This year, the Honda SH celebrates 40 years since it was born in 1984. Since then, this high-wheel scooter has become a benchmark for citizen mobility. Thanks to a unique design, reliability and excellent performance, it still maintains its position as the market leader in its segment today.
Going back to its origins, we find a market dominated at that time by traditional Italian scooters. However, Honda SH turned the market around at the time, highlighting the adoption of a polypropylene body, flat platform, automatic lubrication, electric start, large diameter wheels, automatic transmission, low maintenance cost, etc.
The Honda SH continues to be a social phenomenon and is still the most registered automatic scooter in the history of motorcycling in Spain, with nearly 250,000 units sold, and in Europe, with more than one million. Honda Italia, where the model has been produced since 1996, wanted to celebrate it in a very special event together with its employees, the top management of Honda Japan and Honda Europe.
In this sense, Katsuhisa OkudaPresident and Director of Honda Motor Europe, commented: “I am very happy to visit our factory in Italy again and to do so on such an important occasion, the 40th Anniversary of the SH. A model with extensive links with Italy. “I would like to thank all the factory workers for their great work and contribution to the success of Honda and our leading position in the two-wheeled sector.”
“Your ability to face challenges, to innovate and to work as a team has made Honda Italia become a unique reality. A job where you can feel proud, satisfied and where you can express yourself freely. A few weeks ago Honda Italia turned 53 years old, another important milestone that demonstrates the excellence and vision of the future of this factory, which has made quality its spearhead.”
Concludes: “I want Honda Italia to continue maintaining these high quality standards to continue being a reference for all customers in Europe”. The Honda Italia factory, the only one where Honda motorcycles are manufactured in Europe along with Montesa Honda (where the Montesa Cota and Honda RTL trial bikes are produced), has more than 1,000 employees and produces 8 models: SH125, 150 and 350; Strength 125, 250 and 350; ADV 350 and CB125R.
In the current fiscal year (April 2024-March 2025) the production plan exceeds 141,000 units, the highest figure since 2009. Today, the SH model represents about a third of production. Quality, both in products and processes, flexibility to respond to market demands and sustainability, are the macro objectives of Honda Italia, which in June announced its acceleration towards carbon neutrality in 2034.
The history of the Honda SH
During its four decades of history it has been evolving to constantly adapt to customer demands. From its introduction as an 80 cc and 50 cc scooter to today’s modern and technological versions, the Honda SH has maintained its reputation for reliability, practicality and innovation, still being a benchmark in the scooter segment today.
The beginnings (1984-1996)
The first model of the SH series made its debut in 1984, being available in 2 versions, 50 cc and 80 cc. It was a scooter designed for those looking for a practical and agile means of transportation to get around the city. Its simple and attractive lines immediately made it a very popular scooter. Initial production took place at Honda’s factory in Aalst, Belgium.
In 1987, Honda Motor Co. Ltd. assigned its Spanish Montesa Honda factory (then located in Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona) to produce the Honda SH, with a new 75 cc version to adapt to Spanish legislation. Later a 50 cc version would be added for younger riders. It is around this time that the SH receives the nickname Scoopy.
The SH concept was established among the motorcycle culture society. He created style and opened new paths of mobility without distinguishing between age and sex. It aroused sympathy, brought the motorcycle closer to the public and spread evidence of its advantages in the city. The Honda SH paved the way and encouraged the use of motorcycles, boosted market growth and enriched the city landscape.
The Second Generation (1996-2001)
In 1996 the SH began to link its name to Italy. There, the 50 cc and 100 cc versions were produced, which offered ease of driving and very low fuel consumption, ideal for daily use in the city. The large diameter wheels guaranteed better stability and safety, especially when driving on cobblestone streets or with poor asphalt.
The second generation SH introduced improvements in comfort, such as a wider seat and cargo capacity. The SH became a reference for those looking for an efficient and stylish means of transportation.
Evolution (2001-2005)
The most important year for the SH family is 2001, when the SH125 and SH150 scooters arrive. It was a product capable of responding to market demands: agile in urban traffic, quality and beautiful. Consumption is at a record (close to 30 km/l). The dynamic and innovative features are highlighted by the introduction in 2001 of the CBS (combined braking system).
The model is renewed with the introduction of the four-stroke engine (2001) and PGM-FI electronic injection (2004), which allows fuel consumption to be significantly reduced. The SH is the first European model to have Euro 3 approval (2004). Versions are also being developed for the North American, Canadian and Australian markets.
Innovation (2007-2012)
The family grows with the SH300, which maintains the SH identity, but introducing a new concept: performance. It increases power and dimensions, also becoming an ideal scooter for intercity trips capable of traveling longer distances.
The evolution of the model leads to a general renewal, the improvement of the chassis and the introduction of radial tires. In 2009, the fifth generation of the SH introduced other improvements, such as a slimmer design and double disc brakes. Honda also introduces the rear top box.
The Revolution (2012-2017)
The sixth generation, presented in 2012, represents a true revolution. The SH125i is presented with a completely revised design, a new engine, a chassis that allows expanding the load capacity under the seat and the introduction of ABS braking and the Idling Stop system. In 2015, the third generation of the SH300i, however, brings other innovations, such as LED lights and a Euro 4 engine.
Today. In 2021, the SH300 grew to 330 cc, in its SH350 version. On the other hand, the SH are the first Honda models to adapt to the demanding Euro 5+ regulations, mandatory from 2024 for all new approvals and from 2025 for all new registrations.
They receive new colors and various technical improvements. It is worth highlighting the SH Vetro, with semi-transparent fairings, which thanks to a painting process reduces CO₂ emissions. A project born in collaboration between Honda Motor in Japan and Honda Italy.
