SH150i

HONDA SH150i

With their new SH150i, Honda has ended their 22 year absence from the mid-sized scooter market. Not since the 1987 Elite 150 has Honda offered a scooter between 80cc and 250cc. The SH150i is a ‘commuter’ scooter

which means it has large 16” wheels that give it a non-traditional look. These large wheels mean increased stability at high speeds and smoother performance over uneven terrain like potholes.

The SH150i is the best selling scooter in Europe, but many expect it not to sell well in America due largely to it’s MSRP of $4499. This price puts it $500 more expensive that Kawasaki’s Ninja 250 motorcycle and $1500 more expensive than Yamaha’s competing Zuma/BWS 125. That’s even more expensive than Vespa’s 150cc scooters, which range from $4199 to $4399. Part of Honda’s high MSRP is likely due to the

declining value of the Japanese Yen, but even if other Japanese manufacturers follow suit shortly with similar price increases, they will still be at a significant disadvantage compared to other Italian and Taiwan made competitors. Companies like Kymco and Aprilia make very nice scooters that compete directly with the SH150i at significantly lower prices. In Canada the SH150i MSRP is $4999 and unlike the USA that includes the rear top case..

Forgetting about the price, the SH150i is reported to be an awesome scooter. There’s good reasons why this is the best selling scooter in all of Europe. The SH150i offers fuel injection, awesome quality and reliablity, liquid cooling

and an impressive 15.5hp that should give it best in class acceleration. The SH150 also has a huge 276mm front disc brake which utilizes an awesome 3 piston caliper. The SH150i has a nice glovebox and good underseat storage. Honda is also supporting the SH150i with a small range of accessories that include rear cases for additional storage (standard in Canada).

In a CMGonline.com comparison test with the Kymco People S 125 and SYM HD200, the SH150i took first place due to its excellent observed fuel economy, low emissions, refinement, acceleration, ‘dream-like’ suspension and overall fit and finish. Check out the links below to read this review.

Pros:
* Large wheel stability
* Fuel injected
* Powerful

Cons:
* MSRP
* Commuter styling

Links:
CMG SH150i Review Pt 1 - Comparison test vs. Kymco People S 125 and SYM HD200
CMG SH150i Review Pt 2 - Comparison test vs. Kymco People S 125 and SYM HD200
BikeBandit.com - Good for looking up OEM parts and finding out what’s still available
MotorscooterGuide Forums - Visit the forum on this site to chat about your scoot

If you have any info to add, email me at dandurston@hotmail.com

Key Specs:
* Engine:153cc, 4-stroke, SOHC, fan assisted liquid cooled single
* Power: 15.5hp
* Compression: 11.0:1
* Bore x stroke: 58mm x 57.8mm
* Fuel system: PGM-Fi with 26mm throttle body
* Starting: Electric
* Ignition: Fully transistorized
* Transmission: Three stage Honda V-matic
* Front suspension: 33mm hydraulic fork with 3.5” travel
* Rear suspension: Dual rear shocks with 3.3” travel
* Front brakes: Single 220 mm disc, 2 piston caliper and CBS
* Rear brake: 130mm drum
* Seat height: 30.9”
* Weight: 302 lbs (wet)
* Chassis: Steel
* Tires: 100/80-16 (front), 120/80-16 (rear)
* Wheelbase: 53.4"
* Fuel capacity: 1.8 Gallon

Colors:
2010: Red, Black