Honda SP160 vs Keeway SR125
The commuter motorcycle segment in India is witnessing an exciting evolution, with manufacturers offering more than just basic transportation. Two intriguing contenders that blur the lines between practical commuting and style-conscious riding are the Honda SP160 and the Keeway SR125. While one represents Japanese reliability with a bump in displacement, the other brings retro-modern aesthetics at an incredibly competitive price point. These motorcycles cater to riders seeking something more distinctive than cookie-cutter commuters—whether that’s extra performance or head-turning vintage styling. This comprehensive comparison will help you determine which motorcycle deserves your attention and investment in 2025, whether you prioritize power and brand heritage or retro style and value for money.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Modern Commuter Evolution
Before diving into specifications, it’s worth understanding how the commuter segment has evolved. Gone are the days when budget bikes meant compromising on style, features, or performance. The Honda SP160 represents Honda’s premium commuter approach—offering more displacement, better performance, and refined execution. The Keeway SR125 showcases how Chinese-backed brands are disrupting the market with distinctive styling and aggressive pricing that established players can’t ignore.
Pricing: The Value Equation
Let’s start with what matters most to budget-conscious buyers—the price tag. The ex-showroom price of Honda SP160 is Rs. 1,13,428 and Keeway SR125 is Rs. 1,16,252. However, different sources report slightly varying figures, with the SP160 starting at Rs. 1.23 Lakh and the SR125 priced at Rs. 1.20 Lakh in some markets.
The Honda SP160 is available in two variants: single disc and double disc, priced at Rs. 1,21,951 and Rs. 1,27,956 respectively (ex-showroom) for 2025. The Keeway SR125 is available in a single variant, simplifying the buying decision.
When you factor in on-road costs including insurance, registration, and other charges, expect to pay approximately Rs. 1.35-1.45 lakh for the SP160 (depending on variant) and Rs. 1.35-1.40 lakh for the SR125 in most metro cities. The pricing is remarkably competitive, with both motorcycles landing in similar territory despite their different approaches to the segment.
Engine Performance: Displacement vs Efficiency
This is where these motorcycles diverge significantly, representing fundamentally different engineering philosophies.
Honda SP160 Engine:
The Honda SP160 is powered by a 162cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 13.27 bhp @ 7500 rpm of power and 14.8 N-m @ 5250 rpm torque. This engine shares its DNA with Honda’s proven lineup, offering the reliability and refinement that Japanese manufacturers are famous for.
The 162cc displacement provides a noticeable power advantage over typical 125cc commuters, making the SP160 more capable for highway riding, overtaking maneuvers, and two-up riding with a pillion. The torque figure of 14.8Nm arrives at a reasonable 5,250 rpm, providing usable mid-range punch for real-world riding.
The engine comes mated to a 5-speed gearbox that’s smooth and precise—typical Honda quality that inspires confidence. The fuel injection system ensures consistent performance across varying conditions and altitudes while meeting modern emission standards.
Keeway SR125 Engine:
The Keeway SR125 is powered by a 125cc, single-cylinder engine with EFI that produces 9.56 bhp @ 9000 rpm power and 8.2 Nm @ 7500rpm torque. The smaller displacement is immediately apparent in the power figures, producing significantly less power and torque than the Honda.
However, the SR125’s lightweight construction (120kg kerb weight) helps offset the power deficit. The engine makes its peak power at a higher 9,000 rpm, indicating a more rev-happy character compared to the Honda’s lower-RPM focus. The peak torque arriving at 7,500 rpm means you need to work the engine harder to access its performance.
The 125cc engine is perfectly adequate for city commuting and delivers decent performance for solo riding. However, two-up riding or highway journeys will require more frequent gear changes and higher RPMs to maintain pace compared to the more powerful SP160.
Weight and Handling: The Agility Factor
Weight dramatically impacts handling, fuel efficiency, and overall riding character. Honda SP160 is heavier at 138 kg compared to Keeway SR125 at 120 kg. The Keeway SR125 tips the weighing scale at just 120kg, making it notably lightweight and easy to handle.
This 18-kilogram difference is substantial in the commuter segment and immediately apparent when riding. The SR125 feels incredibly flickable and nimble, perfect for darting through dense city traffic, making tight U-turns, and navigating crowded parking lots. For shorter riders or those with smaller builds, the lighter weight is a significant advantage.
The SP160’s extra weight comes from its larger engine, more substantial frame, and slightly more robust construction. While this makes it feel more substantial and planted—particularly at highway speeds—it also means more effort when maneuvering at slow speeds or pushing the bike in parking areas.
Fuel Efficiency: Daily Economics
Fuel economy significantly impacts ownership costs for daily commuters. Honda SP160 (50 kmpl) has a better mileage than Keeway SR125 (47 kmpl) according to some sources. However, other sources claim both motorcycles deliver around 50 kmpl in real-world conditions.
The claimed mileage of Honda SP160 is 50 kmpl whereas the mileage of Keeway SR125 is 50 kmpl according to ARAI ratings. Real-world user experiences suggest both bikes deliver similar fuel economy—approximately 45-50 kmpl in mixed city and highway riding.
For someone riding 40 kilometers daily, both motorcycles would consume approximately 0.8-0.9 liters per day. Over a month, fuel costs would be nearly identical, making fuel economy a non-differentiating factor between these two bikes. The SP160’s larger engine doesn’t penalize fuel efficiency significantly thanks to modern fuel injection and Honda’s engineering expertise.
Design Language: Sporty Commuter vs Retro Charm
This is where personal preference becomes paramount, as both motorcycles express completely different aesthetic philosophies.
Honda SP160 Design:
The Honda SP160 presents a sporty commuter aesthetic with sharp body lines, muscular fuel tank, and contemporary graphics. It maintains Honda’s conservative yet purposeful design language that emphasizes functionality and broad appeal. The styling is inoffensive and professional—suitable for everyone from college students to working professionals.
Honda SP160 is available in 4 colours (some sources mention 6 colours), providing variety for buyers wanting to express personality. The design includes sporty elements like split seats, sharp tail section, and modern bodywork that gives it a premium feel compared to basic commuters.
The overall aesthetic says “reliable, practical, and slightly sporty”—exactly what Honda intended. It doesn’t make bold statements or turn heads, but it looks well-proportioned, well-built, and thoroughly modern.
Keeway SR125 Design:
The Keeway SR125 is a retro-style alternative to the Honda SP160, embracing classic roadster styling with modern execution. The round headlamp, muscular fuel tank, classic side panels, and minimal bodywork give it a vintage feel that stands out in traffic.
Keeway SR125 is available in 3 colours, focusing on classic color schemes that complement its retro aesthetic. The design includes chrome accents, spoke wheels (giving it an even more classic appearance), and clean lines that evoke motorcycles from the 1960s-70s.
The SR125’s styling is polarizing—you either love the retro look or prefer more contemporary designs. For buyers wanting a motorcycle that looks different from every other commuter on the road, the Keeway delivers in spades. It’s the kind of bike that generates conversations and compliments from strangers—something the conservative Honda rarely achieves.
Features and Technology: Modern Conveniences
Both motorcycles offer essential modern features, though the Honda provides a slightly more comprehensive package.
Honda SP160 Features:
The SP160 features include Hazard Warning Indicator, Hazard Warning Switch, Pass Light, and Pillion Grabrail. Additional features include Low Battery Indicator, Pillion Footrest, Service Reminder Indicator, Engine Kill Switch, and Side Stand Indicator.
The Honda benefits from LED lighting, providing better visibility and a modern appearance. The instrument cluster is semi-digital, combining an analogue speedometer with a digital display showing essential information like fuel level, odometer, trip meter, and gear position indicator.
The dual-disc variant offers better braking performance with disc brakes at both ends, though neither motorcycle offers ABS—a notable omission at this price point in 2025.
Keeway SR125 Features:
The SR125 comes loaded with No ABS, AHO (Automatic Headlight On), Hazard Warning Indicator, Hazard Warning Switch, Pass Light, and Pillion Grabrail. The bike includes Low Battery Indicator, Pillion Footrest, Engine Kill Switch, and Side Stand Indicator.
The Keeway features LED lighting and a colour digital instrument cluster—a premium touch that enhances its retro-modern character. The digital console provides clear, easy-to-read information and adds a contemporary element to the vintage styling.
Neither motorcycle offers smartphone connectivity, navigation, or advanced features found on more expensive models—keeping costs in check and focusing on essential functionality.
Suspension and Ride Quality: Comfort Considerations
Suspension setup significantly impacts ride quality on India’s varied road conditions.
Honda SP160 Suspension:
The SP160 features conventional telescopic front forks and twin shock absorbers at the rear—standard equipment for this segment. The suspension tuning is slightly firm, providing good body control during cornering while remaining compliant enough for daily commuting.
The ride quality is typical Honda—composed, predictable, and biased slightly toward comfort. It absorbs most road imperfections reasonably well, though really poor roads will send some harshness through to the rider. The suspension works well for solo riding and manages two-up duties acceptably.
Keeway SR125 Suspension:
The SR125 employs a similar suspension setup with telescopic forks and twin rear shocks. However, the lighter overall weight means the suspension has less mass to control, potentially creating a slightly softer, more comfortable ride quality.
User reviews mention the SR125’s comfort positively, with riders appreciating its ability to handle city roads smoothly. The suspension tuning prioritizes comfort over sporty handling—appropriate for its character as a relaxed, retro-styled commuter.
Seat Height and Ergonomics: Rider Accessibility
Ergonomics determine comfort and accessibility for different rider sizes.
Honda SP160 Ergonomics:
The Honda SP160 has a 1113mm seat height, which is quite tall for the commuter segment. This higher seat height might challenge shorter riders, potentially making it difficult to plant both feet firmly on the ground at stops. However, taller riders will appreciate the roomier riding position.
The riding posture is upright and slightly sporty, with handlebar and footpeg positioning that creates a neutral riding triangle suitable for both city commuting and occasional longer rides. The split seat design provides decent comfort, though the seat could be softer for extended journeys.
Keeway SR125 Ergonomics:
The Keeway SR125 has a 1050mm seat height—significantly lower than the Honda and much more accessible for shorter riders. This lower seat height is a major advantage for riders who struggle with taller bikes or prefer having both feet flat on the ground for confidence at stops.
The riding position is more relaxed and upright, with a wide handlebar that provides leverage for easy maneuvering. The flat, bench-style seat is comfortable for extended periods and accommodates pillions reasonably well. The overall ergonomics favor comfort and accessibility over sportiness.
Fuel Tank Capacity and Range
Range between fill-ups matters for riders without convenient fuel station access.
Honda SP160: The Honda SP160 has a 12 Litres fuel tank capacity, providing a realistic range of approximately 500-550 kilometers between fill-ups at typical fuel economy.
Keeway SR125: The Keeway SR125 has a 14.5 Litres fuel tank capacity—substantially larger than the Honda’s. Despite similar fuel economy, the larger tank provides approximately 650-700 kilometers of range, making it better suited for occasional longer rides without fuel stops.
The SR125’s larger tank is a significant practical advantage for riders who value convenience and don’t want frequent fuel station visits.
Braking Performance: Stopping Power
Both motorcycles feature disc brakes, though configurations differ by variant.
The Honda SP160’s base variant features a single front disc, while the top variant offers dual discs (front and rear). The SR125 also features disc brake setup with adequate stopping power for its weight and performance.
Notably, neither motorcycle offers ABS—either single or dual-channel. This is a surprising omission in 2025, as many competitors in this price range now include at least single-channel ABS as standard. For safety-conscious buyers, this could be a dealbreaker.
User Reviews and Real-World Feedback
Real owner experiences provide valuable insights beyond specifications.
Honda SP160 User Reviews:
According to average user rating, Honda SP160 has a score of 4.5/5. Users consistently praise Honda’s legendary reliability, smooth engine performance, decent power for highway use, and excellent build quality. Common feedback highlights include good fuel efficiency, comfortable for daily commuting, and strong resale value.
Criticisms mention the tall seat height limiting accessibility, somewhat conservative styling lacking excitement, and the absence of ABS on what’s positioned as a premium commuter.
Keeway SR125 User Reviews:
Keeway SR125 is rated 4.2/5 according to user feedback. Owners love the distinctive retro styling, lightweight handling, comfortable ergonomics, and unbeatable value for money. Reviews mention: “Perfect comfort looks crazy perfect retro bike one of the best in 125cc bikes no comparison with other models.”
However, some users express concerns: “Completely unsatisfied with the bike. 125cc with all other brands are good with comparison: no pickup.” The Chinese heritage raises reliability questions among some buyers, though Benelli/Keeway’s service network is expanding.
Ownership Costs: Beyond Purchase Price
Total cost of ownership includes maintenance, insurance, and spare parts.
Honda SP160 Ownership:
Honda’s extensive service network across India ensures easy access to service centers everywhere. Spare parts availability is excellent, and technicians are highly familiar with Honda engines. Service costs are reasonable, and the motorcycle’s proven reliability means fewer unexpected repairs.
The SP160 benefits from Honda’s reputation for durability—these bikes regularly cross 1+ lakh kilometers with basic maintenance. Resale value is strong, with Honda motorcycles retaining value better than most competitors.
Keeway SR125 Ownership:
Keeway’s service network is less extensive than Honda’s but expanding through Benelli dealerships. Spare parts availability is adequate in cities but might be challenging in smaller towns. Service costs are competitive, and the simpler 125cc engine requires basic maintenance.
The Chinese brand perception raises reliability concerns among conservative buyers, though initial owner experiences suggest decent build quality. Resale value is uncertain given the brand’s relative newness in India—a consideration for buyers planning to upgrade in 3-5 years.
The Verdict: Different Champions for Different Riders
Declaring a definitive winner misses the point—these motorcycles serve distinctly different buyer profiles.
Choose the Honda SP160 if:
- You prioritize maximum power and performance in this segment
- Brand reputation and proven reliability are crucial
- Better highway capability and overtaking performance matter
- You’re tall and comfortable with higher seat height
- Strong resale value is important for future upgrades
- You prefer conservative, professional styling
- Extensive service network access is essential
- You plan to ride with pillions frequently
- Long-term durability and low maintenance costs are priorities
- You value the peace of mind that comes with Honda ownership
Choose the Keeway SR125 if:
- Distinctive retro styling and standing out appeal to you
- Lightweight handling and easy maneuverability are priorities
- Lower seat height is essential for your comfort and confidence
- You want maximum fuel range with the larger 14.5L tank
- Budget constraints favor the slightly lower price
- City commuting is your primary use case
- You appreciate the retro-modern aesthetic philosophy
- You’re willing to take a chance on a newer brand for styling rewards
- Solo riding is your typical scenario
- You value being different over playing it safe
Final Thoughts: Two Paths to Commuter Excellence
Both the Honda SP160 and Keeway SR125 are competent motorcycles that exceed basic commuter expectations, though they achieve this through completely different approaches. The Honda SP160 represents safe, proven excellence—more power, established reliability, and the peace of mind that comes with owning a Honda. It’s the sensible choice that prioritizes performance, resale value, and long-term dependability.
The Keeway SR125 represents bold, value-driven differentiation—stunning retro styling, lighter weight, and an attractive price point that challenges establishment players. It’s the emotional choice for riders who value distinctive looks and are willing to gamble on a newer brand for the reward of riding something truly different.
As per user experiences, Honda SP160 is better on the grounds of maintenance and reliability. But Keeway SR125 is better for those prioritizing style, lighter weight, and lower seat height. The choice depends less on which is objectively better and more on what type of rider you are—conservative pragmatist or style-conscious individualist.
Test ride both motorcycles if possible to experience their different characters. Sit on each to assess seat height comfort, evaluate which styling speaks to your personality, and consider your typical riding patterns. Think about where you’ll service the bike, how important resale value is, and whether you prefer proven reliability or distinctive style.
There’s no wrong choice here—only different expressions of what a modern commuter can be. Whether you choose Honda’s powerful reliability or Keeway’s retro charm, you’re getting a motorcycle that transcends basic transportation to deliver genuine riding pleasure. The commuter segment has truly evolved, and riders are the winners with such diverse, compelling options available in 2025.
