Honda TMX125 Alpha

The business segment was never really known for good looking motorcycles. With rough and rugged use, cosmetic parts will only lead to expensive repairs and replacements. So, the lesser the number of things to break, the better it is for the cost-conscious owner. And Honda seems to have gotten that just right. The TMX 125 Alpha has a regular rectangular headlight which does add a bit of macho appeal. Same goes for the tail light. Stalk-mounted boxy indicator lights are present next to each of these. They might not look that great, but they do their job.

The rest of the bike follows the lead of the headlights design with the classic boxy fuel tank, thick, flat and long dual seat, and minimal bodywork. There are some chrome pieces like the exhaust cover and the chrome plated front and rear mudguard that look stylish while also staying durable. The instruments are housed in a boxy and rectangular compartment above the headlight. The wires are exposed but sorted out to stay out of the way of the rider.

The TMX125 Alpha’s 3 color variants - Candy Ruby Red, Spectrolite Blue Metallic, and Black – do add some much-needed flair. The bike is 1904 mm long, 745 mm wide, and 1026 mm high above the ground. There are 18-inch spoked wheels thicker spokes and with 2.50 40L front and 2.75 48P rear tires. The instrumentation is conventional and analogue. It does include a digital gear indicator and a tachometer. The practical aspects are well taken care of with a sidecar mounting collar on the frame under the fuel tank and a large carrier behind the seat for cargo carrying purposes.

The Honda TMX Alpha is provided with telescopic front forks and dual shock absorbers at the rear with provision for mounting two more. The bike has a 1226 mm wheelbase and a ground clearance of 157 mm both of which make it ideal for city operation. The 760 mm seat height is practical for riders of all heights. The handlebars are high like mini ape hangers and allow for a comfortable riding stance. The thick and flat seat also allows the rider to move about and get comfortable and has enough space for multiple people. Honda has also provided the TMX with steering weights to reduce handlebar vibrations.

The Honda TMX 125 Alpha is powered by a 4-stroke overhead valve carbureted and air-cooled engine. The engine produces 9.67 hp at 8000 rpm and 9.28 Nm of peak torque at 7000 rpm. The engine runs on 90 octanes or above unleaded petrol. The engine is enhanced with modern features like a needle type carburettor, push rods for smoother acceleration for sidecar operation, an air suction valve for cleaner emissions, and a decompressor style kick starter along with an electric starter for hassle-free starts. These enhancements also give it a high fuel economy figure of 58 kmpl. The fuel tank is not the biggest at 8.6-litre. The TMX 125 Alpha also uses a 5-speed transmission which can make full use of the power to make short work of uphill climbs. Even more importantly, this being a Honda product, any owner can rest assured that they have a very reliable and durable engine on their hands. One that will serve them through all hardships for a long time.  

There are mechanical leading trailing drum brakes on both ends. Honda also includes an engine kill switch for safer operation and a passing switch for safer overtaking.

If you have paid attention you would know why Honda’s business segment bikes have such a stronghold on the market. They have modernized their legendary motorcycle in such a way that it has not compromised on the reliability or affordability while increasing its practicality and reliability. The TMX 125 Alpha is a worthy successor to the Honda legacy.