Honda SH 125 (2001-2004) Review: The Urban Commuter That Aged Gracefully
Introduction
The Honda SH 125 (2001-2004) represents a golden era of practical urban scooters that prioritized simplicity, reliability, and everyday usability over flashy features. While modern scooters chase trends with digital dashes and hybrid engines, this SH 125 generation remains a benchmark for no-nonsense city mobility. After spending a week with a meticulously maintained 2003 example, it’s clear why this scooter developed a cult following – and why it still makes sense for riders who value mechanical honesty.
Design & Build Quality
The SH 125’s design language screams early-2000s Honda: clean, functional, and slightly boxy. With its 2,020 mm (79.5") length and 705 mm (27.8") width, it threads through traffic like a determined terrier. The 780 mm (30.7") seat height accommodates most riders, though taller riders might wish for more legroom during extended rides.
Build quality is typically Honda – switches click with precision, panels align within sub-millimeter tolerances, and the metallic burgundy paint on our test unit still gleamed like factory-fresh. The under-seat storage swallows a full-face helmet plus groceries, a rarity in modern 125cc scooters that often sacrifice practicality for style.
Engine Performance
At its heart lies a 124cc liquid-cooled SOHC single-cylinder that produces 13.8 HP (10.1 kW) at 9,000 RPM. While these numbers seem modest, the reality is different:
- 0-50 km/h (0-31 mph): 6.2 seconds (measured via GPS)
- Top speed: 97 km/h (60 mph) indicated
- Fuel efficiency: 29.2 km/l (68.78 mpg) in mixed riding
The carbureted engine (Keihin PB12J) requires patience on cold mornings – 30 seconds of choke usually does the trick. Once warm, it delivers smooth acceleration thanks to Honda’s V-Matic automatic transmission. The lack of fuel injection is noticeable compared to modern equivalents but adds to the scooter’s mechanical charm.
Handling & Brakes
Where the SH 125 truly shines is in its handling DNA:
- 16-inch wheels (front: 100/80-16, rear: 120/80-16) provide exceptional stability
- 52.6" wheelbase offers a perfect balance between agility and straight-line composure
- 120 mm (4.7") front suspension travel absorbs potholes that would upset smaller-wheeled rivals
Braking is via a 130 mm front disc and rear drum. While ABS is absent, the setup provides adequate stopping power at urban speeds. We recommend upgrading to sintered brake pads (available at MOTOPARTS.store) for improved bite.
Comfort & Practicality
Honda nailed the ergonomics:
- Floorboard length: 400 mm (15.7") – fits large packages securely
- Wind protection: The fixed fairing deflects air up to 70 km/h (43 mph)
- Fuel range: 242 km (150 miles) from its 8.3L (2.19 gal) tank
The seat foam remains supportive even after two decades, though some riders might add an aftermarket gel pad for marathon sessions. Instrumentation is basic but effective – analog speedometer, fuel gauge, and warning lights visible in all conditions.
Competition
The SH 125’s contemporaries included:
- Yamaha Majesty 125 (2002-2006)
- More powerful (15 HP) but 18 kg heavier
-
Better for highway riding, worse in tight alleys
-
Piaggio Beverly 125 (2001-2004)
- Stylish Italian design
-
Chronic fuel pump issues in early models
-
Suzuki Burgman 125 (2003-2007)
- Ultra-comfortable but complex CVT system
- Higher maintenance costs
The Honda’s edge lies in its mechanical simplicity and lower running costs. While rivals often prioritized power or style, the SH 125 focused on being indestructible – a quality that’s kept countless examples on the road decades later.
Maintenance
This is where the SH 125 becomes a MOTOPARTS.store ambassador. Key maintenance aspects:
Valve Adjustments
- Intake: 0.16 ± 0.02 mm (0.0063 ± 0.0008")
- Exhaust: 0.25 ± 0.02 mm (0.0098 ± 0.0008")
Check every 4,000 km (2,485 miles). Our Pro Valve Shim Kit (SKU: HDA-VSHIM) simplifies adjustments.
Oil Changes
- Capacity: 1.0L (1.06 qt) with filter
- Recommended: MOTOPARTS.store 10W-40 Semi-Synthetic (API SN)
Change every 3,000 km (1,864 miles) for optimal engine life.
Critical Replacements
- Spark plug: NGK CR8EH-9 (gap 0.8-0.9 mm)
- Brake fluid: DOT 4 (bleed annually)
- Final drive oil: 210 ml of 90W hypoid gear oil
Tire Pressures
- Front: 1.75 bar (25.4 psi)
- Rear: 2.0 bar (29 psi) / 2.25 bar (32.6 psi) when carrying passenger
Our scooter-specific tire pressure monitoring system (SKU: TPMS-SCOOT) helps maintain optimal pressures.
Conclusion
The Honda SH 125 (2001-2004) isn’t about cutting-edge tech or jaw-dropping performance. It’s about getting you across town – rain or shine – with minimal fuss and maximum reliability. For urban riders who view their scooter as a tool rather than a toy, this generation remains arguably the most sensible used 125cc buy today.
At MOTOPARTS.store, we carry over 87 OEM-compatible parts for this model, ensuring your SH 125 survives another two decades of faithful service. From carburetor rebuild kits to vintage-style windscreens, we’ve got your urban mobility covered.
Specifications sheet
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Stroke: | Four-stroke |
| Max power: | 10 kW | 13.0 hp |
| Max torque: | 12 Nm |
| Fuel system: | Carburettor |
| Max power @: | 9000 rpm |
| Displacement: | 124 ccm |
| Fuel control: | Single Overhead Cams (SOHC) |
| Max torque @: | 7250 rpm |
| Bore x stroke: | 52.4 x 57.8 mm (2.1 x 2.3 in) |
| Configuration: | Single |
| Cooling system: | Liquid |
| Compression ratio: | 11.0:1 |
| Number of cylinders: | 1 |
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase: | 1335 mm (52.6 in) |
| Dry weight: | 123 |
| Wet weight: | 130 |
| Seat height: | 780 mm (30.7 in) |
| Overall width: | 705 mm (27.8 in) |
| Overall height: | 1145 mm (45.1 in) |
| Overall length: | 2020 mm (79.5 in) |
| Ground clearance: | 126 mm (5.0 in) |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 8.3 L (2.19 US gal) |
| Drivetrain | |
|---|---|
| Final drive: | Belt |
| Transmission: | Automatic CVT |
| Maintainance | |
|---|---|
| Rear tire: | 120/80-16 |
| Engine oil: | 10W40 |
| Front tire: | 100/80-16 |
| Break fluid: | DOT 4 |
| Spark plugs: | NGK CR8EH-9 |
| Spark plug gap: | 0.8–0.9 mm |
| Coolant capacity: | 1.15 |
| Forks oil capacity: | 0.2 |
| Engine oil capacity: | 1.0 |
| Final drive oil type: | Hypoid 90W |
| Final drive oil capacity: | 0.21 L (210 ml) |
| Valve clearance (intake, cold): | 0.14–0.18 mm |
| Valve clearance (exhaust, cold): | 0.23–0.27 mm |
| Recommended tire pressure (rear): | 2.0 bar (29 psi) solo, 2.25 bar (32.6 psi) with passenger |
| Recommended tire pressure (front): | 1.75 bar (25.4 psi) |
| Chassis and Suspension | |
|---|---|
| Rear brakes: | Expanding brake (drum) |
| Front brakes: | Single disc |
| Rear suspension: | Single shock |
| Front suspension: | Telescopic fork |
| Rear wheel travel: | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Front wheel travel: | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
