Honda recently launched its first BS6-compliant motorcycle, the SP 125, in India. The motorcycle is essentially based on the existing CB Shine SP but gets a fuel-injected motor, besides other updates. Now, the only other offering in this segment with a fuel-injected engine is the Hero Glamour FI (not yet BS6-compliant). In that case, we check out how both bikes fare against each other on paper.
Design and Features
The SP 125 and Glamour both are handsome-looking motorcycles with an angular headlamp, edgy bikini fairing and a long tail section. However, the SP 125 gets a more modern design with a radically styled headlamp and tail lamp along with beefy tank extensions.
The SP 125 also has an upper hand on the feature-front as it comes equipped with a fully-digital instrument cluster which is a segment-first addition. The comprehensive display shows a host of data such as gear position indicator, eco indicator, real-time fuel efficiency, average fuel efficiency, distance-to-empty and other basic details. Topping the list are LED headlamp and tail lamp along with a kill switch. On the other hand, the Glamour incorporates a semi-digital instrument console which shows the basic information and the headlamp houses a conventional bulb. However, the tail lamp is an LED unit.
Engine
The SP 125 is powered by the same 125cc, air-cooled motor which does duty on the CB Shine SP. However, for adhering to the new emission norms, it gets fuel-injection and the power output has also marginally increased, as opposed to the drop in power witnessed in other two-wheelers which are updated to BS6. The motorcycle churns out 10.6bhp and 10.9Nm. Now, the 124.7cc motor of the Glamour also gets fuel-injection but it is not BS6 compliant yet. At 11.5bhp and 11Nm, although the power figures are higher than the SP 125, they might vary once the engine receives BS6 update.
Cycle Parts
The Glamour and SP 125 remain identical in terms of hardware. Both bikes are underpinned by a single cradle frame, suspended by telescopic/dual shock combination and get front disc and rear drum for braking, assisted by CBS (combined braking setup). The SP 125 also comes in a standard variant which gets drum brakes at both ends. The Honda has an advantage in the weight department. At 117kg, the SP 125 is 12kg lighter than the Glamour which tips the scales at 129kg.
Pricing
The Honda SP 125 is priced at Rs 72,900 (drum) and Rs 77,100 (front disc) while the Hero Glamour costs Rs 69,950. Although the former is substantially more expensive than the latter, the SP 125 is still a better overall package considering the comprehensive list of features, BS6-compliant engine and lighter weight. The Glamour will also become expensive with the BS6 update. Now, it remains to be seen how comprehensively Hero updates the motorcycle to justify the premium.
