Honda Wave125i

Wave125i Overview

Underbones are meant to be cheap and efficient commuters. But there is no reason for them to be bare bones basic. Bringing up the slightly more premium end of Honda’s underbone lineup is the Wave 125i. Honda sells it in two variants:  a single disc brake and a double disc variant. Honda builds upon the tried and trusted underpinnings of the Wave by adding in a few premium features. However, these also push up its price closer to RM 6000. But with the influx of premium underbone mopeds from competitors like the Yamaha Lagenda 115Z and Honda’s own Wave Dash, its job is not easy. While its price is not much higher than its competitors, does it offer a good value for its price? Let’s find out.

Honda Wave125i Design

The Honda Wave 125i is meant to be a premium product and is not shy of showing its unique styling. The front end has a gorgeous look thanks to the large headlight with a split in between. Below it, the fairing with its classic lines and the front fender makes the two-tone color schemes really pop out. The color schemes - Pearl Magellanic Black with either Sword Silver Metallic, Candy Scintillate Red or Pearl Nightfall Blue – bring a lot of the premium appeal that Honda is aiming for. The large indicator lamps on the front fairing make it instantly recognizable.

From the sides, distinct graphics on the tail section come into view. The seat is stepped and follows the lines of the upswept tail section to end with a silver grab rail. The rear lights follow the design of the headlights with a split down the middle and large integrated indicators. Small touches like the shape of the mounts for the rear pillion footrests add another layer of premium feel to the bike. The instrument display is conventional but comes in a newly designed display. Bathed in blue light, it is just as visible under bright sunlight. Additionally, it also includes a gear position indicator, which is surprising in this class.

Other practical features include an under-seat storage compartment with 18L capacity. It is big enough to store a full-face helmet. The entire bike, however, has not gained any size. At 1962 mm (L) x 711 mm (W) X 1092 mm (H), it is still just as compact. The wheels are also the same as with 17-inch five spoke alloys front and rear with 70/90 tires on the front and 80/90 on the rear.

Wave125i Ride & Handling

The Honda Wave 125i weighs little over 105 kg for the single disc variant and 107 kg for the double disc brake equipped variant. With such a low weight to lug about, the engine does not feel underpowered. The underbone frame is suspended over telescopic front forks on the front and double shock absorbers in the rear. It provides stability while also coping with road imperfections. The 1258 mm long wheelbase gives it very good maneuverability. The slim profile of the bike makes it good for filtering through traffic on city roads. The handlebars are at a comfortable height and the seat can accommodate people of most heights.

Honda Wave125i Engine & Fuel Consumption

The engine in the Honda Wave 125i, as the name indicates is a 125 cc air-cooled SOHC unit. Producing 9.19 PS at 7500 rpm and 10.08 Nm of torque at 5500 rpm, it delivers just the kind of performance you’d expect from something like this. It uses Honda’s PGM-Fi for fueling and a 4-speed gearbox for transmission. The fuel tank is surprisingly larger than the usual 4-litre for the bike at 5.2-litre. With a fuel economy figure that reaches as high as 60 kmpl, it equates to an excellent range.

Wave125i Braking & Safety

Honda sells the Wave 125i with either a single disc in the front and a drum brake in the rear configuration or a dual disc brake equipped version. Both the configurations are sufficient for their intended purpose.

Honda Wave125i Verdict

The Honda Wave 125i, true to its nature and brand name is a very good undergone motorcycle. With dual disc brakes, premium paint schemes, impressive luggage space and fuel efficiency, the Wave 125i overdeliver on its promise. A very good commuter underbone for its price.