Honda SP 125: Review In Images

Honda’s first BS6-compliant motorcycle is here, but does it pack enough for you to take notice? Read on to find out 

Honda is one of the first two-wheeler manufacturers to bring a BS6-compliant 125cc motorcycle and scooter to India. Now, we have already ridden the new Activa 125, and here’s how it fared in the real world. But what about the new SP 125 that was launched recently? Well, we got a chance to test the CB Shine SP replacement and here’s what we have to say about it. 

It’s quite apparent that Honda has tried to make the SP 125 a more sporty looking motorcycle than the CB Shine SP by taking design cues from the likes of the CB Hornet 160R. 

A reshaped tank with longer extensions results in an aggressive and mass-forward design. The LED headlight looks quite striking and certainly stands out, and the tail-lamp looks sharper as well. 

Faux carbon fibre trim has been used on some of the body panels to add to the sportiness quotient. 

The switchgear and grips feel premium and panel gaps are tight and consistent all around. Cables and hoses are largely out of sight as well and overall, the Honda feels like a well-finished product. 

A beefy, wide handlebar and the meaty tank make you feel like you’re sat on a 150cc+ commuter motorcycle. The rider’s triangle is typically commuter-ish, with centre-set footpegs resulting in an upright and roomy riding position. The way your knees lock into the tank recesses feels confidence-inspiring.

The seat is well-padded and sits just 790mm off the deck, making it very accessible to riders of all heights. The slim profile of the motorcycle further aids you in getting your feet down. 

The digital console shows you distance-to-empty, a service reminder and even a gear position indicator! Something that’s missing even on a lot of larger, more expensive, sportier motorcycles.

Just like the Activa 125, the SP 125 gets a silent start system that works smoothly whenever the engine comes to life. This is a segment-first feature as well, just like the LED headlight.

Despite becoming BS6-compliant and marginally losing some displacement, the SP 125 puts out 10.9PS and 10.8Nm, which is 0.57PS and 0.6Nm more than the CB Shine SP. 

In typical Honda fashion, smoothness and refinement are what makes the SP 125 a benchmark in its segment. Thanks to fuel injection, throttle response is quite crisp and precise as well, a clear step forward when compared to the older bike. 

The motor packs strong bottom and mid-range punch, perfect for urban riding conditions. Sure, power does trail off towards the top-end and a few vibes creep into the bars, but this isn’t a bike that you’re going to be revving the nuts off anyway. 

The underpinnings are similar to that of the Shine SP. A couple of minor things have changed, though. The SP has a wheelbase that’s 19mm longer than before, while also having shed 5kg over the Shine.

Being a commuter, ride quality in the city is of prime importance. The front end is soft but not too soft, feeling plush over most undulations. This is helped by 18-inch wheels at both ends, but the setup at the rear feels decidedly stiff and firm.

Steering the SP 125 requires a bit of effort and it feels like a slightly heavy-handling motorcycle. That said, once it’s leaned over, it feels quite planted and stable, even over small mid-corner bumps. 

The feel at the lever is a bit soft and the rear brake requires a strong stomp on the lever to bring about any significant stopping force.

The SP 125 feels like a thoroughly premium product and it’s well equipped as well. It demands the extra cash without making you feel like you’re being ripped off. Considering the addition of fuel injection, the build quality and all the new features and equipment on offer, the SP makes a good case for itself.