Honda CB Shine SP: Still the Smartest 125cc Choice in India? (2025 Review)

Introduction: The Enduring Legacy of the Honda Shine

Navigating the chaotic symphony of Indian city traffic is a daily test of patience and skill. For millions, the key to conquering this urban jungle isn’t a high-powered beast, but a reliable, frugal, and trustworthy two-wheeled companion. In this demanding arena, one name has consistently stood out as a benchmark of trust: the Honda Shine. For years, it has been the go-to choice for commuters who demand reliability above all else, making it one of India’s best-selling motorcycles.

You’ve likely landed here searching for the Honda CB Shine SP, a model celebrated for adding a touch of sporty flair and a crucial 5th gear to the dependable Shine formula. And you’ve heard right—it was a fantastic motorcycle. However, it’s important to know that the CB Shine SP was a BS4 model that Honda discontinued around 2020 to make way for its modern successor.

So, where does that leave you? The good news is that the spirit of the Shine SP is very much alive and has evolved into something even better: the Honda SP 125. Think of it as the direct descendant, carrying forward the same DNA of reliability and smoothness but upgraded with a BS6-compliant engine and a host of modern features that the original SP only hinted at.

This review, therefore, focuses on the Honda SP 125—the motorcycle you would buy today if you walked into a Honda showroom looking for that premium 125cc experience. We’ll dive deep into its performance, real-world mileage, comfort, and price, and see how it stacks up against its fiercest rivals. Is the legacy of the Shine SP in safe hands? Let’s find out.

The shift from the CB Shine SP to the SP 125 was more than just a name change; it was a strategic evolution prompted by the stringent BS6 emission norms. Honda seized this opportunity to clearly define its 125cc lineup. The standard Honda Shine remained the no-nonsense workhorse, while the new SP 125 was elevated to a premium commuter status, packed with features like a fully digital instrument console, a sharp LED headlamp, and Honda’s silent-start technology. This move also came with a significant price increase, signaling a deliberate effort to cater to buyers willing to pay more for style and technology without sacrificing the core Shine promise of reliability. For a potential buyer, this means the modern equivalent of the Shine SP is a more sophisticated—and costlier—proposition, a crucial factor to consider from the start.

The Heart of the Matter: Engine Performance & Real-World Mileage

At the core of the Honda SP 125’s appeal is its heart: the refined and reliable engine that has defined the Shine legacy for over a decade. It’s not an engine built to shatter speed records, but to deliver consistent, smooth, and efficient performance day in and day out.

The Engine’s Pedigree

The SP 125 is powered by a 123.94cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine equipped with Honda’s advanced eSP (Enhanced Smart Power) technology. It produces a healthy power output of around

10.72 bhp (10.87 PS) at 7500 rpm and a peak torque of 10.9 Nm at 6000 rpm. While these numbers might seem modest on paper, they are perfectly tuned for the urban environment. The engine delivers strong, usable power right where you need it—in the low and mid-range—making city commutes and quick overtakes feel effortless.

The “Honda Smoothness” Factor

Talk to any Shine owner, and the first thing they’ll praise is the engine’s refinement. The SP 125 carries this legacy forward with pride. User reviews are filled with descriptions like “butter smooth,” “low engine sound,” and “virtually noiseless,” especially at city speeds. This exceptional refinement is a result of Honda’s engineering focus on minimizing internal friction, which not only makes the ride more pleasant but also contributes to the engine’s longevity and fuel efficiency. The power delivery is remarkably linear, meaning there are no sudden, jerky movements, allowing for a confident and comfortable ride even in dense, stop-start traffic.

The 5-Speed Advantage

One of the key features that set the original CB Shine SP apart from the standard Shine was its 5-speed gearbox, a tradition proudly continued by the SP 125. This is more than just an extra number on the gear shifter; it fundamentally enhances the bike’s versatility.

• In the City: The well-spaced gear ratios mean you don’t have to constantly shift, making for a less tiring ride.
• On the Highway: This is where the fifth gear truly shines. It acts as an overdrive gear, allowing the engine to cruise at speeds of 60-70 km/h at a lower, more relaxed RPM. This significantly reduces engine strain, minimizes vibrations, and boosts fuel economy, making occasional highway journeys far more comfortable than on a typical 4-speed commuter.

Decoding the “CB Shine Mileage”

For any commuter in India, the ultimate question is, “Kitna deti hai?” (How much does it give?). The Honda SP 125 delivers an answer that is sure to bring a smile to your face.

While the official ARAI-claimed mileage figure is an impressive 65 kmpl, real-world conditions tell the most accurate story. Based on extensive owner-reported data, you can realistically expect the

Honda SP 125 to deliver a mileage between 55 and 65 kmpl in a mix of city and highway riding. Some riders who are particularly gentle with the throttle have even reported figures touching an astonishing 70 kmpl.

This excellent fuel efficiency isn’t just a happy accident. It’s a direct result of the bike’s engineering. The combination of the friction-reducing eSP technology, the fuel-injected engine, and the highway-friendly 5-speed gearbox creates a machine that rewards a smooth riding style. By utilizing the fifth gear on open stretches and avoiding sudden acceleration, riders can actively influence their fuel consumption and consistently achieve mileage figures at the higher end of this range. This makes the SP 125 not just a fuel-efficient bike, but a smart one that puts you in control of your running costs.

Built for the Indian Roads: Comfort, Handling, and Ride Quality

A great engine is only half the story. A true commuter champion must also be comfortable and easy to handle on our unpredictable Indian roads. Here’s how the Honda SP 125 fares.

Ergonomics for the Everyday Rider

Honda has nailed the ergonomics for daily commuting. The SP 125 features a comfortable, upright seating posture with a wide handlebar and neutrally positioned footpegs. This posture ensures that you can ride for long hours in traffic without putting undue strain on your back or shoulders. The bike also comes with a long and well-padded single-piece seat, providing ample space and support for both the rider and a pillion, making it a practical choice for family use.

Suspension and Handling

The SP 125 is built on a diamond-type frame, suspended by telescopic forks at the front and 5-step adjustable spring-loaded hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear. This setup is tuned to make the bike feel incredibly nimble and agile, allowing you to filter through tight traffic with ease and confidence. In a straight line, the bike feels planted and stable, offering a reassuring ride on city flyovers and open roads.

The Unfiltered Feedback: Where Comfort Falters

While the SP 125 excels in many areas, no bike is perfect. Long-term user reviews consistently point out a few areas where the ride quality could be improved.

• Stiff Rear Suspension: This is perhaps the most common piece of feedback from owners. While the suspension setup handles minor road imperfections and undulations well, the rear shocks are tuned on the stiffer side. This means that sharp-edged potholes and large speed bumps can send a noticeable jolt through the rider’s spine.
• Underwhelming Brakes: The SP 125 comes with Honda’s Combi-Brake System (CBS), which automatically applies a portion of the front brake when the rear brake is used, enhancing safety. However, many riders report that the brakes, particularly the rear drum, feel “soft” and lack the sharp, initial bite they expect. This requires a firm pull or stomp for sudden stops.
• High-Speed Vibrations: While the engine is exceptionally smooth at city speeds, some vibrations do creep into the handlebars and footpegs once you cross the 70-80 km/h mark. This is a common trait in single-cylinder commuters but is something to be aware of if you have long highway stretches on your daily route.

These characteristics reveal a clear engineering choice by Honda. The primary focus has been on perfecting the engine’s refinement and creating a smooth, efficient powertrain. This might have come at the cost of a more robust chassis and suspension setup designed to tackle the harshest of Indian road conditions. The use of a simpler tubular steel swingarm, for instance, instead of a more rigid box-section unit found on some competitors, points to this prioritization. Therefore, a potential buyer must weigh their priorities: are they willing to trade a bit of ride plushness on bad roads for an unparalleled level of engine smoothness and reliability?

More Than Just a Commuter: Design, Features, and Practicality

The Honda SP 125 is designed to be more than just a tool for getting from point A to B; it aims to do so with a dose of style and modern features.

A Dash of Style

Setting itself apart from the more utilitarian standard Shine, the SP 125 boasts a sportier and more premium design. The muscular fuel tank with its sharp extensions, dynamic body graphics, and stylish five-spoke split alloy wheels give it a youthful and aggressive stance. It is available in a range of attractive colours, including Pearl Siren Blue, Imperial Red Metallic, Black, and Matte Axis Gray Metallic, catering to modern tastes.

Feature-Packed for its Class

The SP 125 is well-equipped with modern technology that enhances the riding experience.

• Full Digital Instrument Console: A major upgrade over older models, the bright and clear digital display provides all essential information at a glance, including a speedometer, odometer, trip meters, fuel gauge, gear position indicator, and even real-time and average mileage figures.
• Silent Start with ACG: The SP 125 features an ACG (Alternating Current Generator) starter motor, which eliminates the traditional gear meshing noise. The result is a completely silent, jolt-free start at the press of a button, adding a premium feel to the daily ride.
• LED Headlamp: The sharp, all-LED DC headlamp not only looks modern but also provides excellent illumination for safer night-time riding, a significant advantage over the halogen units found on many competitors.
• Engine Start/Stop Switch: A convenient feature that allows you to turn off the engine at traffic signals with a simple flick of a switch, helping to save fuel.

Everyday Practicality

Beyond the style and features, the SP 125 is a thoroughly practical machine.

• Ground Clearance: With a ground clearance of 160 mm, it can tackle most of India’s infamous speed bumps and broken roads without scraping its underbelly.
• Fuel Tank and Range: The 11-litre fuel tank, combined with its stellar mileage, gives the SP 125 a massive riding range of over 600 km on a single tankful. This means fewer visits to the petrol station and more convenience for the rider.
• Safety: The inclusion of a side-stand engine cut-off sensor and the Combi-Brake System (CBS) are crucial safety features that add to the rider’s peace of mind.

The Big Question: Honda CB Shine SP Price in India

Understanding the price is a critical step in the buying process. As the original CB Shine SP is no longer on sale, we’ll focus on the current pricing for its successor, the Honda SP 125.

For context, the last recorded ex-showroom price of the discontinued CB Shine SP ranged from approximately ₹64,000 to ₹72,000, depending on the variant. The modern SP 125, with its BS6 engine and added features, commands a significant premium over its predecessor.

Current Pricing for the Honda SP 125

Here’s a breakdown of the current approximate prices. Note that on-road prices will vary depending on your city’s RTO charges, insurance, and other applicable fees.

• Ex-Showroom Price (Delhi):
  • SP 125 STD (Drum Brake): ₹93,247
  • SP 125 DLX (Disc Brake): ₹1,01,516
• On-Road Price (Bangalore – Approximate):
  • The on-road price for the SP 125 in a major metro city like Bangalore starts from around ₹1.10 Lakh for the standard variant and goes up to ₹1.16 Lakh for the disc brake variant.

Variants Explained

The Honda SP 125 is available in two main variants, with the primary difference being the front brake:

1. STD (Standard): This base variant comes with a 130 mm drum brake at the front.
2. DLX (Deluxe): This top-end variant is equipped with a 240 mm disc brake at the front, offering superior stopping power.

While the drum brake variant is more affordable, the added safety and confidence provided by the front disc brake make the DLX variant the highly recommended choice for anyone who prioritizes braking performance, especially in unpredictable city traffic.

The Unfiltered Truth: Pros and Cons of Owning a Honda SP 125

Every motorcycle has its strengths and weaknesses. To give you a clear and balanced picture, here’s a summary of the Honda SP 125 based on expert tests and long-term ownership reviews.

Pros (The Honda Promise, Delivered)

• Silky Smooth Engine: Its biggest selling point. The refinement and smoothness of the 125cc engine are unmatched in its class, providing a premium and fatigue-free riding experience.
• Excellent Fuel Efficiency: A true “mileage king.” Owners consistently report real-world figures of 55-65 kmpl, making it incredibly light on the pocket.
• Bulletproof Reliability: The “Honda” badge comes with a promise of long-term durability and peace of mind. The engine and build quality are known to be robust and long-lasting.
• Comfortable Ergonomics: The upright seating posture and well-cushioned seat make it ideal for daily commuting, even for long hours in traffic.
• Smooth 5-Speed Gearbox: A significant advantage over many rivals, the 5-speed transmission makes both city and highway riding effortless and efficient.
• Low Maintenance & Strong Resale Value: Generally requires minimal maintenance, and Honda bikes are known to hold their value well over time, making it a smart financial choice.

Cons (Things to Consider Before You Buy)

• Stiff Rear Suspension: The most common complaint from owners. The rear suspension can feel harsh and jarring on roads with sharp potholes, compromising ride comfort.
• Underwhelming Brakes: While equipped with CBS, the brakes are often described as feeling “soft” or lacking the sharp initial bite that inspires confidence during emergency braking.
• Vibrations at Top Speed: The engine’s legendary smoothness fades at speeds above 80 km/h, where vibrations become noticeable.
• Thin Tyres: The 80/100-18 tyres are considered narrow by some riders, which can affect stability and grip, especially at higher speeds or in wet conditions.
• Premium Pricing: The SP 125 is priced higher than many of its direct competitors, making it one of the more expensive options in the 125cc commuter segment.
• Known Issues: Some owners have reported occasional problems like clunky gear shifts or the bike jerking and stalling at certain speeds, which may require a visit to the service center.

Clash of the Commuters: Shine SP vs. The Competition

The 125cc segment is a battlefield, and while the Honda SP 125 is a formidable warrior, it faces stiff competition. Let’s see how it stacks up against its key rivals.

Honda SP 125 vs. Hero Glamour (The Arch-Rival)

This is the classic showdown: Honda’s refinement against Hero’s feature-packed value.

• Engine & Performance: On paper, the specs are incredibly close. The SP 125 makes slightly more power and torque (10.72 bhp / 10.9 Nm) compared to the Glamour (10.39 bhp / 10.4 Nm). In the real world, the Honda engine feels perceptibly smoother and more refined, while the Glamour is a proven, reliable workhorse that gets the job done efficiently.
• Features: This is where the Hero Glamour, especially in its Xtec variant, pulls ahead. It offers segment-first features like Bluetooth connectivity for call/SMS alerts and turn-by-turn navigation displayed on its digital console—features that the SP 125 currently lacks. For the tech-savvy rider, this is a significant advantage.
• Ride & Comfort: Both bikes are comfortable commuters. The Glamour, however, offers a slightly higher ground clearance (170 mm vs. the SP 125’s 160 mm), which can be a small but practical advantage on rough roads.
• Verdict: The choice between these two comes down to Refinement vs. Features. If your top priority is the smoothest, most refined engine experience and impeccable build quality, the Honda SP 125 is the one for you. If you want the latest technology like on-the-go navigation and are willing to trade a bit of that ultimate smoothness for it, the Hero Glamour Xtec presents a more compelling package.

Honda SP 125 vs. TVS Radeon (The Mileage Maverick)

This comparison pits the premium 125cc SP 125 against the rugged, value-focused 110cc Radeon.

• Segment & Power: This is the most important distinction. The SP 125’s 124cc engine is significantly more powerful (10.72 bhp) than the Radeon’s 110cc motor (8.08 bhp). The SP 125 is better suited for keeping up with faster traffic and handling occasional highway trips, thanks to its extra power and 5-speed gearbox. The Radeon is a dedicated city specialist with a 4-speed transmission.
• Mileage & Frugality: The Radeon is a legend when it comes to mileage. While the SP 125 is excellent, the Radeon often edges it out in real-world city conditions and is cheaper to purchase and run, making it an icon of frugality. Owner-reported mileage for the Radeon is around 62 kmpl.
• Build & Practicality: The TVS Radeon is lauded for its tough, metal-built body and practical touches like a comfortable long seat, a built-in luggage carrier, and a USB charging port, making it a highly functional daily driver.
• Verdict: This is a battle of Performance vs. Pure Frugality. If your commute involves faster roads or you simply want more power on tap, the premium you pay for the Honda SP 125 is well worth it. However, if your primary goal is the absolute lowest purchase price and running cost for city-only use, the TVS Radeon is an incredibly tough and sensible choice that’s hard to beat on value.

125cc Commuter Showdown

For a quick at-a-glance comparison, here’s how the key players stack up:

Export to Sheets

Note: Specifications and prices are subject to change and may vary by variant and location. Data compiled from sources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the real mileage of the Honda CB Shine SP / SP 125? A: While the official ARAI-claimed mileage for the SP 125 is 65 kmpl, most owners report a consistent real-world mileage between 55 to 65 kmpl, depending on traffic, road conditions, and riding style.

Q2: Is the Honda SP 125 good for long rides? A: The Honda SP 125 is primarily designed as a commuter bike. While its 5-speed gearbox makes highway cruising better than many rivals, its stiff rear suspension, potential for vibrations at high speeds, and upright ergonomics can become uncomfortable on very long journeys (over 200 km).

Q3: What is the difference between Honda Shine and Shine SP (SP 125)? A: The SP 125 is the premium, sportier version of the Shine. The main differences are that the SP 125 has a 5-speed gearbox, a fully digital instrument console, a more aggressive design, an LED headlight, and Honda’s silent start system. The standard Shine is a more basic, function-focused commuter.

Q4: How does the Shine SP (SP 125) compare to the Hero Glamour? A: The SP 125 generally offers a more refined engine and superior build quality. However, the Hero Glamour, especially in its Xtec variant, beats the SP 125 on features, offering Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation for a competitive price.

Q5: What is the maintenance cost of the Honda SP 125? A: The maintenance cost for the Honda SP 125 is quite affordable. Estimated costs for regular service (excluding taxes and extra labor) start around ₹325 for the initial free services and go up to about ₹800-₹1,200 for subsequent paid services. Overall, it’s a low-maintenance motorcycle, though some users feel Honda’s spare parts can be slightly more expensive than competitors.

Final Verdict: Is the Honda SP 125 the Smart Choice for You?

After a deep dive into every aspect of the Honda SP 125, from its polished engine to the feedback from thousands of owners, a clear picture emerges. The SP 125 is a masterclass in commuter engineering, built upon a foundation of three core pillars: an incredibly refined engine, outstanding fuel efficiency, and Honda’s legendary reliability.

This motorcycle is the perfect choice for the discerning daily commuter who sees their bike as a long-term investment. It’s for the rider who prioritizes a smooth, silent, and hassle-free ownership experience over having the most features or the highest power figures. If you value waking up every morning knowing your bike will start without a fuss, deliver you to your destination comfortably, and sip fuel frugally along the way, then the Honda SP 125 is, without a doubt, one of the smartest choices you can make in the Indian two-wheeler market.

Of course, if your heart is set on cutting-edge tech like Bluetooth navigation, the Hero Glamour Xtec makes a compelling case. And if your budget is tight and every single kilometer-per-liter counts, the rugged TVS Radeon is a worthy contender.

But the spec sheets and reviews can only tell you so much. The true essence of the Honda SP 125—that legendary Shine smoothness—is something that has to be felt.

Ready to experience it for yourself?

Book a test ride at your nearest Honda dealership today and feel the difference firsthand!