Prior to 2013, the PCX came with a 125 cc engine and a 1.6-gallon fuel tank. With a make-over in 2013, the PCX125 gave way to the PCX150 and a new chapter in the globally produced Honda scooter was launched. Since then, the scooter has received periodical updates to keep things fresh in the segment.

For 2018, Honda has given it yet another update to take satisfaction levels even higher. This update includes an all-new chassis, revised engine, updated comfort levels and ABS is now an optional package.

Primarily designed for the Asian market, the PCX has always been a popular commuter scooter offering extra-value-added in luxury feel and performance. The 150 got a bigger engine, a sportier look, and a larger capacity fuel tank to truly become a model for the global market.

Honda has now updated the sports scooter enhancing the appeal even further. Starting with the low-friction, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, SOHC, 80 degree, 149cc engine, it is smaller than the 153cc mill it is replacing in terms of the new bore which sees a 0.7 mm reduction. But thanks to the new larger air-filter and the exhaust outlet, the motor has better grunt at the higher end of the rev band which produces 13.3 hp and 10.3 lb-ft of torque.

The skin on the new PCX is also new, but Honda has purposefully not ventured too much with it. It gets more curves than lines now, and the highlight has been the brand new LED lighting setup all around the body. Out front, a large, central LED headlight is accompanied by a pair of long, upwardly-slanting LED turn signals. Other features include a new LCD instrumentation, a helmet hook, 12-V charging socket, larger under seat storage, and a small storage space in the front apron of the scooter.

Under all that jazz is a new steel duplex cradle frame that replaces the underbone tubular steel frame ultimately providing an improved feel of stability and control. Suspension units remain the same with the front using a 31mm telescopic unit, while the twin rear shocks receive tri-rate springs. The revised position of the rear-suspension unit is how Honda managed to have a bigger air-filter in the first place.

The five-spoke rims are now replaced with thinner and lighter eight-spoke rims shod with larger 100/80 and 120/70 section tires for the front and rear respectively. This along with the new chassis has managed to get the curb weight of the PCX down to 289 pounds from 295 pounds. Additionally, the braking setup now gets an optional single channel ABS with the 220mm single front disc and 130mm rear drum equipment.

The 2019 PCX 150 will roll on the showroom floors in July this year and will be available only in Bright Bronze Metallic color options. The standard model will fetch $3,699 (a $100 over the one it is replacing) while the optional ABS model will have a $3,999 price tag.

“Over the years, the PCX150 has earned a legion of followers through its mix of enjoyable performance and remarkable efficiency,” says Lee Edmunds, American Honda’s Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications. “For 2019, Honda has expanded on that winning formula with a long list of updates that will appeal to an expanding audience. Lighter, more comfortable, and now available with optional ABS, this latest PCX150 will turn heads wherever it goes.”

Reference

Yamaha SMAX