Honda PS125i Review

Overall Rating

Honda build quality.
Fuel consumption.
Comfort.
Road holding sticks like glue.
Underseat storage.

Very bumpy ride on typical Bristol city roads.
Servicing costs.
Scooters are thief magnets.

I have had my scooter for two months from new and done 630 miles. The first service cost £89. 00 because it is only free if you take it back to the original dealer, remember this if you buy online as I did. I still saved £300. 00, this paid for helmet, jacket, lock ect.
I bought my Pes125i to save money on fuel as I do a lot of short i. e. : 10 mile or less inner city journeys, somtimes three or four a day. I have found the Honda will do 85 miles to the gallon on average, this seems to have increased to 90 miles to the gallon now that the engine has loosened up.
I came back from Exeter to Bristol on the motor way and the throttle was wide open most of the way and this caused fuel consumption for this 80 mile journey to drop to 74 miles to the gallon still good considering I was doing 65/70 miles an hour all the way. Dont do this unless you have put at least 350 miles on the clock or you could damage the engine. The engine pulls well unto 45/50 and then takes its time to reach 65, if you want that elusive 70 you will need a down hill slope or a following wind. These speeds are true as I was able to overtake a lot of traffic on my motorway trip.
What really surprised me was how the Honda handled on the motorway it felt safe and solid even when overtaking artic lorries.
Remember though this is not really a motorway bike and you would be better off with the Honda SH 300i if you want a scooter for longish motorway commutes.
The bike handles really well in the road holding since , both on the motor way and on city streets but be sure to warm the tires up before chucking it into the corners.
However as far as handling inner city bumpy road surfaces be prepared to be shaken not stirred Yes its bumpy. Check the road for lumps and bumps and use the excellent maneuvering to avoid.
Apart from the bumpy ride the saddle is comfortable up to 50 miles and then (numb bum) sets in. Under seat storage is ok for a normal full face helmet, but you won ' t get your leggings in as well. The storage compartment gets hot so don ' t put perishable foods in there, or chocolate unless you want a sticky mess.
The bag hook is just in the right place to allow the average supermarket carrier bag to sit on the flat floor between your feet.
Servicing is costly ranging from £89. 00 - £139. 00 and needs to be done every 2500 miles after your first free 600 mile service. If you do a lot of high mileage commutes then you need to take this into account something the dealers don ' t tell you about when you buy the scooter, making them not as cheap to run as you thought.
Road tax is £15. 00 per year. Insurance varies from £150. 00 to £400. 00 in general depending on experience and no claims bonus and age and whether you have a full licience, penalties ect. Mine was £300. 00 fully comp no claims bonus and I had not ridden a bike for 10 years but I do have a full licence.
Somebody already tried to steal the Honda after only a couple of weeks but could not unlock it and caused some minor damage,
naturally I was a bit gutted, make sure you get a good lock and chain. These bikes and other scooters are easily picked up and put into vans so try to secure yours to a lamppost or railings ect.
Good luck.

Members' Comments onScooter 17's Review

• FrogLady on 27th Sep 2008

  I found this review helpful because...I have just bought one and wanted some reasurance...and this confirmed I'd chose a good bike! Thanks Scooter 17.!