Honda Philippines (HPI) has unveiled the 2021 XRM125, an immensely popular underbone that has consistently performed well in the sales charts for almost two decades now. To whet the appetite of the XRM followers, Honda upgraded the styling and features in this latest iteration to keep up the tight segment competition.
HPI president Susumu Mitsuishi says around 1.8 million XRM125s have been sold in the Philipines since its introduction in 2004. The sales of the locally made underbone peaked in 2017 with 161,097 units sold.
Mitsuishi noted a growing demand for 125cc motorbikes. “I would say that Filipinos are very, very lucky because they can easily get the XRM,” said the HPI executive during the launch event held at the Honda Safety Driving Center.
Among the most noticeable upgrades are its new headlight and turning lights, which are pattered after the popular Honda CRF150L. Wider body panels give the new XRM a beefier, more masculine look compared to its predecessor. The latest version now comes with a new, more legible digital instrument panel.
The new XRM125 retains the 125cc, SOHC, four-stroke engine that produces 9.6hp at 7,500rpm and 9.55Nm of torque at 6,500rpm. This easy-to-maintain mill is mated to a four-speed semi-automatic transmission with a rotary pattern. Underneath the engine is a small shield made of durable plastic that is reinforced with a steel bracket to protect from rocks and other solid elements.
Just like the previous model, the new Honda XRM125 is equipped with both an electronic and a kick starter. It comes in three variants:
1) 2021 Honda XRM125 Dual Sport (DS)
The Dual Sport rolls on all-terrain tires mounted on spoked wheels and is fitted with a disc brake in front and a drum brake at the rear. The Dual Sport variant is available in two colors: Dark Green and Fighting Red. Its SRP is P67,900.
2) 2021 Honda XRM125 Dual Sport Extreme (DSX)
Just like the DS variant, the DSX uses a set of spoked wheels with all-terrain rubbers. Stopping power comes from disc brakes in front and at the rear. The DSX is only available in black for P71,400.
3) 2021 Honda XRM125 Motard
This variant is equipped with dual disc brakes. The Motard is primarily intended for tarmac and runs on a set of wider road tires mounted on alloy wheels. It is offered only in Fighting Red and is priced at P73,600.