The Honda Shine 125 is one of the best-selling 125cc bikes in India. Since 2006, this bike has remained a top choice for many. The main reasons behind its popularity are its reliable engine, low maintenance costs, and excellent fuel efficiency. For 2025, Honda has given the Shine 125 several new updates, including a fully digital instrument cluster, a USB Type-C charging port, and a wider rear tire. Following the implementation of GST 2.0, its price has also been reduced by approximately ₹6,000, making it even more affordable for daily use.
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Honda Shine 125 Price and Variants
The ex-showroom price of the Honda Shine 125 starts at approximately ₹78,789. The base variant with drum brakes is available for ₹84,493, while the top variant with disc brakes is priced at ₹89,245. The on-road price in Delhi ranges from approximately ₹95,000 to ₹1,02,000. The prices have been reduced by ₹6,000 after GST 2.0. The Shine 125 is slightly more expensive than the Hero Splendor Plus, but in terms of features and refinement, it offers excellent value for money.
Honda Shine 125 Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
The Shine 125 delivers an ARAI-certified mileage of 65+ kmpl, while in real-world conditions, the average mileage is approximately 55-60 kmpl. In city riding, it delivers 52-55 kmpl, and on highways at a steady speed, it can reach 60-65 kmpl. With a 10.5-liter fuel tank, a full tank can provide a range of 550-600 km. According to user reports, this mileage is consistently achieved at around 55 kmpl, which is sufficient for daily commuting.
Honda Shine 125 Engine and Performance
The Shine 125 is powered by a 123.94cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. It delivers 10.74 PS of power at 7,500 RPM and 11 Nm of torque at 6,000 RPM. The 5-speed gearbox is smooth and gear shifts are easy. The biggest advantage of the engine is its refinement – it runs very smoothly with minimal vibrations. The clutch is light, which is helpful in city traffic. The top speed is approximately 100 KMPH. Acceleration isn’t very quick, but it’s sufficient for daily riding. The engine’s build quality is excellent and it is built to last for years.
New Features for 2025
The 2025 Shine 125 comes with several new features. The biggest change is the fully digital instrument cluster, which includes a real-time mileage indicator, distance-to-empty display, service due indicator, and gear position indicator. A USB Type-C charging port has also been added to the dashboard. The rear tire is now a 90-section tire, up from the previous 80-section, resulting in improved grip and stability. An Idling Stop System has also been added, which automatically switches off the engine when stopped in traffic and restarts it when the throttle is twisted. A side stand engine cut-off feature is also present for added safety.
Design and Build Quality
The Shine 125 has a simple and practical design. It’s not flashy or sporty, but offers a classic commuter look. The chrome-outlined headlamp and the 3D Honda logo on the fuel tank give it a premium touch. The build quality is very robust, and the fit and finish are good. The quality of the body panels is considered better than those of Hero and Bajaj. The bike is available in six colors – Pearl Igneous Black, Geny Gray Metallic, Matte Axis Gray Metallic, Rebel Red Metallic, Decent Blue Metallic, and Pearl Siren Blue. The seat height is 794mm, which is comfortable for riders of average height.
Riding Experience and Comfort
The Shine 125 has a very comfortable riding position. Its upright posture prevents fatigue during long rides. The seat is well-cushioned and comfortable for the pillion rider as well. Users have reported feeling less fatigue even during long rides (up to 160 km). The suspension setup is perfect for Indian roads. The telescopic front forks and dual rear shock absorbers handle potholes and uneven roads with ease. Handling is light and easy. The bike is maneuverable in city traffic and remains stable on highways.
Braking and Safety
The Drum variant has 130mm drum brakes on both the front and rear wheels. The Disc variant has a 240mm disc brake at the front. The Combined Braking System (CBS) is standard, ensuring safe braking. Braking performance is good, but not as sharp as the TVS Raider 125. Features like Side Stand Engine Cut-Off and Headlamp Pass Switch enhance both safety and convenience.
Service Network and Maintenance
Honda’s biggest advantage is its vast service network. Thousands of authorized service centers are present across the country. They are easily accessible even in smaller towns and villages. Spare parts availability is excellent and affordable. Service costs are also low. The standard warranty is 3 years or 42,000 km. Many long-term users have reported no major problems even after covering 45,000 km. The engine is very reliable and easy to maintain.
Who is it best for?
The Shine 125 is perfect for family commuters, office-goers, students, and small business owners. It’s also a great option for first-time bike buyers. Its light clutch, easy handling, and reliable performance make it suitable for everyone. For those who prioritize practicality and reliability over flashy features and sportiness, the Shine 125 is an excellent choice.
Competition and Market Position
The Shine 125’s direct competitors are the Hero Super Splendor 125, Hero Glamour, Bajaj Pulsar 125, and TVS Raider 125. Hero bikes are more affordable and offer i3S technology. The Bajaj Pulsar comes with a sportier design. The TVS Raider offers Bluetooth connectivity and a premium digital display. However, the Shine 125 leads in sales. In August 2025, 1,41,332 units were sold, making it Honda’s second best-selling product after the Hero Activa.
User Reviews and Feedback
Over 738 users have given the Shine 125 positive reviews. The most praised aspects are the smooth and refined engine, light clutch, easy gear shifts, comfortable seating, and reliable performance. Many users reported getting a consistent mileage of 55 kmpl and experiencing no major issues even after 45,000 km. Some users complained about the lack of features and the old-fashioned design, but these can be considered minor drawbacks.
EMI and Financing Options
The Shine 125 can be easily purchased on EMI. Monthly EMIs are available ranging from approximately ₹1,465 to ₹2,500. Financing is available at an 8.5% interest rate. A down payment of 10-15% is required. No-cost EMI and exchange offers are also available periodically. You can also get a discount of ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 by exchanging your old bike.
Drawbacks
The Shine 125 lacks some features. It doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity, the design is somewhat plain, and LED headlamps are not available in all variants. Overtaking on highways requires some planning. However, these are all minor drawbacks and not major obstacles for a daily commuter.
The Honda Shine 125 is a tested and reliable bike in 2025. It’s not the flashiest or sportiest, but its smooth engine, low maintenance, high fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and strong service network make it practical and reliable for the long term. If you want a practical and dependable bike for daily commuting, for students, or for a small business, the Honda Shine 125 is the best choice for you.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only. Bike prices, mileage, and features are subject to change. Please check with your nearest Honda showroom for the latest information before making a purchase or taking a test ride. The author and the platform will not be held responsible for any changes, errors, or losses.
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