The acronym SH, specifically those that give life to the variant SH125 Within the European continent, they are celebrating in 2026. The model turns 25 years old and today we put into perspective the path taken so far, as well as the current weight it has within Honda’s current offering.
Since its birth in 1984, the Honda SH series has become a pillar of stylish urban mobility in multiple European cities. Renowned for their design, reliability and practicality, the high wheel scooter family has evolved to become one of the most iconic ranges in the world.
Honda SH125: 25 years of success, and those that remain
An unbroken chain of constant development and evolution has resulted in a silhouette that has remained for decades, tracing a unique shape in the intense traffic of the European continent. The latest evolution of the SH125 introduces premium technologies to the SH125i, such as the 4.2″ TFT color display and Honda RoadSync connectivity, which complement its all-LED lighting system. The styling itself has become even cleaner and more refined thanks to the work of Giovanni Dovis at Honda’s R&D center in Rome.
It’s not just technology and design that have evolved. The 2026 specifications of the SH125i are based on the pioneering work of the SH125 “Vetro”, a variant of the SH range that reduces CO₂ emissions during the manufacturing process at the Atessa plant thanks to the use of unpainted semi-transparent fairings. Going one step further, the 2026 SH125i incorporates sustainable materials in the rear license plate support and exhaust muffler guard, a symbol of the model’s continued refinement and development.
Origins of the acronym SH within Honda
The SH series began in 1984 with the SH50, a 49cc two-stroke moped produced in Belgium. Its style, compact size and flat platform made it ideal for urban commuting and, as a result, it was immediately popular with users. In 1987, Honda Motor Co. Ltd. commissioned its Spanish subsidiary Montesa Honda (then based in Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona) to produce the SH.
The plant launched a new 75 cc version, adapted to Spanish regulatory requirements, followed shortly after by a 50 cc model designed for younger users. It was during this stage that the SH adopted its well-known nickname: “Scoopy”. Production at the Montesa Honda facilities continued until 1996; Throughout this period, the factory manufactured more than 106,000 units of the SH50 and another 27,600 units of the SH75 model.
In 1996, production moved to Honda’s plant in Atessa, Italy (HII), for the second generation of the SH50, further strengthening its link with users in the largest European scooter market. Along with the second generation SH50, the SH100 was also presented, with a larger displacement, which offered all the advantages of the SH50 with extra power. The iconic SH125 and SH150 were introduced in 2001, providing a style that has endured to this day.
Both models responded perfectly to market demands: agility in traffic, high quality and an attractive design. The characteristic 16″ front wheel offered greater safety on cobbled and uneven surfaces in many large European cities. Fuel consumption was record-breaking (close to 30 km/l) and dynamic performance was innovative thanks to the introduction of the CBS combined braking system.
In 2005, the models took a significant leap forward with the introduction of PGM-FI electronic injection, which further reduced consumption and emissions, allowing both the SH125i and SH150i to achieve Euro 3 homologation. Versions were also developed for the North American, Canadian and Australian markets. As the decade progressed, the SH family continued to grow.
In 2007 the SH300i was added, a large displacement scooter designed for both city and road use, immediately increasing its versatility. By 2012 there was a real turning point in the development of the model. The SH125i and SH150i, in addition to a completely revised design, received the new eSP (enhanced Smart Power) engines, a completely new chassis that allowed more space under the seat, as well as the introduction of the ABS braking system and the low-consumption Start&Stop system.
The SH Mode 125 joined the range in 2014, bringing fun character and high fuel efficiency in a new model aimed at younger users thanks to its simplified approach to urban mobility. Over the years, Honda Italia Industriale’s leadership has brought numerous innovations and firsts that have kept the SH in constant evolution.
This trend continued in 2023 with the introduction of the “Vetro” editions of the SH125i and SH150i, two new variants of the range that use unpainted semi-transparent fairings and reduce the amount of CO₂ used in the Atessa plant by 9.5% compared to conventional painting processes. The revisions of the engines of the SH125i and SH150i range also guaranteed compliance with the EURO5+ regulations. Giovanni Dovis, Lead Designer at Honda R&D Rome (HRE), explains:
“For the 2026 evolution, the challenge was to respect the DNA of the SH while elevating its character. The new front lighting architecture – headlight, indicators and signature light – together with the introduction of the TFT display, became the natural focal points around which the design was developed. By further simplifying the volumes and reducing unnecessary lines, the design is cleaner and more minimalist, allowing the technology to be expressed with precision and honesty, without ever compromising the essential identity of the SH.”
The SH saga in figures
In 2017, the Honda plant in Atessa had already produced more than 1 million SH scooters. These models represent approximately a third of the factory’s total production, underscoring their importance within Honda’s European operations. And naturally, production has responded to constant demand: since 2012, more than 264,000 SH125i have been sold in Europe.
Sales of the entire SH family in 2025 are especially notable, with almost 60,000 units sold in Europe:
- SH125i: 26,847 units
- SH150i: 11,369 units
- SH350i: 14,646 units
- SH Mode 125: 6,962 units
In 2024, the SH series celebrated its 40th Anniversary with events organized by Honda Italia and Honda Motor Europe. Throughout these four decades of evolution, the SH family has been developed by a dedicated team at the Atessa plant near Pescara, which currently has more than 600 employees. The SH series continues to symbolize innovation, tradition and urban excellence in European mobility, not only for customers, but also for the people at Honda who have accompanied its development over the years.
As explained Sebastian CerroneHead of Product Innovation, Honda Italia Industriale (HII): “For me, the SH is not just a scooter, but a true icon that combines Italian design with Japanese engineering. Producing it in each of its phases conveys a feeling of pride and belonging, like being part of a true success story”. For its part, Marcello VinciguerraManaging Director, Honda Italia Industriale (HII), comments:
“For me, the SH is the king of the market. It is the passionate identity of our Atessa plant, and its origins confirm the innovative spirit of Honda, which gave life to the “high-wheel scooter”. The SH, with its focus on agility and sustainability, elegantly embodies the inclusivity of each customer”. In addition, Fausto GiancristofaroSenior Development Specialist, Honda Italia Industriale (HII), states:
“For me, the SH is much more than a scooter: it is a symbol of trust and everyday life. It accompanies people’s lives with simplicity, elegance and reliability. It has been a best-seller for more than twenty years, an icon difficult to imitate due to its uniqueness: low fuel consumption, great maneuverability, comfort and unmistakable style. The SH is the essence of Honda!” William ArmuzziHead of Motorcycles, Honda Motor Italia (HME-I) says:
“The SH is part of the urban landscape of all Italian cities: it is like the Colosseum in Rome or the Duomo in Milan. The SH is part of our lives, it allows us to get around in the most efficient and stylish way, and it is part of our enjoyment by transforming each daily journey into a fun experience that beats the traffic.” Finally, Giovanni Dovis, Lead Designer, Honda R&D Rome (HRE), concludes by explaining:
“For me, the SH125 represents a design confident in its own clarity and restraint. The SH family has always been defined by immediately recognizable proportions, by the purity of a single continuous line that runs through the scooter from front to back and by a deliberate avoidance of excess design: values that give the scooter a functional and timeless elegance.”
