Since the arrival of the original SH50 in 1984, the enduring popularity of Honda’s SH scooter series has earned it the status of a brand within a brand, relied upon by people all over Europe as an integral part of their daily lives.

During that time, the SH family has constantly grown and evolved, with sales totalling over 1.2 million units produced since its introduction thanks to excellent engine performance and fuel economy plus nimble, sure-footed handling and reassuring stability – from 16-inch wheels – on rougher roads.

On sale in Europe since summer 2014, the SH Mode 125 has broadened the appeal of the SH family to a younger audience. It’s proved a smart scooter in every sense, very much of the moment, with its deft combination of on-trend style, confidence-inspiring performance and low running costs.

In 2021, a brand-new SH Mode 125 was unveiled. Designed to reflect the evolving aspirations, desires and expectations of an ever-growing audience of young Honda riders, for 24YM the SH Mode 125 benefits from two new contemporary colours for heightened visual appeal.

A chic refresh enhanced the SH Mode 125 in 21YM, led by an attractive LED headlight for its distinctive face. Underneath, the SH Mode 125 benefitted from a new, lighter steel ‘enhanced Smart Architecture Frame’ (eSAF) and more powerful (and fuel efficient) enhanced Smart Power Plus (eSP+) four-valve, water-cooled SOHC engine and new aluminium wheels wearing fuel-saving tyres.

Practically was also improved. Storage space was increased under the seat and a handy glovebox was installed on the left inner fairing, with a USB Type-A socket for charging duties. Smart Key operation of ignition and seat – from the rider’s pocket – was the premium finishing touch.

For 24YM, the SH Mode 125 receives two new contemporary colours that join the classic Pearl Jasmine White and Mat Techno Silver that carry over from last year.

The 24YM SH Mode 125 will be available in the following colour options:

• **NEW** Candy Luster Red
• **NEW** Matt Galaxy Black Metallic
• Pearl Jasmine White
• Mat Techno Silver Metallic

The SH Mode 125’s enhanced Smart Power Plus (eSP+) four-valve, water-cooled SOHC engine delivers 8.4kW@ 8,500rpm, with peak torque of 12.1Nm @ 5,000rpm. Bore and stroke is set at 53.5 x 55.5mm, with compression ratio of 11.5:1.

The flat linear torque curve from low rpm is perfect for urban environments and riders with diverse riding experience. And, thanks to the engine’s fuel efficiency of approximately 50km/l, (WMTC mode) and 5.5L tank, range is approximately 275km between fill ups.

Honda’s eSP low-friction technologies are found throughout the engine; clever packaging of items like the oil pump (which is built in to the crankcase) help to further ensure efficiency. A compact combustion chamber and PGM-FI fuel injection optimises burning velocity and cooling performance.

An offset cylinder reduces friction caused by contact between piston and bore, efficiently transmitting combustion energy to the crankshaft. A ‘spiny’ cast-iron sleeve – with tiny surface extensions – keeps in check any distortion of the inner bore diameter. This design lowers tension in the piston ring, reducing friction.

A high-efficiency radiator – integrated into the exterior of the right-side crankcase – employs a small, light fan reducing frictional losses and lowering drag. Rolling resistance within the transmission unit is reduced by the use of three low-friction main bearings, all designed to deal with the loads they individually receive. The drive pulley features a fin design that lowers air resistance and the follower pulley reduces pressure on the drive belt, cutting transmission losses.

The electronically controlled, brushless ACG starter is an integrated component mounted directly on the end of the crankshaft, serving as starter motor and alternator. It spins the engine directly, eliminating any noise from gear engagement or meshing.

Idling Stop automatically stops the engine running after three seconds at idle when the scooter is stationary and the brakes applied, and re-starts it instantly when the throttle grip is twisted. It’s seamless in use thanks to ACG and the swing-back system that returns the crank to its position before air intake, and a decompression mechanism that negates cranking resistance from compression. It has the functionality to ‘read’ the battery charge and turns itself off to avoid excessive drain.