Honda SH 125 and 150i, the best-selling scooters in Italia

The Honda SH is synonymous with 25 years of success, with real dominance in Italia and Europe. Sold over 415,000 units since 2012 in Europe between 125 and 150, they have topped the best-selling scooter list in Italia 22 times in the last quarter century. Built at the Atessa plant in Abruzzo, along with the SH 350, Adv350, Forza and CB125R, the 125 and 150 versions have been updated in style and equipment.

The styling of the SH125 and 150i follows what has already been seen on the larger 350i, adopting the split central LED headlamp cluster, while the new front shield separates the headlamps from the turn signals. Thanks to the tubular steel frame with a lower backbone, it was possible to position the 7-litre fuel tank under the flat footboard, freeing up 10 litres of additional space under the seat in addition to the existing 18 L capacity, capable of holding a full-face helmet. The new rear storage compartment measures 175.5 x 88 x 11.9 mm and houses a USB-C socket for easy charging of electronic devices. The wheelbase is 1,350 mm, with steering head angle and trail set at 26° and 85 mm respectively. The turning radius is 2m while the seat height is 799 mm and the weight with full tank is 138 kg.

The 125 cc 4-valve liquid-cooled eSP+ ('enhanced Smart Power Plus') engine in the SH125i offers faster acceleration, higher top speed and better fuel economy than its 2-valve predecessor. The same goes for the 157 cc unit of the SH150i. In addition, both are now Euro5+ homologated. For the 125 engine, maximum power is 13 hp (9.6 kW) at 8,250 rpm with a torque of 12 Nm at 6,500 rpm. For the 150 engine, maximum power is 16.9 hp (12.4 kW) at 8,500 rpm with a torque of 14.9 Nm at 6,500 rpm. The power and torque curves show how powerful the engine is, already from 4,000 rpm up to 10,000 rpm. Fuel consumption of the SH125i (with Start&Stop system deactivated) is 45.7 km/l (average Wmtc cycle). The fuel consumption of the SH150i (without Start & Stop system activated) is 44.7 km/l (average Wmtc cycle). An additional technology that makes riding in low-grip conditions such as on wet asphalt even safer is the Hstc (Honda Selectable Torque Control) traction control, which constantly monitors wheel speed and acts if necessary to prevent rear wheel spin. When the HSTC comes into action, a warning light flashes on the instrument panel; the system can also be switched off completely via a button on the handlebar.

Driven in both versions under a real cloudburst, the Honda SH 125 and 150 confirmed on the road the secret of such enduring success. Perfect for Roman traffic, it proved safe in every situation, thanks also to the Michelin City Grip 2 tyres fitted as original equipment on 16" rims. Added value comes from the new 4.2-inch Tft colour screen integrated into the handlebar fairing with smartphone connectivity via Honda RoadSync, particularly useful for navigation directly on the display. We had a chance to try it out in traffic and it proved to be very useful and intuitive. The system has all the service lights, including those for the Smart Key, HSTC traction control, ABS and Start&Stop system. The display of all functions on the dashboard is controlled via the new buttons on the left side of the handlebar. The Smart Key fits in your pocket and eliminates the need to constantly take out and insert the key for starting, opening the fuel cap and lifting the seat. The new Smart Top Box increases convenience, as it allows the top box to be opened without using a key. Prices from around 4,100 euros for the standard version with Smart Top Box, windscreen and hand guards included.