Honda PCX 125: the bestselling scooter capable of renewing itself [ROAD TEST]

140.000 pieces sold in eight years were not enough for the home technicians Honda to decree the end of the evolution of PCX125.

The 2018 version of this popular scooter, in fact, comes with many innovations both on an aesthetic and structural level which make it, in fact, a practically new model.

Honda PCX125: the engine

Let's start our journey from the heart, that is to say from engine. The new Honda PCX125 features a 2 cc, liquid-cooled, 125-valve single-cam engine, which is none other than the most updated version of the Honda eSP (enhanced Smart Power), the engine adopted in different configurations and displacements across the entire range of small Honda scooters displacement. The maximum power has been increased thus reaching the current ones 12,2 CV at 8.500 rpm, with a maximum torque of 11,8 Nm at 5.000 rpm. To achieve this result it was necessary to increase the volume of the airbox, possible thanks to the moving back of the rear shock absorbers. The new engine also brought a improvement in consumption, which the company declares equal to 47,6 km/l in the average WMTC cycle and with the Start&Stop system deactivated, for aautonomy of over 350 km thanks to the 8 liter tank. The Start&Stop system automatically turns off the engine after 3 seconds at idle with the scooter stopped and automatically restarts it when the accelerator knob is simply reopened. In short, we are faced with an engine capable of unifying reliability e performance, smooth driving, silence, as well as reduced consumption and emissions.

Honda PCX125: the equipment

At the beginning we underlined how the Honda PCX125 2018 version is a practically new scooter compared to the models that preceded it. This emerges openly from the profoundly renewed aesthetics, which winks at modern and captivating lines, with fluid contours and a defined character. In short, a beautiful and attractive design as well as the various ones LED light clusters, a real gem on a model of this displacement, which highlights the construction care required by the Ala manufacturer. The LED headlights and slim position lights are angled upwards independently, with the turn signals discreetly concealed in the upper outer edges. The LED rear light cluster, with its characteristic X shape, offers superior brightness and larger dimensions for better visibility. Climbing on board the eye immediately falls on the new instrumentation with Negative backlight LCD panel which allows you to have all the information you need while driving within easy reach even against the light (the writing is white on a black background as in the company's sports models).

Honda PCX125: the chassis

The new PCX125 is equipped with a completely redesigned frame which led to the introduction of a double cradle system, again tubular steel which has allowed us to improve the levels of control and stability (and a weight reduction of 2,4 kg) but without sacrificing agility, an essential characteristic for a model like this. For the first time on a Honda scooter, there is a support for the fairing in extra-resistant plastic material, which replaces the previous steel structure. The new wheelbase is slightly shorter (-2 mm), now equal to 1.313 mm, but the steering geometry remains substantially unchanged, with a steering head inclination of 27° and slightly greater trail, equal to 86 mm. The weight with a full tank of petrol is unchanged, equal to 130 kg. Also new rims, lighter and still in alloy but now with eight spokes, with the front wheel equipped with a hollow hub, for a 7% lower weight (-0,2 kg) while the rear wheel has a 11% lower weight (-0,5 kg). The Michelin City Grip tires have larger dimensions, still 14″, but with 100/80 front and 120/70 rear (compared to the previous 90/90 and 100/90) and, together with the new wheels, they not only make the scooter is light and manoeuvrable, but they also help reduce fuel consumption thanks to less resistance to progress. There fork with 31 mm stanchions is unchanged, with a wheel travel of 89 mm, while the rear shock absorbers have rearward mountings and are equipped with triple spring constant springs which guarantee better absorption of roughness at any pace. The swingarm is made of aluminum and the wheel travel is 84 mm. The braking system has been significantly updated and now also adopts a ABS anti-lock system on the front wheel, where there is a 220 mm disc with two-piston caliper. At the rear, braking is entrusted to an effective 130 mm drum system.

Honda PCX125: in the saddle

After this long overview of numbers and technical characteristics, finally, the time came to get on the saddle and tell you about our sensations. There driving position is comfortable and relaxing for shoulders and arms. The seat height is now 764 mm, four more than before, but the 540 mm crotch arch allows you to place your feet firmly on the ground when you come to a traffic light or a stop sign. The legs have more space, thanks to the new superstructures. More space for the pilot, but also greater load capacity: that of compartment under the saddle has been increased by 1 liter, and is now equal to 28, a value that allows you to comfortably fit a full-face helmet. Cleverly the user manual and tool kit are now placed under the seat. On the back of the shield there is a large storage compartment which can accommodate a bottle of water or a can and is equipped with a larger lid for easier access. It also includes a 12V socket to power your portable devices. Both the seat and the fuel cap access cover open with the simple press of a button near the ignition key block.

Once our Honda PCX125 is turned on, the feeling is immediate. All we have to do is give a boost of gas and we understand that everything we have read about him becomes reality. There power, although lower than the legal limit for a 125 cc (12,2 against the maximum 15 hp), is available for all regimes, both at the bottom, when you have to sprint at the traffic lights, and at the top, when you need a bit of reach, perhaps on a country road. What impressed us most is the agility and roadholding. In our two-day test in magnificent Porto we faced peak traffic, city ups and downs dotted with potholes, rails and cobblestones, but also wide fast-moving roads, where sharp bends alternate with sudden, small-radius turns. The roadholding of the PCX125 2018 version is excellent. The fork works well and the front is always attached to the ground, giving a sense of great stability and safety. The braking system, thanks to a well-calibrated ABS, does not make you feel the lack of a rear disc: braking is progressive and always ready, without ever being abrupt or with annoying jerks. Furthermore, the many compartments allow you to store your wallet, phone, backpack or anything else and be able to concentrate only on driving. The central tunnel is not an obstacle and the legs have the right space and the right protection from the air (which should not be overlooked for those who use the scooter all year round). At the traffic lights no one treads on us and the only limit is not being able to venture on longer journeys. The law requires it! In short, the Honda PCX125 is perfect for those looking for a travel companion in the city jungle, but also for those who have to make extra-urban trips, not even too short ones. The price? €3.090 ex-dealership: fair enough if you consider Honda's history, the finish and the overall quality of the scooter.

Tester clothing:
Jacket: Tucano Urbano Aeros
Trousers: Tucano Urbano Genova Gag
Gloves: Tucano Urbano Aero Touch
Shoe: Alpinestars Lunar
Helmet: Scorpion Exo-City Wind