One of Italy’s favourite scooters – with nearly 11,500 units sold in 2018 – is practically a brand-new machine for 2020. Sleek, restyled bodywork and a redesigned frame bring over 50% more storage space; revised rear geometry makes for a more comfortable ride. The new four-valve engine accelerates faster, is quicker at the top-end and returns greater fuel efficiency. It’s also EURO5 compliant and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) is now a standard fit.

1. Introduction

Part of the million-selling SH family whose founding member, the SH50, went on sale in 1984, the four-stroke Honda SH150 first hit the market in Europe in 2001. Ever since it has quietly and consistently gone about its mission to provide stylish, fun and fuss-free transport – becoming one of the continent’s favourites along the way.

That first machine laid down the blueprint for success: a frugal-natured but lively engine that could deal with highway as well as town use tied to nimble, sure-footed handling underpinned by the stability that large diameter 16-inch wheels deliver – all wrapped in elegant, premium styling.

Fuel injected with PGM-FI in 2005, over the last 14 years the SH150i and its 125cc sibling have come to represent the ultimate in urban transport with the perfect balance of style, reliability, economy and downright usability.

And of course its story is one of constant, careful evolution reflecting the developing needs and expectations of owners, and Honda’s desire to keep on giving them an even better version of their SH. In 2013 it gained Honda’s eSP (enhanced Smart Power) low friction engine and Idling Stop, boosting both power delivery and fuel economy. And in 2017 the look was refreshed with more chiselled design lines, and LED front/rear lights and Honda Smart Key added.

Now, for 2020 the SH150i (manufactured at Honda’s Atessa factory in Italy – and immensely popular in the Italian market due to legislation that prohibits 125cc machines from motorways) is effectively a brand-new scooter. Standing squarely on the shoulders of its forbears the new SH150i is faster, even more stylish, comfortable, convenient to use and as cost effective as ever to own and run. It could never be anything else – it is an SH, after all.

2. Model Overview

Making the SH150i better is no easy goal – it is one of Europe’s favourite scooters for a reason. But that was the job for Honda’s development engineers so more power, torque and fuel-efficiency from a new EURO5-compliant four-valve eSP+ engine was a good place to start. The addition of HSTC would also be a bonus for any owner’s peace of mind.

A redesigned frame frees up extra and ever-useful storage space (with the inclusion of a USB charger) and optimisation of the rear suspension geometry enhances comfort. And premium new bodywork and stylish front signature redefine yet reinforce the SH150i’s presence; all lighting is LED supported by crisply updated LCD instrumentation.

Five configurations will be on offer:

Standard SH150i without accessories

SH150i with Smart top box

SH150i with Smart top box, knuckle guards and windscreen

SH150i with standard top box

SH150i with standard top box, knuckle guards and windscreen.

The 2020 SH150i will be available in the following colour options:

Pearl Nightstar Black

Pearl Cool White

Timeless Gray Metallic

Pearl Splendor Red

3. Key Features

3.1 Styling & Equipment

• Contemporary re-style of signature flat-floored SH150i design
• 28L total underseat storage capacity
• USB charger
• All lighting is LED with new LCD instrument display

Smooth and solid were the two words that led the design direction for the SH150i’s sleek, unified new body style, with the tension between the two reinforcing the SH’s premium presence. And its ‘face’ sets it apart – the headlight (almost an LED ‘H’, and now fairing-mounted) features a central main beam splitting dual dip beams, while position lights reside above on the handlebar nacelle.

It’s still very much an SH, so the elegant looks are matched to effortless practicality. The overall compactness, flat floor and upright riding position (essential for ease-of-use and visibility in busy town traffic) are conspicuous hallmarks of the SH look. Less obvious is the extra 10L storage space under the pillion seat that supplements the 18L of existing capacity capable of holding a full-face helmet. A USB charging point is also included.

The flat seat provides plenty of support and room to move around and its carefully contoured shape, plus the slim floor width, makes reaching the ground easy. As many journeys around town involve a pillion there’s plenty of room for two; retractable aluminium pillion footplates tuck away when not in use and provide a stable platform – especially under braking – when needed for the passenger.

The rear light is LED with a chrome surround, matching the front, and the new LCD dash presents all warning lights – including Smart Key, HSTC/ABS and Idling Stop operation – neatly around a central digital speedo/odometer display. All operations on the dash are carried out via A/B buttons on the left handlebar.

The SH150i’s Smart Key resides in the rider’s pocket and does away with the need to constantly insert and withdraw a key for ignition, fuel cap and seat. It has two switches: the smart function on/off and ‘answer back’, which flickers the indicators for identification from a distance.

With the Smart Key present one push of the machine-mounted main switch powers it up and makes it possible to turn, giving the rider control of the ignition and steering lock, and, via two rocker switches, the fuel cap and seat. It also illuminates when pushed – or from the answer back function of the Smart Key – with a blue light.

3.2 Engine

• New four-valve engine features more power, torque and fuel efficiency
• Also with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC)
• EURO5 compliant, with Idling Stop and low-friction technologies

The SH150i’s new 156.9cc liquid-cooled four-valve eSP+ (‘enhanced Smart Power’) engine serves up faster acceleration, higher top speed and is more economical than the two-valve design it replaces.

Peak power of 11.9kW arrives 250rpm higher at 8,500rpm (from 10.9kW @ 8,250rpm) with 14.2Nm torque delivered at 6,500rpm (13.9Nm @ 7,000rpm). But the power and torque dyno curves graphically demonstrate how much stronger the new engine is, from 4,000rpm all the way up to 10,000rpm.

Fuel economy (without Idling Stop activated) goes from 42.0km/l to 43.5km/l (WMTC mode). And just as important to owners and for a machine that will spend most of its time in an urban environment, the SH150i’s engine is EURO5 compliant; the allowable limits for exhaust tailpipe pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrous oxide specified by EURO5 are drastically reduced compared to those of EURO4.

An additional technology to boost rider confidence in wet conditions is Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) that works in the background to deftly manage rear wheel traction. An indicator flashes on the dash when HSTC is actively reducing wheelspin and the system can also be turned off completely.

A larger 60mm bore and shorter 55.5mm stroke (from 58/57.9mm) make room for the four-valve combustion chamber; compression ratio rises from 10.6:1 to 12.0:1. The compact engine is a masterpiece of mass centralisation. The radiator, rather than being mounted at the front of the machine is built into the engine itself for a simple, light layout. Its highly efficient core allows for the use of an ultra-compact, light cooling fan.

Low-friction technologies are employed internally; the cylinder sleeve uses minute splines on its outer surface to keep oil consumption low and improve cooling and the cylinder is offset to keep frictional losses to a minimum. Rolling resistance within the transmission is kept in check by the use of three main bearings, all designed to deal with the loads they each individually receive.

A key fuel-saving technology incorporated into the SH150i is Idling Stop. It’s operated via a switch on the right handlebar and, when enabled, automatically stops the engine running after three seconds at idle, and re-starts it instantly when the throttle grip is twisted.

It is seamless in use, thanks to a swing-back system that returns the crank to its position before air intake, and a decompression mechanism that negates cranking resistance due to compression. The ACG starter also generates electricity, doing away with a conventional system’s motor and gears.

3.3 Chassis

• New high-tensile tubular steel underbone frame frees up space
• Optimised rear suspension geometry improves ride comfort
• 16-inch front and rear wheels deliver sure-footed confidence

Two key goals drove the SH150i’s chassis redesign; extended storage space and improved comfort. The new high-tensile tubular steel underbone frame now sites the 7L fuel tank under the floor (it was below the pillion seat previously) beneath the rider’s feet which frees up 10L additional space. Wheelbase is 13mm longer at 1,353mm with rake and trail set at 26°/85mm. Seat height remains 799mm and wet weight is 400g lighter at 134.1kg.

For ride comfort the engine hanger link angle and rear suspension angle have been optimised to reduce rotational load toward the engine link, making for more-supple bump-absorption and control.

Lightweight 16-inch aluminium die-cast wheels have always been key to the SH150i’s sure-footed handling ability and stability on a variety of road surfaces and mount Michelin City Grip tubeless tyres sized 100/80-16 front and 120/80-16 rear.

The rear shocks feature 5-step preload adjustment with 83mm axle travel. The 33mm telescopic front forks, with 89mm of travel, ensure excellent road holding and are tuned to give a compliant, yet controlled ride. ABS is fitted as standard; both front and rear discs have a 240mm diameter; the front caliper is a three-piston design, the rear a single piston.

4 Accessories

Alongside the standard top box are the redesigned screen and knuckle guards for enhanced weather protection. The Smart top box – which operates together with the Smart Key – and opener kit can also be retro-fitted. 

5. Technical Specifications

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice

** Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.