Is the Honda SH125i available for sale in China?
3 Answers
Honda's 125cc scooters are available for sale in China and can be purchased in the domestic market. Below is an introduction to electric vehicles: Introduction to Electric Vehicles: Electric vehicles, also known as electric-powered vehicles, are divided into AC electric vehicles and DC electric vehicles. Classification of Electric Vehicles: Based on the method of power supply, they can be divided into two main categories: those connected to an external power source for electricity and those using fuel cells or energy storage devices (such as storage batteries or supercapacitors) as power sources. Performance of Electric Vehicles: Lead-acid batteries (including lead-acid gel batteries) are cost-effective and stable in performance, making them the most commonly used batteries in electric vehicles on the market.
The Honda SH125i scooter doesn't seem to be officially sold in mainland China. I visited an auto show last year and didn't see it on display, and several Honda dealers shook their heads when I asked about it. It's quite popular in Europe - the 125cc engine is fuel-efficient and nimble, perfect for urban commuting. In China, Honda mainly promotes the PCX150. I've ridden a friend's PCX - it has smooth acceleration, low fuel consumption, and can be legally registered. Parallel imports are an option, but the procedures are complicated and the price doubles, making it less convenient than buying available models directly from dealers. With such a large market, manufacturers might think local demand is covered by other models, like with the rise of e-bikes, Honda has also shifted towards electric vehicles. If you really want a scooter, I'd suggest test riding similar Honda models first - they offer great value, safety and reliability.
I've been riding motorcycles for several years, and the SH125i is quite impressive technically, with its efficient and quiet liquid-cooled engine and excellent handling for city riding. However, it hasn't been introduced in China—I checked the official website and dealerships but came up empty-handed. The reasons might be strict emission standards or Honda's strategy to prioritize local production of other models. Its sales in Europe are surprisingly high, while in China, the PCX series is promoted more, aligning better with mainstream demand. If you could get it through parallel imports, the tariff and shipping costs would add up to 20,000–30,000 RMB, which is beyond my budget. It might be better to focus on domestic options, as Honda's locally made scooters are solid, with easy maintenance and no worries about parts shortages. I recommend exploring similar models to find one that feels reliable to ride.