Honda SH 125 Mode MY2017, the fashionable and cheap B license [FIRST CONTACT]

Of the 5 125 scooters in the range, it is the "median" one in terms of price list

di Matteo Pozzi 28 June, 2017

Honda offers a more essential variant of its best seller, which offers a refined and pleasing look, but is offered at around 600 euros less than the SH125i ABS. With 2017 it gains the transition to Euro 4 and two new colors

Photo Honda SH 125 Mode MY2017 First Contact

Our journey continues among the 5 "under 125" that we led at the "Easy Test" event (here the article). After telling you about the 2017 news and our first impressions of the two extremes, with the richer Forza 125 and the entry level Vision 110, it's now the turn of the SH 125 Mode MY2017.

Compared to its big brother SH125, which we tested in MY2017 a few months ago, together with the best seller 150 (here is our complete video test), the “Mode” is proposed as a more essential alternative, effectively renouncing ABS and some details, while maintaining the quality of a product that is recognized by the market as the undisputed leader, in this case with a more convenient price, given that it is listed at 2.775 euros. Let's remember that the SH125i ABS costs 3.390, so there are plenty of 600 euros between the two "SH".

Equipped with the liquid-cooled, 2-valve version of the low-friction eSP engine, with Start&Stop and now Euro4 approved, the SH Mode has 11,4 horsepower, delivered at 8.500 rpm, capable of making it lively in city traffic. With consumption in the order of 50 km/l (data declared in the WMTC cycle) and a 5,5 liter tank, the autonomy passes the threshold of 250 kilometres. Other elements that distinguish it are the 16" wheels at the front and 14 at the rear, in order to guarantee a decent capacity of the underseat compartment. Capacity which is integrated by the "legendary" flat platform which has made the SH a legend in terms of practicality, given that in addition to comfortably accommodating the driver's feet, it is a solution for loading practically everything, obviously remaining within the limits of what imposes the highway code and common sense.

In our test we appreciated its lightness (116 kg of weight with a full tank of fuel), its ease and maneuverability, but also the braking integrated with the CBS (disc at the front and drum at the rear), which manages to part to compensate for the absence of ABS. Even on low-grip asphalt it is possible to brake decisively without compromising the excellent chassis, thus making the SH 125 Mode perfect even for less experienced riders. The presence of the double stand, central and lateral, is a further practical feature, so you can use the central one for longer stops and for parking, the lateral one whenever you need to quickly get off the scooter, and then get back on it a few moments later . Like, for example, to open the garage or the house gate, without having to hoist the SH onto the central unit.

The saddle comfortably accommodates the driver and passenger, as well as being placed just 765 mm from the ground, therefore perfect even for those who are not particularly tall. Of the panorama of Honda scooters under 125 cc, therefore for those who are 16 years old or only have a car licence, the SH 125 Mode effectively represents a midpoint (substantially together with the PCX, which however has a very different aesthetic approach), between the more exclusive Forza 125 ABS and the essential Vision 110. We are just below the SH125i, provided that around 600 euros less can be reconciled with this definition. The prices are very varied, because from a starting point of 2.290 euros you can more than double it with the Forza, while the SH Mode, at least from an economic point of view, represents an almost "perfect" compromise between equipment, quality and cost. An interesting solution, for those who do not want to give up a decidedly pleasant appearance, with very high finishes and quality, but who turn a blind eye to aspects that are important, but not strictly indispensable for urban mobility (we are talking in particular about ABS and brakes). rear disc). As for the colors, there are 4 options to choose from, with Pearl Jasmine White and Poseidon Black Metallic which are joined by two new shades for MY2017 in Sporty trim: Mat Techno Silver Metallic and Candy Noble Red. Last note, the windshield and handguard are included in the price, which we remind you is 2.775 euros. They are an extra touch of comfort, with the only downside being that, for taller people, the windshield requires a bit of initial learning so as not to take it "in cascades", as happens initially.