Hey guys, I've recently acquired a 2003 Honda Metropolitan and I've done basic maintenance on it. You know, oil change, air filter replacement, checked the fluids and the belts and all of that fun stuff. But, I'd like to get a higher speed on it, since I'm using it as my main transport to work and work is not as close as I'd wish. So far I'm topping out at about 35... going down hills. Flat land I'm between 30 and 32ish.

I've read a lot about mods that I can do to get a higher top speed, but being a noob I find a lot of this information to be kinda contradictory. Is there a governor or restriction on the '03 models? And if so, what do I have to do to get that fixed? Any other tips or cheap modifications I could do to start learning?

Thanks in advance!

Is it a Metropolitan or a Metropolitan II? The Met II has a restrictor plate between the carb and intake manifold. Met II had different variator, gearing, lower max rpm setting in cdi, and on and on. Which model do you have? How fast do you want to go (be reasonable)?

How do you know you have a MetII? BC my 08 had a restrictor plate, But still has the 9k rpm limiter (Even though it does not kick in until 9,200rpms.

I'm actually not sure if it's a MetI or a MetII. I do know that it's model number is CHF50 and not CHF50P. So maybe one of you guys could tell me?
I'm hoping for a top speed of about 40-45, (I think this is reasonable?) so that my boyfriend can ride it safely to work and hot have to go down curvy as all get out back roads to get there.

are there stickers on the side that say Metropolitan?

Yep! There are!

typically, the met 2's will have a sticker METROPOLITAN II on the side.

Aaah, okay. I feel dumb. I'm glad it was that easy to tell. One of those things that's just so painfully obvious.

Mine is a Met one.
So in that case is my route I suppose. (Though racerx wrote "Met II" twice, so I thought it might be a typo?)

i know you've stated that u've done a tune up, but how good does it really run? start first or second time with no trottle? idle ok? accel ok with no hiccups?

i would check anyways to see if the intake restrictor plate is there. my assumption at this point is that the belt might be worn and need for replacement. Also, good time to upgrade to a Polini variator with new roller weights and kevlar belt (or whatever brand you want, there are plenty of writeups and camparo threads in the ruckus section). 30-32-35 is kinda slow for a stock met, assuming the rider isnt heavy.

i DO NOT recommend an exhaust or any aftermarket intake filter unless you want to open the can of worms called 'tuning'.

Hey Jerry!

She runs pretty well actually. Her previous owner had fiddled with the carb without knowing what he was doing which was making her rough, but after we got that bit of info out of him it was easy to fix. Now she purrs right along.
Unfortunately, I'm missing a 5/16th socket to get the bolts off of the thing that's covering (where we suppose) the restrictor plate is, so as of yet haven't been able to do anything fun with it. I've looked into Polini before, but wasn't seeing the name a ton. Good to know that they get a recommendation from someone! upgrading the variator was our next step.
And I'd say the rider is sorta heavy? Stocky (compact) 200 pound male? And we're in a very hilly area.

I'm doubting the belt is worn much though, unless it's from dry rot, since the scooter only has about 400 miles on it.

We'll be opening the tuning can eventually, but not within the next six months.

Also, for me:
I've never even learned to ride a bike and the boyfriend really wants me to learn to ride this scooter. Is it as easy as he's trying to make it sound, or am I going to die?

super easy to ride the mets. the vino is actually a bit easier but that my 2c. as for the belt, mine had 600 miles when i got it (2007 model, bought last yr) and a new belt did help tremendously. i went for a new honda belt and was happy. the old one was dry rotting and very hard.

The restrictor plate is sandwiched between the carb, and the intake manifold. If it is in there, you will see what looks like a green gasket.

As far as riding goes, it is as easy as falling off a log.

Thanks Jerry! I guess I'll check the belt then and go get a new one anyway. It might help!

And I guess I'll work up some courage and go try to ride it then.


I've fallen off of plenty of logs! I should be great! (Teheehee)
And yeah, I just didn't know what to call the cover thing. Still no luck getting it off though. That thing is on tighter than heck!

Stay away from Logs then.

What cover are you talking about? Are you refering to the black boot that holds the carb to the Manifold?

and Yes Mets are super easy to ride in stock for and at stock speeds. I let my GF ride mine, and she did ok.

Hey Met owners. I currently own a 2007 Met. I've used the search engine but have come up short in trying to answer my own ?'s. I'm looking for a topic that shows how to lower the Met. Do you have to have a ruckus swing arm to lower the back? Where can I find stock weights and rollers ( rebuild variator kit)? Whats the best way to get rid of the bulky taillights? If someone could just help push me in the right direction that would be great.
Thanks
RJ