The Honda Beat 2017 Merah Putih (Red and White edition) stands as a landmark release in Indonesia's fiercely competitive automatic scooter market. Unlike the hallucinated automobile specs published on low-quality content mills, the 2017 Honda Beat is an iconic 110cc automatic motorcycle engineered for daily urban commuting, renowned for its exceptional fuel economy, compact dimensions, and striking dual-tone livery.
Search intent for this model centers on prospective buyers and scooter enthusiasts looking for precise technical specifications, real-world fuel consumption figures, design changes introduced in the 2017 facelift, and common maintenance considerations. The competitor page mistakenly reviews the motorcycle as a 1.0-liter car with 65 horsepower and manual transmission, failing completely to provide accurate mechanical data, dimensions, or practical ownership insights for riders.
This comprehensive guide delivers accurate specifications, a detailed performance review, a breakdown of variant features, common issues, and answers to frequent questions regarding Indonesia's favorite entry-level scooter.
Design Evolution and the Merah Putih Appeal
Honda refreshed its bestselling Beat lineup to feature sharper body panels, more aggressive angular headlamp cowls, and streamlined rear indicators. The Merah Putih (Red and White) color combination pays homage to Indonesia's national colors, pairing a vibrant glossy red front fascia and side cowls with crisp white floorboard trims, rear panels, and factory graphics.
Measuring 1,856 mm in length, 666 mm in width, and 1,068 mm in height, the scooter maintains an accessible seat height of 740 mm. This low stature makes it exceptionally manageable for riders of all heights, particularly in heavy urban traffic where frequent stopping and maneuvering are required. The dry weight sits at a lightweight 89 kilograms for the standard CBS variant, ensuring effortless handling on narrow alleys and congested metropolitan streets.
Engine Performance and eSP Technology
At the heart of the scooter lies a 109.1 cc 4-stroke, SOHC engine equipped with air cooling and Honda's proprietary Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) technology. The powerplant utilizes a bore and stroke of 50.0 mm x 55.1 mm with a compression ratio of 9.5:1.
- Maximum Power: 8.68 PS at 7,500 rpm.
- Maximum Torque: 9.01 Nm at 6,500 rpm.
- Fuel Supply System: PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection).
- Transmission: Automatic centrifugal clutch with V-Matic belt drive.
The inclusion of PGM-FI ensures crisp throttle response and clean combustion, meeting strict emission standards while eliminating carburetor maintenance headaches. Acceleration from 0 to 200 meters takes approximately 12.6 seconds, perfectly tuned for quick green-light getaways rather than highway racing.
Fuel Efficiency and Real-World Economy
One of the primary selling points for the 2017 model year is its class-leading fuel economy, aided significantly by the Idling Stop System (ISS) featured on higher trim levels. ISS automatically cuts the engine after three seconds of idling—such as waiting at a red light—and restarts it instantly the moment the rider twists the throttle.
Under standard testing conditions using the ECE R40 method with ISS active, fuel efficiency reaches up to 59 km/liter. In real-world daily commuting involving stop-and-go traffic, riders typically experience between 50 and 55 km/liter. Paired with a 4-liter fuel tank capacity, you can easily travel over 200 kilometers between fuel stops.
Chassis, Suspension, and Braking
The motorcycle is built around an advanced lightweight underbone frame that maximizes structural rigidity while keeping weight to a minimum.
- Front Suspension: Telescopic fork.
- Rear Suspension: Single swing arm with single shock absorber.
- Front Brake: Hydraulic disc brake with CBS (Combi Brake System) on selected trims.
- Rear Brake: Mechanical leading-trailing drum brake.
- Tires: Tubeless tires sized 80/90-14 at the front and 90/90-14 at the rear, fitted to lightweight cast alloy wheels.
The Combi Brake System (CBS) links the rear brake lever to both the rear and front brakes, distributing braking force proportionally when the rider pulls only the left lever. This feature significantly shortens stopping distances for novice riders. Ground clearance is rated at 146 mm, allowing the scooter to clear speed bumps and minor road debris without scraping the exhaust shield.
Practicality and Storage Features
Daily usability sets utility scooters apart from sportbikes, and the 2017 Beat delivers practical solutions for riders carrying daily essentials.
- U-Box Utility Compartment: A 11.4-liter under-seat storage bucket provides enough space for a small rain poncho, documents, and personal items, though it will not accommodate a full-face helmet.
- Front Rack Pockets: Two open storage pockets built into the inner leg shield securely hold water bottles, smartphones, or parking tickets.
- Key Shutter Security: A magnetic key shutter mechanism prevents theft by covering the ignition keyhole with a physical metal shield operated by the back of the key head.
- ECO Indicator: The instrument cluster features an Eco Indicator light that glows when the rider maintains an optimal, fuel-efficient throttle opening, encouraging economical riding habits.
Common Maintenance Issues and Considerations
While the Honda Beat 2017 enjoys a stellar reputation for bulletproof reliability, second-hand buyers and long-term owners should monitor specific components:
- CVT Roller Wear: The centrifugal weights inside the Continuously Variable Transmission wear down over time, causing jerky acceleration or sluggish takeoff around 20,000 kilometers.
- V-Belt Inspection: Inspect the rubber V-belt every 15,000 kilometers for micro-cracking or fraying to prevent unexpected snapping on the road.
- Battery Voltage Drop: Scooters equipped with ISS and electric starters place high demands on the 12V MF (maintenance-free) battery. Weak batteries will disable the Idling Stop System before failing entirely.
- Suspension Stiffening: The rear single shock absorber can lose damping efficiency over rough roads after several years of heavy pillion riding.
For official service guidelines and genuine replacement parts, consult Astra Honda Motor or certified Ministry of Transportation Indonesia vehicle standards for safety compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Honda Beat 2017 Merah Putih have a carburetor?
No. All 2017 Honda Beat models feature PGM-FI electronic fuel injection, replacing traditional carburetors for better fuel efficiency and self-adjusting altitude compensation.
What is the difference between the CBS and ISS variants?
The CBS (Combi Brake System) variant links front and rear braking forces for safer stops. The ISS (Idling Stop System) variant includes both CBS and automatic engine shut-off technology at idle for maximum fuel savings.
Can the under-seat storage fit a helmet?
No. The 11.4-liter capacity is optimized for rain gear, gloves, and small parcels. Full-face helmets and most open-face helmets must be carried externally or secured using the under-seat helmet hook.
What is the top speed of a stock Honda Beat 2017?
In optimal testing conditions, the top speed reaches approximately 94 to 98 km/h. However, the scooter is optimized for mid-range acceleration between 20 and 60 km/h rather than high-speed cruising.
