Our contributing scooter editor takes a ride on Honda’s latest offering, the Thailand-build 125cc Honda PCX scooter. Read the full story in our 2011 Honda PCX 125 First Ride.
The 14-inch wheels felt like a good compromise between stability and quick steering, while offering a good ride over bumps and potholes.
Wheels are 14-inchers with skinny bias-ply tires, a 90/90-14 in front and 100/90-14 in back.
There's bit of wind protection at the max speed of around 60 mph.
The frame is steel tubing with a unit-construction swingarm and the wheelbase is a lengthy 51.4 inches.
The seat is comfortable for a while, there's ample legroom for average-sized people.
2011 Honda PCX 125
Build quality is very good, with nice paint and lots of interesting details to take in, like the chrome handlebar and bezel around the steering head that contrasts stylishly.
2011 Honda PCX 125
2011 Honda PCX 125
Braking is handled by a 220mm disc and three-piston caliper in front, and a drum in back.
The rear drum is linked to the front three-piston caliper with a delay-spring mechanism that prevents the front brake from being activated before the rear, maximizing braking by evenly distributing stopping force between the front and rear wheels.
The seat isn't too low (at 29.9 inches), but it is narrow at the front, making the bike easy to handle, even for shorter people.
2011 Honda PCX 125
There's a small non-locking glovebox under the instruments for extra space.
The instrument panel is small but complete with fuel gauge.
2011 Honda PCX 125
2011 Honda PCX 125
The PCX offers a lot of features for a very small price with a MSRP of $3399.
It's fun and easy to ride, and thanks to the Thailand outsourcing, it's priced in line with its competition without sacrificing a lot of quality.
The PCX fits into what may be the sweet spot for a global scootering product. At 125cc, it fits right in between the smaller entry-level models and the bigger freeway-legal commuters.
The 25-liter trunk has room for a full-face helmet (not every full-face helmet, but my Nolan N43 made it in there) and a small bag of groceries.
When you get where you're going, the convenience of a scooter is hard to beat, and the PCX is no exception.
Honda painted up this special edition PCX scooter for the band Paramore for their Civic concert tour.
2011 Honda PCX 125 Paramore Concert Tour Edition
The fuel-injection gets the most out of the little motor while returning model-airplane-like fuel economy, and storage and passenger-carrying capability is on par with much bigger scoots.
The PCX is zippy, responsive and easy to ride.
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