Honda SP 125: What’s the Big Deal?

The Honda SP 125 was launched as a premium offering in the 125cc space, slotting above the popular Honda Shine. It was designed to cater to a growing audience that wanted more than just basic transportation. They wanted technology, they wanted features, and they wanted a bike that felt special, all while retaining the legendary Honda reliability and fuel efficiency.

The “SP” stands for “Sports Performance,” and the bike aims to deliver exactly that—a peppier and more engaging ride compared to its conservative siblings, without compromising on its core values.

A Closer Look: Design and Styling

The Honda SP 125 doesn’t scream for attention; it commands it with its subtle yet sharp design cues.

• Front Profile: The bike features a sleek, twin-pod headlamp with a striking LED DRL (Daytime Running Light) signature that immediately sets it apart from the competition. This is a segment-first feature that not only enhances visibility but also gives the bike a very premium and modern look.
• Side Profile: The fuel tank is muscular and well-sculpted, flowing seamlessly into the stepped-up seat. The graphics are minimal and elegant, adding to the sporty character without being too loud.
• Rear Section: The tail lamp is a stylish, X-shaped LED unit, which is another premium touch not commonly found in this segment. The grab rail is sturdy and functional.
• Build and Finish: True to Honda’s reputation, the overall build quality, paint finish, and panel gaps are top-notch, promising long-term durability.

Verdict: The design is a successful blend of sporty and sophisticated. It looks more expensive than it is, which is a huge plus for buyers seeking a premium feel.

The Heart of the Matter: Engine, Performance, and Mileage

This is where the Honda SP 125 truly makes its case. It’s powered by a revolutionary 124cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine.

• HET Technology: The star of the show is the Honda Eco Technology (HET). This suite of technologies, including a programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) system, is engineered to reduce friction, improve combustion efficiency, and optimize performance for incredible fuel economy.
• Power Output: The engine produces 10.72 BHP of power @ 7500 rpm and 10.9 Nm of torque @ 6000 rpm. The figures are competitive and tuned for smooth low-end and mid-range torque, making it excellent for city riding.
• Real-World Performance: The throttle response from the PGM-FI system is crisp and immediate. There are no flat spots, and the bike pulls cleanly from low speeds without any hiccups. It’s refined, vibration-free, and feels stress-free even at higher RPMs.
• The Mileage King: This is the SP 125’s crown jewel. Owners consistently report a real-world mileage figure between 60-65 kmpl, and under ideal conditions, it can even touch the 70 kmpl mark. This incredible efficiency is its biggest selling point.

Ride and Handling: Comfort Meagility

A good commuter needs to be comfortable and easy to handle in traffic.

• Chassis and Suspension: It uses a diamond-type frame. The suspension setup consists of telescopic forks at the front and a conventional 3-step adjustable shock absorber at the rear. The tuning is on the stiffer side, offering good stability and handling but trading off a little on plushness over really bad roads.
• Braking: It comes with a 240mm disc brake at the front and a 130mm drum brake at the rear as standard. A single-channel ABS variant is available, which is a crucial safety feature that prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking.
• Ergonomics: The riding posture is upright and neutral. The handlebar, seat, and footpegs are positioned to offer a relaxed and fatigue-free riding experience, even during long hours in the saddle.
• Tyre and Grip: It runs on 80/100-18 front and 80/100-18 rear tubeless tyres, providing decent grip and stability in most conditions.

Feature Check: What’s on Offer?

For a 125cc commuter, the Honda SP 125 is generously loaded:

• Full-LED Headlamp with DRLs: Offers brilliant illumination and a premium look.
• Digital Analog Console: A semi-digital instrument cluster that shows a speedometer, odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge, and a real-time mileage indicator.
• Honda’s Optional Smartphone Connectivity: An optional feature that allows you to connect your phone to the console for call and SMS alerts, phone battery indicator, and overspeed alerts.
• Maintenance Reminder: The console alerts you when your bike is due for service.
• Side Stand Engine Cut-off: A vital safety feature that kills the engine if the side stand is down while the bike is in gear.
• Alloy Wheels: Come as standard, adding to the style and reducing unsprung weight.

The Buying Process: How to Get One

Purchasing a new Honda SP 125 is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Research and Decide: Confirm the variant (Drum brake/Disc brake with ABS) and color of your choice.
2. Visit a Honda Showroom: Locate your nearest authorized Honda ‘Wing World’ showroom. It’s always better to visit in person to see the bike, take a test ride, and get a final on-road price quotation.
3. Test Ride: This is mandatory. Feel the bike’s ergonomics, performance, and comfort for yourself.
4. Finalize the Deal: Discuss the final price, which includes the ex-showroom cost, insurance, RTO registration charges, and any other applicable fees.
5. Documentation: Submit the necessary KYC documents to the executive.
6. Payment: Make the payment. You can choose to pay via cash, card, or avail of finance options that the showroom provides.
7. Delivery: Once the payment is cleared and the registration process is initiated, the showroom will give you a date for the delivery of your new bike. Perform a thorough pre-delivery inspection (PDI) before riding it home.

Important Documents Required for Purchase

When you go to buy the bike, ensure you have the following documents ready:

• Proof of Identity: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or Voter ID.
• Proof of Address: Aadhaar Card, Passport, Utility Bill (electricity/water/gas), or Bank Statement.
• Passport-sized Photographs: Usually, 2-3 are required.
• Driving License: A valid driving license is mandatory for a test ride and for the RTO registration process.
• Form 60: If you do not have a PAN card, you will need to submit Form 60 as per RBI guidelines for transactions above a certain amount.

Eligibility Criteria for Financing

If you are opting for a loan to purchase the bike, you will need to meet the following general criteria (can vary slightly from bank to bank):

• Age: Must be between 18 and 65 years of age.
• Income: Should have a stable source of income. Salaried individuals need salary slips, while self-employed individuals need IT returns.
• Credit Score: A healthy credit score (usually above 750) increases your chances of loan approval and better interest rates.
• KYC Documents: The same identity and address proofs as mentioned above.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Pros:

• Exceptional fuel efficiency, leading to low running costs.
• Refined and reliable HET engine with smooth PGM-FI.
• Premium styling with segment-leading features like LED headlamp and DRLs.
• Trusted Honda brand name with excellent service network.
• Comfortable and upright riding posture.

Cons:

• Slightly premium pricing compared to some rivals.
• Rear suspension could be softer for better comfort on broken roads.
• Some competitors offer fully digital instrument clusters.

Conclusion: Who is the Honda SP 125 For?

The Honda SP 125 is not the cheapest bike in the 125cc segment, and it doesn’t try to be. It is a premium product that justifies its price with superior technology, stunning features, and unparalleled fuel efficiency.

It is the perfect choice for:

• The discerning commuter who values mileage but refuses to compromise on style and features.
• The young professional looking for a reliable, efficient, and premium daily ride.
• Anyone who trusts the Honda brand for its legendary reliability and low maintenance costs.