The Honda Shine 125, updated for 2025 and launched in India on March 6, 2025, is a popular commuter motorcycle known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and refined performance. Priced between ₹80,250 and ₹85,250 (ex-showroom, Delhi), it targets urban and rural commuters seeking a practical, cost-effective ride. Competing with the Hero Super Splendor, Bajaj Pulsar 125, and TVS Radeon, it offers a balance of style and functionality. Here’s a detailed review of its price, specifications, features, and performance in India as of August 30, 2025.
Classic Design with Modern Touches
The Honda Shine 125 features a timeless, practical design with a sleek fuel tank, chrome accents, and a minimalist aesthetic. Available in five colors—Black, Rebel Red Metallic, Decent Blue Metallic, Matte Axis Grey, and Geny Grey Metallic—it measures 2007 mm long, 737 mm wide, 1116 mm high, with a 1285 mm wheelbase and 162 mm ground clearance. Weighing 110-112 kg, it’s lightweight and agile, ideal for navigating city traffic and rural roads.
The 2025 model introduces updated graphics, a chrome muffler cover, and a longer single-piece seat for improved comfort. It features 17-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tires (80/100-18 front and rear) for better grip and a telescopic front fork paired with twin rear shock absorbers (adjustable in higher variants). The design prioritizes functionality, but the halogen headlamp and lack of bold styling may feel dated compared to sportier rivals like the Bajaj Pulsar 125.
Functional Instrument Cluster
The Shine 125 offers a digital-analogue instrument console (standard on Drum and Disc variants, updated in 2025), displaying speed, odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge, and tell-tale lights (neutral, check engine). The DX variant includes a digital LCD console with additional features like a service due indicator, eco indicator, and side-stand alert, though it lacks Bluetooth connectivity. The console is clear in most lighting conditions, but it’s less advanced than the full-digital displays on rivals like the Hero Super Splendor Xtec.
Refined Performance
Powered by a 123.94cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, fuel-injected engine, the 2025 Shine 125 is BS6 Phase 2 and OBD2B-compliant, producing 10.59 bhp at 7500 rpm and 11 Nm at 6000 rpm, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. It achieves a top speed of 95-100 km/h and an ARAI-claimed mileage of 55 km/l, with real-world figures around 45-50 km/l in mixed conditions (city and highway). The 10.5-litre fuel tank offers a range of 470-525 km, ideal for daily commutes.
The engine is smooth and refined, with a light clutch and precise gear shifts, making it suitable for stop-start city riding and moderate highway cruising. The eSP technology enhances fuel efficiency and reduces emissions, while the silent starter ensures quiet operation. However, the engine feels strained above 80 km/h, and vibrations are noticeable at higher revs. The suspension handles urban roads well but may feel stiff with pillions or on rough terrain.
Key Features and Safety
The Honda Shine 125 is equipped with practical and safety-focused features:
- Combined Braking System (CBS): Distributes braking force between 130 mm front and 130 mm rear drum brakes (240 mm front disc optional on Disc variant).
- Side-Stand Engine Inhibitor: Prevents engine start when the side stand is down.
- Silent Start with ACG: Ensures smooth, quiet engine starts.
- Halogen Headlamp and Bulb Indicators: Provide decent visibility, though LED lighting is absent.
- Fuel Injection with eSP: Enhances efficiency and throttle response.
The absence of ABS, LED lighting, or traction control is a trade-off for affordability, and the drum brakes require careful modulation to avoid skidding during emergency stops.
Pricing and Availability
Priced at ₹80,250 (Drum), ₹82,250 (Drum OBD2B), and ₹85,250 (Disc OBD2B, ex-showroom, Delhi), on-road prices in Delhi range from ₹90,000-₹95,000, including RTO and insurance. Available through Honda dealerships, honda2wheelersindia.com, BikeWale, and platforms like Bajaj Mall, it offers a low downpayment scheme (₹5,999), up to ₹7,000 cashback, and no-cost EMI for 6-12 months. Maintenance costs are low, averaging ₹2,500-3,500 annually, supported by Honda’s extensive service network (over 6,000 touchpoints). Delivery times range from 7-30 days, with no waiting period in major cities as of August 2025. A standard warranty of 3 years or 42,000 km (extendable to 10 years) ensures reliability.
User Feedback and Drawbacks
Users praise the Shine 125’s fuel efficiency (45-55 km/l), smooth engine, and comfortable ergonomics (790 mm seat height), making it ideal for daily commuting. The lightweight build (110 kg), low maintenance costs, and Honda’s reliability (with over 30 lakh units sold since its debut) are major highlights. Drawbacks include:
- Limited power for highway riding, with vibrations above 80 km/h.
- Basic design and lack of modern features like LED lighting or full-digital console (except DX variant).
- Non-adjustable rear suspension (base variants), less comfortable with heavy loads.
- Drum brakes (base variant) lack the stopping power of disc brakes.
- Minimalistic styling, less appealing than sportier rivals.
Comparison with Competitors
The Honda Shine 125 competes with:
- Hero Super Splendor (₹80,900-₹85,702, 124.7cc, 10.7 bhp, 55 km/l): Similar power, but offers LED headlamp and digital console in Xtec variant.
- Bajaj Pulsar 125 (₹81,843-₹94,957, 124.4cc, 11.64 bhp, 50 km/l): Sportier design and more power, but less refined.
- TVS Radeon (₹62,405-₹80,295, 109.7cc, 8.08 bhp, 65 km/l): More affordable and fuel-efficient, but less powerful.
The Shine 125 excels with its refinement, reliability, and Honda’s service network, but lacks the modern features and sporty appeal of some rivals.
Final Thoughts
The Honda Shine 125 2025, launched on March 6, 2025, is a dependable commuter motorcycle tailored for India’s budget-conscious riders. Its BS6-compliant 123.94cc engine, 55 km/l mileage, and lightweight 110 kg frame make it ideal for city and rural commuting. While the basic design, lack of premium features, and limited highway performance are drawbacks, its affordability (₹80,250-₹85,250), low running costs (₹1.5-2/km), and Honda’s robust service network make it a strong contender in the 125cc segment. With over 30 lakh units sold, it remains a trusted choice for practical riders.
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