2021 PCX150

We long ago wore out our FSC600's and while we have the TriGlide for two-up touring, it still left a blank space for our general-purpose running around commuter and errand-running bikes. So we happened to stop in at the local Honda dealer and they just happened to get in a pair of 2021 PCX150's. Pearl White for 2021, and they have an updated engine. Honda increased the compression to 12:1 and while the older PCX's had a square bore/stroke, the new ones have an oversquare engine. They punched the cylinder a few mm and shortened the stroke, with corresponding change in gearing and going to a fatter 13" rear tire vs the 14's on the both ends of the 2020's and prior.

These enhancements gave the PCX more zip than the older models. To make a long story short, we bought the pair of 2021 PCX's. While I wouldn't necessarily call them a touring scooter, they do have plenty of power for cross country riding. And they are quite comfortable to-boot, handling and brakes are very good. Honda has an optional taller and wider windscreen for them, part #08R70-K1Z-J10 which we also got for both bikes. Could've gotten an aftermarket screen for half the price. But the Honda one is 4mm polycarbonate instead of 3mm for the National Cycle one, correspondingly the Honda screen is rigid and doesn't flutter or vibrate in the wind.

It doesn't seem that Honda is ever going to bring the Silver Wing back to market, it's now been 8 years since it was discontinued in the U.S. But the PCX150 is a very capable replacement for it as a commuter bike. My wife gets ~105 mpg with hers, she's about 60 lbs lighter than I am. I get ~100 mpg with mine. So they're not too shabby in the fuel mileage dept either.

The 2021 PCX150's are hard to get in this area. The dealer had them on order since February and they were the only two they could get this year. we just happened to luck out, stopping in at the dealer the day they hit the showroom floor, and we bought them on the spot before we left, otherwise they'd already be gone to somebody else. They are Honda's most popular maxi-scoot.

Honda is way behind on some newer bikes being delivered-shipped this year. Some of the 2021 ones are just starting to show up at dealers. Covid thing most likely or parts all the same.

Shorter stroke and larger piston equals more torque and gear change better mileage from less RPM's

Ride On.

The PCX is especially hard to get in the US. The US is last on the list for shipments. European and Asian dealers get them first.

The 2021 PCX is no longer technically a 150 - Honda removed the "150" from the name. The 2020's and older would only go 70 mph. The 2021 hits 80+ no problem and easily reaches freeway speed in the length of the freeway on-ramp.

Update on our PCX’s - we put a little over 1,000 miles on ‘em this fall before the lakes here froze and it got really cold. We’ve been totally happy with them as a new production replacement for the Silverwings. Sometimes I wish mine had a top box on it, and that is available from Honda (for the Asian models). But the increased capacity under the seat (as compared to the older PCX-150’s) has been sufficient.

Overall, I’d rate them a quite refined (and very powerful) 150-160cc class scooter.

Hi Chris, It sounds like a neat Scoot. Does it have a parking brake like the SWing? I noticed when researching it that it also comes with ABS. Did you get the ABS model? I've never had a bike with ABS so it would be a nice option. I also noticed the warranty was 1 year with an extended plan available which I'd probably include just to be on the safe side. My 08 SWing is paid off so this wouldn't be much of a problem. I'd just have to make room in my garage for it. I "might" be able to squeeze it in... LOL
Thanks in advance for any updated info.

Dale, yes they do have a parking brake. It is a little different than the Silverwing. You have to squeeze the rear brake lever, then pull the knob out on the right side of the dash. So it is mechanically simpler since they use the same brake for both service and parking brake on the rear wheel.

We did not get ABS models. Our Silverwings were ABS models and I think the linked brakes where nice. The PCX does not have linked brakes. It is traditional front and rear brake control and a drum rear brake instead of disc. I think the ABS model has disc rear brake and it may have linked brakes too.

I think the PCX is a fantastic commuter and errand-running bike. The price is very reasonable it’s lightweight and much less of a chore (as compared to a bigger bike) to jump on it and run downtown for the groceries your wife forgot to get. The fuel mileage is very good, I don’t think either of us has ever gotten below 90 mpg, and it has a display on the dash that shows your fuel mileage. I checked the accuracy of that on a fillup and it is accurate. The speedometer is also accurate. Indicated 55mph is true 55mph on my GPS.

I also like the seat unlocking. Do not have to use the key to unlock and raise the seat. The key (in the dash) has three positions - off, middle where there is no electrical but you can push the rocker switch on the dash that unlocks either the seat or the gas door, and on with full electrical power.

I think the maxi-scooter concept was hard for manufacturers to find a market for. They are too expensive and then buyers look at why would I pay that for a scooter when I can get a motorcycle instead. So I doubt anything similar to the Silverwing will be built again. There will be lots of used Silverwings for a long time. But for people that want a new bike, don’t want a motorcycle and would prefer a scooter, I think it is a good choice in the balance between being economical, practical and fun to ride.

Thanks for getting back on this. I just might have to look into them next spring.

If my Piaggio Liberty 150 died I would strongly consider a new PCX to replace it. I've found that 150ish sized scooters work best for my current needs.

I agree that the 150 size is perfect. They have increased the power on the new ones so they easily run freeway speed. Wife especially likes the light weight, ease of moving it in an out of a parking spot, and the under-seat storage. The PCX also has a glove box on the left side, but I’ve found that hard to get into because the opening is narrow and it’s quite deep in there. So if you throw your wallet or something in there it’s hard to get it out. However, it does have a USB-C plug in there to charge your cell phone or another device.

IMO the stock windscreen on the PCX is a joke. They should make them standard with the tall one. You can order it with the tall one, but it’s still a dealer (or owner) installed option.

REVIVED THREAD.

My DW has a PCX, with a high windshield mod. Wish we could find a better after-market seat. The ones from Taiwan are too $$. (She can barely touch the ground w/ her boots.