The Honda Shine 125 2025 is that trusty daily commuter that’s been a favorite for years, now with a fresh update that brings OBD2B compliance, a slick digital dash, and even better mileage to keep things eco-friendly and wallet-smart. Priced between Rs. 84,493 and Rs. 89,245 (ex-showroom), it’s ideal for office-goers, students, and families who want smooth, fuss-free rides without the drama. It stacks up against the Hero Glamour 125, Bajaj Pulsar 125, and TVS Raider 125, offering refined power, modern touches like USB-C, and Honda’s rock-solid reliability. This review details its price, specs, features, and real-road performance.
Compact and Contemporary Design
The Shine 125 2025 keeps its clean, functional commuter look with subtle graphical accents on the tank and side panels, plus chrome bits on the headlamp and exhaust for that premium shine. It’s a practical size at 2042 mm long, 736 mm wide, and 1116 mm high, with a 1285 mm wheelbase for easy handling in tight spots. Weighing about 113 kg, it has 162 mm ground clearance to glide over speed breakers, and tubeless tires on 18-inch alloys (wider 90mm rear tire for better grip). Available in fresh shades like Pearl Igneous Black, Geny Gray Metallic, Matte Axis Gray Metallic, Rebel Red Metallic, Decent Blue Metallic, and Pearl Siren Blue, with a long single-piece seat and body-colored grab rail—under-seat storage is handy for small items, making it a comfy solo or duo rider with a 5.1-liter fuel tank tucked neatly away.
Clear Display
The big upgrade here is the fully digital instrument cluster, showing real-time mileage, distance to empty, gear position, service alerts, and an Eco indicator in a crisp, easy-to-read format—no more squinting at analog dials. It’s straightforward and informative, with no Bluetooth yet but plenty of rider data at a glance. Handlebar controls are simple for lights and horn, and the silent ACG starter makes ignition smooth—it’s user-friendly for quick city runs, keeping you informed without distractions during those stop-go commutes.
Efficient Performance
At its core is the 123.94cc air-cooled single-cylinder PGM-FI engine, now OBD2B-compliant for lower emissions, churning out 10.63 bhp at 7500 rpm and 11 Nm at 6000 rpm, paired with a 5-speed manual and chain drive. The idling stop-start system cuts the engine at stops to boost efficiency, claiming 55-63 km/l ARAI but real-world 50-60 km/l in mixed traffic—super refined and vibe-free, with smooth low-end pull for easy overtakes (0-60 km/h in about 10 seconds). The 5.1-liter tank delivers 250-300 km range, and the telescopic front forks with 5-step adjustable twin rear shocks soak up bumps nicely—it’s not a speedster (top around 95 km/h), but perfect for reliable daily duties.
Advanced Safety System
Safety stays practical with drum brakes on both ends for the base Drum variant, or front disc and rear drum on the Disc model, plus combined braking system (CBS) for balanced stops—no ABS to keep it affordable, but a side-stand engine cut-off switch adds a safety net. LED headlamp and taillight improve night visibility, and the sturdy diamond frame keeps it stable. It’s tuned for confident riding in crowds or rain, with the wider rear tire enhancing grip—great for new riders or families prioritizing basics over bells.
Long-Lasting Fuel System
The 5.1-liter tank is a dependable sidekick, stretching 250-300 km on a fill-up for those office-to-home loops or market runs without frequent refuels. Top-ups are a breeze in under a minute, and with the idling stop and OBD2B tweaks, running costs drop to Rs. 1.5-2/km—E20-ready for future-proofing. The engine’s quiet operation and low NVH mean you can ride all day without the fatigue, making it a champ for budget-conscious commuters tackling India’s fuel prices head-on.
Connectivity and Features
The new USB Type-C port on the console is a welcome add for charging your phone on the go, keeping navigation or calls alive. LED lighting ensures better visibility, and the long seat with grab rail adds pillion comfort—extras like a maintenance-free battery and premium graphics keep it stylish. No full Bluetooth setup yet, but the digital dash and silent start make it feel modern—it’s loaded with essentials for practical use, without unnecessary fluff that could hike the price.
Pricing and Availability
Priced at Rs. 84,493 for the Drum variant and Rs. 89,245 for the Disc (ex-showroom), on-road in Delhi ranges from Rs. 98,000-1,05,000 with RTO (Rs. 8,000-10,000) and insurance (Rs. 4,000-5,000). Launched in February 2025, it’s available at Honda dealerships with festive deals like Rs. 2,000-4,000 off or easy EMI. Maintenance is low at Rs. 1,500-2,500/year, backed by a 3-year/42,000 km warranty. Wait times: 7-15 days, widely stocked for quick pickups.
User Feedback and Drawbacks
Owners are loving the new digital cluster, USB-C convenience, and refined mileage—the 162 mm clearance handles bad roads well, and 55 km/l keeps running costs tiny for daily use. The OBD2B engine and wider tire get props for smoothness and grip. But some mention the lack of Bluetooth connectivity as a miss compared to rivals, occasional oil leaks post-service on early units, and the seat could be plusher for longer rides—plus, no disc on the base model for quicker stops.
Comparison with Competitors
In the Rs. 84,000-90,000 commuter ring, the Shine 125 beats the Pulsar 125 on refinement and mileage but trails the Raider 125 in sporty features like Bluetooth. It matches the Glamour 125’s value, with Honda’s premium build and service network giving it the reliability edge for long-term owners.
Speculative Notes
Launched February 2025 with OBD2B engine, digital cluster, and USB-C, priced at Rs. 84,493-89,245, with 123.94cc power and 55 km/l mileage. Verify with Honda dealers for latest colors and any post-launch tweaks.
Final Thoughts
The Honda Shine 125 2025, with its 2042 mm frame, efficient OBD2B engine, and handy digital features at Rs. 84,493-89,245, is the commuter that nails reliability and economy for India’s roads. It’s not flashy or tech-loaded, but that smoothness, sippy fuel, and Honda trust make it an everyday essential. With widespread support, it’s poised to keep leading the pack
