Honda PCX

The demand for scooters these days is on the rise. Worsening traffic conditions are compelling riders of motorcycles with manual transmission to shift to automatic scooters. While enjoying the convenience of a CVT (continuously variable transmission), these riders still seek the performance, comfort and stability that a conventional back bone motorcycle offers.

The Honda PCX has everything you could possibly want in a commuter. It is easy to use, comfortable to ride and nice to look at too. Honda went for a clean, elegant styling which has a more sophisticated appeal. The large LED headlamp not only gives you excellent illumination, it also greatly accentuates the commanding presence of the PCX on the road. The exposed chrome handle bar and body-color folding passenger foot pegs completes the premium character of this mid-size scooter.

The PCX is powered by a 150 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine which produces 10.8 kw @ 8,500 rpm and 13.6 nm @ 6,500 rpm. One could argue that a 125 cc or 110 cc even, would be enough for commuting purposes but the PCX offers the extra power that I didn’t know I needed until I had it at my disposal. Once in a while an open road would present itself and you could take it briskly on the PCX. You can also easily stay ahead of smoke-belching trucks and buses, cutting travel time in half and lessening your exposure to pollution as well.

Even while running at three-digit speeds, the PCX was delightfully stable. 14-inch tubeless rubbers provide sure footing while the front telescopic fork and dual rear shocks keeps you firmly planted on the tarmac. I would prefer a softer rear suspension, though. The PCX will stop as quickly as it accelerates even with only a drum at the back. During emergency braking, grab the front disc brake lever and let the ABS do its work.

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The wide front panel gave ample protection from the elements, keeping debris and fatigue at bay. In fact, my pants and shoes stayed dry even after riding in a light drizzle. You might think that the short wind screen is just ornamental but while it does not entirely shield you from the wind, it did an excellent job of deflecting it. It probably makes the PCX more aerodynamic, resulting in the claimed 51.3 kilometer per liter fuel efficiency rating. After clocking in 120 kilometers, I was able to achieve 36.7 kilometers per liter according to the trip computer. Yes, the PCX has a full digital instrument panel that has a speedometer, fuel gauge, a clock, an odometer with trip counter and an average fuel consumption read out. In the PCX’s defense, most of my riding consisted of filtering through gridlocks and occasional short blasts on some open roads. Yes, the PCX is still good for lane splitting even with its relatively hefty dimensions.

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Speaking of which, the PCX felt much lighter that its 131-kilogram weight. It is as flickable as an entry-level scooter and the 8-liter fuel tank was strategically placed low between the step boards to lower center of gravity. It took very little effort to keep the PCX upright even at very low speeds. Shorter riders need not worry much about the 764 mm seat height. The pillion seat is also very much accessible to even to the most petite of passengers.

I am 5’11” and I have no complaints whatsoever regarding leg room. At riding position, my knees are bent at a comfy 90-degree angle and there is even a provision to allow me to place my feet forward, cruiser style.

The PCX offers sophistication not only in form but also in function. It is equipped with a smart key, which stays in your pocket the whole time. It is detected by your unit when in close proximity and you can then lock or unlock the steering, turn on the ignition or open the fuel cap or the 28-liter under seat compartment. The seat is spring loaded so it stays open while your hands are busy sorting through your stuff. It won’t fit two helmets but you can safely store one full face lid with room to spare. There is a discreet cubby hole at the left upper panel where you can store small gadgets for charging as it features a 12-volt socket. Though it is not lockable, it is water tight so you can keep charging your phone even while riding in the rain.

At P 133,900, you get a whole lot of scooter in a stylishly elegant package. It is nimble enough to be a daily rider and still offer comfort and road presence to be a practical weekend tourer. If you ask me, it is well worth the premium.

by: Gilbert Chao

Photos: Kit Pilla