Scooter – Update of the European bestseller – In a nutshell: Velo-Cite

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European bestseller update

Scooter - Update of the European bestseller - In a nutshell: Velo-Cite

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 !

In a nutshell: bike-city

The tubular steel frame, 33mm telescopic fork, dual rear shocks, 100/80 front and 120/80 rear tires and the short 1335mm wheelbase still give the SH125i this agility so much sought after by urban users: crossing downtown Monte-Carl ‘, Nice or any agglomeration becomes child’s play.

In addition to its light weight, the SH125i benefits from a very good turning radius, a small width (700 mm) and a saddle whose height has been reduced by 10 mm compared to the previous model (or 785 mm) , "which makes the HS at least 2.5 cm lower than the first of its competitors", assures the Japanese giant.

Moreover, this saddle accommodates all types of buttocks with dignity: the smallest mounted on small legs adapt very well to its fine point while the plumpest wedge further back, where the seat widens copiously..

Another modification made to the "cockpit" for 2009, the legroom was "increased by 20 mm at the knees and approximately 10 mm at the level of the feet", confides Valerio Aiello, designer of this Honda SH. From now on, only very – very! – large rods can touch the apron.

A sure advantage of this type of scooter, the flat floor allows you to carry provisions, bags, and other equipment for photographers that would not fit in GT boxes! The load can be secured to the retractable hook … and must not fear water in case of rain.

At the mechanical level, the only modification concerns the rear brake which goes from a drum to a 240 mm disc – as at the front – clamped by a single piston caliper, whose activation via the left lever also causes that of one of the three pistons of the front caliper, according to the combined CBS principle dear to Honda.

Biting, the rear brake can lock in the event of sudden stress. In normal use, it is fun – for a biker – and reassuring – for a novice – to see the vehicle maintain its attitude without even touching the right lever..

In an emergency of course, the use of the front brake is mandatory and you can grab the lever – right, this time – without ulterior motive, both the attack and the power of the front disc are respectively soft and adjustable. . We just regret that the ABS option has not yet been offered…

From a dynamic point of view, the SH125i therefore demonstrates great qualities: lively, agile and safe, it shows its limits on expressways, where its maximum speed ("115 km / h odometer "according to the swiftest of this presentation) confines it to the right lane.

Especially since beyond 90 km / h, the floor of the little Honda resonates and distils slight vibrations. Not that annoying, these tremors are accompanied by a more unpleasant background sound. The trust established between the pilot and his scooter – its large wheels, its braking and the stability of its chassis – then takes a hit..

Finally, the little Honda would benefit from seeing the damping of its suspensions relaxed: excellent in town, the SH125i would better erase potholes and other retarders. The rigor at high speed would certainly be penalized, but this would only concern a minority of users wishing to cut the road on their handlebars.

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