Honda Shine vs TMX 125 Alpha: Photo Comparison

Here’s what separates the two 125cc Honda commuter bikes

When it comes to Honda’s commuter range, the Shine has cemented itself as one of the best-selling 125cc motorcycles in the country for years. Recently, Honda launched the TMX Alpha 125 in the Philippines in three new colours: Ruby Red, Matte Armored Silver Metallic and Black.  We’ve put both the 125cc commuters against each other and here’s what it’s like:

Honda has designed both the motorcycles for maximum utility and comfort. With its smooth flowing lines through the body panels, the Honda Shine looks quite modern compared to the boxy design of the  Honda TMX 125 Alpha. The Alpha’s looks are in fact reminiscent of the Honda CD100. 

While the Honda Shine’s fascia looks on par with the current competition whereas the TMX 125 gets an old-school rectangular headlamp. Both the bikes miss out LED headlights to keep them economically priced. 

Honda has fitted the Shine with an engine kill switch whereas the TMX 125 Alpha doesn’t get one. Both the 125cc commuters get an electric as well as a kick-start and other basic switchgear. 

The seat on the Honda Shine as well as the TMX 125 Alpha is a single-piece unit. The Honda Shines scores an extra point with its 162mm ground clearance as compared to the 156mm ground clearance of the TMX 125 Alpha. 

The Honda Shine is one step ahead of its 125cc cousin in terms of features. Its instrument cluster displays the speed, odometer, single trip meter and the fuel level, whereas the TMX 125 misses out on the fuel gauge. 

The Honda Shine uses a fuel-injected, air-cooled, 124cc motor that makes 10.74PS of power and 11Nm of torque. Whereas, the TMX 125 Alpha is powered by a carburetted, air-cooled 125cc motor that makes 10.13PS and 9.3Nm. Both the bikes are mated to a 5-speed gearbox.

Honda has equipped the Shine with a silent starter. The BS6 compliant motor offers 14% more efficiency than the BS4 engine and also gets various other friction reduction technologies. Whereas, the Honda TMX 125 Alpha is absolute barebones. 

While the Honda Shine is available in a drum as well as a disc-brake variant, the TMX 125 is sold in drum brake variant only.

Both the bikes are equipped with telescopic forks at the front and dual rear suspensions. The Shine’s rear shock absorber gets 5-step preload adjustability. 

The Honda Shine rides on alloy wheels whereas the Honda TMX 125 Alpha comes with spoked wheels only. In this manner, the Shine is a better option as the tubeless tyres on the alloy wheels can handle punctures much better than the tubed ones on the spoke wheels. 

Honda has priced the Shine at Rs 70,478 in India, whereas the TMX 125 Alpha retails at PHP 51,400 in the Philippines, that’s Rs 78,350 approximately.