Honda CLR CityFly 2001 — Specifications

Who still remembers these little two-wheeled Swiss Army knives, these do-it-all machines that populated cities at the turn of the 2000s? The Honda CLR CityFly, with its miniature scrambler looks and simple cradle frame, was the archetype. It was neither a true trail bike nor a pure roadster, but an urban hybrid designed for narrow alleyways and sloped parking lots. Weighing in at 128 kg fully fueled and with a seat height of 81.5 cm, it weaved and parked with a disarming ease, a real pleasure for the novice rider or the busy city dweller.

Under the 12-liter tank, the 124 cm3 single-cylinder engine delivered 11 horsepower, just enough power to navigate dense traffic. The mechanics, as reliable as a Swiss watch, required only minimal maintenance and frugal fuel consumption. The torque of 10.2 Nm arrived early, making hill starts and traffic light restarts almost easy. But let's not be fooled, the engine remains a small, efficient tractor more than an athlete. As soon as you approach 105 km/h top speed, you feel that the reserve is exhausted. Attempting a national road at 90 km/h behind a truck becomes an adventure, and the highway is pure recklessness. The mirrors, too small, forced constant checks over the shoulder, a bothersome defect on the highway.

Where the CityFly regained the advantage was in its pure agility. The 37 mm fork and single shock offered decent comfort for the time, absorbing cobblestones and sidewalks without a murmur. The 240 mm front disc brake bit well, helped by the contained weight. The 90/90 front and 110/90 rear tires, mounted on 19 and 17-inch spoke rims, gave it reassuring stability and an adventurous look that made the difference from anonymous scooters. It was a motorcycle with character, a practical fashion accessory ahead of its time.

For a little over 3000 euros new, you got a machine equipped with a luggage rack and electric starter, to which you could add a headstock to perfect its retro style. Today, a Honda CLR CityFly in good condition is a gem for the young license holder looking for a simple, solid and charming first motorcycle, or for an unassuming second urban vehicle. It won't set the crowds on fire on the track, but it will surely make its owner smile on every journey. That's the paradox of this model: technically bland, but terribly endearing in its role as a little everyday companion.