Honda PCX

Overview

When the Honda PCX was launched in Asian markets in 2011, it heralded the maxi scooter design in the market. Since then it has received a bigger engine in 2013 and another facelift in 2014. In 2018, Honda decided to launch a hybrid along with an electric version of the PCX in many markets. Throughout this progression, we can see that Honda has kept their small capacity maxi-scooter at the forefront of innovation. The PCX was indeed cutting edge when it was launched and looks futuristic even today. Competing against the Yamaha NMAX and the Sym VTS 200, it holds up the more premium end of the market with an expensive price tag of nearly RM 11000. What does this maxi scooter get you for your RM 11000? 

Design

Small capacity maxi scooters are nothing new in Malaysia. The PCX was one of the first to start this trend and we must say that the PCX’s design has aged well. While the basic maxi scooter design with the high central spine, stepped seat and the big curvy front end has remained mostly unchanged, many small cosmetic changes have kept it up to date. The front gets dual LED headlights with pointy indicator lamps that can be seen from the side giving it good visibility. A high blackened windshield takes up a large amount of the front fascia and provides excellent wind protection. The front apron itself extends backwards to give it a more sporty profile. The grab rail and body panels enhance its sporty looks even more. The pillion seat has been given more cushioning and there is ample space on the footboard. Finally, the 14” gold cast wheels with 90/90 46P front and 100/90 57P rear tires give it a lot of presence on the road.

The color options are Candy Caribbean Blue Sea, Pearl Metalloid White and Asteroid Metallic Black. The last two options come with gorgeous red seats and look very classy indeed. The PCX definitely cuts a prettier picture than the Yamaha NMAX. Instrumentation is a combination analogue speedometer and digital display showing odometer, trumpeter, fuel gauge, clock and fuel consumption readout. Other nice amenities include a 12 V charging outlet that has its own compartment with a lid to store your devices. There is an even bigger (25-litre) waterproof storage compartment under the seat that is big enough to store a full face helmet and then some.  Practicality goes even higher with a seat height of 761 mm and a ground clearance of 138 mm that should be comfortable for most riders and road conditions respectively.

Ride & Handling

The suspension is handled by hydraulic 31 mm telescopic front forks in the front and twin shock absorbers in the rear. The 131 kg bike is easy to handle despite its 1315 mm wheelbase partly due to the fuel tank placement under the seat which gives it a low centre of gravity and partly because of the rigid spine in the middle. Handling is confident even at high speeds. That being said this is strictly an urban proposition and most at home on smooth city roads.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

The engine in the PCX is a single cylinder 149 cc 2 valve unit with SOHC. It is water cooled with the radiator under the right side of the scooter. It is fuel injected and comes with only an electric starter with no kick starter for backup. It produces a max power output of 12.6 PS at 8500 rpm and maximum torque output of 13 Nm at 5500 rpm. It uses a dry centrifugal clutch and a V Matic transmission. Honda employs eSP or enhanced smart power for low friction that enhances output efficiency, durability, noise levels and fuel consumption. That fuel consumption is rated at a decent 44 kmpl which combined with an 8 L fuel tank gives it a range of more than 350 km. Honda also gives the PCX Idling Stop system that puts the engine in sort of a sleep mode when it has been on idle for more than three seconds. Restarting the engine just takes a twist of the throttle. While it may have been meant for improving fuel economy, the feature can become a nuisance for some. Honda has thoughtfully and thankfully made this feature selectable with a switch on the right handle. As for the engine’s performance, the PCX can comfortably be driven at high speeds of up to 90 km/h without a hiccup. But this scooter is not really meant for top speed.  It will be hard to reach 110 kmph on it.

Braking & Safety

There is a single hydraulic disc brake on the front with a leading-trailing drum brake on the rear. Brakes have sufficient stopping power for everyday situations and will not feel lacking in any way. However, the absence of ABS at this high a price range is bound to cause sleepless nights. The presence of a remote response system may help with that. Also armed with an anti-theft alarm. It helps you locate your scooter in busy parking lots with the push of a button. This causes the scooter to flash its lights and emit a beeping sound, helping you find your vehicle.

Verdict

The Honda PCX has now become a household name in Malaysia and with the electric and hybrid versions on the wings, the name is only going to get stronger. The current PCX is a stylish, practical, efficient and modern scooter that performs very well in the urban setting. Its high price however does not make it as appealing as the Yamaha NMAX. Can the Honda keep its share in the maxi scooter market of Malaysia? Should Honda ditch the PCX completely and launch the new Forza instead? Only time will tell the future of the PCX and indeed maxi scooters in Malaysia.