European bestseller update
Since their appearance in 2001, the Honda SH125 and 150 scooters have been at the top of sales in Europe. In France, the success of large-wheeled scooters remains limited compared to GT scooters. Will the new 2009 version be able to correct the situation? ? Test !
Honda Paw Italy
It is at the level of the look that the SH125i really evolves: "while retaining the alluring character of traditional lines, this new front is slightly higher and more pronounced, offering a more contemporary image", indicate the Italian designers.
Because it is the Research & Development managers based in Rome who are responsible for designing – in this case "redesigning" – the Honda scooters in vogue in Europe..
Overhanging this more slender but still identifiable front face, a nose screen makes its appearance: elegant, it infuses the SH with a more sporty temperament … But in fact, this equipment does not blow much above the belly of the driver !
"That’s why we offer a high bubble", warns the Honda Europe Accessories manager:"many Italians equip their SH, just as they invest almost all in a top case".
And we understand them perfectly when we realize that the housing under the saddle barely accepts a jet helmet! Especially since 2009, the storage compartment formerly installed in the apron simply disappears: it is the counterpart of the 20 mm gained for the legs !
On the other hand, the protection of the legs and knees against bad weather is excellent. "It is better than on the old model", assures us Valerio Aiello the Italian designer.
"We have also modified the side air outlets to eliminate hot air flow on the thighs", would like to clarify to us our sympathetic interlocutor, inexhaustible on the evolutions which it brought to the bestseller Honda.
"The rear part has also been revised: we were looking to make it more dynamic", explains Valerio who would have liked to equip the sides of" his "SH with aluminum rods, as we see on the running boards of beautiful cars"Italian like Maserati", naturally !
"The engineers told me "No Way" ("not possible", for cost reasons, Editor’s note), but the result with the plastic parts remains very satisfactory", rightly congratulates the young Italian. Those who are most attentive will also have noted the changes to the rear optics and the luggage carrier equipped with handles for the passenger, which still benefits from the large footrests..
Finally, the dashboard is also the subject of a slight update: more compact, it remains perfectly readable and still consists of a speedometer – and two mileage trips -, framed by two gauges (temperature engine on the left, gasoline on the right) and capped by five indicator lights (the two indicators, the high beam and alerts for engine oil change or problem).
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