Honda Shine vs TMX 125 Alpha: Photo Comparison
Here’s what separates the two 125cc Honda commuter bikes
Here’s what separates the two 125cc Honda commuter bikes
When it comes to Honda’s commuter range, the Shine has cemented itself as one of the best-selling 125cc motorcycles in the country for years. Recently, Honda launched the TMX Alpha 125 in the Philippines in three new colours: Ruby Red, Matte Armored Silver Metallic and Black. We’ve put both the 125cc commuters against each other and here’s what it’s like:
Honda has designed both the motorcycles for maximum utility and comfort. With its smooth flowing lines through the body panels, the Honda Shine looks quite modern compared to the boxy design of the Honda TMX 125 Alpha. The Alpha’s looks are in fact reminiscent of the Honda CD100.
While the Honda Shine’s fascia looks on par with the current competition whereas the TMX 125 gets an old-school rectangular headlamp. Both the bikes miss out LED headlights to keep them economically priced.
Honda has fitted the Shine with an engine kill switch whereas the TMX 125 Alpha doesn’t get one. Both the 125cc commuters get an electric as well as a kick-start and other basic switchgear.
The seat on the Honda Shine as well as the TMX 125 Alpha is a single-piece unit. The Honda Shines scores an extra point with its 162mm ground clearance as compared to the 156mm ground clearance of the TMX 125 Alpha.
The Honda Shine is one step ahead of its 125cc cousin in terms of features. Its instrument cluster displays the speed, odometer, single trip meter and the fuel level, whereas the TMX 125 misses out on the fuel gauge.
The Honda Shine uses a fuel-injected, air-cooled, 124cc motor that makes 10.74PS of power and 11Nm of torque. Whereas, the TMX 125 Alpha is powered by a carburetted, air-cooled 125cc motor that makes 10.13PS and 9.3Nm. Both the bikes are mated to a 5-speed gearbox.
Honda has equipped the Shine with a silent starter. The BS6 compliant motor offers 14% more efficiency than the BS4 engine and also gets various other friction reduction technologies. Whereas, the Honda TMX 125 Alpha is absolute barebones.
While the Honda Shine is available in a drum as well as a disc-brake variant, the TMX 125 is sold in drum brake variant only.
Both the bikes are equipped with telescopic forks at the front and dual rear suspensions. The Shine’s rear shock absorber gets 5-step preload adjustability.
The Honda Shine rides on alloy wheels whereas the Honda TMX 125 Alpha comes with spoked wheels only. In this manner, the Shine is a better option as the tubeless tyres on the alloy wheels can handle punctures much better than the tubed ones on the spoke wheels.
Honda has priced the Shine at Rs 70,478 in India, whereas the TMX 125 Alpha retails at PHP 51,400 in the Philippines, that’s Rs 78,350 approximately.
Honda Shine User Reviews
- Honda shine one of the best all rounder 2 wheelerExcellent bike with smooth performance, great mileage, and low maintenance. The Honda Shine is comfortable for daily commuting and reliable for long-term use. I’ve had a very good ownership experience and would recommend it to anyone looking for a practical and dependable bike. This is one of the all rounder in two wheeler.Read More1
- Honda shyne me bahut problem face karni karti haiI already had a Honda Shine 125 cc which was working better, keeping that in mind, I bought my second Honda Shine 125 cc in November 2025, but I felt that the quality was compromised in it. Earlier I used to praise Honda's engine a lot, but not anymore. My first Honda Shine was running very well so I did not buy it whereas my new bike is having a lot of problems like engine oil leakage and gear shifting and I am very sad to see that. Now I will not tell anyone to buy Honda Shine. Compared to the old Honda Shine, the new Honda shine is made of very poor quality. The metal used in it is also of very poor quality. The engine is losing oil very fast and the gears in the gearbox are also slipping.Read More2
- Middle family members bikeI purchases shine bike because of this bike condition, seating capacity, break, clutch everything is fine working. My neighbours also chose this bike, many people are using this. Wheels are in very good condition. This bike is good for long journey 300 kms at a time. No pains, smooth drive, comfortable riding, no shaking, two members capacity in ride. Offroad driving is also very easy. Lot of people driving this. My neighbour use this and suggested lot of people this bike, used in now days but small major problems faced and another things are very good. Present middle class family can purchase this, I seen this type so I also purchased this.Read More1 2
- honda shine classicHonda shine has so many features that every person required, It's about long run and its been kind to us, i mean honda reliability is pretty good, its basic but gives good mileage, pretty everything nothing extra thats it for me. Its been pretty good i mean its has issues like power dop that gear shifting becomes a ritual for this low cc bikes cant argue, but long rides feels so smother and good definetly smoother point thats it. yeah, if youre riding in rural and urban areas it goes both ways smoother rides on the flats roads, never had a issue with thing except for the fact it looks so basic, and i can get over it, thats me except its pretty good.Read More2
- Best for mileage, comfort,style, for middle classBudget friendly, smooth, comfort, mileage, maintenance, enough for small family and also good services centre's, servicing charges are little bit budget friendly, no extra charges, for regular office usage. Firstly, good for small family as comfort wise, smooth engine so smooth driving, mileage wise it's good an and average mileage will be getting, in highways can expect good mileage, handling is so smooth and confident. Middle class people can afford this bike, more likely to suggest for office employees can drive smoothly, and also mileage wise budget friendly, affordable maintenance, so i can strongly recommend this bike.Read More1 1