Head-to-head test of the 2026 Piaggio Liberty 125 S vs Honda SH 125i: real GPS top speed, fuel economy, ABS braking, winter comfort, and overall value.
The ultimate showdown between the two best-selling high-wheel commuter scooters on the market: real-world performance telemetry, fuel efficiency, suspension comfort, safety features, and operating costs to help you choose the right 125cc machine for your daily ride.
Quick Comparison & Telemetry Overview
Piaggio Liberty 125 S (2026):
Engine: 124cc air-cooled 4-stroke i-Get single-cylinder
Power & Torque: 11 hp @ 8,250 rpm / 10.7 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
GPS Top Speed: ~60.3 mph / 97 km/h actual
Average Fuel Economy: 70.5–75.2 mpg US / 84.7–90.3 mpg UK / 3.33–3.12 L/100km (30–32 km/L)
Braking System: Front hydraulic disc with single-channel ABS + Rear mechanical drum
Chassis & Weight: Essential urban package, 273.3 lbs (124 kg) kerb weight
Honda SH 125i (2026):
Engine: 125cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke eSP+ single-cylinder
Power & Torque: 13 hp @ 8,250 rpm / 12 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
GPS Top Speed: ~64.6 mph / 104 km/h actual
Average Fuel Economy: 94.1–101.1 mpg US / 113.0–121.5 mpg UK / 2.50–2.33 L/100km (40–43 km/L)
Braking System: Dual hydraulic discs with 2-channel ABS + HSTC Traction Control
Chassis & Weight: Full factory touring setup (Windscreen, Handguards, Smart Key Top Box), 295.4 lbs (134 kg) kerb weight
Build Quality, Electronics, and Standard Equipment
Honda SH 125i:
Takes the win for tech integration and cold-weather protection. It leaves the dealership fully equipped for winter riding, complete with a tall windshield, integrated handguards, and a matching rear top box operated via Smart Key keyless ignition. Fit and finish across body panels are immaculate. The inclusion of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) provides exceptional safety on wet cobbles and slick painted crosswalks.
Piaggio Liberty 125 S:
Delivers a strong entry price point, but relies on a more stripped-back equipment list. Winter commuters will need to purchase an aftermarket windscreen separately. The visual appointments on the "S" trim—matte-black covers, red contrast stitching, and dark wheels—look stylish and withstand daily wear well, but the overall construction follows a simpler philosophy than its Japanese rival.
Ergonomics, Suspension, and City Handling
Damping & Ride Quality:
The Honda SH uses a softer shock setup that glides smoothly over broken city pavement and sunken manhole covers, showing only minor front-end dive under heavy braking. The Liberty features a firmer suspension package: the front fork holds line stability well through corners, but the twin rear shocks feel slightly stiffer over sharp edge bumps.
Seating & Cabin Room:
The SH offers a broader seat, a roomier flat floorboard, and virtually zero engine vibration through the grips. The Liberty counters with a featherlight 273 lb kerb weight, making it noticeably easier to maneuver off the stand and squeeze into tight parking spots.
Braking Performance and Safety
Honda SH 125i:
Employs a dual-disc setup governed by a full 2-channel ABS system. Lever feel is progressive, light to pull, and delivers immediate stopping power without requiring excessive hand strength.
Piaggio Liberty 125 S:
Uses a hybrid setup (front disc with single-channel ABS and rear drum brake). It achieves short overall stopping distances, but hauling the scooter down from speed requires a firm squeeze on the brake levers.
Engine Output, Acceleration, and Real MPG
Traffic Light Sprint (0–31 mph / 0–50 km/h):
Thanks to an aggressive CVT roller calibration and light overall weight, the Piaggio Liberty launches off the line with impressive snap, making it a lethal tool for short urban sprints.
High-Speed Roll-On (31–62 mph / 50–100 km/h):
The liquid-cooled eSP+ engine on the Honda SH showcases the advantage of its extra 2 horsepower: acceleration remains strong through the mid-range, pushing to a tested 64.6 mph (104 km/h) GPS top speed, compared to 60.3 mph (97 km/h) GPS on the Liberty.
Real Fuel Economy Measured:
Equipped with Honda's Start & Stop system, the SH 125i logs incredible economy numbers of 94–101 mpg US (40–43 km/L). The air-cooled Liberty i-Get delivers solid numbers at 70–75 mpg US (30–32 km/L), though its smaller 6-liter tank requires slightly more frequent gas station stops.
Verdict: Which Scooter Should You Buy?
Choose the Piaggio Liberty 125 S if:
You want a nimble, ultra-lightweight scooter with a lower initial purchase price and sharp off-the-line acceleration for heavy city gridlock. It is the ideal choice for riders seeking simple mechanicals, lower routine servicing costs, and supreme low-speed agility.
Choose the Honda SH 125i if:
You want the ultimate high-wheel commuter equipped with top-tier technology, complete winter weather protection, 2-channel ABS with Traction Control, and unbelievable fuel efficiency. While the initial investment is higher, it pays you back with standard premium equipment and unbeatable long-term resale value.