Bike Files: Honda PCX125

It’s Britain’s best-selling powered two-wheeler for a reason, you know…

Honda PCX125, I’ve heard of that?

Almost certainly. The PCX is a relatively inexpensive learner legal scooter which has topped sales charts almost exclusively since its release in 2010. It’s another mass market winner from Honda and popular with commuters and delivery riders alike.

So why is it so popular?

A combination of factors. Being a Honda, it has the reputation of the world’s biggest motorcycle manufacturer behind it. It’s also well priced and, above all, is actually very good at doing what it was designed to do.

And what was the PCX125 designed to do?

It’s a commuter and it ticks all the right boxes. It’s super easy to ride, has a twist and go automatic transmission and has loads of storage space under the seat. There’s enough performance to take on short rides down dual carriageways and it’s cheap to run. How does over 134mpg sound?

It sounds impressive. How does it achieve such good fuel economy?

Honda designed the PCX to be frugal from the outset. It’s a scooter designed for the stop start environment of the city, so right from the get go Honda gave it a ‘Stop Start’ feature, which cuts out the engine at standstill to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. It’s seamless, and when you touch the throttle to pull away the engine chimes back in without delay.

Is the Honda PCX125 a moped?

Some people use the word moped to cover all scooters but, in terms of licencing, it’s not a moped but a motorcycle (because it’s over 50cc and does more than 30mph). You have to be at least 17-years-old to ride a PCX125.

Do I need a full motorcycle licence to ride a Honda PCX125?

No. Being an A1 category bike, it’s learner legal. That means you can legally ride on the road after doing a day’s compulsory basic training. Once you have the CBT certificate, you can ride on the roads – albeit with some restrictions. If you want to carry a passenger, or ride on motorways, you’ll need to pass your bike test (you can do one that only covers bikes up to 125cc) but for most people simply having the CBT covers their needs.

What changes have been made to the Honda PCX125 over the years?

Place a PCX from 2010 next to one from today and they won’t look all that different, but internally and externally there have been a lot of improvements – with the current version being a completely different machine. The current version features a much higher specification, with LED lights, traction control, ABS brakes, keyless ignition and a 12v USB charger all now standard equipment. Fuel economy is also better, exhaust emissions down and there’s more storage under the seat. Honda never wrested on its laurels with the PCX, despite having a real stranglehold on the sector.

So are there any competitors to the PCX?

Before the PCX, scooters tended to fall into two categories, with cheap and cheerful models available alongside expensive luxury scoots like the Suzuki Burgman, Yamaha XMAX and Honda’s own Forza 125.

This mid range offering took the market by storm and it took a few years for rivals to catch up. Yamaha’s NMAX is the main competitor and is equally popular. The two scooters are similarly priced, although the Yamaha is probably a bit sportier to ride.

So what’s the PCX like to ride?

In a word, easy! It’s not designed to be exciting but to be functional and, with that in mind, it’s perfect. The ignition is keyless, working on a proximity based fob, and you just twist the throttle and go. The ride is ok, if a little choppy at speed, and it’ll sit at 60mph on the open road. Brakes and suspension are all adequate, and there’s not a lot to say really. Yamaha’s NMAX is a little livelier and agile on the open roads, but the PCX is more practical thanks to its bigger underseat storage area.

Is it worth buying a more upmarket scooter like the Honda Forza 125?

The Forza is definitely faster, comfier and better specified – but it’s also quite a bit more expensive. Only you can decide if it’s worth the extra, but if you want some transport to get you from A to B reliably, with the minimum fuss, then the PCX does all you need plus more.