Honda SH 125i and “the challengers”: five high-wheel scooters

In the national panorama of 125 cc scooters , one in particular clearly stands out from the others: the Honda SH 125i , given its 8,490 registrations in the first five months of 2025. These are the data provided by Ancma, the National Association of Cycle, Motorcycle and Accessories, which monitors the registrations of two-wheeled vehicles in Italy. This is a record not only in its category, but it is the best-selling scooter overall among all those currently on the market. In second place in the category and 5th overall we find the Piaggio Liberty 125 , with 3,058 units registered, while the Top 10 also features the Voge Sfida SR16 , with 2,399 units. In short, the Honda SH dominance is quite clear (also take into account that the Golden Wing company places the SH 150i in third place), but what else is there on the market as valid alternatives? We will find out in the next articles, remembering that – thanks to the recent changes to the Highway Code – even 125 scooters can now circulate on ring roads and motorways, as long as the driver is 18 years old.

The Kymco People S 125 presents itself as a concrete alternative, with a base price of 2,790 euros (rising to 2,990 euros for the version with ABS). Its features include a weight of 124 kg, an 80 cm high saddle, a 6.2-liter tank and a 10.9 hp 4T single-cylinder engine. It has 16” wheels at the front and 14” at the rear, both equipped with disc brakes. Among the optional extras, you can add a high (95 euros) or low (82 euros) windshield.

The benchmark for the segment is precisely it: the Honda SH 125i. A high-wheel scooter, it has 16” rims on both the front and rear, a feature that makes it ideal for tackling potholes, cobblestones and the typical dangers of urban centres. With a weight of 134 kg, an 80 cm high seat and a 7-litre tank, it stands out for its agility and comfort. The standard equipment includes traction control, keyless system, Start&Stop, disc brakes on both wheels and an under-seat compartment that can accommodate a full-face helmet. The 13 HP single-cylinder engine makes it brilliant for urban riding and beyond, with a starting price of 3,890 euros.

Sym offers the Symphony range as a versatile response to the market: it is available in standard, Cargo and ST versions. The base model starts at 2,499 euros and offers a weight of 124 kg, a 79 cm seat, a 5.4-liter tank, 16" wheels both front and rear, disc brakes on both wheels and a maximum power of 11.4 hp from the 4-stroke single-cylinder engine. For more specific needs there is the Symphony Cargo, designed for "work" use: compliant with the Euro 5 standard, it delivers 12.6 hp, mounts 16" wheels at the front and 14" at the rear, has a 7-liter tank and a 79 cm high seat. The price starts at 2,599 euros. Those looking for a more aesthetically refined scooter can opt for the Symphony ST, updated to the Euro 5+ standard in force from 1 January 2025. Compared to the Cargo, it has 11.4 hp, 16" wheels both front and rear, an 8-liter tank, and here too the seat is 79 cm from the ground. The starting price is 2,899 euros.

Offered at a price of 2,999 euros, the Piaggio Liberty 125 is a more accessible choice than the Piaggio Medley , while maintaining good technical characteristics. It also adopts high wheels of 16” at the front and 14” at the rear, with a disc brake at the front and a drum at the rear. The 124 cc single-cylinder 4T engine delivers 11 HP, while the 6-litre tank, the seat at 79 cm from the ground and the weight of 124 kg make it a balanced scooter, suitable for both beginners and those looking for a practical and stable vehicle.

At a price of 2,790 euros you can take home the Voge Sfida SR16: 11.6 HP of maximum power at 8,500 rpm and 11 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm on 136 kg of weight and saddle at 80 cm from the ground. The Euro 5+ approval comes naturally, with declared average mileage of 40 km with a liter of gasoline. This too, together with the 7.8-liter tank, contributes to having a satisfactory autonomy. From the cycling point of view we find a 33 mm diameter telescopic fork, a double rear shock absorber and disc brakes both front and rear (respectively 240 and 220 mm in diameter). The wheels are 16” at the front and 14” at the rear.