Honda’s 125 cc scooter range has two very different personalities: the new sporty Vario 125 and the cargo-focused Lead 125. If you are choosing between them, the decision is really about what your week looks like. All figures come from Honda Vietnam’s official product pages (retrieved 23 September 2026).

Engine and performance

Both are liquid-cooled 125 cc engines, but the Vario’s newer eSP unit publishes slightly more: 8.48 kW at 8,500 rpm and 11.9 Nm at 5,000 rpm, versus the Lead’s 8.22 kW at 8,500 rpm and 11.7 Nm at 5,250 rpm. On the road the gap is barely noticeable; both are relaxed, traffic-friendly performers.

Fuel and range

Honda publishes 2.11 litres/100 km for the Vario 125 from a 5.5-litre tank (about 260 km per fill under normal conditions) and 2.1 litres/100 km for the Lead from a 6.0-litre tank - the biggest tank in the class. Economy is a tie; the Lead needs fuel stops slightly less often.

Wheels and weight

Vario 125: 14-inch wheels front and rear, 111 kg, 769 mm seat. Lead 125: small 12/10-inch wheels, 114 kg, and the lowest seat in the class at 760 mm. The Vario is the more stable on rough roads; the Lead is the easier to paddle and flat-foot - see our seat height comparison.

Brakes

The Vario 125 has a front disc with CBS. The Lead offers an ABS version - the only one of the two with ABS available - which matters on wet Hanoi streets; see which scooters have ABS in Vietnam.

Storage

This is the Lead’s kingdom: 37 litres, enough for two full-face helmets, versus the Vario’s 18 litres (a half helmet plus daily items). If you ride with a pillion or carry cargo daily, the Lead wins outright - see the storage comparison.

Features and price

Vario 125: smart key, LCD, USB-C, full LED, idling stop, listed at 41,913,818 VND. Lead 125: analogue-plus-digital meter, generous tank, ABS version available. The Vario is the better-equipped machine; the Lead is the working tool.

Verdict

Choose the Vario 125 for modern equipment, bigger wheels and sportier looks. Choose the Lead for storage, the lowest seat and ABS availability. Neither is a Nguyen Tu price-published rental model - contact us to confirm current availability.