26YM Honda SH125i

Quick Summary: A new design, led by a SH350i inspired frontal mask, and the addition of a connected TFT monitor only serve to heighten the appeal and status of the King of European Commuters for 26YM

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Model updates: The SH125i is of Europe’s most popular scooters for many reasons, and for 26YM it receives a style update drawn from the SH350i with new curves and a new frontal signature led by crisp LED lighting. A rich specification includes four-valve eSP+ engine with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and Idling Stop. The seat uses revised urethane foam to improve ride comfort. As ever the SH-signature flat floor and 16-inch wheels offer supreme urban ability; there’s also 28L storage space, a new 4.2-inch TFT screen with Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity plus glove box with USB-C socket, and the convenience of Smart Key operation.

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Contents

1. Introduction
2. Model overview
3. Key features
4. Accessories
5. Technical specifications

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1. Introduction

Part of the million plus selling SH family whose founding member, the SH50, went on sale in 1984, the four-stroke Honda SH125i first hit the market in Europe in 2001. Ever since, it has quietly and consistently gone about its mission to provide stylish, fun and fuss-free transport – becoming one of the continent’s favourites along the way. 

That first machine laid down the blueprint for success: a frugal-natured but lively engine tied to nimble, sure-footed handling underpinned by the stability that large diameter 16-inch wheels deliver – all wrapped in elegant, premium styling.

Fuel injected with PGM-FI in 05YM, over the last 25 years the SH125i has come to represent the ultimate in urban transport with the perfect balance of style, reliability, economy and downright usability.

And of course, its story is one of constant, careful evolution reflecting the developing needs and expectations of owners, and Honda’s desire to keep on giving them an even better version of their SH. In 13YM it gained Honda’s eSP (enhanced Smart Power) low friction engine and Idling Stop, boosting both power delivery and fuel economy. And in 17YM the look was refreshed with more chiselled design lines, and LED front/rear lights and Honda Smart Key added.

The 20YM SH125i was effectively, a brand-new scooter. Standing squarely on the shoulders of its forbears it instantly became faster, even more stylish, comfortable, convenient to use and as cost-effective as ever to own and run. 24YM saw the arrival of the SH125i Vetro, a unique bike is the brainchild – and a tribute to the technical skills – of the workforce at Honda’s factory in Atessa, Italy. The model variant made its debut last year with its distinctive semi-transparent, unpainted fairing panels – production of which produces 9.5% fewer CO2 emissions over a year compared to those of the standard colouring schemes. 

For 26YM the SH125i moves forward once again, with style and functionality updates cementing its position as one of Europe’s favourites two wheelers.

‘The King of European Commuters’

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2. Model Overview

The SH125i is built for life and features refreshed styling, with plenty of ever-useful storage space plus a USB-C socket now housed in a new glovebox. Seat material has been optimised for increased ride comfort while SH-signature 16-inch wheels roll smoothly. Redesigned LED lighting and the new 4.2-inch TFT display, with Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity, are premium finishing touches.

The EURO5+ compliant four-valve eSP+ engine produces 9.6kW peak power, 12Nm torque, returns 45.7km/l (WMTC mode) and features Idling Stop technology. HSTC (Honda Selectable Torque Control) to manage rear wheel traction is also a bonus for an owner’s peace of mind. Available as accessories are redesigned heated grips (which link to the TFT display), Smart Top Box, sporty Short Screen and improved Alarm with louder siren.

Five configurations are on offer:

• Standard SH125i without accessories
• SH125i with Smart top box
• SH125i with Smart top box, knuckle guards and windscreen
• SH125i with standard top box
• SH125i with standard top box, knuckle guards and windscreen.  

For 26YM the SH125i will be available in the following colour options:

• Pearl Nightstar Black
• *NEW* Mat Lucent Silver Metallic
• Pearl Cool White
• *NEW* Mat Jeans Blue Metallic
• Mat Coal Black Metallic
• *NEW* Mat Pearl Diaspro Red
• *NEW* Vetro Blue

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3. Key Features
    3.1 Styling & Equipment

The SH350i heads the SH family and, for 26YM, the SH125i follows its strong 25YM style refresh. With an elegant presence and luxurious feel the sophisticated ‘front mask’ sets it apart, and the update brings with it a redesigned LED headlight – with central main beam splitting dual dip beams – while revised panels, side lights and reprofiled indicators create a sleek, contemporary frontal signature. The LED taillight and indicators sit neatly at the rear, between an aluminium grab rail.

And, in true SH fashion, classy looks are matched to effortless practicality. The overall compactness, flat floor and upright riding position (essential for ease-of-use and visibility in busy town traffic) are conspicuous hallmarks. Less obvious is the 28L of under seat storage, capable of holding a full-face helmet. Conveniently, the USB-C socket moves from under the seat and is now sited in a new inner front fairing inner glove box, handily sized at 175.5 x 88 x 11.9mm.

The flat seat, employing a new urethane material for plusher comfort, provides plenty of support and room to move around. its carefully contoured shape, plus slim floor width, makes reaching the ground easy. As many journeys around town involve a pillion there’s plenty of room for two; retractable aluminium pillion footplates tuck away when not in use.

A revised 4.2-inch TFT screen integrates into the handlebar cover and offers simple, crisp information delivery as well as the usefulness – especially for on-screen navigation – of Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity. Also, smoothing day-to-day riding, the Smart Key resides in the rider’s pocket and does away with the need to constantly insert and withdraw a key for ignition, fuel cap and seat. It has two switches: the smart function on/off and ‘answer back’, which flickers the indicators for identification from a distance.

With the Smart Key present one push of the machine-mounted main switch powers it up and makes it possible to turn, giving the rider control of the ignition and steering lock, and, via two rocker switches, the fuel cap and seat. It also illuminates when pushed, or from the answer back function of the Smart Key, with a blue light.

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3.2 Engine

• Four-valve eSP+ engine produces 9.6kW peak power and 12Nm torque
• Fuel economy of 45.7km/l (WMTC mode)
• Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) standard
• Equipped with Idling Stop and low-friction technologies
• EURO5+ compliant 

The SH125i’s lively 125cc liquid-cooled four-valve enhanced Smart Power+ (eSP+) engine produces peak power of 9.6kW @ 8,250rpm with 12Nm torque delivered at 6,500rpm, and was the first Honda engine to meeting the stronger EURO5+ emissions regulations. It is unchanged for 26YM.

Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) is technology to boost rider confidence in wet conditions and works in the background to deftly manage rear wheel traction. An indicator flashes on the dash when HSTC is actively reducing wheelspin and the system can also be turned off completely.

Bore is set at 53.5mm with stroke of 55.5mm; compression ratio is 11.5:1. The compact engine is a masterpiece of mass centralisation. The radiator, rather than being mounted at the front of the machine is built into the engine itself for a simple, light layout. Its highly efficient core allows for the use of an ultra-compact, light cooling fan.

Low-friction technologies are employed internally; the cylinder sleeve uses minute splines on its outer surface to keep oil consumption low and improve cooling and the cylinder is offset to keep frictional losses to a minimum. Rolling resistance within the transmission is kept in check by using three main bearings, all designed to deal with the loads they each individually receive. The result of all these measures is an outstanding fuel economy (without Idling Stop activated) of 45.7km/l (WMTC mode).

Another key fuel-saving technology incorporated into the SH125i is Idling Stop. It’s operated via a switch on the right handlebar and, when enabled, automatically stops the engine running after three seconds at idle and re-starts it instantly when the throttle grip is twisted.

It is seamless in use, thanks to a swing-back system that returns the crank to its position before air intake, and a decompression mechanism that negates cranking resistance due to compression. The ACG starter also generates electricity, doing away with a conventional system’s motor and gears.

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3.3 Chassis

• High-tensile tubular steel underbone frame 
• 16-inch front and rear wheels deliver sure-footed confidence
• Michelin City Grip 2 tubeless tyres 

The high-tensile tubular steel underbone frame sites the 7L fuel tank under the floor beneath the rider’s feet, which frees up space. Wheelbase is set at 1,350mm with rake and trail of 26°/85mm and turning radius of 2.0m. Seat height is 799mm with wet weight of 138kg.

For ride comfort the engine hanger link angle and rear suspension angle are optimised to reduce rotational load toward the engine link, making for supple bump absorption and control. The rear shocks feature 5-step preload adjustment and 85mm axle travel. For 26YM, the SH125i gains new rear springs with revised diameters and settings. 

The 33mm telescopic front forks, with 90mm of travel, ensure excellent road holding and are tuned to match the new rear setup to give a compliant, yet controlled ride.

Lightweight 16-inch aluminium die-cast wheels have always been key to the SH125i’s sure-footed handling ability and stability on a variety of road surfaces and mount Michelin City Grip 2 tubeless tyres sized 100/80-16 front and 120/80-16 rear. ABS is fitted as standard; both front and rear discs employ a 240mm diameter; the front caliper is a two-piston design, the rear a single.

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4. Accessories

A range of genuine Honda accessories are available for the SH125i including: 

• Alarm System
• Colour-matched 35-litre Smart Top box
• Meter Visor
• Heated Grips
• High Wind Screen
• Wheel Stripes
• Colour-matched 35-litre Manual Top Box
• Knuckle Visors

To make it easy for an owner there is also the Urban Pack:

Urban Pack
Designed to enhance convenience and practicality for daily commuting. It includes Heated Grips to keep your hands warm and an Alarm System for peace of mind.

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5. Technical Specifications

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice

^{** Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.}

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