The Honda XRM 125 is one of the top-selling underbone-style motorbikes produced and sold in the Philippines. Given the quality (or lack) of roads in Metro Manila and around the Philippines, this model was designed for both on and off-road use.

The 125cc segment is the popular workhorse category for urban commuters and casual weekend riders. The Honda XRM 125 is light, nimble and minimalist, making it reliable for daily use, but at the same time, it’s a tough dual sport bike loaded with quality features like great suspension, comfy seating and close handlebars that make it easy to maneuver even on long rides.

I’ve noticed that Honda XRMs are one of the most widely available units for rent especially in smaller Philippine islands because they’re tough, reliable and easy to use in any type of terrain.

I’ve rented and used various Honda XRM units while traveling around in Sagada, Siargao, Palawan and Samar, to name a few and they’ve always served me well.

READ MORE: 10 Amazing Philippine Islands to Explore by Motorcycle

The All-New Honda XRM DSX is their latest line in this model, improving on an already very popular and well-loved model. Honda promises that with this bike, you can conquer your own road, “go anywhere and do anything”. The folks at Honda Philippines lent me a unit to use for a couple of weeks and here’s what I can share firsthand about the bike both for city streets and off-road.

Design

The All-New Honda XRM DSX is a special edition of the bike that comes only in one color: black with a few red details. At first glance, the bike looks like a more clean-cut and classic version of the regular XRMs and other underbone motorcycles. The matte black with just striking pops of red is a step up above the previous sportier-looking models. While the previous white and red or black and red color combination look more aggressive for off-road driving, the matte black looks decent for urban settings.

Previous models look very rugged, but this is a motorbike you wouldn’t mind using in  the city. You can use it to go to the office, mall or just casual rides around the metro. But it has a sporty side too, and doesn’t look out of place in natural settings or off-road conditions too. The bike is plain black, so choosing what to wear is pretty hassle-free. There’s no need for really fancy jackets or riding boots, because this is a very casual-looking bike. You can dress very casually for rides and use any helmet without having to worry about gear not matching.

Features

• Sporty CRF-designed headlight
• Distinctive CRF-Designed Front fender
• Striking Body Stickers
• Front and Rear Disc Brakes in Unique Red Colored caliper

• Special Red Edition rear and shock parts
• Sleek Meter Cluster
• Sporty CRF-Inspired Side Panels: tough ride for tough roads
• Paint finished handle bar

• Comfortable seat cushion: designed for top seating comfort even for long rides.
• Euro 2 Compliant Engine: powerful, quality proven 125cc engine that burns fuel efficiently for worry free motoring performance
• Spacious U-Box. Secured, convenient storage for personal items

• Stylish Rear Center Cover and Tail lights – designed to complement the strong CRF inspired tail
• Fashionable black painted engine cover – specifically designed to give clear subdued appearance

Specifications

• Engine: 4-stroke, air cooled over-head cam (OHC)
• Displacement: 125.8 cm3
• Bore x Stroke: 52.4 mm x 57.9mm
• Starter System: Electric/Kick
• Compression ratio: 9:3:1 “1.2Mpa”
• Max power: 6.9 KW @ 7,500 rpm
• Gear system: Rotary Gear Shift Pattern
• Dimension (LxWxH): 1,902 mm x 805 mm x 1,072 mm
• Seat Height: 776 mm
• Wheel base: 1239 mm
• Steering Angle: Left = 45 deg Right = 45 deg
• Dry weight: 99 kg
• Ignition system: DC-CDI/Battery
• Brake System: Front Hydraulic Disc / Rear Hydraulic Disc
• Tire Size: Front 2.50 – 17 38L / Rear 2.50 – 17 38L
• Battery: Maintenance Free
• Fuel capacity: 3.8L

Field Test Notes

City streets

• Driving in Metro Manila generally sucks especially during rush hour, but with the Honda XRM, you can easily weave through traffic and avoid choke points.
• It performs very well given the state of our roads. It can handle ruts, potholes and uneven cement, asphalt without any problems.
• It’s easy to ride even over roads covered in sand and gravel due to never-ending construction and road repairs.
• It’s the type of bike you will want to use for driving around the city if you need to do chores and get around quick.
• Because it’s small and light, it’s easier to park and you can easily maneuver up sidewalks.
• The seat height is comfortably low and unintimidating, making it very easy to drive.
• I don’t need to tiptoe during traffic standstills. It’s very easy to balance.
• The storage compartment isn’t that big, but it’s enough to store essentials like a bike lock and other personal items.
• One downside is that if you need to carry a lot of stuff (ex. groceries, big bags of laundry etc.), you can’t hang stuff anywhere unlike with scooters.

Off-road

• The bike performs very well on dirt roads, access roads and trails.
• I used the bike for a weekend ride to Infanta and Gen. Nakar, Quezon and it performed well even on dirt and gravel road as well as a rocky riverside.
• I finally checked out the damaged Querocep Bridge going to Infanta using this bike and it was very easy to drive up and down the steep portion that was damaged by a landslide. There were some guys on smaller scooters behind me who fell because their tires weren’t suitable for the terrain.

• The tires have a tendency to skid if you’re speeding on pavement and suddenly drive over loose gravel, so be careful on blind curves.
• The bike is extremely fuel-efficient. The full tank capacity is just 3.8L, and I loaded about Php 150 pesos, which lasted from Quezon City to General Nakar, Quezon.
• The seat is very comfortable even for long rides.
• Compared to my heavier bike where my arms feel stretched just reaching the handlebars, this feels so light and easy to use. I drove this all day and did not feel tired at all.
• I also used it the bike to try the flat track at the KRB Offroad Track in Antipolo.

Here’s some raw footage on the Honda XRM125 DSX taken with a GoPro Hero 4 and Zhiyun Rider M Gimbal stabilizer.

Price

The Honda All-New XRM DSX has a suggested retail price of just Php 69,900. With financing schemes, a downpayment of just Php 5,000 and monthly installments of Php 3,480 (36 months to pay), this is budget-friendly enough for most average Pinoys to afford.

Verdict

For those looking for a beginner-friendly small displacement bike that you can use both in the city and off-road during weekends, this is a good choice. For the average Pinoy who prioritizes practicality over porma, especially if you have to regularly drive in the city during rush hour, in the rain, etc. this machine will serve you well. The seat height is low, so everyone (both girls and guys) can drive it. Based on Honda’s brochures and advertising materials, they seem to be targeting a younger male market, but I really like the color combination and think that women will find it decent-looking as well.

With Honda’s track record, you know this will get you where you need to go, no drama. Parts and accessories are readily available throughout the Philippines, making this an easy bike to modify should you want to do some upgrades. For longer rides, it would really help to have a bracket and box for additional storage. Actually, if it had a storage compartment, I would have loved to use it on a longer ride. Overall, the Honda XRM125 DSX is a nimble, rugged, no-nonsense and practical bike that gets you where you need to go.