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2010 Honda SH150i First Look

Monday, March 30, 2009

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Already popular overseas, Honda is bringing its SH150i scooter to the US market this summer.

A top-seller in Italy, the Honda SH150i scooter is headed for US shores. Slated to hit dealer floors in June, the 2010 Honda SH150i will retail for $4,499.

A 153cc 4-stroke powers the SH150i scooter. The SOHC Single features Honda’s programmed fuel injection (PGM-Fi) and delivers power via the Honda Automatic V-matic transmission. The step thru design figures to get stellar fuel economy, easily exceeding a 100-mile range from the 2.0-gallon tank (1.8 California model).

The SH150i sources large, (for a scooter) 16-inch wheels with 100/80 front and 120/80 rear tires. The steel frame is mated to a 33mm fork and dual rear shocks – the rear suspension components adjustable for preload. The seat height is 30.9 inches with space for a pillion.

Dual disc braking comes via a hydraulic three-piston front caliper pinching a 276mm rotor to go along with a single-piston rear with a 240mm rotor.

The SH150i scooter will be available in Metallic Red and Metallic Black with a one-year factory warranty.

2010 Honda SH150i Specs

Engine - 153cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder
4-stroke
Bore & Stroke - 58mm X 57.8mm
Induction - PGM-FI with automatic enricher circuit
Ignition - Digital Transitorized w/electronic advance
Compression Ratio - 11.0 : 1
Valve Train - SOHC; two-valve
Transmission - Honda V-Matic belt-converter automatic transmission
Front Suspension - 33mm hydraulic fork; 3.5 in. travel
Rear Suspension - Swingarm w/ dual hydraulic shocks, spring preload adjustability; 3.3 in. travel
Front Brake - Single 276mm disc w/CBS 3-piston caliper
Rear Brake - Single 240mm disc w/CBS single-piston caliper
Front Tire - 100/80-16
Rear Tire - 120/80-16
Wheelbase - 52.5 in.
Seat Height - 30.9 in.
Curb Weight - 297 lbs
Fuel Capacity - 1.8 gal., including .5-gal. reserve
Colors - Metallic Red, Metallic Black

Scooter Headlines

Dealer Locator

View all articles by Bart Madson
View all articles in Honda Scooter First Look

Comments

Jack - Kymco People 150 September 30, 2009 05:02 PM
Even though the Honda SH 150I is probably a superior bike, I am strongly considering the purchase of a Kymco People 150. It is a Taiwanese bike, in production since 2003, in the USA. The only change made to the People 150 since 2003, has been the paint. with over 30,000 on the roads in the states, a good dealer network, and reasonable pricing, it seems like a no brainer to me.

nik - honda name September 18, 2009 02:59 PM
Honda makes the best bikes and scooters - there's no way around that. I had a basic scooter in Thailand for 6 years now and it hasn't had a single problem. Nothing! It gets 117mpg (not a typo - this was one of the first FI models). That's why you see 20 year old Honda scooters driving around here. So if you don't think you can buy a Honda on reputation alone, you don't know Honda, that's all. The SH150 looks really great, even if it's a bit on the pricey side. As for cheap chinese scooters. I am no snob but they all seem to have really bad quality problems. My friend had a JRD for a year and it had nothing but problems. Something wasn't working most of that time. And finally, the engine actually caught on fire. And yes, the yamahas and other Japanese manufacturers are pretty close to Honda in terms of quality. You could probably buy those without a second thought too.

andy - honda 150 August 19, 2009 12:23 PM
i have sold every kind of scooter on the market this is the ultimate scooter honda will out live your children and i promise u fit and finish far exceeds any other scooter on the market. a chinese scooter will last u six months if you r lucky this bike will last you decades and resale is the funnest part because someone will purchase for more than book because of the name honda. im as serious as a heartbeat.

TkpIXmR - Honda SH 150i August 5, 2009 10:22 PM
Honda SH 150i is the best scooter, smooth run, powerfull in it class and durable. I have SYM Excell VS II 150cc, I upgrade to 175cc big bore kit and it just run side by side with honda SH 150i. (I have both Honda SH 150i and SYM Excell Vs II 150cc).

michael - price is out of range August 5, 2009 01:55 PM
Honda needs to understand what market they are targeting. Because of the economic situation honda should look to undercut the "chinese moped" market which is flourishing. Make good bikes, don't charge crazy prices. You can buy 150 cc Yamaha's and Honda mopeds that are clones of this SH150i in Thailand for $1600 to 1800 US.

David Anderson - SH150i July 27, 2009 05:50 PM
I have been reading all this nuts and bolts stuff and arguments about the price. My friend had a Honda Helix for the last three years and really likes it. So I went to the Honda store and found out the old helix was discontinued. But they had a brand spanking new SH150i sitting there begging to be bought. So I got some downpayment money together and put half down and financed the rest. $75/mo for 4 years. OK with me. We probably spend that much on newspapers and magazines...probably more. But I know one thing, that scoot flies. They tested it at the dealership and it made 80 on the highway. I live in the suburbs (boonies) and it climbs the hills here in Western PA like a mountaineer. Yeah, they skimped some. They could have made the seat well hold a full face helmet and the helmet hooks are a bit flimsy. I can buy an aftermarket helmet lock. Honda has just released the Medium sized trunk (color matched of course) for $228 (discount)and the back pad is $41 extra. I found a whole bunch of accessories on the Honda Europe website...they are just throwing things out crumb by crumb. I'll just buy a black trunk and get some paint and spray it.

louis - the drum brakes July 20, 2009 07:03 AM
I'm sorta surprised by the citicism of the rear brake. You guys really can tell the difference between rear disk and drum when uyou ride?

scooterjoe - Cost of production & beauty July 16, 2009 09:25 PM
Slim,I agree with you on all points except cost of production and beauty. Beauty being eye of beholder, nuff said.

However... Honda should fire the pencil head manager who thought they could pinch a couple extra bucks in cost with a drum brake for the USA version. Prior to the Internet, the dweeb manager could have got away with it without upper managements knowledge.

Reality check for Honda: Standardize on global product rollouts and stop trying to think what cost cuts or downgrades you can get away with in the US market.

Slim - Honda SH 150 scooter July 16, 2009 04:26 PM
I own 5 Honda scooters. Ever since I was a kid, I always wanted the Elite 150 which I now own. My opinion it's the best all around scooter ever made. Now with the sh150 Honda is back on track to another winner, however there are a few problems. 1) Too late -the last 150 Honda made was in 1987. They discontinued a perfect scooter to let the chinese bikes steal millions of sales even if those scoots last just a year 2) Way too expensive. I'd say price it at MSRP $3200. 3) It's ugly. Doesnt look like a Honda product. I would first think Kymco or Piaggio if I didnt know better. Maybe Honda should release a deluxe model as well with different plastics & digital dash 3)Honda MUST!! have aftermarket parts available at release time. 4) Most important!! Please Honda set the bar, and be the benchmark scooter that others often copy (GY6). Honda should phase out drum brakes on every motorbike period. It's not like the cost of production is a factor. If Honda takes this advice from actual Honda scooter owners, they will again be on top of the scooter world.

Louis - It's a great bike July 14, 2009 04:42 AM
I bought one and love it. Great handling and incredible fit and finish. I wish the brakes had more authority but maybe when they settle in they will improve. Other than that it's the best bike I've ever had. By the way, I got 91 mpg on the first tank.

SoKool Customs - To Jack July 10, 2009 06:39 AM
The SH'S are being assembled in Spain. Great bike

Jack - to Sokool Customs July 8, 2009 06:57 PM
Yes, that is what I figured, that, the SH150i is a superior bike, and in the end, it is worth the price. You have to pay extra for Honda engineering and performance. From what I understand though, the SH150i is being manufactured in Italy.

SoKool Customs - Honda SH125/150 FI REAL RESULTS July 7, 2009 03:24 PM
Good Day All Bloggers, I wanted to give you the rundown on these bikes..I have been in the business of selling and repairing Piaggio's (vespa etc.), Aprilia's, Gilera's, Honda's, Suzuki's, SYM's and Yamaha's for over 10 years now. I specialize in small motorcycles and scooters. I can tell you that Honda sh's are well worth the money. The amount you pay for the cycle will out weight what you would pay for the aftersale maintenence. The components are superior to any other manufacturer I have worked with. The Piaggio's might look the most beautiful however the biggest downfall is the electrical components. They breakdown very frequently (they source their stuff from China now to cut cost) and other manufacturers besides Yamaha are basically playing catch up to the line-up of models. I would say that Yamaha has the best overall line-up for small motorcycles and scooters and there quality is also good. The only bike on the market that can compare to the Honda SH right now is the Suzuki Sixteen. I have rode the scooter and it has more low end power and a higher top speed than the SH125. Please if you need advice on any scooter give me an e-mail first at johnsonfamily42@hotmail.com. I would never get a chinese scooter, i have worked on these also and can tell you the metals used are too soft, components wear extremely fast, the motors lack power and also have a higher likely hood of premature breakdown. All the other manufactures such as Suzuki,Sym have good quality bikes however they are not as premium as a Honda made in Japan or Spain. I CAN GO ON AND ON BUT WILL STOP HERE...thanks for reading

Manny - Honda SH150i July 6, 2009 09:03 PM
Well , yes its a bit pricey BUT , I got one and paid invoice for it and I love this bike!!!! next week I will put a muffler on it and mod the ECM ...get this bike you will love it ...remember It's a Honda ...Nuff said.

Jim Jones - Koolaid drinker July 6, 2009 10:28 AM
Anyone willing to buy-in on name recognition only is my kind of person!

Jack - Buy it simply because it is a Honda July 5, 2009 06:01 AM
I am going to buy this bike simply because it has the Honda name on it. You guys are pissing and moaning about the price. Hey, if you don't like it, go by a Kymco, or a Qlink or a Verrucci or something like that. I have 100% trust in the Honda name, therefore, I will buy it. Do I think it is a bit pricey? of course, but it is still a Honda. The fact that the Vespa can't even outsell this SH150i in its own country should tell you something about its quality. The bottom line is, with proper care and maintenance, You could expect to buy 3 or 4 of the above named bikes before you have to replace your SH150i. In the end, the Honda may turn out to be cheaper..

Jack - Like a long lost relative of my Apilia Scarabeo 150 June 18, 2009 07:30 PM
Signed by Honda,designed by the Italians coming to America I'm confused. This scoot looks great and with Honda quality it should be a winner. The price is a little high for a toy but for a daliy commuter not to bad.

Aguacate Maduro - Guacamole June 18, 2009 02:23 PM
I want my guacamole!!!

Bobalou - SH150i June 14, 2009 12:38 PM
The price is too high for a 150cc scooter! You can buy a 250cc motorcycle for less. I also know for a fact disc brakes work better and are far easier to work on. There is no other excuse other than cost that Honda would use a drum brake. I'm sorry but I will stay away from this one. Where else did they skimp for the US market?

bicycle bob - price June 13, 2009 09:23 AM
the price seems unreasonable to me.i think the profit margin has to be extemely high. i like riding on two wheels and the honda 150 would be my first motorized pick if it wasn't so expensive compared to others. i say lower the price and make money on optional accessories that would personalize it for an individual. i'm thinking of getting that new 250cc suzuki motorcycle instead of the honda anyway.

bikerrandy - New Honda 150 scooter June 12, 2009 05:12 PM
Nice looking scooter..but what kind of storage capacity does it have ?

scooterjoe - Rear brake June 10, 2009 08:57 PM
Dave, Congratulations on your purchase! You should keep good notes so you can give us a review 6 months from now. I assure you Honda chose to down-grade to a rear drum for the US market based only on increasing their profit margin. SYM did the same thing with their US version of the HD200. Both companies equip their Euro models with disk brakes front and rear. European scooter enthusiasts are much more technically demanding than Americans. At least that’s what companies like Honda and SYM are banking on. Performance wise the difference is small, however disk brakes are much easier and cheaper to maintain than drums.

Dave - Rear brake June 10, 2009 05:57 PM
The rear brake only does about 20% of the work on a motorcycle or scooter, and a rear disc brake can, on rare occasions, get gravel and sand in it from the rest of the motorcycle/scooter kicking up debris on a dirt road, so a drum brake makes sense in many situations. I would not cancel my order just because Honda chose a drum brake for the rear.

Dave - Bought it this past weekend. June 9, 2009 05:13 PM
Love it. I weigh 280 and it got up to 50 quickly going up steep hill and had plenty more until I back off of it.

That's - Nothing, the SH150i is selling for $16,000 here on mars June 3, 2009 12:13 AM
.

mongococo - American are blessed!! June 2, 2009 03:57 PM
For those who said the price is too expensive. This exact scooter is selling in Vietnam for over $8000 and people are lining up to buy. American get everything for much cheaper than anywhere else in the world.

Oh-Oh - Cancelling my order May 31, 2009 12:39 AM
I had no idea Honda is selling a downgraded version for the US market. I'm cancelling my order and will wait for them to include a rear disk brake in next years model.

scooterjoe - Honda SH150i way over priced, down graded drum and no parts stocked May 30, 2009 11:23 PM
Just visited our local Honda dealer this weekend and got to lay hands on an actual SH150i. I was surprised to see many of the parts identical to my Chinese Xingyue ITA XY150-7, like the air filter assy and CVT filter assy. It's also interesting to note that the Honda dealer carried no parts for the SH150i, all had to be special ordered. You'd think Honda would have stocked some basic replacement parts with the arrival of this new scoot, especially considering the premium price their asking. So much for their vast dealer network. Honda also decided to downgrade the American version and use a rear Drum Brake instead of the all disk brakes found in the Euro version. They think stupid Americans won't notice the difference. Honda chalks up a huge failing grade with the initial release of the SH150i.

tegglepop von scrambledname - a thought on what the extra money gets you, and how you may ultimately spend less May 30, 2009 03:05 PM
i've just had a thought, for all those who are saying the bike is expensive... if you plan on riding it long-term, it will likely last 10 years without a problem. quite probably much longer... 20+ if most people's report of Honda longevity is true. I'm not personally sure of how well the rivals last, but many don't _appear_ to have anything like that kind of solidity. Sometimes it's worth paying for a thing that will last. $4600 for a bike that could do you for a decade or more with a good dealer network and generally cheap, easily available parts, or who knows how many payouts of $2300 for replacements in the same lifetime, or much more repair cost and headache? That's just a suggestion of something to think about, by the way. I don't have any particular vested interest or know how reliable the SH actually is, or its rivals. Except what others have said... and that I rode the 125 in italy last year and it felt bomb-proof... plus when I start my proper bike training later this month it'll probably be on a well-used Honda CG of indeterminate - and wholly unimportant - vintage. That if I don't crash it, will probably be in pretty much the same shape and have not depreciated significantly from the $750 ~ $1250 I'll likely pay for it, should I decide to sell it on for something bigger or more modern in a year or two... or five... Mind you the SH _IS_ partly designed by Piaggio, and the european market ones wholly built under license by them (the one I rode even having their badge on the front despite also having Honda written on the side), so it might go a bit Vespa before too long? (mind you, my uncle does have a pair of old italians - one 'bretta, one vespa - from the 60s that still go alright ... after much mollycoddling and at least one new engine & transmission. And it's doubtful the SH will look as achingly cool or be desirable enough to get that kind of attention should it reach the same age. But I'd still wager it'd break down less!)

Zack - 2010 SH150i May 25, 2009 09:34 AM
There is nothing wrong with this scooter, Sure it may not be the POS Vespa or Piaggio fashion statement you are looking for, but if you want a moddifiable, fun, reliable scooter then I would buy one. Sure it has a one year warranty, but honestly, "It's A Honda". Who Cares? I have had a 1977 Honda xr 75 for the past 32 years and I haven't had to rebuild anything, still runs like a champ. On top of that I own two Honda Ruckus's and a crf 450 x. Reliability wise, never even think about doubting Honda. And what the hell is up with these testemonials about Chinese scooters? If you want to support their economy and buy a scooter that will break 100 miles after you buy it go ahead. Do you really think that chinese scooter companies take any pride in what they build? Most of them are knock off Honda engines anyways. Ontop of all of that, it is a top seller in Italy, one of the largest consumers of scooter enterprise per capita. So that is saying something. on top of the warranty fiasco, it blatantly describes there warranty as, and I quote directly from their site,"One Year Transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan." Extended coverage available, need that be re-itterated? I really could care less about the people that gain satisfaction from their wonderful, cuddley warranties anyways. Go ahead, buy the chinese scooter, watch it break down and give you lead poisoning. Buy the Kia, Hyndai or Ford and watch it go up in flames, or have it's throttle stick. Go kill yourself with some foreign ,unreliable POS. I will just be watching you,While you are on the side of the road,laughing while I am on the back of my SH150i.

JAKE - WHY NOT HONDA MAN May 22, 2009 09:59 AM
WELL HONDA MAN IF YOU LOOK AGAIN FORD HAS NOT GOTTON A HAND OUT AND I WOULD BUY AMERICAN OR JAPANESS EITHER WAY YOU SHOULD LOOK INTO THINGS BEFORE YOU STATE ANYTHING.

Ms. Brown to Honda Man - ??? May 21, 2009 07:21 PM
Unfortunately, you lost all credibility with the name calling. That is not how I debate, challenge or try to provide a persuasive argument. In any event, I have read your response and I am not sure what's your point other than you are quite hostile. About what remains to be stated.

Honda man - Go ride May 15, 2009 12:24 AM
$4600 is high for this Honda SH 150. If the price was down around $3400 this could be affordable. Ms. Brown your statement about Honda vehicles is well just stupid! Lets not forget that American made cars are not being sold and are asking for bails outs. Sorry I would not buy American,Hyundais, Kia's or vento scooters. If you would look into the problems these vehicles are having on the market before once again making a jackass of yourself again on here then your statements would have some weight to them like yourself.

Scooterchick - Honda price May 10, 2009 01:04 PM
$4500 MSRP for a Honda 150? Why not just buy a Vespa? No wonder so many people buy Chinese scooters. I could buy 2 really nice 150s for that kind of dough...

Ms.Brown in Florida: Car Light/Free Lifestyle - Honda Arrogance May 9, 2009 10:39 AM
I frankly am alarmed by the fact it only has a 1 year warranty. Sorry but saying well it's a Honda doesn't cut it anymore. It worked in the car industry for a while until consumers started actually BUYING Hyundais and Kia's and American made cars because something about a 100,000 mile powertrain warranty just made them feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Granted the warranty may not cover the timing belt that is going to blow at 35,000 miles but no matter. Americans like security. They like believing in something, i.e. God, political parties etc. It works for us. A warranty may be s puff of hot air but nice warranties translate to consumer confidence. I am over Honda and the like thinking Japanese quality will sell a product to me and I will buy it just for the comfort. Why? Because I paid $3600 for a brand new Kymco People 50 in 2005 and it left me stranded more times than I can count and cost me $400 out of pocket in maintenance. I see scooter riders riding on Ventos and they never have a problem. So, at this point yes, actually I expect the same as my friends driving Chinese scooters are getting: Liquid cool, disc brakes, 2 year warranty and 1 year road side assistance with the option to extend. Thank you very much. So MCUSA-Relax Bill: When you contact Honda again tell them that.

EX - PEN May 8, 2009 03:22 PM
SIVE

Samxrl - Deal or no deal? May 1, 2009 08:03 AM
I've always felt Honda was missing the boat by not having a 150cc scooter in between it's Metropolitan and Rukus line.You'd have to really like small scooters to lay out that kind of cash for one. I can only wonder why someone would want to shell out over 4 large for a small scooter when they could get a Kawasaki Ninja 250R for $3499.00 retail. More performance, cheaper price,and equal mpg coupled with more acceptance from the motorcycle set = a better way to go! In regards to "going green", if it's all about mpg and using less fossil fuel then many of the smaller cc motorcycles being offered are equally green to many of the high priced scooters.

D.J. 640 - SH15i April 29, 2009 10:04 AM
What Did Bill Just Say??

A Mello - Drum brakes? April 28, 2009 05:27 PM
According to the HONDA site the brakes information is wrong. Combined Braking System (CBS) with a hydraulic two-piston caliper and 220mm front disc brake plus a rear drum brake offer excellent stopping power. If that's is true. Forget it! No drums brakes. This is 2009.

Brooke - Honda SH150i April 26, 2009 08:24 PM
I just ordered my scooter yesterday and I am excited because it will probably be one of only two they will get for Maui, HI. I like exclusivity, and this will definitely have that. I ordered the metallic red and am looking forward to running around the island on it on my days off. My current moped with 3 horsepower goes 40 mph with a new carborator, and is pretty quick. I would imagine this one goes 55 to 65 mph depending on hills or wind strength.

Ralph - High Price April 10, 2009 05:34 AM
Not only is the price high, but there are better substitutes. Example: The Aprilia Sportcity scooter 250cc has a 4 valve head, fuel injection and water cooling. It will easily do over 70 mph and return close to 70 mpg. The styling is decent and the retail is the same as the Honda SH150i: $4499. Better engine, higher top end and its also made in Italy using the reliable Piaggio 250cc. I think Honda USA has this one priced wrong for the US. I'd say this bike should be like $3799. Then it would undercut the Vespa LX150 pricing, but you'd get water cooling and fuel injection added for free. Given the bad economy, I think Honda USA really didn't think this through well. Ralph

Alex - Price for SH150 April 9, 2009 02:11 PM
The price is high on it simply because the bike will be built.... in Italy!!

MCUSA - Relax Bill April 9, 2009 08:15 AM
Take a deep breath... this article is not a "review" its a first look, announcing the news that the SH150i is coming to the US. We're waiting for its actual arrival before we get an opportunity to test it, but have already put our request in to Honda.

Bill Nichols - 2010 SH150i April 8, 2009 09:38 PM
Having read your write-up, I still know nothing about this scooter. This is the fourth (not counting the minimal information on Honda's site) "review" that I've read and all are copy-pasted direct from the Honda website. In what way is this a "review"? Here's what I've learned: The scooter has two wheels, brakes, an engine and CVT automatic transmission. It's available in red or black. It probably gets some fuel efficiency but we're not going to project what it might be. It has a top speed but that must remain a mystery. The tires are said to be round and black. There's a rumor that it has a piston. Nice use of the English degree.

Katmandoitall - Why not the SH300i? What are the specs for the alternator? April 1, 2009 06:34 PM
Does SYM contract to make the SH150i and SH150i in Italy? SYM offers a 300i in the states. Didn't like the way their manual was written and didn't get to see the SYM parts book Honda's manual and parts catalog is usually available through Helms Inc. The quality is excellent and priced fairly. I hope they offer the SH150i manual and parts book. They also have many dealers and a good system for procuring parts. I think Honda priced this a bit high for a 150. I also don't know the size of the alternator which I always check before considering a purchase. I bought the Honda PS-250 because it has a 400 watt alternator. Can run an Audio system and auxillary HID lights.

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