In a market flooded with flashy bikes and aggressive branding, Honda has quietly maintained its reputation with a name that speaks volumes through reliability Shine. For 2025, Honda has given the Shine 125 a smart makeover, blending traditional practicality with updated styling and modern features that make it more appealing to the next generation of riders.
If you’re in the market for a no-nonsense commuter that feels fresh, rides smoother, and delivers real-world mileage you can actually count on, the new Honda Shine 125 might just be the answer.
Commuter That Feels Far from Basic
The biggest upgrade on the 2025 Honda Shine 125 is its new 5-speed gearbox, a much-awaited move that now puts it in line with more performance-focused bikes like the TVS Raider 125 and Bajaj Pulsar 125. But where those models aim for sportiness, the Shine keeps its composure smooth, composed, and focused on practicality.
The gear shifts are seamless, and that extra fifth gear makes a noticeable difference on highway stretches, allowing the bike to cruise at 50–60 km/h without the engine feeling stressed. It's a subtle upgrade, but one that daily riders will appreciate immediately.
Refined Engine with a Practical Edge
Under the tank, the new Shine 125 carries forward the trusted 124.7cc BS6 Phase 2-compliant engine. It produces 10.7 PS of power and 11 Nm of torque, but the real talking point is Honda's Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) technology. This tech ensures better fuel combustion, smoother throttle response, and less engine friction all of which add up to a refined ride and superior fuel economy.
The inclusion of Silent Start with ACG Motor also means no more loud starter motor crank sounds. It starts up quietly, which is perfect for early morning starts or urban traffic stops.
Mileage That Makes Everyday Riding Cheaper
The 2025 Shine delivers an impressive 65 to 70 kmpl mileage figure in real-world conditions. Not just a claim on paper — several early users have reported figures around 68 kmpl under mixed riding conditions.
Whether you're commuting through bumper-to-bumper city traffic or occasionally hitting the highways, the Shine continues to live up to its reputation of being a fuel-efficient workhorse.
Styling: Traditional with a Twist
The design changes on the Shine are subtle but effective. Honda has not tried to make it overly sporty but has added just the right amount of flair
LED headlamp with a sharper front cowl
New dual-tone graphics on the fuel tank
Refined exhaust muffler design
Chrome finish on side panels and tail grip
These elements make the bike look more premium without losing its mature character. It's a design that will appeal to both young office-goers and middle-aged family men alike.
Feature-Rich for Its Segment
Honda has also updated the features list for Shine 125 (2025)
CBS (Combi Brake System) for balanced braking
Side stand engine cut-off – adds a layer of safety
i3S (Idle Stop-Start System) – helps save fuel at traffic lights
Optional digital instrument cluster – gives real-time mileage and gear position
These features bring Shine in line with modern commuter expectations, making it feel less of a bare-bones bike and more of a thoughtful package.
Suspension and Ride Quality: Tuned for Indian Roads
On Indian roads, where potholes and broken patches are part of the daily commute, the Shine 125 performs reliably. With its telescopic front forks and 3-step adjustable hydraulic rear suspension, the bike absorbs most bumps without transferring discomfort to the rider.
Its upright riding posture, wide seat, and soft cushioning ensure that even long commutes don’t lead to backaches or fatigue. For office-goers, this is a blessing in disguise.
Affordability and EMI Plans: Built for Middle-Class Budgets
One of the biggest reasons for Shine’s popularity has always been value for money. The 2025 Shine 125 is priced between ₹80,000 and ₹90,000 (ex-showroom), depending on whether you opt for the drum or disc brake version.
For buyers looking to purchase on finance, there are flexible EMI plans available. Here's a realistic breakdown:l
Down payment: ₹10,000
Loan amount: ₹85,000 approx.
Interest rate: 9.7% per annum
EMI for 36 months: ₹2,770 per month
EMI for 60 months: ₹1,726 per month
These figures make it accessible for middle-class families and daily office commuters who want a reliable, low-maintenance two-wheeler without spending a fortune upfront.
How It Stacks Up Against Rivals
Feature Honda Shine 125 TVS Raider 125 Bajaj Pulsar 125
Engine 124.7cc 124.8cc 124.4cc
Gearbox 5-speed 5-speed 5-speed
Mileage 65–70 kmpl 56–60 kmpl 55–60 kmpl
Starting Price ₹80,000 ₹95,000 ₹92,000
The Shine may not be the most powerful or most sporty-looking, but it scores where it matters reliability, fuel economy, comfort, and cost of ownership.
Is the New Shine 125 Worth It?
Absolutely. If you're looking for a no-fuss, reliable, fuel-efficient bike that doesn’t try too hard to be something it’s not, the new Honda Shine 125 is an ideal pick. It blends traditional reliability with much-needed modern upgrades like a 5-speed gearbox, better styling, and commuter-friendly tech.
More than a commuter, it’s a companion for your daily life simple, refined, and dependable. In today’s economic landscape where fuel prices and maintenance costs are only going up, the 2025 Shine 125 stands tall as apractical, smart, and budget-conscious choice for the Indian rider.
