HONDA SH125 i (2020 - on) Review

In the current climate where many commuters are wishing to avoid crowded public transport due to health concerns, it is inconceivable that the Honda SH125i shouldn’t continue to sell like hotcakes (it was Europe’s best-selling scooter in 2018, shifting nearly 19,000 units).

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The ease of use, inbuilt safety assists and storage capacity of this excellent scooter make it ideal for newer riders and at less than £100 a month on PCP or HP it is well within reach of any budget. To be honest, it should be a no brainer for any urban commuter.

For 2020, the SH 125 has been updated, promising improved performance, greater practicality and Honda Selectable Torque Control as standard.

Part of Honda’s line-up since 2005, the latest iteration of the L-plate-friendly big-wheeled scoot comes in five versions, ranging from a standard SH without accessories to one complete with a top box, knuckle guards and a windscreen.

The engine is a Euro5-compliant 124.5cc liquid-cooled four-valve eSP+ engine, which comes equipped with a fuel-saving ‘stop-start’ system, as well as Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which helps prevent rear wheel slip in poor conditions.

Alongside greater efficiency, the new engine also promises improved performance, with the bike now producing a peak power of 12.3bhp at 8250rpm; a whole 0.4bhp more than the outgoing two-valve model, at 250rpm lower in the revs. Peak torque is also reached at 500rpm lower than the previous model (at 6500rpm) however is down by around 0.1ftlb.

Housing the revised engine is a new tubular steel underbone frame. As well as helping to save 400g, its inclusion has also allowed Honda to gain an additional 10 litres of under seat storage by moving the fuel tank from under the pillion perch to beneath the rider’s feet.

Geometry has also been altered - now 13mm longer at 1.353 meters. The seat height remains the same though, at a manageable 799mm.

Providing stopping power are ABS-equipped disc brakes, with both the front three-piston and rear one-piston calipers biting onto single 240mm discs. The aluminium 16in wheels are also shod with Michelin City Grip tubeless tyres, with the rear shocks also getting five-stage adjustable preload.