Motor Scooter Guide

HONDA PCX125 / PCX150

The Honda PCX was announced in fall 2009 as a new global model for Honda and it was confirmed as an early 2011 USA model in May 2010. Honda skipped the 2012 model year, but in spring 2012 announced the more powerful PCX150 as an early release 2013 USA model.

The 2011 PCX125 was never offered in Canada, but for 2013 the updated PCX 150 arrives in Canadian showrooms.

The PCX is currently Honda’s most cutting edge mid-sized scooter design aimed at higher end markets. The PCX reaches high levels of refinement, as Honda spent a considerable amount of effort developing this global scooter. Instead of grabbing small bits like the hand controls from their parts bin, Honda created a new generation of small parts that we’ll likely see used for years to come in various models.

Motor
The PCX is a Thailand built scooter featuring Honda's latest engine technology. This includes fuel injection, liquid cooling, engine auto shut off when stopped (except on USA models it curiously) and the world's first ACG (alternating current generator) electric start in a 125cc scooter. This ACG starter is ultra compact and virtually silent - similar to that found on the Ruckus and Metropolitan. With this latest technology, the PCX125 / PCX150 achieves excellent fuel economy. Honda claims 110mpg and most owners report getting reasonable close to that (ie. 90-95mpg) which is awesome for a mid sized scooter.

The 125cc PCX engine is rated at 11.1 HP, while the larger PCX150 gets a 152.9cc motor putting out 13HP. The top speed of the PCX125 is 59-60mph, while the PCX150 accelerates nicely to 60mph and wanders all the way to 70mph. Both PCX’s are electronically RPM governed (62mph PCX125, 70mph PCX150), but they’re mostly out of steam by the governor so removing it only increases downhill speeds.

Besides the extra displacement, the PCX150 uses additional bearings to achieve a lower friction (by 20%) version of Honda’s V-Matic CVT. The cylinder area of the motor is also revised with an offset cylinder (again lower friction), lighter weight piston and tiny splines on the cylinder sleeve to reduce oil consumption.

Design and Amenities
The PCX has a moderate amount of storage in the glovebox and good room under the seat for a full face helmet. The PCX could have had more underseat storage except the larger rear wheel truncates the otherwise available space. Part of this underseat volume was made available by the minimally padded seat, which some owners do report is on the firm side.

The gauges on the PCX are a very nice setup, with a central analog speedometer and a smaller digital display that showed fuel, odometer and trip odometer. The PCX also has an engine temp light and a check engine light, the latter of which is rare amongst scooters.

The PCX boasts all sorts of neat little touches that make this a quality machine. For one, the separate switch beside the ignition allows you to easily open either the underseat storage area or the fuel cap when you’ve got the key inserted (see pic). There’s no need to torque the key to one extreme (and risk bending the key on cold mornings) to unlock a spring loaded latch like you find in other scooters. The rear pegs are another nice touch. They deploy outwards when needed, but otherwise integrate in the body.

Other noteworthy features include a 220mm, 3 piston front disc brake, alloy rims and the inclusion of both a centerstand and side stand. During its first year in the USA market, the PCX125 was offered in Pearl White and Candy Red. For 2013, Metallic Black and Candy Red are the two options, but ‘Candy Red’ is a bit darker this time around. The Canadian market 2013 PCX 150 also comes in Metallic Black, but Pearl White with a Red ‘interior’ replaces the Candy Red option.

2011 Honda PCX - Candy Red Gauges

Discussion
Originally the PCX slotted into Honda's lineup between the 108cc Elite and the larger 150cc SH150i. Honda set the 2011 MSRP at $3399 which was a lot cheaper than the SH150 ($4499). The SH150i didn’t stick around after 2010 however, and Honda bumped the PCX to 153cc for 2013 which made it freeway legal in the entire USA for just $50 more ($3449).

The PCX design is reminiscent of Honda's larger maxi-scooters with the lack of a traditional (complete) floorboard. The PCX is still intended as a step-through and thus is considered a scooter, but it does blur the line between a scooter and a small motorcycle like many other larger scooters are doing. This is a trend that will likely be continuing as the line between scooters and motorcycles is blurred. The PCX looks more like a mini Silverwing than anything else.

Not too many other manufacturers have sold scooters this small without a traditional floorboard. Kymco’s Downtown 200i is one scooter that uses a similar approach, while Genuine’s Blur 150 / 220 is a similar but more sporty shape.

The PCX is a stylish and exceptionally practical scooter. It’s very well built, boasts a full package of the nice amenities and has a top speed that makes it useful on most roads and even the interstate if you have the PCX150 and a little bravado. Honda put together a really well rounded scooter with the PCX 125 with good power, excellent milage, a reasonable MSRP, strong brakes and a generous amount of storage.

Please consider adding an owner review of your PCX 125 / 150. It greatly benefits other readers and improves this site.

OWNER REVIEWS - Browse the Honda PCX 125 / 150 Owner Reviews

Pros:
* Amazing milage
* Newest and most advanced Honda design
* Sharp style

Cons:
* North American’s don’t get the idle stop feature found overseas
* Glovebox needs a lock
* Seat

Links:
PCX Honda Owners Manual - Helpful info and basic info for your PCX.
CheapCycleParts - Lowest cost OEM parts to fix up your PCX.
Club PCX - Nice group of PCX Owners to connect with and a great resource.
Honda USA 2011 PCX 125 Brochure (2 page pdf)
MotorscooterGuide Forums - Visit the forum on this site to chat about scooters
PCX Review - Nice review of the PCX 125 by Motorcycle USA

Key Specs:
* Engine:125cc or 152.9cc, 4-stroke, SOHC, 2-valve, liquid cooled single
* Power: 11.1hp, 8.5 lbs/ft torque (125cc), 13.0 HP (150cc)
* Compression: 11.0:1 (125) or 10.6:1 (153cc)
* Bore x stroke: 52.4 mm x 57.9mm or 58.0mm x 57.9mm (153cc)
* Fuel system: PGM-Fi with autochoke
* Starting: Electric
* Ignition: Digital with electronic advance
* Transmission: Honda V-matic
* Front suspension: 31 mm hydraulic fork with 3.5” travel
* Rear suspension: 2.9” travel (125), 3.1” travel (150)
* Front brakes: Single 220 mm disc, 3 piston caliper and CBS
* Rear brake: Drum with CBS (combined braking system)
* Seat height: 29.9”
* Wheelbase: 51.4" (125), 51.8” (150)
* Weight: 280 lbs (PCX125), 286 lbs (PCX15)
* Tires: 90/90-14 (front), 100/90-14 (rear)
* Fuel capacity: 1.6 Gallon / 6 Liter

Colors:
2011: Pearl White, Candy Red
2013 (USA): Metallic Black, Candy Red
2013 (Canada): Asteroid Black Metallic (same as USA’s Metallic Black), Pearl Himalayas White with Maple Leaf Red interior