premium unleaded (91). No mixing. My lawnmower is a happy camper since I'll fill my gas can with the good stuff from now on.

I picked my Metro 1 from Sun Enterprises in Thornton Colorado. It was a Honda demo which had about 117 miles already on it and it included a full year of warranty on it. This particular "yellow" version was used in the Peshtigo Air Show, or was it Oshkosh...I forget. Hmmm, well it was in Wisconsin originally. They also carry bikes from the Rose Bowl out in Anaheim. Those had less miles on them (25 to 40). All the demo models are much cheaper than new and will save you hundreds. I purchased mine for a grand total of $1320.38. This included their Freight and Prep fee which ran a total of $313.50. So, the bike was advertised for $895.00 before they dinged me for the other stuff. Tax was $111.88, can't get out of that one! I did receive $100 Honda Bonus bucks. I rode the new bike home yesterday (20 miles) and really went quite well. Smaller tires, as one the Metro, make me feel less safe than when I ride my bigger bike (Honda VFR800). I am also a Rider Coach for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. So, I know how to ride. Still, my comfort level with small vs. big is not very high when comparing the two. People interested in the Metro, usually don't have bigger bikes which fly along at 150 mph as their backup bikes. The Metro was stable, but was passed by cars in speed zones of more than 35 mph. I wouldn't recommend traveling on the major arteries due to drivers' lack of concern for these smaller bikes in "their way." But, that is your decision on where to ride. Just keep your helmeted head up, keep to the right and constantly monitor the environment.

UPDATE: Last month we moved from Denver to a place on the coast in Oregon. Jeez, what a difference sea level makes. It felt like another 10 to 15 cc of engine was added! In Denver, power is drained by the altitude. The first time riding around sea level put a grin on my face. It gets up to top speed much quicker than before. Evenso, I still can't get much above 37 mph. I haven't really tried since the speed limit in the whole town I live in is maxed out at 35. Everyone who sees this bike seems to want one. I should open a shop and sell these by the dozen!!!

Recommended: Yes


Amount Paid (US$): 1320.38
Condition: New
Model Year: 2003

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