2020 · Scooter · Buyer's Guide
The City Commute Solved
The 2020 SH125 is Honda's premium take on the small urban scooter, and it earns the label. The 125 cc liquid-cooled eSP+ single makes 13 hp and 8 lb-ft. It delivers that power smoothly rather than urgently, and Idling Stop shuts the engine off at red lights, which is a big part of why 107 mpg is realistic. The 16-inch wheels and steel tube frame give it a planted, grown-up stance. ABS, traction control, a keyless system, a USB port and a center stand all come standard, so the whole package feels closer to a maxi-scooter than the displacement suggests.
Day to day, it takes about as little effort as anything on two wheels. At 295 lb (134 kg) wet with a 31.5 in (799 mm) seat, it's easy to move, easy to park and easy to trust in dense traffic. The 1.8 gal (7 L) tank sounds small, but at that fuel economy it goes a long way between fill-ups. It suits riders who commute every day and want low running costs without the hassle. The honest caveat is that 13 hp is a city and suburban output. Short hops can also leave the battery undercharged, so keep a trickle charger in the garage.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 13 hp (10 kW) @ 8,250 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 8 lb-ft (12 Nm) |
| Displacement | 125 cc |
| Engine | Single-cylinder |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Front tire | 100/80-16 |
| Rear tire | 120/80-16 |
| Seat height | 31.5 in (799 mm) |
| Wet weight | 295 lb (134 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 1.8 gal (7 L) |
| Fuel economy | 107 mpg (US) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Connectivity
Safety
Over the years I've picked up a lot about the SH125 from the people who actually live with it. It comes from paddock conversations, chats with owners at the curb, club-night talk, and the emails and messages riders send me directly. The pattern is consistent. Owners praise the engine's refinement, the comfort and the carrying space, and the complaints they raise are few, small and specific.
Riders bring up the engine and the fuel bill more than anything else. Owners consistently describe the liquid-cooled single as exceptionally smooth, with linear power delivery and very little noise, and several call it a standout in the class. The same riders report outstanding fuel consumption. Some owners add that Honda reliability and simple servicing keep running costs low over the long run.
Comfort comes up again and again. Riders say the suspension soaks up bumps well and the seat stays comfortable all day, and that praise comes from daily commuters and from riders who cover longer distances. Storage is the other recurring point. Owners describe generous room under the seat, and those who add the optional top box say it makes the SH very practical for shopping and commuting. Fit and finish gets similar credit: owners talk about sturdy switchgear and a solid feel that seems above its price. A few riders also mention the chassis and brakes, describing strong, progressive stopping and handling that feels sporty for a scooter.
The gripes are fewer and come from fewer riders. Some owners miss a small lockable compartment up front for a phone or keys, which stands out to them given how much storage the scooter has elsewhere. Others say the steel body panels feel solid but dent more easily than plastic when they get knocked in tight urban spaces. A few riders say the shorter wheelbase is agile in town but can feel slightly nervous on open roads compared with longer-wheelbase rivals.
Possible coolant pump failure
One owner reported a suspected coolant pump failure causing engine overheating and a no-start condition. The exact cause was not confirmed, but it may indicate a potential early-life defect.
Battery drain and starting issues
Owners on short city commutes may experience battery drain, as the alternator may not fully recharge the battery. This can lead to clicking relays or a no-start condition, especially in cold weather. A trickle charger or periodic longer rides can mitigate the issue.
Where this Honda SH125 pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the SH125 is actually built for.
If your day is stop-and-go blocks, tight parking and short hops, this is the scooter I'd point you to. It's light, frugal and weatherproof and just gets on with it. Keep a charger for that battery.
Made for Austin · Los Angeles · Miami Beach / Miami
For the San Francisco commute, it's a smart, cleanly built tool. For Skyline on a Saturday, 13 hp is the ceiling, so treat it as the weekday half of a two-bike garage.
Made for Bay Area Ridge Roads · San Francisco / Bay Area · Skyline Boulevard / Alice's Restaurant
If you're cross-shopping the older generation, here's what changed.
Previous generation · 2017–2019
Light As Air, Sharp As Nails
Compare to the previous model →If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
