First Ride: 2018 Honda Click 125i and 150i

New look and added features

Honda seems to be on a roll with several new scooter models arriving this year. Just a few weeks ago, Honda launched the all-new Click 125i and 150i. Just a few months before that was the arrival of the larger PCX 150.

Naturally, many are likely curious of how this new model rides. To demonstrate the new features of the all-new Click 125i and 150i, Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI) invited members of the media to sample the models at the Honda Safety Driving Center in Bicutan.

As you've noticed, the new Click features a bold new design, sporting an all LED lighting system composed of position lights, head lights, tail lights, and front and rear turn signals. Honda calls its facade the dual keen design, inspired by Honda's hig-end sports car, the NSX. The rest of the body features new decals or emblems.It's finished off by a sporty muffler design with an aluminum end cap.

Powering the all-new Click 125i is a 125cc liquid-cooled, PGM-FI engine with Enhanced Smart Power and an ACG starter. Honda claims fuel consumption of 53 km/l. The model comes with the Combi Brake System and Park Brake Lock as added safety features. The larger Click 150i comes with a 150cc, liquid-cooled PGM-FI engine, also with Enhanced Smart Power, an ACG starter, and idling stop system, which gives the bike a fuel economy of 52 km/L.

Besides the new look, it also comes with a full digital meter panel, with real-time fuel consumption, battery and change oil indicator, trip meter, and digital clock. The utility box under the seat that boasts of an 18-liter capacity, capable of storing a full-face helmet.

Exclusive to the Click 150i are 3D emblems and special colors, a sportier wheel design with wider tubeless tires, wavy disc brakes and aluminum pillion steps. It also has a Smart Key System with keyless lock and unlock, ignition on/off, anti-theft alarm, and an answer back system.

Before hopping onto the bike, Honda instructors gladly demonstrated the new keyless system. We thought it would be quite simple, but it turned out to be slightly more complicated, perhaps more for security reasons. When near the bike, first press and hold the on/off button on the fob, push the start button on the right handlebar to activate, turn the ignition switch on, then pull the brake lever and press the start button again to start the bike. The bike also has a push-button seat unlock, which eliminates the need to bring out the key to get your valuables.

The keyless system can also have the bike answer back (by making a sound) to help the rider find it in a crowded parking lot. If the bike is ever taken forcibly from the owner, it will not start up again, unless the key is near. Unfortunately, it will not shut down the engine when the motorcycle ventures far from the key, so we suggest to always keep it in your pocket.

Once switched on, the most evident change is the fully digital instrument panel. It features a digital fuel gauge, digital speed display, real time fuel consumption, clock, and a trip meter that can display various info. Simply press the "select" button and it will show the odometer, trip A and B, and average fuel consumption for trip A.

Either Click should be very accessible to most riders. The bike is quite compact with a seat that is relatively high off the ground. It should be easy to use for riders of average hight but may pose some difficulty for those very short of stature. As for tall riders, like myself standing at 5'9", the only inconvenience might be the tight footwell, which leaves little wiggle room.

With the basics covered, the instructors allowed the members of the media to sample the bike around the course, which involved wide roads, tight right angle turns, a short incline and descent, and a long stretch to sample the power of the engine and the Combi Brake system.

The Click proved to be very agile, handling the tight corners thanks to the wide tubeless tires, its short wheelbase, and low center of gravity. It was quite easy to change direction, and fairly eager to lean if desired. Power-wise, the Click accelerates smoothly, whether it's the 125i or 150i. Naturally, you'll feel the pace of the 150i, getting up to 60 km/h much sooner than the 125i. Other than straight acceleration and riding with a pillion, it's quite difficult to detect the power difference.

At several times during our test ride, the idling stop system also activate. When left on, it shuts down the engine automatically the moment the bike comes to a full stop. Simply twist the throttle and it will start up again.

The real treat was the Combi Brake system, which activates when the left lever is pulled more than 50%. When pulled less than half way, it serves as the rear brake. When pulled more than half way, it also activates the front brake to decrease stopping distance in emergencies. It slowed the bike very quickly and efficiently, stopping much sooner than you'd expect if you did so manually. We tried to press harder with each try and at no point did we lock up the wheels. Needless to say, it's quite a handy system and is easily the most impressive feature of the Click.

When departing the bike, simply turn the dial back to the off position and lock the bike with the fob. For added security, the parking brake on the left handlebar can be pulled, locking the rear wheel. It should be familiar to those who already have a Click or Zoomer X.

The short test ride gave the members of the media present a chance to sample the Click's many unique features. As it is the 125i already presents a great package, being suitable for most uses, easy to handle and already quite well equipped with the Combi Brake and Idling Stop. The Click 150i simply ups the ante with more power and the Smart Key system. The Click 125i and 150i are now available, priced at P74,900 and P95,900, respectively.