Honda XRM125 DSX

The Honda XRM125 DSX is a rugged and versatile underbone motorcycle. It’s built for urban commuting and light off-road use. It gets a dual-sport styling. The sharp front fairing comprises of a bold headlamp unit. The angular contours and clean body lines lend the motorcycle a muscular but lean stance. The high-mounted front fender is a key design element. It serves a functional role to keep mud and debris off the engine and body. The alloy wheels with semi-knobby tires handle both paved and gravel roads. The plastics on the body are built to withstand abuse from rain and sun. The exhaust pipe is fitted with a matte-finished muffler guard. The wide foot pegs and grab rails improve rider stability and passenger comfort. Honda has integrated bright LED indicators and a compact tail section to the XRM125 DSX. The two-wheeler gets motocross-style handlebars that offer a commanding riding position. The build-quality of the Honda XRM125 DSX is solid. The fit and finish are impressive. There are minimal panel gaps and the components are well-secured. The slightly elevated ride height and high ground clearance lend the two-wheeler a commanding road presence. The Honda XRM125 DSX gets a 3.9-litre fuel tank.

The Honda XRM125 DSX comes with a long, flat, and moderately padded seat. The seat height is accessible to shorter riders and still allows for ample legroom. For city rides and short provincial commuting, the seat is comfortable. But on long trips, the seat’s firmness becomes noticeable, causing some discomfort after extended riding hours. The pillion seat is basic but it lacks additional cushioning or support features. The Honda XRM125 DSX is mounted on a telescopic front fork and twin rear shock absorbers. The suspension setup is soft and absorbs city bumps and road imperfections. At the same time, it’s stiff enough to offer some control on rough backroads. Off-road capability is limited compared to full-style trail bikes because the Honda XRM125 DSX is primarily meant for city riding. The rear shock absorbers sometimes bottom out while carrying heavy loads or riding two-up over rough terrain. The two-wheeler handles light and confidently, making it ideal for negotiating through traffic.

The Honda XRM125 DSX is equipped with an air-cooled, single-cylinder, 125cc engine that produces 10PS/10Nm. The engine is mated to a four-speed transmission. On city roads, the two-wheeler shines with its light clutch pull, nimble handling, and responsive low-end torque. The powertrain engine offers smooth acceleration ideal for negotiating congested city roads and start-and-stop traffic. The Honda XRM125 DSX’s compact size makes tight turning easy. It’s also one of the most fuel-efficient motorcycles in its class, returning an average mileage of 53kmpl. The Honda XRM125 DSX isn’t much of a highway performer. It isn’t intended to be one. While the powertrain is dependable, the bike begins to strain past 80kmph. Vibration starts to creep in, particularly through the handlebars and foot pegs. Overtaking may require planning because of the limited top-end performance. But the Honda XRM125 DSX manages to retain its stability and composure, courtesy the dual-sport frame and suspension setup.

The Honda XRM125 DSX’s braking system is reliable and functional. The front wheel gets a hydraulic disc brake. The rear wheel gets a mechanical drum brake. The latter, while not as sharp as a rear disc, is adequate for everyday riding. Safety features of the Honda XRM125 DSX is basic. There’s no advanced rider aids like antilock braking or traction control. But the bike’s lightweight build, narrow profile, and upright riding posture allow for easy riding.

At a starting price of ₱74,900, the Honda XRM125 DSX is a fairly priced bike. It offers great value.