Look around Europe’s capital cities and two letters will be constantly, obviously, on the move around you: SH. Over a million SH scooters have been sold in Europe over the last 37 years, earning the SH tag the status of a brand-within-a-brand, underpinned by Honda’s famed build quality and reliability.
The SH350i, with its compact, flat-floored step-through design and 16-inch front and rear wheels carried all of the SH signature touches and packed something extra – a powerful engine delivering maximum response for both city and highway use.
It became the first Honda to gain EURO4 compliance back in 15YM; at the same time its engine got a boost in torque output and fuel efficiency. Its look, too, was made more muscular while the chassis received revisions to expand storage space and maintain its razor-sharp handling. In 19YM it gained Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and Smart Key operation and, in 21YM, the story continued: the SH350i gained cubic capacity, thus power and torque and an elegant re-style, further cementing its position as the perfect all-round scooter. For 22YM the SH350i two ‘Sporty Edition’ versions expand the appeal. The SH350i’s eSP+ engine makes peak power of 21.5Kw and is strong all the way through the rev-range, delivering fast acceleration. It’s also EURO5 compliant.
Completely refreshed styling is a sleek evolution of the SH formula of compact, usable practicality – easy to both ride and park. It also wraps a lightweight mainframe. A USB socket can be found under the seat, and the dash is LCD.
The 22YM SH350i will be available in the following colour options:
Pearl Cool White
Mat Carnelian Red Metallic
Mat Ruthenium Silver Metallic
Pearl Splendor Red
Black
Two Sporty Editions:
Pearl Falcon Gray **NEW**
Mat Blacky Gray Metallic **NEW**
Both Sporty Edition colours also feature several more premium touches including matt grey wheels, fork lowers, rear carrier and engine covers, red stitching on the seat, red and grey wheel stripes, plus red Honda logo up front and red ‘SH’ logo on the side.
The SH350i is a scooter that instantly defines its presence on the road, marking out its premium SH lineage with brand-new design following the look of the best-selling younger sibling the SH125i, with the styling key words of ‘muscular’ and ‘surface tension’. Its ‘face’ sets it apart: the LED headlight features a central main beam splitting dual dip beams, while position lights reside above on the handlebar nacelle to create a sleek, contemporary frontal signature. The LED taillight and indicators sit neatly at the rear, between an aluminium passenger grab rail.
Of course, as an SH, function is as important as form. The riding position maintains the ability to support a wide range of rider sizes and delivers a relaxed, upright stance and great all-round vision. Total machine length is 2160mm, with width of 742mm and height of 1161mm. Minimum ground clearance is 131mm.
There’s room for a full-face helmet under the seat, and the seat height itself an easy-to-manage 805mm (just 5mm more than the SH125/150). There’s also a USB Type-C socket for easy charging of a mobile device. The standard SH flat floor (435mm wide) makes loads easy to carry as well as aiding the rider step on and off. A foldable utility hook on the front panel adds convenience.
An attractive LCD dash presents all warning lights – including HSTC and ABS operation – neatly around a central digital speedo/odometer display. All operations on the dash are carried out via A/B buttons on the left handlebar.
The front and rear indicators have an auto-cancelling Emergency Stop Signal feature. Once the ABS recognises hard braking is in process, the hazard lights flash to warn other road users.
Adding to the convenience of a busy life on the move is the Smart Key which – as well as controlling the main ignition switch knob and compartment locking – can also manage the optional 35L top box. With the Smart Key in the rider’s pocket the box is unlocked, and automatically locks when the rider walks away. It can also be locked from the key.
The SH350i’s enhanced Smart Power+ (eSP+) engine achieves both high environmental performance and strong output characteristics through comprehensive adoption of technologies for friction reduction. Liquid-cooled, the fuel-injected SOHC four-valve unit produces peak power of 21.5kW @ 7,500rpm, with maximum torque of 32Nm @ 5,250rpm. From a standing start, the SH350i will hit 200m in 10.2s.
Bore is 77mm with 70.7mm stroke; compression ratio is set at 10.5:1. Roller-type rocker arm, plain journal crank bearings and sealed crankcases deliver long-term reliability together with strong performance. To enhance piston cooling, an oil jet, as used on the CRF450R, sprays oil right to the back of the piston, advancing ignition timing and improving combustion performance. Oil capacity is 1.85 litres.
Air is supplied via a 5.5 litre airbox. A 36mm throttle body feeds 28mm inlet valves with maximum efficiency. The intake port also draws air efficiently, utilising a ‘tumble’ flow within the cylinder for consistent fuel combustion. Exhaust gases are expelled via a straight exhaust port.
To reduce exhaust gas resistance, the muffler uses of two distinct chambers. The pipe connecting the expansion chamber – as well as the size and location of the catalyser – are optimised to improve gas flow and purification.
Internal friction is reduced through a 5mm offset cylinder, a hydraulic cam chain adjuster and a scavenger pump. Used on high performance machines, the pump lowers the internal pressure within the engine, reduces oil agitation and decreases pumping losses and internal rotational friction. A balancer shaft further reduces vibration and contributes to a smooth enjoyable ride. An automatic centrifugal clutch works a V-Matic transmission (with ratios set for fast low speed reaction and smart acceleration) and belt final drive.
The engine is equipped with Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). The system detects any difference between the front and rear wheel speeds, calculates the slip ratio and then controls engine torque via the fuel injection to regain rear wheel traction. HSTC can be switched ON-OFF via a switch on the left handlebar. A ‘T’ indicator in the digital display flickers when the system is working to manage grip.
The SH350i’s well-proven chassis is designed to deliver agility and composure in all riding situations. For the 2021 redesign, revised pipe diameters, wall thicknesses, and materials of underbone frame’s component parts improved high speed stability and comfort, while actually saving 1kg in weight of the frame. Supple bump absorption is provided by 35mm telescopic forks, twin rear shock absorbers, cast aluminium swingarm and an Oleo link system mounted underneath the engine to assist handling feel and bump absorption.
Rake and trail are set at 27°5’/99mm with wheelbase of 1452mm and the handlebars feature a 45° turn radius from centre. Kerb weight is 174kg. Tyres are 110/70-16 at the front and 130/70-16 at the rear; two-channel ABS operates 256mm single disc brakes at the front and a 256mm single disc at the rear.
A range of Genuine Honda Accessories are available for the SH350i. They include:
35-litre Smart top box & rear carrier kit
Windshield & knuckle visor set
Heated grips
Scooter blanket
