Honda reveals 2018 PCX125 scooter

Honda has taken the covers off the PCX125 scooter for Europe. The stylish scooter gets a complete style upgrade for 2018, with natural new contours interspersed among the traditional PCX flowing design lines. It also receives a new tubular steel duplex cradle frame, new wheels and tyres and an upgraded rear suspension. Plus ABS, and an engine that produces more peak power while maintaining outstanding fuel efficiency.

The PCX125 has sold over 140,000 units in Europe since its arrival in 2010. In 2010, the PCX was the first two-wheeler in Europe to feature Idling Stop technology; two years later it became the first scooter in Europe to use Honda’s ultra-efficient enhanced Smart

A design signature of the PCX125 has always been the bodywork. The new PCX125 expands on the theme, and employs new, natural contours of continuously varying curves, delivering a strong visual statement with an upmarket feel. Again, the smooth, large areas are painted in the primary colour and link front to rear without interruption, and the lower bodywork is also much more integrated into the overall styling.

Another detail redesign is the engine cover and airbox inlet, which are styled together as integrated parts. Finished in metallic silver, the engine cover emphasises a solid mechanical strength; above it a black cover – which incorporates the air inlet – is elegantly shaped with a mixture of firm lines and softer curves.

Also read: Honda showcases PCX electric scooter at Auto Expo, set to go sale in Asia this year

From the front, the PCX125 also stakes out a strong identity; the LED headlights and razor-thin position lights slant independently upwards, with LED indicators discreetly filling out the upper, outer tips. This new ‘face’ also changes subtly between high and low beam. The slim LED rear tail light/indicator unit is still two-tiered, but larger in size for increased visibility.

The rider’s view of the cockpit has been enhanced – the use of black against chrome around the handlebars adds a premium touch, as do chromed, tapered handlebar bar ends. The large left hand fairing pocket will easily hold a water bottle or drinks can and now has an extended lid  to allow the rider to access the contents easily. It also contains a 12V AC adaptor.

Seat height is up 4mm to 764mm, but still very manageable with a ‘straddling’ height of 540mm; the new bodywork allows the floor area to extend forward, giving more legroom. Both the seat and fuel lid are opened via one-touch switches (the seat itself has a sprung hinge, so it stays up when open) and the ignition has a key shutter for extra security.

Internal capacity of the underseat storage has been increased 1L to 28L, with no increase in body width, and will easily hold a full-face helmet. The owner’s manual and tool kit are now located on the underside of the seat.

A new central console design presents all the information neatly and concisely in an easy-to-read format. An inverted LCD displays the speed, while other information available includes odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge, average fuel consumption and Idling Stop indicator.

New chassis
The 2018 PCX125 has a new chassis; the tubular steel ‘underbone’ design of the previous model has been replaced with a full steel duplex cradle.

This has improved the machine’s handling ability and feel, without losing the in-town manoeuvrability the PCX has always been famous for, plus its user-friendliness and relaxed riding position. Also (for the first time on a Honda scooter) a plastic main fairing stay has replaced the steel structure used before; this, and the frame redesign has shaved 2.4kg from the structure, further aiding agility.

Wheelbase is 2mm shorter at 1,313mm, and steering geometry remains the same, with 27° rake and 86mm trail. Overall kerb weight is 130kg. Both front and rear wheels are lighter and use thinner rims, with an 8-spoke (rather than 5-spoke) design.

The 31mm front forks are unchanged with 89mm axel travel, but the rear shock absorbers are re-sited more towards the rear of the machine; they now use tri-rate (rather than dual) springs for a smoother ride, whether on rough city streets or out of town.

Stopping power is provided by the two piston caliper 220mm front disk brake, and 130mm rear drum brake; single-channel ABS operates on the front brake.

Engine
The SOHC, liquid-cooled two-valve 125cc enhanced Smart Power (eSP) engine powering the PCX125 offers compact durability with excellent performance away from the lights plus quiet, smooth operation and reduced CO₂ production.

At this stage of its development more power at high rpm – with no loss of torque down low – was the target for improved performance in higher speed ranges. Peak power is now up .4 bhp to 12.05 bhp @ 8,500rpm, with peak torque of 11.8Nm @ 5,000rpm.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS