What makes Honda Wave 125 Alpha different in the segment?

The Honda Wave series has been in the Philippines for a very long time. It dominated the country streets as the most common bike for a very long period too. Until it was displaced by newer and more sophisticated bikes. The reason behind this dominance is not difficult to understand at all. The same characteristics that made it such a huge success also made it stand out in the crowd even today. These characteristics like the handbook for making a vehicle for the masses.

A dream within reach

Honda normally tends to be more expensive than their other Japanese competitors. The price for quality is not always cheap. Because of this, for many Pinoys, buying a Honda is a dream. Thankfully they can buy a new Honda Wave 125 for as cheap as Php 60900. For this cheap a price, one might think that it is a barebones basic product that never receives an upgrade and comes with many compromises. But one look at the Wave and all these assumptions will quickly be proven false. This does not look like a compromise at all. There are cast alloy wheels instead of spokes.

The paintwork is glossy with three exciting choices and graphics. The leg shield design is functional and yet blends well with the design. The lights and indicators are not just sleek and stylish but also huge for better visibility. Add the sporty chain cover, the multi-function speedometer, and the package becomes extremely appealing for the price. There is even a hydraulic disc brake on the front. All these features have been added in recent upgrades, the last of which was as recent as 2007. In this upgrade, Honda also implemented a fuel injection system to keep up with the competition in some markets. Only a year before this, Honda had introduced the 125cc engine in the lineup. Honda’s efforts of keeping this humble underbone so up to date mean that they care about their customers. And really what else do we expect from Honda.

Durability to the max

Above all, a vehicle for the masses has to be easy to live with. It cannot be temperamental or need a lot of upkeep. It has to function through the toughest conditions and need as little expense as possible. Being a Honda, the Wave scores brilliantly in all these aspects. As the successor of the Honda Super Cub, it had an almost impossible legacy to live up to. Like the Super Cub, it is bulletproof. Its popularity in South East Asia means that there is never any dearth of parts when replacements are needed. In a marvellous feat of engineering, many of its parts are interchangeable across generations.

The 125 cc four-stroke, air-cooled and carbureted engine produces 9 PS and 10.07 Nm of torque, easily pushing the 100 kg bike to speeds of 80 kmph. But it still only sips at the fuel tank with a fuel economy figure of approximately 70 kmpl. Its reputation as the workhorse for the masses is evidence enough of its go anywhere and do anything nature. This is thanks to its motorcycle sized wheels and telescopic front forks.

Successor to the Cub

Probably the most important factor behind the bike’s popularity is the fact that it is the successor of the Honda Super Cub. The same bike that is the most sold vehicle on the planet. The Super Cub could achieve this feat because of its cheap bulletproof nature and practicality. Having already spoken about its durability and affordability, practicality also deserves some mention. The engine is refined and efficient with roller rocker arms and ceramic coated pistons. The odometer is digital and complemented by a gear indicator. There is decent space under the seat and mounts for baskets on the front. These thoughtful features mean that the Wave 125 is just as practical as its predecessor.

Imitation is the best form of flattery. The sheer number of clones of the Wave in the market today goes to show just how appreciated the bike is in the country and indeed the world. It truly stands apart from the crowd.