Honda SP 125: The Honda SP 125 has made a place for itself in the highly competitive commuter motorcycle segment in India. Equipped with an exceptional mileage and an attractive price tag of Rs 90,000, it is an ideal bike for the mundane Indian commute.
Honda SP 125 Getting to know the SP 125 Philosophy
Honda’s plan with the SP 125 is to present it as a well-rounded package that will be attractive to the sensible and responsible lot. The motorcycle is built keeping in mind the learning from decades of Honda’s experience in the Indian market, and offers what is most required by daily commuters along with Honda’s renowned quality and refinement.
Performance That Matters
Powering the SP 125 is a 124.6cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine which outputs a humble but sufficient 10.7 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 11 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm.
On paper, these numbers may not appear super exciting, but while it does post them, this being a Honda, they fall short of the actual experience.
Where the engine really excels is in its fuel economy. Honda HET (Honda Eco Technology) plays an important role in returning the quoted mileage of 78 kmpl.
This is not just a figure we have taken out of a brochure, as our on-road testing has regularly returned a 65-70 kmpl figure and that itself is great for a 125cc performance oriented bike.
Design Philosophy
Design The SP 125 is a sporty motorcycle and that can be seen in its design. The sharp lines, edgy bodywork and the unique headlamp feels modern and for the younger age group. The two-tone paint colours, such as Pearl Fadeless White, Imperial Red Metallic, and Black with Green, increase its aesthetic value.
The riding position is sporty yet comfortable. Its little forward-leaning stance doesn’t stress the rider out during long commutes and the seat is plush enough for you and your pillion. With a ground clearance of 160 mm the bike varies on Indian terrain quite easily.
Feature Set and Technology
SP 125 is surprisingly well-loaded for a commuter motorcycle that costs about ₹90,000. The digitized instrument console continues to offer all the relevant information in a legible manner. Eco and Power mode on-lights assist the riders to get better fuel efficiency by riding in the Eco zone.
It is equipped with Honda’s (combi-brake system) Linked Braking which adds to dynamic braking and makes it more secure even in case of doing a panic stop. The extra bright LEDs for headlamp and taillight not only enchance visibility but also become a part of motorcycle’s premium feel.
Riding Dynamics
The SP 125 is a breeze to use in city traffic. Its light weight and well-balanced dynamics allow it to be nimble in narrow quarters, while adding stability on the open road.
The suspension – telescopic forks up-front and a monoshock at the rear – are tuned well enough to soak up standard ruts on what passes for public tarmac in India, though there’s still the occasional jolt on rougher patches.
Brakes are drum brakes on either end, which provide more than enough stopping power for city riding. Disc brakes would have been much more desirable here, but at least the CBS system keeps the brakes in check and a modicum of safety is there.
Real-World Economics
Factoring the total cost of ownership, the SP 125 is a definite case in point. At a starting price of ₹90,000, it’s a clearly competitive motorcycle in the 125cc segment. Add to that, stellar fuel economy and the value proposition gets even better for budget-minded purchasers.
And as anyone knows, Honda’s tend to stick around a while, which means maintenance is next to nothing. Service periods are quite apart and you can easily found the spare parts in the whole of India. This lowers the cost per kilometer, benefiting daily commuting.
Competition Analysis
The SP 125 competes mainly in the hotly-contested 125cc segment with rivals such as Bajaj Pulsar 125, TVS’s Raider 125 and Hero MotoCorp Glamour 125.
All parties do something better than the other, but when it comes to proven Honda reliability, great fit and finish as well as class-leading fuel economy, the SP 125 is out on top.
Customer Experience
The SP 125 has always got favourable owner feedback, with reliability and the bio-friendly engine featuring in the list of strengths thereof. Most also claim to get mileage numbers falling around the advertised 78 kmpl on highways. Very smooth engine and gear shift quality makes it ideal for those who use the bike as their daily ride.
It would be nice to have a disc brake option and maybe a little more power for highway passes and those are the only flaws pointed out by users. But at the end of the day, these are minor flaws that don’t take away too much from the value of the offer.
Market Position
The Honda SP 125 hits the sweet spot in the Indian motorcycle market. It’s a magnet for first-timers, young professionals and budget-minded families seeking reliable transportation. And its affordable price makes it accessible to a wide customer segment while still providing the amenities of higher-priced models.
Future Prospects
With tightening emissions and increasing fuel costs, efficient commuter motorcycles such as the SP 125 are likely to see more takers. nForce ProgressionWith Honda’s passion for innovation, the Pioneer 1000 features numerous hundreds of design patents, including an independent rear suspension, that add to every parts level of engineering and refinement.
Honda SP 125 Final Assessment
The Honda SP 125 at ₹ 90, 000 (Ex-Showroom, Delhi) offers great value in the commuter bike category. It may not have the excitement of a performance motorcycle, but it performs in the areas motocyclists are actually looking for in an everyday steed – reliability, speed, and comfort.
The Honda SP 125 will make a strong case as a reliable commute companion for some one looking at taking the bike on a daily basis to office, for weekend highway spins, etc. Is superbly well built by Honda and, with useful features and surprising fuel efficiency, it’s still one of the top choices on its class.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Whether Honda SP 125 will give 78 kmpl mileage in real?
A: Claimed mileage is 78 kmpl but actual mileage varies between 65-70 kmpl depending on how you ride. You have to ride gingerly and maintain the bike meticulously to realize numbers in the same universe as the claimed value.
Q: Is ₹90,000 on-road price of Honda SP 125?
A: No, That is ex-showroom minimum price is ₹90,000. The on-road price after including local taxes, registration costs and insurance costs will typically be another ₹10-15 k more.
Q: SP 125 do have a disc brake option?
A: For now, Honda SP 125 comes with only drum brakes. But it comes with Honda’s Combi-Brake System (CBS) for better braking assurance.
Q: What about the SP 125’s fuel efficiency on par with other 125cc bikes?
A: The claimed efficiency of the SP 125 at 78kmpl is one of the highest in a 125 in the market today. In real-world comparisons, it continues to prove its worth even off the racetrack or urban bike paths.
Q: What is the service interval for the SP 125?
A: The SP 125 should be serviced after every 6,000 km or 6 months — whichever comes early, as per Honda. Keep your system in tip-top shape with regular upkeep.
Q: Can I ride the SP 125 on highways?
A: The SP 125 is capable of doing highway speeds but power is more city-oriented in nature. It’s capable of maintaining 80-90 km/h but could be left wishing for some overtake punch at highway speeds.
Q: What is the warranty period of Honda SP 125?
A: Honda has a usually standard 2 years, 30,000 km warranty. Optional 2-year and 3-year extended warranty available for U.s. Customers at check out.
Q: What is the colour palette of the SP 125?
A: The Honda SP 125 is offered in a range of colours Pearl Fadeless White, Imperial Red Metallic, Black with Green, Black with Yellow, Black with Red.