About.com Rating

The Bottom Line

A welcome addition to the Honda scooter family that infuses power scooter styling cues at the mild expense of ergonomics.

>>Click here for a 2010 Honda PCX Scooter Photo Gallery

Manufacturer's Site

Pros

• Big scooter styling, small scooter pricing
• Flickable handling
• Good wind protection

Cons

• Riding position is tight for taller folks due to saddle divider
• 125cc engine doesn't qualify it for freeway duty in most states

• Foot area is limited

Description

• Liquid-cooled, 125cc 4-stroke single-cylinder engine
• Honda V-Matic Automatic Transmission
• Front Suspension: 31mm fork with 3.5 inches of travel
• Rear Suspension: Unit swingarm, 2.9 inches of travel
• Brakes: Single 220mm disc w/3 piston caliper (front), Rear drum, and combined braking (rear to front)
• Seat Height: 29.9 inches
• Fuel Capacity: 1.6 gallons
• Colors: Candy Red, Pearl White
• Curb weight: 280 pounds
• Price: $3,399

Guide Review - 2011 Honda PCX Scooter Review

Just a few years ago, Honda offered only two scooters for the US market. But those options have finally expanded: in addition to the Metropolitan, Ruckus, Silver Wing, SH150i, and Elite, the new PCX joins the US lineup as a 2011 model.

PCX comes from Honda's new plant in Thailand, and bridges the gap between the 108cc Elite ($2,999) and the 153cc SH150i ($4,499.) Priced at $3,399, the PCX is powered by a fuel-injected, 125cc single-cylinder powerplant mated to an automatic transmission capable of an estimated 110 miles per gallon.

Rear brakes are linked to the front, and parking options include a side stand or center stand.

Climb aboard this two-seater, and you'll find a 29.9 inch tall saddle that separates operator and passenger with a small divider that's bolted in (and Honda says is removable.) The seating setup relegates the rider to a somewhat confined area, with small footrest surfaces separated by a hump, as is typical with larger maxi scooters. Instrumentation consists of an analog speedometer with a digital trip odometer and fuel gauge, and cockpit amenities include a small storage cubby, a parking brake, and a handy ignition lock which uses the back side of the ignition key. Adjacent to that is a trunk and fuel cap release button. Honda says that the PCX's underseat storage area is large enough for a full-face helmet, though my large sized lid was a bit too big-- the compartment did hold a camera bag and gloves with room to spare, though. A plastic top case is an available option for $120.95.

PCX's 125cc engine fires up instantly, and off-the-line acceleration is mild but sufficient for most stoplight scenarios. Once up to speed, this scooter becomes more responsive to grip twisting. One full throttle, tucked-in, downhill episode yielded an indicated 59 mph-- though you should expect to top out at around 50 mph on level ground. But PCX's maneuverability is more impressive than its thrust: though it visually resembles a 4/5th scale maxi scooter (with a headlights recalling Honda's high-powered VFR1200F), handling is more akin to a petite lightweight like the Yamaha Zuma 125, and responsive steering and suspension enable quick direction changes. Brakes are also effective, and rear lockups occur only under very hard lever grabs. Ride quality is generally smooth, though pronounced bumps push the limits of suspension travel, and the aforementioned seating position issues had this 5'11" rider squirming towards the end of a 30 mile ride; I kept wondering how easy it would be to remove the bolt-in divider that divies up the two-seat saddle.

Honda's PCX brings maxi scooter styling to a segment dominated by less substantial looking options. Though ergonomic compromises make it less than ideal for taller riders who spend prolonged time in the saddle, the PCX's slick styling and nimble handling should satisfy plenty of riders looking for an affordable way to get around.

>>Click here for a 2010 Honda PCX Scooter Photo Gallery

Manufacturer's Site