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BIKES:  2010 Honda SH150i Scooter Review
Written by: Adam Waheed
Motorcycle-USA.com   http://www.motorcycle-usa.com
07/27/2009
Eugene, Oregon
 
Who said economical transportation can’t be fun? It is when you’re at the controls of the $4499 2010 Honda SH150i scooter. (Photo Courtesy of Honda) » More Photos

With the cost of owning a car or motorcycle creeping upwards every year, affordable, reliable and economical transportation is becoming increasingly necessary. And for those looking for a machine to meet these prerequisites, one only needs to look at the 2010 Honda SH150i scooter.

Although the SH150i is new here in the States, folks over in Europe have been riding it for the last few years. In fact, in Italy, it’s currently the best-selling scooter not just in Honda’s line-up but in the country’s entire scooter segment.

Within the Honda scooter line, the SH150i is slotted in between the interstate cruising capabilities of the Honda Silver Wing and the inner city aptitude of the soon-to-be-released Honda Elite. It’s built for a person looking for a transportation option that can keep pace with other motorized traffic, whether in the sprawled expanse of the suburbs or the concrete jungle of the city.

Powering this mid-sized scoot is a fuel sipping 153cc single-cylinder 4-stroke engine. It benefits from many of Honda’s modern engine tuning techniques including an overhead camshaft, liquid-cooling and fuel-injection. It’s mated to an automatic transmission, which makes traveling to your destination literally as easy as twisting your wrist.

Turn the key, grab either brake lever, prod the starter button and the engine zips right up with about as much noise as grandma’s sewing machine. No doubt about it, this Honda scoot is one quiet machine and it stays that way regardless – be it
idling at a stop light or zipping around at full speed.
One of the best features of the SH150i is the ability to comfortably ride two-up. (Photo Courtesy of Honda) » More Photos

In terms of acceleration, whether you feed in the throttle gently or slam it open the SH150i accelerates the same. Initially power comes on softly, then right around 10 mph, you can feel it advance with a tad more authority, yet it always smooth and never feels intimidating.

While it won’t win any drag races against a driver with a lead foot, you might surprise the SUV commander next to you. In fact, unless they’re on their game, the little SH will usually getaway first. It isn’t until around 40 mph that your neighbor in the 4000 pound tank has gathered enough steam to pass.

On level road with this 180-pound pilot, the SH will accelerate to right around 65 mph in roughly 15 seconds without a hint of vibration. Add a steep downgrade and speed increases another 10 mph. In fact, is speed is high enough for it to be operated on the freeway. Even at maximum speed the rear view mirrors deliver a decent buzz-free picture of what’s happening behind you, plus the scooter tracks straight without a hint of instability. Uphill the SH manages to muster a minimum of 60 mph. And unlike other mid-sized scooters we’ve tested, it actually accelerates as you climb up. At speed wind buffeting effects are minimal, however, a $299.95 accessory windscreen is still available for purchase.

Read the Complete Review at Motorcycle USA!
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