Both are Honda 125s, but they could not be further apart in intent: the SH Mode sells the SH’s prestige in a smaller package; the Lead sells the biggest underseat bay in Honda’s range. All figures come from Honda Vietnam’s official pages (retrieved 23 September 2026); fields Honda does not publish are omitted.
Engine and performance
The SH Mode’s 124.8 cc liquid-cooled eSP+ four-valve engine makes 8.2 kW at 8,500 rpm and 11.7 Nm at 5,000 rpm - strong low-down pull, as our power and torque explainer covers. The Lead’s 125 cc eSP+ four-valve liquid-cooled engine with PGM-FI is tuned for economy and usability; Honda’s Lead page in our retrieval did not publish output figures, so none are quoted. In practice both are city-strong; neither is a sports scooter.
Storage: the decisive difference
The Lead’s 37-litre bay holds two full-face helmets - the benchmark storage comparison. The SH Mode offers 18.5 litres: a half helmet plus daily items. If the scooter is a working tool, the Lead wins outright.
Equipment and image
The SH Mode brings a 4.2-inch TFT display, full LED, smart key, USB-C, an eSAF frame and front ABS on its Sport, Special and Premium versions, plus SH-style prestige on the street. The Lead is more utilitarian, with an ABS version available. What TFT adds over LCD is covered in our displays guide.
Price
The SH Mode lists at 66,361,091 VND for the versions shown - premium money for a 125. The Lead’s positioning is value-plus-storage; check Honda’s current Lead pricing when buying.
Verdict
Style, premium feel and low seat: SH Mode. Cargo, family practicality, value: Lead. Neither is a price-published Nguyen Tu rental model - contact us to confirm current availability. Also see SH Mode vs SH160i if prestige is the real goal, or Vario vs Lead for the sporty alternative.