This is 2010 SH150i test drive. full with Power this mid-sized scoot is a fuel sipping 153cc single-cylinder 4-stroke engine. It benefits from many of Honda’s modern engine tuning techniques including an overhead camshaft, liquid-cooling and fuel-injection. It’s mated to an automatic transmission, which makes traveling to your destination literally as easy as twisting your wrist. Turn the key, grab either brake lever, prod the starter button and the engine zips right up with about as much noise as grandma’s sewing machine. No doubt about it, this Honda scoot is one quiet machine and it stays that way regardless – be it idling at a stop light or zipping around at full speed.
In terms of acceleration, whether you feed in the throttle gently or slam it open the SH150i accelerates the same. Initially power comes on softly, then right around 10 mph, you can feel it advance with a tad more authority, yet it always smooth and never feels intimidating. While it won’t win any drag races against a driver with a lead foot, you might surprise the
SUV commander next to you. In fact, unless they’re on their game, the little SH will usually getaway first. It isn’t until around 40 mph that your neighbor in the 4000 pound tank has gathered enough steam to pass.
On level road with this 180-pound pilot, the SH will accelerate to right around 65 mph in roughly 15 seconds without a hint of vibration. Add a steep downgrade and speed increases another 10 mph. In fact, is speed is high enough for it to be operated on the freeway. Even at maximum speed the rear view mirrors deliver a decent buzz-free picture of what’s happening behind you, plus the scooter tracks straight without a hint of instability. Uphill the SH manages to muster a minimum of 60 mph. And unlike other mid-sized scooters we’ve tested, it actually accelerates as you climb up. At speed wind buffeting effects are minimal, however.
