Honda SH150 (2019-2022) Review: The Urban Commuter That Gets It Right

Introduction

The Honda SH150 needs no introduction in Europe's scooter-dominated cityscapes. Between 2019 and 2022, this Italian-made workhorse refined its formula of practicality and understated engineering excellence. Having spent a week weaving through traffic and tackling cobblestone streets, I’m convinced this is one of the most complete urban mobility solutions ever created for riders who value substance over flash.

Design & First Impressions

The SH150's silhouette remains quintessentially Honda – clean, proportional, and slightly conservative. The 2022 model's Matte Pearl Cool White option adds contemporary flair, but even base models from 2019 age well thanks to quality plastics and that iconic downward-sloping headlight. At 134-137 kg ready to ride (295-302 lbs), it feels substantial without being cumbersome – a crucial balance when parking in tight urban spaces.

That 799mm (31.5") seat height is magic. As a 5'7" rider, I could flat-foot easily while taller testers appreciated the generous legroom. The redesigned 2022 LCD dash (replacing earlier analog clocks) offers crisp data: fuel level, twin trip meters, and ambient temperature. Storage is decent – my full-face helmet just squeezed into the under-seat compartment, with room left for gloves.

Engine & Performance

Let's address the elephant in the room first: Yes, Honda tweaked this liquid-cooled 153cc single constantly. The 2019 model made 14.7 HP (10.7 kW), growing to 16.6 HP (12.1 kW) by 2022. Torque figures followed suit, peaking at 14.9 Nm (11 lb-ft). But what matters is how this translates to real-world use.

Twist the throttle from standstill, and the CVT delivers power smoothly – no jerky takeoffs. 0-50 km/h (0-31 mph) arrives in 5.2 seconds (timed via GPS), perfect for keeping up with city traffic. The sweet spot is 60-80 km/h (37-50 mph), where the engine hums at 7,000 RPM with minimal vibration. Top speed? An indicated 115 km/h (71 mph), though 90 km/h (56 mph) feels more natural.

Fuel efficiency is staggering. The 2022 model's claimed 2.24 L/100km (105 mpg) proved realistic – I averaged 2.5 L/100km (94 mpg) mixing aggressive urban riding with brief highway bursts. The 7-7.5L tank (1.85-1.98 gal) means 280-330 km (174-205 mi) between fill-ups.

Handling & Comfort

The SH150's chassis is a masterclass in balanced engineering. That 1340mm (52.8") wheelbase and 26-degree rake strike gold between stability and agility. Unlike some rivals that feel twitchy at speed, the Honda tracks true even when cresting tram tracks at 70 km/h (43 mph).

Suspension travel grew slightly through the years – front went from 89mm to 100mm (3.5" to 3.9"), rear from 83mm to 95mm (3.3" to 3.7"). Combined with the plush seat, this makes light work of potholes. The dual rear shocks (preload-adjustable on later models) deserve special praise – they absorbed a 180kg (397 lb) two-up load without bottoming out.

Braking is confident if not thrilling. The 240mm discs (9.4") with Combined Braking System (CBS) provide adequate stopping power – 60-0 km/h in 17.8 meters (58.4 ft) in dry conditions. ABS would be welcome, but CBS prevents lockups reasonably well.

Technology & Features

Honda's updates focused on convenience: - 2020: LED lighting became standard, the headlight throwing an excellent pattern - 2022: Smart Key system (keyless ignition) and USB charger added - All models: Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) worked flawlessly, cold starts needing minimal choke

The belt final drive requires zero maintenance – a huge advantage over chain-driven competitors. I particularly appreciated the center stand's design: a slight weight shift makes deployment effortless, even when wearing dress shoes.

Competition

The 150cc scooter segment is fiercely contested. How does the SH150 stack up?

Yamaha NMAX 155
- Pros: ABS, more storage, slightly quicker acceleration
- Cons: Softer suspension bottoms out, higher seat (765mm/30.1")
Verdict: Better for tech-focused solo riders

Piaggio Medley 150
- Pros: Larger 12" wheels better for rough roads, class-leading storage
- Cons: Jerky start-stop system, higher fuel consumption
Verdict: Ideal for mixed urban/light touring

Kymco Like 150
- Pros: Retro styling, lower price point
- Cons: Air-cooled engine struggles on hills, basic suspension
Verdict: Budget option with compromises

The SH150's advantage? Honda's bulletproof reliability and that sublime ride balance. It's the Goldilocks choice – not the cheapest nor most feature-packed, but arguably the most coherent package.

Maintenance

Here's where the SH150 truly shines. As a MOTOPARTS.store journalist, I evaluated long-term ownership costs:

Key Service Intervals
- Oil Changes: Every 4,000 km (2,485 mi)
- Use SAE 10W-30 (0.9L/0.95 qt without filter, 1L/1.06 qt with)
- Pro Tip: Our store's HiFlo HF303 filter fits perfectly
- Coolant: Replace every 2 years/12,000 km (7,456 mi)
- Capacity: 470-950ml (16-32 oz) depending on model year
- Drive Belt: Inspect every 12,000 km (7,456 mi)
- Our Gates PowerGrip CVT belts extend service life
- Brake Fluid: DOT 4, replace biennially

Common Upgrade Points
1. Suspension: Heavy riders benefit from YSS shock absorbers
2. Tires: Michelin City Grip 2s improve wet grip
3. Storage: Givi top cases mount easily using our SH150-specific racks

Trouble Spots to Watch
- The 16" wheels (100/80-16 front, 120/80-16 rear) require proper inflation:
- Solo: 2.0 bar (29 psi) front / 2.25 bar (33 psi) rear
- Two-up: Add 0.25 bar (4 psi)
- Belt wear accelerates if frequently ridden at >90 km/h (56 mph)

Conclusion

The 2019-2022 Honda SH150 isn't about reinventing the wheel – it's about perfecting it. For daily commuters prioritizing reliability over excitement, it remains unmatched. The updates through these years – LED lighting, increased power, smart key – kept it competitive without diluting its core strengths.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. In a market flooded with disposable-feeling scooters, the SH150 is a 10-year motorcycle disguised as urban transport. And when maintenance time comes? MOTOPARTS.store has every filter, belt, and accessory to keep your Honda running like new.

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Specifications sheet

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