SH 350i in Honda’s 2021 range | NEWS
In the absence of this year’s international bike and scooter shows in Cologne, Milan and Birmingham – manufacturers are putting their new 2021 models out virtually. We recently told you about the new 350 and 750 Honda Forzas, but Honda has just announced another seven new or updated models, including a higher capacity version of the ever-popular SH.
Here are the scooter updates and highlights announced today…
Over one million Honda SH models have been sold in Europe since its introduction 36 years ago. That’s a lot of scooters, enough to earn the SH name a brand of it’s own within the Honda name. In that time it’s consistently topped sales charts and can be seen in abundance in every city in Europe. Now the model gets revitalised and goes large for 2021 with the introduction of the all-new SH 350i.
Bored and stroked
Although badged as a 350, the engine is actually a 330cc enhanced Smart Power (eSP) lump, that’s up from 279cc on the old version (a result of a larger 77mm bore, 70.7mm stroke) and it puts out an extra 3Kw (4bhp) peak power @7,500 rpm and 4.8Nm of additional torque at 5,250rpm. The new Euro 5 SH 250i is 28.96bhp (24.8bhp previously).
Instruments
A smart new LCD dash has all the warning lights you’ll ever need and a large digital speedo/odometer. The functions can be scrolled through using the A/B buttons on the left handlebar.
With LED lighting all around and a new headlight with dual split dip beams, you’ll be easy enough to notice. As an added safety feature the SH 350i also comes with a new auto-cancelling Emergency Stop Signal feature. Once the ABS system detects hard braking the hazard lights will flash to warn other road users. The SH still retains its useful underseat storage, flat floorboards and Smart Key ignition.
SH Mode 125
The entry-level SH will appeal to a younger audience but it’s been refined for 2021 with a new enhanced Smart Architecture Frame (eSAF) and enhanced Smart Power Plus (eSP+) liquid-cooled four-valve engine. The styling has also been refreshed, it has increased underseat storage, a new glovebox with USB socket and Smart Key operation. The SH also boasts ‘fuel-saving’ tyres, designed to offer less rolling resistance and improve MPG.
Honda PCX 125
The PCX has always offered quality at a great price and has lead 125cc sales charts around Europe since it arrived in 2010. Over 140,000 PCX’ are on the streets, it’s a great little commuter machine with a very low 540mm seat ‘straddle’ height.
HLTA
The 2021 model gets plenty of new acronyms, (Honda Love Those Acronyms), a few styling tweaks and is brought up to Euro 5 specs with the same eSP+ engine as the SH Mode, now with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) to manage rear wheel spinning, it can also be turned off. The new PCX has a redesigned frame, longer suspension travel and larger-sized tyres. Plus a new dash and Smart Key operation, like the other Honda models, the optional top box can also be operated using the Smart Key.
Honda X-ADV 750
The X-ADV is really in a class of its own, neither scooter, bike, or crossover. No matter what it’s classed as though, we love the style, the stance and the attitude of this one. For 2021 the engine has been tweaked to give 3kW (4bhp) more power (now 57.7bhp) to the Euro 5 engine, they’ve also upped the redline by 600rpm by reworking the valve timing and exhaust/intake efficiency. The gearing has also been altered for faster acceleration in the first three gears and a taller fourth to sixth allow more relaxed cruising. Of course, this model comes with Honda’s fantastic Dual Clutch Transmission (DTC) which gives automatic gear shifts and links with the rider modes.
Throttle By Wire (TBW) brings with it four selectable rider modes: Rain, Standard, Gravel and Sport as well as a customisable User mode. It also comes with HSTC traction control.
More new models?
We’ll bring you more new model news as soon as the manufacturers release the details and hope to be riding a few of them soon.
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