30-year continuous UK presence
SH100 (1996) → SH125i (2026)
Honda's high-wheel commuter has been on continuous UK sale since 1996 — first as the SH100, then SH125 (2001), SH125i (2005), through 4 generations. The PCX125 has only been around since 2010. The SH is Honda's real heritage 125cc commuter — known to courier fleets, learner riders, and London regulars for decades.
16-inch wheels
Pothole capability
The SH125i's 16-inch wheels (front + rear) are dramatically better than the PCX125's 12-inch wheels on broken UK roads. Larger wheels = better stability over potholes, less front-end nervousness, more confident on wet drain covers. Trade-off: taller seat (799mm vs 764mm), bigger physical footprint, slightly less nimble in tight spaces.
Tall seat — for taller riders
799mm
799mm seat height makes the SH125i one of the taller 125 commuters. Honda PCX125 (764mm), Yamaha NMAX 125 (765mm), Vespa Primavera 125 (780mm) are all lower. For taller riders (5'10"+) the SH is more comfortable; for shorter riders (under 5'5") it's a stretch. Choice of bike is choice of rider proportions.
Better build feel than PCX
Solid where PCX is light
SH125i feels more substantial in the hand than the PCX — heavier metal feel, more solid panel gaps, more adult-bike ergonomics. Trade-off: feels less 'flickable' than the PCX. If you're a courier who rides 30,000 miles in a year, the SH is the more durable bike. If you're a casual commuter who rides 4,000 miles, the PCX is the more fun bike.
HSTC for 2024+
Honda's first 125 with TC
The 2024 SH125i was the first Honda 125cc commuter to get HSTC traction control as standard. PCX125 followed later that year. On a 12.8bhp scooter HSTC is barely activating — but for wet drain covers and painted lines in London, it's the difference between a bobble and a slide. Welcome addition.
Service intervals tight
2,500 miles
SH125i (and PCX125) have 2,500-mile service intervals — more frequent than NMAX 125 (6,000 miles) or Vespa Primavera (6,000 miles). Each service cheap (~£90-£120 at a Honda dealer) but if you commute 10,000 miles a year, you're seeing the dealer 4 times. Trade-off: the engine lives longer because of frequent oil changes.
£300 more than PCX125
Worth it for some, not for others
SH125i £3,799 vs PCX125 £3,499 — £300 difference for the larger wheels and taller stance. If you commute on smooth A-roads, save the money and buy the PCX. If you commute on broken city streets and you're 5'10"+, spend the extra £300. London delivery riders almost always pick the SH; suburban commuters pick the PCX.
Heritage in the courier fleets
Justeat / Deliveroo backbone
The SH125i is the dominant bike in London's takeaway courier fleets — more SH125is registered to delivery couriers than PCX125s, despite the PCX being the bigger UK seller overall. Reasons: 16-inch wheels handle potholes, taller stance for visibility, better wet weather behaviour, slightly higher used resale value, larger fuel range. The SH is the real-world working tool.
