This comparison is really a question about priorities: do you want the premium-badge experience of the SH Mode 125, or the stronger engine and lighter chassis of the Air Blade 160 - for around 10 million VND less? All figures come from Honda Vietnam’s official product pages (retrieved 23 September 2026).

Engine and performance

The Air Blade 160’s 156.9 cc liquid-cooled engine produces 11.2 kW at 8,000 rpm and 14.8 Nm at 6,000 rpm. The SH Mode 125’s 124.8 cc liquid-cooled eSP+ engine produces 8.2 kW at 8,500 rpm and 11.7 Nm at 5,000 rpm. The Air Blade is clearly the faster machine, with more torque available lower in the rev range; the SH Mode is comfortable rather than quick - our power and torque explainer covers how to read the gap.

Fuel economy

Honda publishes 2.16 litres/100 km for the SH Mode 125 and 2.23 litres/100 km for the Air Blade 160 - nearly identical, and both efficient for their classes. See the fuel economy comparison.

Size, weight and wheels

SH Mode: 116 kg, 765 mm seat, 16-inch front wheel, 1,304 mm wheelbase - the more stable, more accessible package. Air Blade: 113 kg, 775 mm seat, 14-inch wheels, 1,286 mm wheelbase - the lighter, more compact traffic tool. The SH Mode’s 16-inch front wheel smooths out broken streets; the Air Blade is easier to thread through gaps.

Equipment and safety

SH Mode: 4.2-inch TFT display, smart key with key-left-on warning, USB-C, 18.5 L storage, front ABS on Sport, Special and Premium versions. Air Blade 160: smart key, USB-C, LCD meter, 4.4-litre tank. Both offer premium features; the SH Mode’s dash is the more modern item. ABS availability by version is covered in which scooters have ABS in Vietnam.

Price

Honda lists the SH Mode at 66,361,091 VND and the Air Blade 160 well below it. The premium overview explains where each sits in the market.

Renting context

The Air Blade is one of Nguyen Tu’s price-published rental models: 200,000 VND per day, 800,000 VND per week, 1,400,000 VND per month, per the owner-verified price list. The SH Mode is not price-published - contact us to confirm current availability.

Verdict

Choose the Air Blade 160 for pace, a lighter chassis and a published rental price. Choose the SH Mode for the premium look, the lower seat, the 16-inch front wheel and the modern TFT dash.