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- Honda FES125 Pantheon
- Storman's review
Have a picture of Honda FES125 Pantheon?, please send it to us.
Picture courtesy of Hung Nguyen.
| Build quality | 8.8/10  |
|---|---|
| Reliability | 9.4/10 |
| Value for Money | 9.3/10 |
| Reviewer Rating | 9/10 |
| Overall Rating | 7.5/10  |
By Storman
on 9th Sep 2005
| Year Manufactured | 2005 |
|---|---|
| Length of ownership | 3 months |
| Build quality | 9/10 |
| Reliability | 10/10 |
| Value for money | 9/10 |
| Overall value | 9/10 |
 Storman's recommendation | |
Well built, looks really smart. Quite quick for size/weight/autobox. Underseat storage space. Throttle response. Economy. Seat. Brakes.
Long wheelbase - Honda FES125 Pantheon not as manoeuvrable as say the Dylan. Cheap plastic on instrument glass. Multi-use ignition switch/seat/petrol/steering lock - bit fiddly at times.
After 25 years of not riding a bike it was back in the saddle again. This was mainly prompted by a fear of using the London tube following 7/7. Hence I needed a bike that could commute into town (approx 12 miles one way) amidst heavy traffic on a daily basis and in all weathers. My heart wanted a 600, my head said don't be stupid - a scooter would suffice as I probably would not use it apart from commuting.
I'd always had Hondas when I was younger and my local dealer had the brand I'd grown up with. Choice came down to the Dylan and the FES. Initially I loved the FES but I wondered whether it was just too big? For a while I pondered over the Dylan, this was smaller and clearly would be easier to handle in traffic. However, I finally settled on the FES as I thought I would really make use of the underseat luggage space which is massive. On picking up the bike I was a little apprehensive having not ridden for so long. However, the FES is truly twist and go and it was very easy to ride straight away. Although the bike weighs in excess of 140kg it has a low centre of gravity, consequently it is very stable in slow moving traffic and is easy to man-handle when not riding. The response from the throttle is excellent, easily controlled when moving slowly, and instant acceleration when required. In fact this scooter is quite quick, Ok its only a 125cc, but considering the weight and auto box, it really does hold it's own off the line. Yes there are heaps of faster 125's out there but its no slouch. Not only is it relatively quick but it stops as well - the brakes work great and the linked system seems fine and well balanced. The ride comfort is great, big comfy seat that's lower than some, and well positioned handlebars with all controls easy too hand. Instrumentation is simple and clearly read. The only gripe is the quality of the instrument glass (or plastic), it marked very easily when I was cleaning the bike. Unfortunate really as the rest of the components are top rate with excellent build quality all round. And now the point that swung it for me - the underseat storage. Yes it really is quite cavernous under the seat. Each day I put a medium sized rucksack under that seat that has inside it: a laptop, waterproof trousers, and shoes for work. The compartment also holds a very heavy chain and padlock, some books, paper kitchen roll. There's still heaps of room left. If you park the bike you can get a helmet, boots, and jacket in there also. The only thing that bugs me is that the ignition switch also opens the seat and the petrol cap depending on how you turn it etc. I'd think I'd prefer dedicated locks but I'm slowly getting used to it. Oh, its the steering lock as well !
Overall, a fine machine that is easily recommended. After 6 months I'll come back and give an update. Have fun.
| Helpful | Unhelpful | Agree | Disagree |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total Respect: +2
