PS125i or the Honda challenge
Honda takes advantage of the Bologna show to launch the PS125i scooter. The world number one is counting on this newcomer to support the Pantheon and the SH125i, which are struggling to compete with the Yamaha Majesty and other Piaggio X8 and X9…
After the loss of the 125 cc monopoly in France against Piaggio at the start of 2005, Honda saw its second place threatened by the assaults of Yamaha and its YP and Majesty (read our).
Aware that "one of the fastest growing and most dynamic segments of the European market continues to be 125 cc scooters year after year", Honda is therefore relaunching in the race: the Japanese firm called on European designers responsible for"create a high-end scooter, with timeless but modern lines, intended for those who appreciate originality and are looking for a vehicle out of the ordinary", explains the manufacturer.
"Best of" …
The large wheels of the SH125i are very popular in Italy but are struggling to seduce the French. Honda therefore launches the PS125i "with small wheels" with "the desire to create a true European "standard"" from "characteristics most appreciated on the other models in the range", although most of it comes from HS.
The general appearance remains close to the HS, with in particular the liquid cooling radiator placed in the front face of the fairing framed by integrated indicators, a large optic integral with the handlebars and rounded lines, "the whole offering a deliciously timeless image", estimates the world giant. The technical characteristics, they want to be topical.
… or SH125i with small wheels ?
The engine of this new scooter is also familiar because it is identical to the SH125i: 125 cc single cylinder 4-stroke with PGM-FI injection, equipped with the HECS3 antipollution exhaust system with oxygen sensor and having according to Honda "one of the lowest reject rates ever recorded on two wheels", which should appease the protectors of the environment.
The combined brake system Combined Brake System will reassure beginners, especially those coming from the car – which Honda is openly aiming for. The right lever controls the front brake while the left lever simultaneously operates the rear drum and front caliper via a pressure distributor. Also note that a parking brake is integrated into the left lever.
In addition, the PS125i has a saddle which "the narrowness in a certain place (the crotch, let’s not be afraid of words, Editor’s note!) ensures that users of all sizes and experience levels can easily put their feet on the ground".
The flat floor is intended to be both large to free up a large space for the legs and feet and flared to facilitate foot access to the ground. Honda is targeting here more particularly "urban and dynamic" women who are " more and more people choose the scooter"and sometimes have difficulty getting on a two-wheeler, putting up their bag and driving – with dignity! – in a skirt.
Unlike the SH125i, the PS should offer a more spacious seat box "large enough to accommodate a full face helmet or any other bulky object", when a jet filled that of the HS. But what really distinguishes the PS from the SH is the format of the wheels: 13 inches for the last born against 16 for the SH. Will this be enough to regain the heart of the – big – French public ?
Response from April 2006, release date of the PS125i which will be available in metallic gray "Max", in metallic black "Interstellar" and in a third color still unknown, for a sum of approximately € 3,200 (to be confirmed).
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