Honda PCX125: 2018 brings a renewed and improved version

Honda – Over 140.000 units strong since its launch in 2010 to date, theHonda PCX125 is ready to face 2018 with an entirely renewed style, made up of strong but at the same time natural lines and perfectly combined with the traditional fluid surfaces that have always characterized this scooter, appreciated for its relaxed riding position, the under-seat compartment capable of accommodate a full face helmet plus other items and overall excellent quality.

THEaesthetics of the vehicle has been improved, trying to enhance the contours and strengthening the fluid style. But that is not all. The greater freedom of movement for the rider, the capacity of the under-seat compartment and the new instrumentation with LCD panel with negative backlighting, they match the bright ones LED lights creating a perception of quality impossible to find on any scooter of the same segment. The news is also different under the skin: the tubular steel frame it's time to double cradle, everyone benefits from agility, maneuverability and stability. The new wheels lightened and large section tires improve look and road holding. That front it is equipped with a hollow hub, for a 7% lighter weight (-0,2 kg) while the rear wheel weighs 11% less (-0,5 kg). The Michelin City Grip tires they have larger dimensions, with the front 100/80-14 and the rear 120/70-14 (compared to the previous 90/90-14 and 100/90-14) and, together with the new wheels, not only make the scooter lighter and manoeuvrable, but they also help reduce fuel consumption thanks to less resistance to progress. The rear shock absorbers, repositioned at the attachment point, have progressive springs for an effective response at any pace.

Il single shaft engine (SOHC) 2-valve 125 cc, liquid-cooled, is the most updated version of the well-known design Honda eSP (enhanced Smart Power), the engine adopted in different configurations and displacements across the entire range of small-displacement Honda scooters. It offers excellent reliability and excellent performance, smooth and silent operation, excellent fuel consumption and reduced emissions. There maximum power has been increased by 0,3 kW, up to the current 12,2 HP (9 kW) at 8.500 rpm, with a maximum torque of 11,8 Nm at 5.000 rpm. To achieve this result, the airbox now has a greater volume (+1 litre), achieved thanks to the moving back of the rear shock absorbers. The intake has a redesigned air intake, while the position and profile of the internal parts have been revisited to make the air flow path as smooth as possible. THE consumption they are now equal to 47,6 km/l in the WMTC average cycle and with system Start & Stop deactivated. This results in a range of over 350 km thanks to the 8-litre tank. The Start & Stop system, of which Honda's PCX was the precursor, automatically turns off the engine after 3 seconds of idling with the scooter stopped and automatically restarts it when the accelerator knob is simply reopened. Its operation is exemplary, as well as silent, thanks to the ACG generator and the reverse rotation decompression system which returns the crankshaft to the bottom dead center position, to reduce starting resistance caused by compression.

The height of the saddle it is now 764mm (+4mm), but still very comfortable thanks to the 540mm crotch arch. Thanks to the new superstructures there is more space for the feet and legs. Both the seat and the fuel cap access cover open at the push of a button near the ignition key block and the seat now features a spring-loaded hinge that keeps it in the raised position while open. As always, the ignition key is protected by a mechanical locking device which acts as an effective deterrent for intruders. The load capacity of the underseat compartment has been increased by 1 litre, and is now equal to 28 litres, without however affecting the overall width of the vehicle, and can easily accommodate a full-face helmet plus other objects. The owner's manual and tool kit are now located under the seat.