Honda SH125i Review

Overall Rating

It's a Honda, low insurance and road tax, easy to ride.

Honestly haven't come across any just yet.

Having been a motorcyclist for many years it was with trepidation that I ventured into buying a scooter, but realised it would be much more practical around London than my Fazer 1000. After much looking at various models and makes I choose the Honda due to the legendary build and reliability of the make (I've owned Honda's before so can say that with assurance) and I also liked the fact the SH has bigger wheels, more akin to a motorcycle, than most scooters.

I never really expected to do much mileage on the bike, keeping it as a back-up vehicle, but it has been such fun and so much easier to use than my car that I've already exceeded in just over 3 months my expected annual mileage of 1500. I'm 5'10" and find the seat comfortable and there's enough room to place my feet (size 10) comfortably on the running boards.

Under seat storage is minimal (in mine I keep waterproofs and gloves) and that can be seen as a disadvantage against other scooters but the SH does come with a detachable top box. There's also a useful little lockable cubby-hole which will take keys, mobile, various small items and I've used this on many occasions.

On the road, I've been surprised firstly by the SH's handling - it corners very well and I find in a lot of ways I'm riding it like a motorbike. I personally have no problem with seat comfort or riding position with my average journey to work being 17 miles, but have also under taken longer journeys up to 50 miles. There is some slight wallop if you hit a really deep pot hole or dip but I find this on all bikes - over all, I find the suspension more than adequate for the riding I've done so far.

Speed wise, there is a tiny bit of delay before the engine takes up but I've soon got used to this. The bike is very nippy and easily hit's 50mph without worry. On the straight I've topped out at 60 and often find I'm looking at the speedo as you easily lose track of how fast you're actually going. I'm also happy with fuel consumption - it costs just under £6 to fill up (depending on petrol price) and I find that's getting me around 130 miles depending on how I'm riding.

So far, I'm more than pleased with the SH and can't see myself going back to having a motorbike all the time I'm riding in and around London - it's just so practical, nippy and puts a smile on my face every time I use it. I've also test ridden the 300 model and would certainly consider this when I eventually change the SH but that's some way off yet. For now, the 125 does everything I need and I'd certainly recommend not only the SH but a scooter in general for people riding in London or a town.

Members' Comments onMysterysong's Review

• Interested on 14th Jul 2007

  Can you give a update on how the bike is going?
  Is the top case big enough to hold a laptop?
  What is the manufacturer's service schedule/oil change frequency?
  How much is this costing?
  How does it handle in wind?

• Mysterysong on 21st Jul 2007

  Hi, still very pleased with the SH and can't find any fault with it - maybe the mirrors don't give the greatest view but which bike does? No running problems as of yet and I try to use the bike for work whenever possible - even use it just for pottering around as it's so easy just to get on and go with no need for leathers, boots, etc like I used to wear on my motorbikes. I do wear gloves and protective jacket though.
  As for the top box, I'll be honest and don't really use it that much and normally leave it off - I prefer to put things under the seat or in my rucksack which I hang on the front hook just below the small storage compartment. This keeps the bag secure and allows it to sit on the floor between my feet. I'd be worried about putting a laptop in the topbox due to any damage that may be caused by potholes and bumps in the road. Having said that, I'm sure it would take a laptop depending on size (I have a Dell Inspiron and that fits in) - I think you can get a bigger top box as an accessory but I'm not 100% sure of this.
  Servicing I believe is every 3000 miles but it doesn't actually seem to say this in the service handbook! Not too sure just what the costs are but would estimate them to be around £80 depending on what needs doing (this from my dealer, Hartgates in Mitcham who are a decent bunch) - it may be worth talking to Coffin about this as he's covered some big mileage on his SH.
  As for riding in the wind, I've never found any bike, scooter or otherwise, to be particularly stable in high winds but having ridden mine in rain and wind, again, I've had no real problems - I guess it's just a case of taking it easy and assessing road, and weather, conditions.
  I certainly enjoy using the SH and it's a great option from my car - even at this early stage I'd replace mine with another when the time comes but will look again at the 300 (which I road tested) but then you go into higher buying and running costs - hope this has helped and anything else you'd like to know please get in touch
  
  Dean.

• shlover on 1st Mar 2008

  Where can I buy Honda SHi 150cc scooter if I live in USA? thanks.

• Mysterysong on 10th Mar 2008

  I'm not really too sure - try contacting Honda in the US or maybe by doing a Google search 'Where to buy SH in US' or similar

• incey on 21st Apr 2008

  I found this review informative & helpful, thanks!!!

• incey on 21st Apr 2008

  Hi, I've been looking at this bike for a while now but am torn between buying upto a 2yr old model or going for a new one, what would you advise?

• Mysterysong on 29th Apr 2008

  I haven't looked at the cost of what a 2 year old model is going for so not too sure if there are good deals to be had or what the prices are.
  What you'd need to consider is the history of the bike when buying 2nd hand plus it would no longer have a warranty if 2 years or older.
  Buying new would give you a 2 year warranty plus peace of mind knowing that there would be no adverse history regarding the bike. You may also wish to consider how long you're going to keep the bike for and what sort of mileage you think you'll do.
  Personally speaking, if you're in a position to buy new, I would but that is just my choice. I'd have owned my bike for 2 years next March and that's when I'll look to change. I think most dealers are offering the SH125 new for a price of around £2200 - that's if you ask for a deal.
  I hope that's helped in some way.

• orr on 2nd Feb 2009

  i have bought a new honda sh 125, do you need to get it serviced at honda dealer to keep warranty going, or can you get it serviced elsewhere

• Mysterysong on 10th Feb 2009

  I personally have mine serviced at a Honda dealer as the one I use are a decent bunch and I've been using them for quite some years now.
  As for warranty validation, I'm not really too sure - I know with a car you no longer have to have it serviced at a main dealer to keep the warranty valid providing you adhere to the service shedule. Whether this applies to a bike or scooter I don't really know - also, would having it serviced at a non main dealer give much of a saving and would they use the manufacturers parts and spares, that's something you'd also need to consider