From the info I’ve read, 55-60mpg is what you can expect under normal use. Some other nice features included a brushed aluminum rear rack, dual rear shocks to handle beefier loads and a halogen headlight. The European version (named the Lead 125) also had a tachometer which is pretty neat. If you’re wondering why there is a big space on the right side of the gauges (where Honda wrote ‘aero125’), it’s because the dash was designed to have a tach here. It’s frustrating that so many scooter manufacturers feel the need to remove a few features for the North American market so they can lower the MSRP a few bucks. Along these lines, Honda also removed the kickstarter on North American Aero 125’s. This isn’t a huge problem but having a kickstarter is quite nice for those emergency situations. If you really feel ambitious you can attempt to source overseas parts to retrofit a kickstarter but this is a daunting task because you need quite a few parts.
If you’re trying to find a unique and rare scooter, the Aero 125 is certainly a great choice. However, if you’re simply trying to find a scooter around 125-150cc to provide you with reliable transportation, then an Elite 125/150 or Yamaha’s Riva 125 are probably better choices. Both of those scooters are 4-strokes, which means better fuel economy, lower pollution, no nasty smell and a longer engine life. Plus they are both considerably more popular, so you’ll have an easier time finding parts and other owners to talk to. The Aero’s top speed is similar to Honda’s Elite 125 and Yamaha’s Riva 125 (both are good for 55-60mph) but it’s quite a bit slower than the Elite 150 (65mph). This is pretty significant difference if you’re driving a lot of 55mph roads. It’s the difference between keeping up with traffic and being the slowest vehicle on the road. Given the choice, I would get the Aero 125 because I like its style and how rare it is but the Elite 150 is probably the practical choice.
Pros:
- Strong acceleration
- Tons of go fast potential (if you’re a DIY person)
- Rare (if you’re into this)
- Brushed aluminum rear rack
Cons:
- Rare (fewer parts available and less owners to talk to)
- Not that fast for a 125cc, especially not for a 2-stroke
- 2-stroke (noise, smell, pollution, milage, engine life)
Owner Reports:
“I found my Aero 125 in the back of a small manufacturing plant's storage facility in Iowa (USA). The owner (of the plant) had parked it quite a few years (at least 13) before I found it. The plant had used the space for their acid washing at one time. There was over spray that ate through the paint and windshield surface. Between the spotted finish and the non-running state I was able to pick up my Aero 125 for $400. I put $73 into rebuilding the carb and fuel petcock, plus $35 for a battery and a lot of elbow grease to get it running. I never got it running cherry but I did get it running fairly well....and then it seized during a ride.
The piston seized when one of the two carb to intake bolts fell completely out while riding. This allowed air into the motor after carburetion and it was too lean. I was going 45mph when it happened so the wind noise was too loud for me to hear anything but when it started performing bad I pulled to the side of the rode and it just died as I was slowing down. I tried restarting-my mistake, I think that is what broke it loose and then scored it so bad.
As far as pull off the line I don't think it is special-but no belt drive really is until it is fully engaged. It pulls well 10-35mph and then slows up a bit but still pulls up to 50 (I never wound it all the way out). My uncle has an aero 80 so when I get the parts (if I can find/afford them) to fix the 125, I will do a couple trials between the two. I believe my 125 could use decarbonization for the muffler and it never ran completely right so I cannot give the best description of the ride until after I get it completed.”
- John
Links:
MotorscooterGuide Forums - Visit the forum on this site to chat about your scoot.
AeroRiders - A forum dedicated to the Aero line of Honda scooters.
Wiring Diagram - Click link to view wiring diagram.
Jack’s Scooter Shop: Maintenance Chart for the NH125.
BikeBandit.com - Good for looking up OEM parts and finding out what’s still available
Honda Scooterist - NH125 Page - A bit of information on the NH125.
Great Document on repairing and increasing the performance of an NH125. Including info on lighter rollers and aftermarket carbs.
Great Document on the carb and automatic choke system repair.
If you have any info to add, email me at dandurston@hotmail.com
Key Specs
* Engine: 124cc, 2-stroke, air-cooled, oil injected single cylinder
* Power: 9.4hp @ 7000 RPM, 9.0 ft/lbs torque @ 4500 RPM
* Bore & Stroke: 55mm x 52.4mm
* Compression Ratio: 6.7:1
* Ignition: Capacitor Discharge
* Starter: Electric
* Final Drive: Belt
* Length: 68.9” / 1750mm
* Width: 25.4” / 645mm
* Height: 42.9” / 1090mm
* Wheelbase: 47.4” / 1205mm
* Seat Height: 29.1” / 740mm
* Ground Clearance: 4.3” / 110mm
* Spark Plug: NGK BPR6HS
* Fuel Milage: 55-60mpg
* Fuel Capacity: 7.3 litres / 1.9 gallons
* Rims: Cast Aluminum
* Tires: 3.50-10 4PR Tubeless (Front and Rear)
* Suspension: Bottom Link (Front), Hydraulic Dampers (Rear)
* Brakes: Drum / Drum
* Dry Weight: 189.6lbs / 86kg
* Years Sold: 1984
* Colors: Candy Ruby Red, Light Copper Metallic
The following brochure scans are courtesy of gingerbeardman. Check out his whole collection:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/emsef/sets/72157594288027610/
