Set against a backdrop of Filipino mythological figures like enkantadas, diwatas and "Si Malakas at si Maganda", the TMX 125 was introduced to the dealer representatives and the media in an upbeat and gyrating ecologically-conscious presentation that could rival the finale of any Broadway musical. The environmental theme was intended to emphasize the clean emissions of the 4-stroke, single overhead cam (SOHC), capacitor discharge ignition (CDI)-equipped, air-cooled 125-cc single-cylinder engine of the TMX, which Honda claims complies with the Euro 1 emissions standards and exceeds the Philippine Clean Air Act regulations.
Besides being green and clean, the TMX 125 also boasts of improved acceleration and power. The factory quoted horsepower and torque figures of 10.7PS at 8500rpm and 9.46 N-m at 7500rpm, which they accentuated with the line "Bangis ng lakas" while associating it with an equally ferocious but endangered animal, the Tiger. Despite its ferocity, the bike’s mean but clean exhaust is silenced by a large megaphone-type muffler for quieter in-town riding.
Since the TMX is Honda’s most popular model line in the working/business class, serving as tricycles, delivery bikes and messenger service mounts, Honda has wisely evolved the model instead of revolutionizing it. The familiar profile of the motorcycle was augmented with a larger fuel tank with a capacity of nine liters for increased range and bigger front telescopic fork suspension and larger hubs for increased durability. The twin rear suspension system was likewise strengthened for increased payload capacity, while seat height and ground clearance was pegged at 743mm (29.25 inches) and 150 (six inches) respectively. Dry weight is quoted at 106 kilograms which, on paper, gives the TMX 125 an outstanding power-to-weight ratio.
The new bike reprises its role as the smaller-displacement sibling of the TMX 155 and Honda decisively markets it as the more economical model between the two brethren. In spite of its new features and improved fuel mileage, the factory retained the TMX 125’s price tag of P63,900 to attract traditional Honda buyers as well as draw new customers from other brands, especially the owners of cheaper China-made brands.