Webike Community's My Bike introduces various motorcycles in the "Owner Review Summary" based on the opinions of owners who ride or have ridden these motorcycles.
This time, we bring you the honest opinions of owners of the Honda Lead 125!
Honestly, the Honda Lead 125 is this kind of motorcycle!!
As of September 2024, Honda has three scooters in its lineup. The actual names are Dio 110, PCX 125, and the Lead 125 that we will introduce this time. Why are there three scooters in the same engine displacement class?
The reason is that there is a high demand for scooters as a daily means of transportation for commuting to work or school due to their high convenience, such as "low maintenance costs," "no 30km/h limit like 50cc," "can use bus lanes like 50cc," and "easy access to public bicycle parking lots."
So, there is the "price-oriented Dio 110" that is just cheap and easy to ride, and the "luxury-oriented PCX 125" that meets the demand for a motorcycle with a high level of hobby. There is a price difference of nearly 150,000 yen between these two 50cc scooters, and the Lead 125 fills the gap. Although it is not as cheap as the Dio 110, it is not as luxuriously equipped as the PCX 125 with a traction control system. However, the current model Lead 125 is packed with equipment that increases convenience, such as an idling stop mechanism, smart key, USB Type-C (3A), and 37 liters of under seat space. In terms of color, in addition to practical chic color schemes, it is also characterized by bright colors that give a sense of high hobby value.
By the way, the Lead has a long history, and its name appeared in Honda's lineup in 1982, more than 40 years ago. At that time, the Lead 125 was available in 50, 80, and 125 models with two-stroke engines. Since then, Lead has always been a two-stroke model, but in response to stricter emissions regulations, the Lead (JF19) equipped with a four-stroke 110cc engine was released in 2008.
After that, in a full model change in 2013, it was equipped with a 125cc engine, and the name was changed to Lead 125 (JF45). It underwent model changes in 2017 (JF45/exterior change and idling stop function added) and in 2022 (JK12/smart key function added) to arrive at the current model. When choosing a used motorcycle, it is a good idea to keep in mind the differences in equipment in this area.
2023.1.16
Honda's 2023 model of the LEAD125, a 50cc scooter, has been announced. There are no changes to the specifications, but new colors "Candy Noble Red" and "Matte Galaxy Black Metallic" have been added, and the sales price has been revised. The "Matte Galaxy Black Metallic" will be priced at 330,000 yen as before, but...
2022.3.3
Honda has announced that it will redesign the 125cc Lead 125 moped and release it on March 24th. The engine is a new water-cooled 4-valve single-cylinder eSP+. Another new feature is the adoption of a smart key system, and a charging socket is standard equipment. Lead 125 Main changes ● Water-cooled 4-valve single-cylinder engine eSP+...
How do Webike users feel about Lead 125?
LEAD 125
Average Price of Brand New: $2179.31
Used Price: $1924.03
Number of Reviews: 33 cases
*Data as of September 2, 2024
The average satisfaction rating of owners is 4.13 out of 5 (number of reviewers: 327)
It is worth noting that the items "carrying capacity" was at the top with 4.72 points, and "riding", "fuel economy" and "maneuverability" were all scored 4 or higher, indicating that many owners are satisfied with the Lead 125. Regarding "carrying capacity", some people said, "Even if I put a jet helmet, raincoat, gloves, towels, etc., there is still space."
On the other hand, the lowest rating was "maintenance" with 3.47 points. Looking at the bike reviews by owners, there were opinions such as "Gasoline easily spills during refueling (the fuel filler design is poor)." In addition, reviews from people who ride energetically included comments such as "The brakes are not very effective."
A quick summary of Lead 125
PROS
- The luggage compartment is 37 liters under the seat, a small storage compartment on the front
- Side, and a rear carrier as standard equipment.
- Good fuel economy (WMTC mode fuel economy: 49 km)/L)
- The LED lights are bright and the road is very easy to drive at night.
CONS
- Vertical space of floorboards is a little narrow and cramped
- Not suitable for long tours due to its character.
- When inserting the nozzle into the fueling port, it is necessary to be careful not to spill the fuel.
Lead125 Owner's Comments
Here are some of the most impressive comments about the latest model, JK12 (from 2022), among many reviews.
Mr. Marbo (2022 Model)
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative car models | The previous model of LEAD 125 (JF45) suddenly had a problem and the engine stopped when the gas pedal was turned on. We looked up various manuals, but in the end, considering that it was 5 years old, we bought a new model. The new model has a completely new engine and other features, so the knowledge of the previous model is not applicable at all (smart key, connectors are in a different format, etc.). |
|---|---|
| Pros/Satisfactory points | The 4-valve engine is more powerful and has more torque. Even the exhaust sound is different. The LED lights are bright, making it easy to drive at night, the USB connector is convenient to use, and the enlarged drink holder space makes it possible to store (and charge) a variety of items. |
| Disadvantages and dissatisfactions | Not good at very low speeds, probably due to the reinforced clutch. It feels like the drive suddenly disappears. Overall, the helmet space is a little narrower, perhaps due to the shape of the met-in space; the met that could be stowed in the JF45 is stuck at the top. Because of the many changes, there are only a few parts that can be used from the previous car. |
| Advice for prospective buyers | Due to the shortage of ICs, there is a shortage of production, and if you want to choose your favorite body color, you have to wait two months or so. Even optional parts are not immediately available. You have to choose a vehicle from the inventory or find a store. In addition to loadability and fuel economy, the powerful engine is unique (and importantly, less expensive than the PCX) The smart key is super convenient once you get used to it. |
Kabosu (2022)
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative car models | I chose the LEAD for short- and medium-distance transportation to work, etc. I compared it to the Dio, PCX, Cygnus O, and the Address and decided on the LEAD based on storage space and size of the vehicle (can it fit in my parking space at home). |
|---|---|
| Pros/Satisfactory points | The smooth and calm ride gives you a sense of quality. It is very pleasant. It is a 125 cc vehicle that is not heavy, yet it runs surprisingly solidly and stably. Acceleration is also perfect. I like the fact that I can drive an AT without any fuss. I usually prefer MT cars, but AT makes me feel that AT has its own fun. The large storage space under the seats is also reassuring when you have a little too much shopping to do on the go. |
| Disadvantages and dissatisfactions | The storage space under the seat is large, but a little shallow. When I put in my system helmet, I could not close the seat. A jet helmet fit in without any problem. |
| Advice for prospective buyers | - |
Teru-san (2024 model)
| Motive for purchase, intended use, and comparative car models | The comparison model is the Lead 110 because of its large met-in space for a helmet, rainwear, towel, and other small items, and its fuel efficiency. |
|---|---|
| Pros/Satisfactory points | I don't feel that anything is lacking in the engine. The engine stops at the right moment when idling is stopped, and the start of driving is smooth with no time lag. The design is compact, yet the bulge around the rear of the car gives it a sense of weight, which I like. The fine bumps on the seat surfaces and the water repellency are very nice. I also appreciate the smart key. |
| Disadvantages and dissatisfactions | The biggest complaint is the suspension, which does not absorb uneven road surfaces. Secondly, the engine noise when driving is very loud to the ears. The other thing, which will be in the realm of familiarity and preference, is the start switch, which does not respond often when the key is turned on. (Is there a trick to it?) . The footsteps have a narrow vertical space and are sloped rather than level to the ground. |
| Advice for prospective buyers | - |
Check out Lead 125's Competitors
Who are the rivals in the 125cc class of scooters, with their full-flat floorboards and the convenience of being able to keep luggage underfoot? The same Honda has the Dio 110; Yamaha has the Cygnus Griffas and Axis Z; Suzuki has the Burgman Street 125EX, Avenis 125, Address 125, and Address 110 (discontinued).
However, the prices of each company's models vary from the low 200,000 yen to the high 300,000 yen range, and the Cygnus Griffas and Bergman Street EX are likely to be rivals for the same $2086.80+ models as the Lead 125.
Now, if you are interested in the reviews of our rivals, check here!
*Owner average satisfaction and number of reviews are as of January 23, 2024.
YAMAHA Cygnus Griffas
Average Owner Satisfaction: 4.08 (Number of Evaluations: 167 persons)
Average Price of Brand New: $2478.42
Average price of Used: $2074.97
Number of Reviews: 8 cases
For more information, click here.
SUZUKI Burgman Street EX
Average Owner Satisfaction: 4.28 (Number of persons evaluated:33 persons)
Average Price of Brand New: $2006.11
Average price of Used: $1930.98
Number of Reviews: 2 cases
