Yamaha Saluto 125 vs Honda SP 125
The Yamaha Saluto 125 vs Honda SP 125 comparison is one of the most relevant decisions for commuters looking for a dependable 125cc motorcycle in Bangladesh. Both bikes promise excellent reliability, comfortable everyday usability, and affordable ownership, yet they target slightly different riders.
The Yamaha Saluto 125 appeals to riders who prioritize outstanding fuel economy, a lightweight feel, and a simple mechanical setup. On the other hand, the Honda SP 125 combines stronger performance with modern fuel-injection technology, premium features, and a sportier riding experience.
If you’re also considering alternatives, motorcycles such as the Honda Shine 100, Honda Livo, TVS Raider 125, Hero Glamour, and Bajaj Pulsar 125 are worth exploring before making your final decision. This guide assumes you’ve already reviewed the specification table above and focuses on what those differences actually mean during daily ownership.
Price Comparison
The price difference between these motorcycles is relatively small, with the Yamaha Saluto 125 priced at around ৳161,929 and the Honda SP 125 priced at around ৳167,000. For many buyers, this narrow gap means the decision should depend more on long-term ownership than on the initial purchase price.
Although the Yamaha costs slightly less, the Honda offers additional technology, higher performance, and a more modern engine. Buyers planning to keep their motorcycle for many years may find the extra investment worthwhile, while riders looking for the lowest upfront and running costs may still appreciate what the Saluto offers.
Engine Performance and Everyday Riding
The biggest difference between these motorcycles becomes obvious once you start riding them.
The Honda SP 125 produces 10.8 PS and 10.9 Nm, making it noticeably stronger than the Yamaha Saluto 125, which produces 8.3 PS and 10.1 Nm. While both motorcycles comfortably handle everyday commuting, the Honda accelerates with greater confidence and requires less effort during overtaking or carrying a passenger.
Its 5-speed gearbox also plays a significant role. The additional gear keeps engine revs lower at cruising speeds, making highway riding smoother and quieter while improving overall refinement.
The Saluto’s 4-speed transmission feels simpler and easy to use in city traffic, but it cannot match the Honda’s flexibility at higher speeds. Riders who frequently travel outside the city or regularly ride on highways will likely appreciate the Honda’s extra performance.
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
Fuel economy is where the Yamaha Saluto 125 makes its strongest argument.
With an official mileage of 78 km/L, it remains one of the most fuel-efficient motorcycles in Bangladesh. Even in practical riding conditions, its average fuel consumption stays impressively low, making it attractive for delivery riders, students, and commuters covering long daily distances.
The Honda SP 125 officially delivers around 65 km/L, which is still excellent for the segment. Its PGM-FI fuel injection system helps maintain consistent efficiency while also improving throttle response and cold-start reliability.
If maximizing every litre of fuel is your highest priority, the Yamaha clearly has the advantage. However, many riders may find the Honda’s better performance worth the slight increase in fuel consumption.
Carburetor vs Fuel Injection
Another major difference lies in how these motorcycles deliver fuel.
The Yamaha Saluto 125 uses a traditional carburetor, which is simple, familiar to most mechanics, and generally inexpensive to repair. Riders in rural areas may appreciate this simplicity.
The Honda SP 125 uses Honda’s proven PGM-FI (Programmed Fuel Injection) system. Besides improving throttle response and emissions, it provides more consistent engine performance in varying weather conditions while eliminating many of the tuning issues associated with carbureted motorcycles. Honda also pairs the engine with Enhanced Smart Power (eSP) technology to reduce internal friction and improve refinement.
For buyers planning long-term ownership, fuel injection offers a more modern and future-ready solution.
Comfort, Handling and Ride Quality
Both motorcycles are designed primarily for urban commuting rather than aggressive riding.
The Yamaha Saluto 125 feels lighter in traffic thanks to its lower kerb weight. Combined with its higher ground clearance, it handles broken village roads, speed breakers, and uneven city streets confidently.
Meanwhile, the Honda SP 125 delivers a more planted ride at higher speeds. Its longer wheelbase and refined suspension tuning create greater stability during highway cruising, especially when riding with a passenger.
Seat height also influences rider confidence. The Honda’s lower seat makes it friendlier for shorter riders, whereas taller riders may appreciate the Saluto’s slightly higher riding position.
Braking and Safety
Both motorcycles use combined braking technology to improve stability during emergency braking.
The Yamaha Saluto 125 features Unified Braking System (UBS), while the Honda SP 125 uses Combi Brake System (CBS). Both systems distribute braking force more effectively than conventional braking setups and are well suited for everyday commuting.
Neither motorcycle is intended as a performance bike, so both braking systems provide sufficient confidence for typical city riding. Riders should still remember that tyre quality and riding habits contribute just as much to real-world braking performance.
Highway Touring and Long-Distance Riding
Neither of these motorcycles is designed primarily as a touring machine, but one clearly performs better over longer journeys.
The Honda SP 125 benefits from its stronger engine, extra gear ratio, larger 11-litre fuel tank, and smoother cruising ability. These features reduce rider fatigue and allow longer distances between fuel stops.
The Yamaha Saluto 125 can certainly handle occasional highway rides, but its smaller fuel tank and 4-speed gearbox make extended touring less relaxed.
For riders who regularly travel between districts or use highways every week, the Honda feels noticeably more capable.
Maintenance, Reliability and Resale Value
Both Yamaha and Honda enjoy excellent reputations in Bangladesh for durability and dependable engineering.
The Saluto’s mechanical simplicity means routine servicing is straightforward, and many local workshops can easily maintain carbureted engines.
The Honda SP 125 benefits from Honda’s extensive service network and proven FI technology. While fuel injection systems can be more complex than carburetors, they generally require less routine adjustment and provide consistent performance over time when serviced properly.
Resale value is another area where Honda traditionally performs strongly in the Bangladeshi market. The popularity of Honda commuter motorcycles generally helps maintain higher demand in the used-bike market.
Ownership Experience
Living with these motorcycles every day highlights their different personalities.
The Yamaha Saluto 125 is an honest commuter that focuses on affordability, simplicity, and exceptional fuel savings. It asks very little from its owner and rewards careful riding with remarkably low operating costs.
The Honda SP 125 feels more refined and modern. Features such as fuel injection, a smoother gearbox, premium instrumentation, silent starting technology, and stronger acceleration create a motorcycle that feels a generation newer. Riders upgrading from a 100cc commuter will likely notice the improvement immediately.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Yamaha Saluto 125 if your priorities are:
- Maximum fuel efficiency
- Lower purchase price
- Simple carburetor maintenance
- Lightweight city commuting
- Low long-term running costs
Choose the Honda SP 125 if you want:
- Stronger 10.8 PS engine performance
- Modern PGM-FI technology
- A smoother 5-speed gearbox
- Better highway comfort
- Strong resale value and a more premium ownership experience
Final Verdict
The Saluto 125 vs SP 125 debate comes down to balancing economy against performance.
The Yamaha Saluto 125 remains an excellent choice for riders who spend almost all of their time commuting within the city and want one of the lowest running costs in the 125cc segment. Its impressive fuel economy continues to be its biggest selling point.
However, for most buyers, the Honda SP 125 offers a more complete package. Its stronger engine, refined fuel-injected powertrain, smoother gearbox, larger fuel tank, and more premium overall riding experience justify the modest price difference. It feels better prepared for both daily commuting and occasional highway trips, making it the motorcycle that will satisfy a wider range of riders over the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Yamaha Saluto 125 more fuel-efficient than the Honda SP 125?
Yes. The Yamaha Saluto 125 offers higher official and real-world fuel efficiency, making it one of the most economical motorcycles in its class.
Which motorcycle is faster?
The Honda SP 125 accelerates quicker thanks to its 10.8 PS engine and 5-speed gearbox.
Is the Honda SP 125 worth the higher price?
For most buyers, yes. The additional performance, fuel injection, and modern features make the small price difference worthwhile.
Which bike is better for city commuting?
Both perform well in the city, but the Saluto is lighter and more economical, while the Honda feels more refined.
Which motorcycle is better for highway riding?
The Honda SP 125 offers better highway performance because of its stronger engine, extra gear, and larger fuel tank.
Which bike has lower maintenance costs?
Routine maintenance for the Yamaha Saluto can be slightly simpler because of its carbureted engine, although both motorcycles are inexpensive to maintain when serviced regularly.
Which motorcycle offers better resale value in Bangladesh?
Honda commuter motorcycles generally enjoy stronger resale demand in the Bangladeshi used-bike market.
Is the Yamaha Saluto 125 suitable for taller riders?
Yes. Its slightly taller seat height and generous ground clearance make it comfortable for many taller riders.
Which motorcycle is better for carrying a passenger?
The Honda SP 125’s stronger engine and more stable highway manners make it the better option for frequent two-up riding.
Which bike should first-time buyers choose?
If budget and fuel economy are your main concerns, choose the Yamaha Saluto 125. If you want a motorcycle that feels more modern and capable in every riding situation, the Honda SP 125 is the better long-term investment.