Honda Future Fi

When Honda named their bike the Future, they probably had the Wave’s future in mind. Obvious comparisons will also be drawn to the Wave 125 Fi. The same basic shape can be seen albeit with a more compact front apron. The headlight has taken a bug-eyed shape with a large light in the handlebar enclosure bisected right down the middle. Below it are the large curvaceous indicators that flank the apron. These are integrated within the apron and will likely be safe from falls. Moving to the sides, the stepped seat adds a new futuristic dimension to the Wave otherwise focused solely on practicality. The tail section has a lighting cluster that copies the one on the front with a very sporty setup with integrated indicators. This too gets the same bifurcated treatment which helps it stand out from the crowd. The grab rail provided for the rear passenger is also just as sporty with its angular design. The inspiration for the design, seemingly goes beyond the styling. The dimensions of the bike are identical to the Wave with a 1962 mm length, 711 mm width, 1092 mm height and a 1258 mm wheelbase. The bike rides on 17” wheels with 70/90 tires front and back. The instrumentation is a single pod analog unit lit with a cool blue glow. There is also a huge underseat storage which is massive at 18-litre and can store a full face helmet. Honda has made the bike available in three different color options Candy Scintillate Red, Mariana Purple Metallic, and Vital Metallic Blue.

The suspension is basic as the price would imply. There are telescopic forks on the front and twin shock absorbers in the rear. The suspension is set for comfort. The seat is a bit firm but should become softer with use. The seat helps a lot in keeping vibrations away from the rider’s posterior. The suspension is not going to turn this bike into an agile superbike. It is meant to absorb road imperfections and nothing more. The bike is a lightweight 105 kg for the single disc variant and 107 for the dual disc variant. Handling the bike is effortless as long as you keep to reasonable speeds.

Generating 9.27 PS at 7500 rpm and 10.02 Nm of torque at 5500 rpm is an air-cooled and fuel injected 4-stroke 125 cc single cylinder with overhead cams. The power is sent to the rear wheel via a 4-speed constant mesh transmission using a wet plate clutch.  Power, like any other commuter underbone is sufficient. There is enough grunt in the engine to accelerate in a jiffy at traffic stops. The bike can even reach speeds on the correct side of 120 kmph. But speed is not what this underbone is meant to do. It is supposed to be ridden at cruising speeds on city roads in comfort. And it does very good on that aspect. Ride it at comfortable speeds and the engine is very refined. But get to higher speeds and the handlebars will start transmitting a lot of vibrations onto your wrists. But the engine is otherwise very refined and reliable. It also comes with a large for the segment 5.4-litre fuel tank that lasts for a good long while.

Braking is surprisingly well appointed with a disc in the front and a drum brake in the rear. For just RM 344 you can buy one with disc brakes on both wheels which is a very welcome move on Honda’s part.

The Honda Future Fi takes care of urban transport needs like a champ. Anyone looking for an upgrade from a basic scooter or underbone needs to have this high on their list.