Honda has sold two distinct generations of the Metropolitan in North America. The first generation (model code CHF50) was sold from 2002 to 2009 and is dealt with separately. The second generation is the focus here. This scooter was first offered for 2013 and was substantially updated for 2016 including a new motor and revised body panels. This scooter remains on sale as of 2020 in the USA, but was discontinued in Canada after 2017.
This scooter revived the Metropolitan name in the USA that was previously used from 2002 - 2009 on an entirely different but similarly styled machine. In the rest of the world including Canada, this scooter is called the Giorno, although overseas there are many different versions of the Giorno.
Names, Model Codes and Versions
This model introduced for 2013 was known internally to Honda as the NCH50 and it is badged as the Giorno in every worldwide market except for the USA, where the Metropolitan name is used. Starting in 2016, Honda switched to offering a slight variant of this model which is called the Giorno Clip in some markets (e.g. Japan), just the Giorno in others (e.g. Canada) and still the Metropolitan in the USA. This revised version uses a slightly different model code of NCW50. Overseas the Giorno name plate has been in use for a while, so don’t confuse the older more vintage styled Giorno (1992 - 1999) with recent iterations.
The prior generation of Metropolitan was Honda’s CHF50 model, which was badged as the Metropolitan / Jazz / Crea / Scoopy in various markets, so this NCH50 Metropolitan is an entirely different scooter that shares virtually nothing with first Met. The frame, engine and style are all new. The gauges and every body panel save the front fender are changed. Also new are the seat, front forks, handlebars and storage cubby hole. The rims, front fender and a few smaller bits are all that carried over.
Honda substantially updated this second generation Metropolitan for 2016 with gently revised styling and a switch to a liquid cooled motor. These changes include new rims, new gauges, revised side panel styling and a new look for the upper legshield.
Design and Amenities
The 2002-2009 Metropolitan used plastic body panels mounted to an advanced aluminum frame. This second generation Metropolitan abandons this expensive frame and instead utilizes lower cost steel tubing. Despite this, weight savings elsewhere mean the total weight is up only 3 lbs to 179. The NCH50 is about 40 lbs lighter than a steel bodied Vespa, and continues to allow much easier and cheaper to replacement of damaged body panels.
Version 1: 2013 - 2015
The Metropolitan / Giorno had a large storage cubby hole in the leg shield and a small hook above that, whereas the previous generation had neither. Unfortunately Metropolitan loses the gas tank located internally in the floorboard and instead uses a gas tank positioned under the seat. This simpler gravity fed system allows for a lower cost, but it does consume some of the underseat storage space. Still, many full face helmets will fit. Fuel tanks located under the seat are the norm, so the Metropolitan / Giorno surrenders its previous advantage in this area in exchange for a lower MSRP.
Like the previous generation, drum brakes are used front and rear in the Metropolitan, which results in lackluster but okay braking. It would have been nice to see a disc brake included like most competitors, but larger riders can upgrade the front brake for a few hundred in aftermarket parts if desired.
The restyled dash of the Metropolitan continues to be tastefully styled. There’s a speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer and a few small warming lights. The rear shock carries over from generation one, but the inverted front forks are new. Hopefully they are an improvement over the forks in the early Metropolitan which were widely panned as being too soft and easy to bottom out. Year by year color options are listed at the bottom of the page.
Version 2: 2016 - Present
Honda ticked off nearly every request on Metropolitan owners wish lists for 2016 with their overhaul of the Metropolitan (now NCW50). The motor was replaced with a new liquid cooled AF74E engine (see motor section below), the fuel tank was relocated into the floorboard and more storage was freed up. Honda replaced the large open storage area in the legshield with a smaller open cubby hole under the ignition and a great new closable glovebox beside it. It’s the perfect place for your insurance papers.
Under the seat Honda added a substantial amount of storage thanks to the relocation of the 1.2 gallon fuel tank down into the floorboard. Accordingly, the revised Met is about as good as it gets for storage in a 50cc. Honda also updated the style for 2016 with new rims, new color accents on the rear flanks and new details on the front of the leg shield. The core frame carries over for 2016, so with enough effort most of the updates for 2016 should be retrofittable to 2013-2015 Mets.
Motor
From 2013-2015 the NCH50 Metropolitan used Honda’s AF70E motor, which gave up liquid cooling found in the first generation Met motor (GET2), but gained PGM-Fi (fuel injection). Honda claims 4.5 HP @ 8250 RPM for the new motor which is similar to the old GET2 but top speed is lower by a few mph (37-38 mph instead of 40-42). Fuel milage is slightly higher, as Honda is claiming a 3mpg boost to 117mpg. Real world economy in mixed conditions is right around 100 mpg. The AF70E motor is bottom hung (mounted from beneath the engine) instead of top mounted like the GET2. This means you can’t swap this engine into an older Metropolitan or vice versa without extensive frame modifications.
For 2016 Honda made the switch to the new liquid cooled AF74E motor. The AF74E has similar power (4.4 HP @ 8000 RPM, 3.0 lbs-ft torque @ 7500 RPM) and is also bottom swung, so it may be swappable into earlier NCH50 Mets. The big gain with the new motor is liquid cooling, which gives longer engine life, better performance and better efficiency. The improved cooling lets Honda go high compression (now 12.0:1 instead of 10.1:1), top speed has risen back to 40-42mph and fuel economy is about 10% better. The AF74E engine incorporates a number of engineering tricks first used in the GET2 motor found in the Ruckus and first generation Metropolitan, such as a tiny radiator mounted on the side of the motor and cooled by a fan on the flywheel, and a reversible alternator design that doubles as the starter motor.
Discussion
Honda clearly set out to compete more aggressively on price with the 2013-2015 Metropolitan, which lowered the MSRP at a time when most competitors were creeping upwards. The NCH50 was a capable scooter and sold well, but was a step back technologically for Honda (steel frame, air-cooled).
With the 2016 upgrade to the NCW50 version, Honda addressed most of the critiques of the ’13-’15 scooter (air cooling, lower top speed, no proper glovebox) but also raised the price $400. Now it’s a very similar proposition as the original CHF50 Met: the best engineered 50cc on the market but at a price higher than most.
The NCH50 is a well built scooter - probably the best built - and it offers a great list of features plus Honda’s renowned quality. You’re not going to find another 50cc with the same quality of motor and the storage amenities are unsurpassed. Still, all this costs money and you may be interested in a lower cost scooter rather than the best engineered scooter. A few other machines worth considering are Genuine’s Buddy (aka PGO Metro), Yamaha’s Vino 50, SYM’s Mio 50 and Kymco’s Like 50 and Compagno 50. Ignoring price, these scooters rank in quality as Metropolitan, Vino, Like 50, Buddy, Compagno and then Mio 50 (best to worst). The main reasons for straying from a Metropolitan are if you like the styling of another machine, want to spend less on entry level machine or find a great deal.
OWNER REVIEWS (9) - Browse Metropolitan Owner ReviewsREVIEW - Add Your Review
Pros:
* Awesome milage / Fuel Injection
* Top notch engine (2016-onwards)
* Storage
* Affordable MSRP (2013-2015)
Cons:
* Air cooled motor (2013-2015)
* Steel tube frame
* Price (2016 onward).
Links:
MotorscooterGuide Forums - Visit the forum on this site to chat about your scoot
UrbanScootin - Online CHF50 oriented forum
ScooterSwapShop - Aftermarket goodies
2013 (NCH50) Review - Motorcycle-USA takes the new Met for a spin
Key Specs: 2013-2015 NCH50 Metropolitan / Giorno
Engine: AF70E 49cc air-cooled, SOHC, 2-valve, single cylinder 4-stroke
Power: 4.5HP @ 8250 RPM
Bore x Stroke: 37.8 x 44.0mm
Compression: 10.1:1
Fuel Delivery: PGM-Fi
Ignition: CDI
Transmission: Automatic V-Matic belt drive
Front Suspension: Twin-downtube inverted fork, 2.1”travel
Rear Suspension: Single shock; 2.3” travel
Front Brake: Drum
Rear Brake: Drum with CBS
Tires: 80/100-10 (Front and Rear)
Wheelbase: 46.5”
Seat Height: 28.3”
Wet Weight: 179 lbs wet
Fuel Capacity: 4.5L / 1.2 gallon
Key Specs: 2016-Present NCW50 Metropolitan / Giorno
Engine: AF74E 49cc liquid-cooled, SOHC, 2-valve, single cylinder 4-stroke
Power: 4.4HP @ 8000 RPM
Bore & Stroke: 37.8 x 44.0mm
Compression: 12.0:1
Fuel Delivery: PGM-Fi
Ignition: CDI
Transmission: Automatic V-Matic belt drive
Front Suspension: Twin-downtube inverted fork, 2.1”travel
Rear Suspension: Single shock; 2.3” travel
Front Brake: Drum
Rear Brake: Drum with CBS
Tires: 80/100-10 (Front and Rear)
Wheelbase: 46.5”
Seat Height: 28.3”
Wet Weight: 179 lbs wet
Fuel Capacity: 4.5L / 1.2 gallon
USA Colors:
2013: Pearl Black, Pearl Black/Red, Pearl White
2014: Pearl Blue/Black, Pink Metallic, Candy Orange/Black
2015: Pearl Blue/Black, Pink Metallic/Pearl White, White/Grey
2016: Pearl Blue, Pearl White, Red
2017: Pearl Blue, Pearl White, Red
2018: Pearl Soft Beige, Denim Blue Metallic
2019: Pearl Soft Beige, Coastal Blue
2020: Pearl Soft Beige, Coastal Blue
Canada Colors:
2013: Azuki Brown Metallic, White/Red
2014: Pearl Blue/Black, Candy Orange/Black, Pink Metallic,
2015: Pearl Gemini Blue/Pearl Black, Candy Blaze Orange/Pearl Black, Spica Pink/Pearl Cotton Ivory
2016: Pearl Blue, Black Metallic
2017: Pearl Blue, Black Metallic
“Honda retaliated with its fun, but painfully underpowered Metropolitan with the first four-cycle engine among modern 50cc scooters”
- Collin Shattuck (Scooters: Red Eyes, White Walls, Blue Smoke)
The way some Vespa enthusiasts see it, Japanese manufacturers brought innovation and quality to the scooter market in the 80’s but got lazy in the 90’s due to the lack of competition. With Vespa’s return in 1999, the Japanese could no longer offer 15 year old designs, so they set about bringing in a new generation of products to compete, such as the CHF50. Perhaps this is true, but the collapse of the scooter market in the late 80’s did create an environment that was very unappealing to introduce scooters into during the 90’s.
Whatever the case, the market was growing in the new millennium and Honda’s 2002 introduction of the Metropolitan (Jazz in Canada) was a clear shot at potential Vespa customers. For $1000 less than Vespa’s 50cc ET2 scooter, the Metropolitan offered Vespa inspired retro styling with some technological advantages such as liquid cooling and the amazing fuel economy, reliability and lifespan of a 4-stroke engine.
The CHF50’s 90-100mpg was significantly better than the ~65mpg that Vespa’s ET2 50 and Yamaha’s 2-stroke Vino 50 could manage. By 2006, both the ET2 and Vino 50 2-stroke ended up being replaced with 4-stroke models (LX 50 and Vino 50 4-stroke respectively).
Generations
Honda has sold two main generations of the Metropolitan. The first generation (model code CHF50) was sold from 2002 to 2009 in North America and is the focus of this article. This scooter was badged the Metropolitan in the USA and Jazz in Canada. For 2013, Honda introduced an entirely different second generation (model code NCH50) which has been discussed separately. This second generation Metropolitan uses the Giorno moniker in Canada and overseas.
The first generation was sold from 2002 to 2009 under the Metropolitan (USA) and Jazz (Canada) names in North America, while internationally it used other monikers including Crea and Scoopy. From 2002 to 2006 Honda also sold a restricted speed / moped compliant version in the USA called the Metropolitan II. Honda’s model code was CHF50P, with P being Honda’s long used indicator of a moped restricted variant. This scooter was restricted to 25mph via a series of restrictions to the variator, ECU, intake and camshaft. 2009 was the last model year for this CHF50 in Canada and the USA, although this scooter was available for a few years after this due to excess inventory from the 2009 crash of the scooter market.
Motor
The ’02 - ’09 Metropolitan / Jazz used a short case (small rear wheel) version of Honda’s modern GET2 engine. This motor was also used in the Honda Ruckus, but with a longer swing arm. Overseas the GET2 was used a wide range of Honda’s 4-stroke 50cc’s.
The GET2 was developed around the turn of the millennium by Honda Japan and it featured a number of neat innovations. Honda slipped a tiny radiator for this liquid cooled engine directly onto the right side of the engine next to the flywheel. By using a fan on the flywheel that blew on the radiator, Honda was able to create an exceptionally strong liquid cooling system without having coolant hoses routed all over the scooter. Another innovation was the double use of the alternator as the starter motor, thus eliminating the traditional electric starter motor. Honda devised a way to run power backwards through the alternator and thus spin the engine to start it. This simple system was noiseless and saved the weight, cost and complexity of a normal starter motor.
The 2002 - 2005 Metropolitan had a decent top speed of 38mph, the same as the restricted Vespa ET2. The Metropolitan is rated by Honda at 4.9hp whereas the ET2 is rated at 5.1hp, but the Metro has a 40lbs weight advantage (176lbs. vs. 216lbs) making it quite comparable to the ET2 but slower than Yamaha’s Vino. For the 2006 model year, Honda made a few tweaks to the Metropolitan that raised the top speed to 42-43mph. These changes included a higher redline (8850 RPM vs. 8000 RPM), a new carb needle, a new ECM and an improved crankcase ventilation system.
Perhaps more important than the top speed increase was the new crankcase ventilation system. This easy change eliminated a huge problem with the GET2 engine, which was the ineffective flushing of gas vapors from the crankcase. In any engine, gas fumes sneak past the rings and into the crankcase when the motor is cold. Unfortunately for the Met, it wasn’t able to properly expel these fumes so they would up contaminating the oil fairly quickly. This occurs because the 2002 - 2005 GET2 engine tries to breath through a single hose - which is like you trying to breathe through a 10 foot snorkel. It works if the snorkel is short, but if it’s too long then you just cycle the same dirty air over and over. In the Met, gas fumes inside the engine are trying to escape out the same small hose that the fresh air is arriving via. This flat out didn’t work very well, so Honda switched to a two hose system with an integrated one way valve to radically improve the engine venting for 2006.
In 2002 - 2005 Metropolitans, the oil gets quickly contaminated, which spells eventual death for the main crankshaft bearings (usually the left one). It’s unfortunately common for these crankshaft bearings to go after only 6000 miles, although twice that is achievable with frequent maintenance (oil changes). The right crankshaft bearing is permanent part of the crankshaft, so to replace the bearings you need a new crankshaft unless you want spend all that money on labour just to replace the left one.
To change the bearings, your scooter will basically need a complete engine rebuild. This can be done for $150 in parts if you’re doing it yourself but many owners don’t have the expertise and getting Honda to rebuild your engine is a $1000 labour job. If you do want to tackle this job, order a new crankshaft (it comes with bearings) and you’ll also need a new woodruff key, crank seals (especially the variator side) and a head gasket. You’ll probably want to replace the rollers and belt while you’re in there, and maybe take a look at the condition of the rings.
Design and Amenities
The original Metropolitan (CHF50) used plastic body panels mounted to a light but strong aluminum frame. The use of aluminium played a large part in achieving a low total weight of 176 lbs. The CHF50 is over 40 lbs lighter than a steel bodied Vespa, and also allows easier and cheaper replacement of damaged body panels.
The early Metropolitan didn’t have a glovebox or any sort of cubby holes in the leg shield area, but it did have a nice amount of space under the seat where most full face helmets will fit. Honda wisely located the fuel tank inside the floorboard, so all of the underseat volume has been made available as storage space.
Drum brakes are used both front and rear in the Metropolitan, which results in lazy braking. A disc brake would have been handy, but larger riders can upgrade the front brake for a few hundred in aftermarket parts.
The dash of the Metropolitan is pretty standard fare. There’s a speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer and a few indicator lights. Honda could have gone the extra mile and included a trip odometer, tachometer and/or clock, but those are minor things.
Over its run, the Metropolitan was sold in a wide range of colors, pattern and two tone color schemes. Scroll to the bottom of the page for a listing of these options.
Discussion
In addition to the aforementioned Vespa and Yamaha competitors, a few other scooters worth looking are the offerings from Taiwan brands Kymco, Genuine/PGO and SYM. Competing scooters include Genuine’s Buddy (aka PGO Metro), SYM’s Mio 50 and Kymco’s Like 50, Sento 50 and Sting 50.
Early in its run, the Metropolitan was the technological leader, but scooters like Yamaha’s updated 4-stroke Vino have bettered by offering fuel injection and 3 valves. Still, the GET2 engine used the Metropolitan is a solid design post-2006 when the crankshaft bearing failure issue was addressed.
Compared to the second generation (NCH50) Metropolitan, the original Met is a higher end machine. While lacking the fuel injection of the NCH50, the CHF50 Met boasts a high end aluminum frame (vs. a steel tube frame), liquid cooling and more underseat storage thanks to the fuel tank located in the floor. They’re both good scooters with similar performance numbers, so the decision mostly rests on price and styling.
If you’re in the market for a Metropolitan / Jazz, you would be wise to select a 2006 or newer scooter. These engine ventilation problem in the first few years is nice to avoid, plus the newer ones are several mph faster. The Metropolitan has a great reputation as a well built, quality machine and is a smart buy in the used market. The second generation of Metropolitan offer better fuel milage due to it’s PGM-Fuel Injection, but otherwise it is a lower cost scooter with a steel tube frame instead of an aluminum one, no liquid cooling and less under seat storage.
OWNER REVIEWS (12)- Browse Metropolitan Owner Reviews REVIEW - Add Your Review
Pros:
* Reliable (2006 - Pres.)
* Awesome milage
* Liquid cooled
* Aluminum frame
* Ample underseat storage
Cons:
* Crankshaft bearing problem (2003 - 2005)
* No glovebox / leg shield storage cubby
* Slow accelerating, Yamaha’s 4-stroke 50’s are faster.
Links:
MotorscooterGuide Forums - Visit the forum on this site to chat about your scoot.
UrbanScootin - Online CHF50 oriented forum.
ScooterSwapShop - Aftermarket goodies
Derestricting a Metropolitan II - Nice write up with pics from MyScoot
ScooterTuning.ca - An online scooter shop with many Met parts
Key Specs: 2002 - 2009 CHF50 Metropolitan
Engine Type: ‘GET2’ 49cc liquid-cooled 2-valve, single-cylinder four-stroke
Power: 4.9HP @ 8000 rpm, 3.35 lbs-ft torque @ 7000 rpm
Compression: 11.9:1
Fuel Delivery: 18mm CV Carb
Ignition: CDI
Transmission: Automatic V-Matic belt drive
Front Suspension: Twin-downtube fork; 1.9” travel
Rear Suspension: Single shock; 2.6” travel
Front Brake: Drum
Rear Brake: Drum with CBS
Tires: 90/90-10 (Front and Rear)
Wheelbase: 46.9”
Seat Height: 28.3”
Wet Weight: 176 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 5L / 1.32 gallons
Colors:
2002: Salsa, Denim, Juice, Sky,
2003: Salsa, Denim, Juice, Sky, Solar
2004: Salsa, Denim, Juice, Sky, Solar, Kiwi, Blue Hibiscus, Checkers,
2005: Salsa, Denim, Orange Ice, Solar, Kiwi, Blue Hibiscus, Checkers, Kanji,
2006: Salsa, Denim, Peach Hibiscus, Red Kanji, Blue Ice,
2007: Sapphire, Ruby, Pink Hibiscus, Purple Kanji
2008: Nassau Blue Metallic (aka Blue Ocean), Monza Red, Black/Grey (aka Gothic), Ruby/White (USA)
2009: Monza Red, Graphite/Grey Metallic, Ghost/White, Ocean (USA)
Jan 28, 2016 2016 Honda Metropolitan Scooter - Walkaround - 2015 AIMExpo Orlando. Published on Jan 28, 2016. 2017 Honda Metropolitan Scooter Review and Price - Duration: 3:58.