2023 Honda SH150i

The Honda SH150i is one of the most popular scooters in Italy, and with good reason: The extensive equipment includes a four-valve eSP+ engine with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC, traction control) and automatic start/stop, a slim SH-style silhouette with a flat step-through , LCD display, full LED lighting, 28 liters of storage space, a USB-C charging port and the SMART Key System. In the 2023 model year, four color variants give it additional attractiveness. The first Honda SH150 four-stroke was launched in Europe in 2001 and is part of the million-selling SH family, whose first model, the SH50, was introduced back in 1984. Its mission is clear: Stylish and uncomplicated mobility that is fun. This is how it became one of the most popular scooters in Europe. The cornerstone of success: the combination of an economical, lively engine with lively but safe handling based on stable 16-inch wheels. Everything packed in an elegant and high-quality design.

2023 Honda SH150i

The SH150i and SH125i, both available with PGM-FI injection since 2005, have evolved over the past 14 years into the ultimate urban companions, offering the perfect balance of style, reliability, economy and maximum ease of use. The history of the SH models shows the constant further development in which Honda is always guided by the wishes and expectations of the users. The goal was to be able to offer an even better version of the SH. In 2013, the scooter was equipped with Honda's friction-optimized eSP motor (Enhanced Smart Power) and an automatic start/stop system, which improved performance and reduced fuel consumption. In 2017 the design of the SH was upgraded with more distinctive lines, LED front and rear lights and the Honda SMART Key system. For the 2020 model year, the SH150i has been completely revised. It is produced at the Honda Atessa plant in Italy. It's particularly popular there, as 125cc scooters are banned on motorways in Italy. The SH150i followed in the long tradition of its predecessors - but was faster, more stylish, more comfortable, easier to use and more affordable than ever. How could it be otherwise - after all, he is an SH.

2. Model overview

The SH150i is designed for everyday use and has ample and practical storage space and a standard USB-C port. The rear suspension geometry is optimized for comfort, the 16-inch wheels ensure stability and the high-quality silhouette and stylish front give the SH150i more expression. It also features full LED lighting and state-of-the-art LCD instruments. The EURO-5 compliant eSP+ four-valve engine delivers 16,9 hp (12,4 kW), has a torque of 14,9 Nm, consumes 2,2 liters / 100 km (WMTC mode) and is equipped with the start/stop system . The Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC traction control) also ensures a strong sense of security. Five variants are available:

• Standard SH150i without accessories
• SH150i with smart box
• SH150i with smart box, hand air deflectors and windshield
• SH150i with top case
• SH150i with top case, wind deflectors and windshield

In the 2023 model year, the SH150i will be available in the following color variants:

• Matt Pearl Cool White **NEW**
• Matt Pearl Pacific Blue **NEW**
• Pearl Night Star Black

A new color variant with black rims also offers a modern appearance:
Hyper Red **NEW** - with black SH logo on the side panel, another different SH logo on the front panel and a large red SH logo on the side panel of the step

3.1 Styling & equipment

• Contemporary signature SH150i design with flat step-through
• 28 liters of storage space under the seat, USB charging port
• LED lighting and LCD instrument display

Elegant but also solid - these are the cornerstones of the design for the new style of the SH150i, this combination illustrates the premium claim of the SH. Impressive at first glance is the distinctive front end: the headlight (a disguised LED 'H') houses a central high beam surrounded by two low beams, while the indicators are located on top of the handlebars. Elegant appearance complements maximum practicality. Its compactness, flat floor and upright driving position (important for ease of use and visibility in busy city traffic) continue to be distinctive features of the SH. The 28L storage space under the seat, which accommodates a full-face helmet, is barely visible. A USB charging port is also included. The practical SMART box, which is part of the standard equipment in Germany and can be operated using the SMART key, provides even more storage space.

The flat seat offers plenty of support and freedom of movement, and its carefully contoured shape and slim footboard also make it easier to reach the ground. Since many journeys around town involve two people, there is plenty of room for two people. The foldable passenger aluminum footpegs offer a stable stepping surface for the passenger and are therefore a real advantage - especially when braking. The chrome-framed rear light is also designed with LED technology to match the front. Warning lights for SMART Key, Honda Selectable Torque Control HSTC/ABS, start/stop system and the central digital speedometer/mileage display are clearly shown on the LCD display. It is operated using the A/B buttons on the left end of the handlebars.

The SH150i's SMART key can be conveniently left in the driver's pocket, eliminating the need to manually use the key for the ignition, fuel cap and seat. The key also has two function buttons: one to switch the smart function on and off and another to start the "Answer-Back" function, which makes it easier to identify your own scooter with a signal from the turn signals. If the SMART Key is close enough to the scooter, it can be switched on by pressing the main switch. The driver can then operate the ignition, unlock the steering lock and open the fuel filler cap and the seat using two toggle switches. After pressing the main switch or activation via the "Answer-Back" function of the SMART Key, a blue light signals readiness.

3.2 Engine

• Four-valve engine with 16,9 hp (12,4 kW) and 14,9 Nm torque
• Traction control by Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
• Automatic start/stop and low-friction technologies

The SH157i's 150cc, liquid-cooled, four-valve eSP+ (enhanced Smart Power) engine delivers peak power of 16,9 hp (12,4 kW) at 8.500 rpm and 14,9 Nm of torque at 6.500 rpm. For more confidence in the wet, Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) is a traction control that works in the background and controls rear wheel grip. As soon as the rear wheel is prevented from spinning, an indicator flashes on the instrument panel. The system can also be switched off completely. Bore is 60mm and stroke is 55,5mm, compression ratio is 12,0:1. The compact engine is a masterpiece of mass centralization. The cooler is built into the engine itself for a simple, lightweight layout, rather than being mounted on the front of the machine. Its high efficiency also enables the use of an ultra-compact, lightweight cooling fan.

Low-friction technologies are used inside the engine. In addition, the cylinder liner has a fine rib structure on its outer surface to keep oil consumption low and improve cooling. The cylinder is offset to reduce friction losses to a minimum. Rolling resistance within the transmission is minimized through the use of three main bearings, all of which have been precisely optimized for the loads acting on them. The result is exceptional fuel economy of 2,2 l/100km (without Start/Stop and WMTC mode activated).

One of the key fuel-saving technologies of the SH150i is the automatic start/stop. It is operated via a switch on the right-hand end of the handlebar and when active switches off the engine automatically after three seconds of idling. Turning the gas handle starts it again. The "swing-back" system, which brings the crankshaft into the position before the intake stroke, and an automatic decompression system, which minimizes the compression resistance during the starting process, work without the user noticing. The ACG starter generator system combines the functions of the starter and alternator, thus saving components and space.

3.3 chassis 

• High-strength tubular steel underframe
• Geometry of the swingarm ensures driving comfort
• 16-inch wheels on the front and rear wheel provide a safe driving experience

The high-strength tubular steel underframe positions the 7 liter fuel tank under the rider's feet, resulting in 10 liters of additional storage space. The wheelbase is 1.350 mm, the steering head angle is 26 degrees and the track width is 85,2 mm. The seat height measures 799 mm. The weight with a full tank is 134,1 kg. For the best driving comfort, the engine mounting angle and the angle of the rear wheel suspension are optimized. The effect is lower rotational loads on the engine mounts, resulting in improved shock absorption and tracking stability. Lightweight 16-inch cast-aluminum wheels and tubeless Michelin City Grip tires sized 100/80-16 at the front and 120/80-16 at the rear are key for confident handling and high stability on different road surfaces. The struts have a 5-stage adjustable preload with 83 mm travel. The 33 mm telescopic fork with 89 mm spring travel ensures excellent road holding and has been tuned for comfortable and precise handling. The braking system with standard ABS has discs with a diameter of 240 mm at the front and rear. A two-piston brake caliper decelerates in the front wheel and a single-piston brake caliper in the rear wheel.

4. Honda Genuine Accessories

A range of Honda Genuine Accessories are available for the SH150i:

• 35 liter top case in vehicle colour
• 35 liter smart box in vehicle color
• windshield
• hand wind deflector
• Outdoor folding garage
• Luggage net
• Top case inner bag

The SMART Box with SMART Key operation is part of the standard equipment in Germany.

5. Technical data

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2023 Honda SH150i
Photo credit: Honda

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