Honda PCX

Overview

While Honda was the first to foray into the small capacity maxi scooter market in Malaysia, Yamaha’s NMAX has come out as the clear winner. And Honda cannot take this lying down. After the launch of the PCX in 2011, Honda has given it a bigger engine in 2013 and a facelift in 2014. Now in 2018, Honda is about to launch a hybrid variant and an electric version in some markets. While we wait for that, we have a completely redesigned new model for 2018. It comes with brand new tech and styling that makes it uphold the premium and innovative image. And with a price tag of RM 11000 against the likes of the Yamaha NMAX and the Sym VTS 200, it has a lot to justify.

Design

For how niche the segment is, it is already becoming tough for these small capacity maxi scooters to stand out. But the new Honda PCX should have no trouble. It is definitely one of the better designs that have matured very well over the years. Everything looks well made with good fit and finish and nothing out of proportion. The dimensions have not changed much with a length of 1923 mm, a width of 745 mm, and height of 1107 mm. Same goes for the high central spine, stepped seat and the big curvy front end.  There are however many cosmetic changes that bring the design up to date. The new dual LED headlights share space with LED DRLs and LED indicators riding on top of them. The centre of the front end is occupied by a large blackened windshield with small sporty intakes.

The overall look from the front is that of a gracefully curvaceous alien. The curves of the apron extend back carrying the lines from the front. The side profile carries over the lines in much the same understated way. The rear section with its almost integrated grab rail and subtly curved body panels give it a refined and mature look. The rear lights also get the LED treatment with a more futuristic design. The exhaust also carries the same gentle curves as the rest of the bike. Even the small things like the foot pegs for the pillion seat and the intake for the engine in the footboard look well integrated.

The 14-inch black 7 spoke cast wheels with 90/90 46P front and 100/90 57P rear tires finally tie the whole design together. The various color options - Radiate Gray Metallic, Pearl Metalloid White and Euphoria Red Metallic – help in accentuating the subtle details of the design. Instrumentation uses a fully digital display that shows odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge, clock and fuel consumption data. Behind the apron is a lockable console box that has a 12 V power outlet for charging devices. Under the seat is a 25-litre waterproof storage compartment that is big enough to store a full-face helmet and then some.  

Ride & Handling

The Honda PCX is a lightweight bike at 130 kg. Its wheelbase of 1313 mm and caster angle of 27 degrees give it good maneuverability. The low seat height of 761 mm with raised handlebars and enough space in the footwell area make it comfortable to ride for long rides. The ground clearance of 138 mm should not pose a problem as long the rider sticks to nice urban roads. The suspension itself uses telescopic front forks and dual shock absorbers in the rear. The seats also have better cushioning and do a good job of absorbing the bumps on the road.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

The new Honda PCX uses a 149 cc 2 valve SOHC water cooled with and fuel injected engine producing 12.6 PS at 8500 rpm and 13 Nm of torque at 5500 rpm. Transmission is through a dry centrifugal clutch and a V Matic transmission that now delivers better acceleration in mid to high range. It is also very smooth and quiet. Equipped with a switchable idle stop-start system, it also gets high fuel consumption at 44 kmpl. With an 8-litre fuel tank, this gives it a range of more than 350 km.

Braking & Safety

The brakes on the Honda PCX however, still have the same old configuration with a hydraulic disc brake for the front and a leading-trailing drum brake for the rear. There is no ABS either. With such a high price and competitors delivering these features since much earlier, this can prove to be a serious chink in the PCX’ curvy armor. The scooter does, however, come with a smart key that comes equipped with an immobilizer, an anti-theft alarm and an answer back system.

Verdict

The new Honda PCX does have a lot going for it in terms of design and practicality. But the high price and the absence of features naturally expected at this price are bound to cause some worry for Honda. If you do not share these worries, however, the PCX should do you nicely.