Honda SH125i significantly updated for 2020, but not heading to Australia

Honda SH125i updated for 2020

Honda’s SH125 scooter is a huge seller in Europe, with more than 19,000 units sold last year, and is being updated for 2020. Here is Australia though it is the NSC100 Dio that leads the scooter category in sales.

That may be why we won’t be seeing the new SH125i, and why the SH150 is being discontinued in Australia, with the NSC110 dominating, and the Honda also taking second place with the Benly MW110.

The two Honda scooters boasted the most impressive sales increases of the 2019 year to date, and are largely responsible for the scooter segment bucking the general trend of motorcycle sales easing.

For context, the NSC110 is a smaller capacity, competitively priced option to the SH125’s more premium, higher spec and more powerful offering.

The SH125 for model year 2020 is practically all-new, offering more storage, more comfort, more performance and better fuel efficiency.

At the heart of the 2020 SH125i is a new four-valve liquid-cooled 125cc ‘eSP+’ engine, now Euro5 compliant as well as featuring Honda’s HSTC or Honda Selectable Torque Control sytem. This replaces the outgoing two-valve design, offering more peak performance and economy.

While increases are a modest 0.7kW and 0.5Nm or torque, up to 9.6kW at 8250rpm, and 12Nm of torque at 6500rpm, Honda promise the new performance is much stronger from 4000rpm through to 10,000rpm.

The bore has been increased to 53.5mm, while a shorter stroke of 55.4mm is run, allowing for the four-valve chamber, with compression increased to 11.5:1. The radiator is also now built onto the engine and uses a compact fan as a result.

Low friction technology is used with minute splines on the cylinder sleeve outer surface, while cylinders are offset to reduce frictional losses. Three main bearings in the transmission keep rolling resistance in check.

Idling Stop has also been adopted allowing the SH125i to stop the engine after three seconds at idle, and will automatically restart once the throttle is twisted.

A new high-tensile steel tubular underbone frame was developed to boost storage offered, with a 10mm longer wheelbase and 799mm seat height. Wet weight is 133.9kg, shaving 400g off the previous models weight.

The engine hanger link angle and rear suspension angle have also been revised for a more supple ride, and better overall control.

The SH125i also features 16in wheels, which are aluminium die-cast items, and run tubeless 100/80 – 16, and 120/80 – 16 Michelin City Grip tyres.

Suspension consists of 33mm forks with 89mm of travel, while rear shocks are five-step preload adjustable with 83mm of travel at the axle.

ABS is standard fitment, with 240mm rotors at both ends, while the front caliper is a three-piston design, and the rear sports a single-piston caliper.

Honda have also updated the SH125i’s styling, although it’s probably a subtle change to the untrained eye, with all lighting now LED, and a new LCD display featured.

Underseat storage is boosted to 28L, with 18L to accommodate a full face helmet now joined by an additional 10L under the pillion seat. USB charging is also located under the seat.

The SH125i also features a smart key, allowing for keyless ignition, and including on/off control, as well as an answer back feature, designed to allow riders to spot their scooter if they parked in among 20 other SH125i models. The steering lock is also electronic.

If the scooter market in Australia continues its upswing it will be interesting to see if Honda Australia revisit their decision to not market the SH125i here. 

2020 Honda SH125i Specifications