Tanshanomi's Snap Judgments

Honda Aero 125

Mon, May 3rd, 2010


1984 Honda NH125 Aero
Performancewww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
The 2-stroke, air-cooled Aero 125 was noticeably slower than nearly any other 125 scooter, especially its 4-stroke, liquid-cooled successor: the more refined, quieter Elite 125.
Handlingwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
It handles like a 1980s Japanese scooter: oversprung and underdamped. Brakes are pretty weak, but without better traction from the tiny wheels and crappy tires, more braking power would be wasted.
Lookswww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
The Aero scooters don't have the over-the-top '80s styling of Honda's more popular scooters, which is a good thing. The styling of the handlebar controls and instrument panel captures the look of the era perfectly.
Reliabilitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
The Aero 125 was sold in the U.S. only one year, before the scooter boom really took off. Since it was sold in other parts of the world as the Honda Lead 125 (in different, more garish colors), some parts are going to be tough to find. Small scooters from this era have either been forgotten and neglected, or thrashed and abused. The Aero 125 motor is simple to repair, but not a paragon of longevity.
Practicalitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
If you want something to run around the block with, don't get an obscure, quarter-century-old scooter. As a collectable, an underpowered 125cc scooter from Honda is not a popular choice, or a wise investment.
Desirabilitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
It's the scooter that nearly everyone but me has forgotten about, which makes me take note when I see one.
Overallwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
The Honda Aero 125 is that kid who got B's & C's, then transferred out of your high school after Freshman year.