Honda New Reed 125 "The same 4 -valve new engine and smart key adoption as PCX, about 330,000 yen is super bargain!?"
Honda's new Lead 125 is focused on a new engine
Honda's second-class moped scooter "Lead 125" has announced a model change. There is still time until the release on March 24, 2022, but let's organize the points of its evolution.
Although it is a model change, some people may think, "Is it a slight coloring change?" The first point that cannot be overlooked is that the engine has been completely changed.
The only thing in common with the conventional engine is that it has a displacement of 124cc. I posted a comparison table of the old and new Lead 125 in the latter half of the article, but it is obvious. In addition to being converted to 4 valves, the bore and stroke values have changed, and the compression ratio, which leads to high efficiency, has also increased. What is the reason for this evolution?
What you can't miss to understand is that the exhaust gas symbol (three letters of numbers and alphabets) at the beginning of the vehicle model is "8BJ".
As some of you may know, the first "8" indicates that the "2020 regulation" has been cleared. The 2032 regulation is the strictest regulation value at the moment, and the new lead 125 can be said to be a class 2 scooter with the cleanest exhaust gas level at the moment.
By the way, the conventional exhaust symbol is "2BJ", which means that it was certified under the 2016 regulations.
The new Honda Lead 125 also adopts a smart key
The next point is the new adoption of the "Honda Smart Key" system. The smart key, which is already familiar with PCX, can now not only start the engine, but also unlock and lock the seat and open the fuel tank lid (*). It's very convenient to just take out the key, and once you get used to it, you can't go back to the normal key. The adoption of smart keys cannot be overlooked as an improvement in user benefits.
Editor's note: I don't think there are many people who misunderstand, but just in case, like a smart key on some four-wheeled vehicles, remote control can be used to start the engine and open the storage under the seat. It cannot be operated.
The power supply for the storage space has been updated to a USB socket
As a storage space, the inner box with a lid on the front is still used as before. The conventional model had an accessory socket in the inner box, but the new model has a USB socket (type C) as standard equipment as an evolution according to the times. The output of this USB socket is 5V/3A or less.
In addition, the capacity of the luggage space under the seat is 37L, and it is the same as before that a helmet and a B4 size bag can fit.
A sporty new color that uses red as an accent color is also available
The standard body colors are “Pearl Jasmine White,” “Pearl Dark Ash Blue 2,” and “Poseidon Black Metallic.” 3 colors. The plated ring around the top cover on the front cover adds a sense of luxury.
It is 6500 yen higher than the standard color, but the attention is "Matte Techno Silver Metallic". Based on the trendy matte color, the front cover, handle cover garnish, rear carrier, and under cover are black. Not only is it a two-tone color, but the emblem, front brake caliper, and rear suspension spring are red, giving it a sporty finish. If it were a while ago, it would be a grade with a name such as "R".
The manufacturer's suggested retail price is 324,500 yen including tax for the standard color and 330,000 yen for the matte techno silver metallic. Compared to the conventional model, the price has been raised by 8,800 yen for the standard system, but even considering the topics of installing a new engine and adopting a smart key, the price increase is reasonable, and considering the content, it is a bargain price. I think so.
However, due to the price increase, the price difference with Honda's popular two-type scooter "PCX" has become about 30,000 yen. With such a difference, it is up to each person whether they think it is better to choose PCX or choose Lead 125 because it is easy to handle. In particular, the difference in overall width has a large impact on daily handling, so I would like to think about it carefully.
As an aside, as you can see from the model, the exhaust gas level of the current PCX is regulated in 2016. It should be appreciated that the Lead 125 was the first to receive certification under the 2020 regulations. The engine design itself is the same as the new Lead 125 and the PCX, so there is no doubt that the PCX will also clear the 2020 regulations in the near future.
Main Specifications of Honda Lead 125
[Engine/Performance] Type: Water-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder OHC 4-valve Bore/stroke: 53.5mm x 55.5mm Total displacement: 124cc Maximum output: 8.3kW< 11 ps>/8750 rpm Maximum torque: 12 Nm <1.2 kgm>/5250 rpm Transmission: Continuously variable [Dimensions/weight] Overall length: 1845 Overall width: 680 Overall height: 1130 Wheelbase: 1275 Seat height: 760 (each mm) Tire size: F90/90-12 R100/90-10 Vehicle weight: 116kg Fuel tank capacity: 6L
Report - Shinya Yamamoto Photographs - Honda Editing - Shigeki Ueno
CONTACTHonda Customer Service Center: TEL0120-086819
https://www.honda.co.jp/LEAD125/