Buzz
Honda CT125 is the name that has been mentioned the most since Yamaha PG-1 was introduced and officially sold at an extremely attractive price. Perhaps what makes this comparison so widespread is because at first glance, they are two bikes with the same design style, reminiscent of the old Chaly model that affluent families used to buy for their mothers to go to the market or for their children to go to school when they reached high school. Despite having the same design, Honda CT125 with a larger engine displacement possesses slightly better equipment than PG-1, and if sold officially, the market would probably be much happier.Price
The Yamaha PG-1, priced at 30.4 million (including 8% VAT), will see a VAT increase to 10% next year, bringing the price to 31 million. Despite initial expectations, the PG-1 comes at a significantly lower price, partly due to domestic production. Exported to Thailand, the PG-1 is priced at 64,900 baht, approximately 45 million VND. In contrast, the Honda CT125, manufactured and sold in Thailand, is priced at 84,900 baht, around 58.6 million VND. Compared to the PG-1 in Thailand, the CT125 is 13.6 million more expensive.
At this price point, the CT125 is likely tailored for a select group of enthusiasts, particularly those with deeper pockets. If Honda Vietnam were to sell the CT125 officially and import from Thailand, the price would likely exceed 90 million as per my estimation. Thus, it's unlikely that the CT125 and PG-1 will compete in Vietnam, given their distinct target markets. The PG-1 appeals to those who admire the CT125's style but prefer not to splurge excessively on a motorcycle.Exterior and Dimensions
The Honda CT125 is a revival and modernization of the CT110 series, which has been in production since the 1980s. In reality, the design of the bike hasn't changed much, retaining its bold and unconventional appearance. One could humorously imagine the CT125 as a Cub with a Scrambler twist.
Notable features of the Honda CT125 include LED headlights with daytime running lights, square LED turn signals with a unique design, metal front mudguard, pre-installed engine guard, and a round LCD dashboard. Particularly eye-catching is the stylish design of the CT125's exhaust pipe, with meticulous attention to detail throughout. The seat height is 800 mm, and the bike weighs 120 kg. The ground clearance of the Honda CT125 is 165 mm.
The distinguishing factor of the PG-1 is Yamaha's offering of a wide range of color options, from neutral tones to bold and distinctive hues. I also prefer the brown seat detail on the Yamaha PG-1. The bike has a seat height of 795 mm, a body weight of 107 kg, lighter and with a lower seat height than the CT125. The dashboard of the Yamaha PG-1 is entirely analog, with separate displays for speed and fuel, presenting a sleek appearance.
Yamaha targets the PG-1 towards Gen Z to expand its market, though it also attracts a considerable number of older customers. Therefore, offering a variety of colors is essential to meet the diverse needs of different customer groups. Overall, in terms of appearance, I find that the Honda CT125 effectively combines modern and classic elements, achieving a high level of refinement, while the PG-1 leans slightly more towards a classic and youthful style.Suspension System and Safety Features
The front suspension of the Honda CT125 is a conventional telescopic fork with rubber covers on the fork tubes to prevent dirt from affecting the suspension and to enhance the bike's rugged appearance. The front suspension travel is 110 mm, which is 10mm more than the Super Cub C125. Both the front and rear wheels of the bike are 17 inches in size and are spoked, giving the bike a more adventurous and rugged look. The rear suspension is a dual spring type. The bike's stock tires are designed for primarily on-road use.
Meanwhile, Yamaha's PG-1 boasts a robust front setup with a 16-inch spoked wheel paired with large knobbed tires designed for challenging terrain. These tires ensure excellent grip even on gravel or muddy roads. The front suspension is a telescopic fork with 130 mm of travel, also featuring protective covers, while the rear suspension is a dual spring type with 109 mm of travel. There are slight differences in the specifications of the front setups of both models.
In terms of safety features, the Honda CT125 is equipped with disc brakes for both the front and rear wheels, with ABS for the front channel. Meanwhile, the PG-1 comes with a front disc brake and rear drum brake, without ABS. In this regard, the CT125 edges ahead of the Yamaha PG-1.Engine Power
The Honda CT125 is equipped with a 4-stroke air-cooled engine with a displacement of 124.89cc. This engine produces a maximum power of 8.7 horsepower and a peak torque of 11 Nm. The bike features a 4-speed gearbox. It can be started either electrically using a starter button or by kick-starting, similar to other standard models. The kick-start feature provides added peace of mind for riders, especially in situations where the bike runs out of battery, a feature lacking in the PG-1.
The Yamaha PG-1 features a 114cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine delivering a maximum power of 8.8 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and a peak torque of 9.5 Nm at 5,500 rpm. These figures are quite similar to the Jupiter Finn model currently sold by Yamaha in the Vietnamese market, albeit adjusted to better suit the new transmission system. Yamaha has fine-tuned the gear ratio slightly to enhance the PG-1's acceleration compared to the Finn. Despite having a larger engine displacement, the power specifications of the two bikes are not significantly different.
