It was on March 16, 2020 when the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) was imposed due to Covid-19. This pandemic has changed many things, and one of them is commuting. With the pandemic preventing us from interacting with each other, many people have shifted their focus on owning a motorcycle for safety and convenience; and if there’s a scooter that’s one of the most popular in this category, it’s the 2020 Honda PCX 150, and here are the reasons why.
It was 2 years ago when I first saw the PCX. I could still remember telling myself “Ang baduy naman, parang jet ski”, and well, I am eating my own words now. The PCX’s striking curves and lines make it stand above the rest. The level of attention to detail Honda gave in designing the PCX is extremely high. From the storage located at the front, and the pillion’s footrest, Honda made it look like it’s actually a part of the design. The naked handlebar is also a great touch to the overall design. Honda really nailed everything design-wise in the PCX 150.
It is keyless, which has an alarm that comes with it, a hazard light, and a 28-liter underseat storage. Almost every part of the PCX does not feel cheap. Front tires are 100/80-14 and the rear is 120/80-14; and if there’s one thing about its design that really made me fall in love, it would be the way its LED headlights are designed. I mean, do I still have to explain why?
The Honda PCX 150 isn’t just all show and no go. Powering it is a 149 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke, Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC) engine. It could be slow to start, but it easily picks up at higher speeds. I was able to get a top speed of 117 km/h at a weight of 84 kg. Now, I won’t lie, the PCX may not have the same acceleration that its competitors have, but during my time with it, I’ve realized that it’s not made for thrill-seekers, but it is for those who just want to enjoy the ride. In short, “takbong pogi”; but despite all of those, it offers something that others rarely have: comfort. I tested the scooter on rides to Laguna and Tagaytay, and it was a breeze. No back aches or stiffness, just me enjoying the ride. Curves are a joy with it. City riding? Traffic was a piece of cake to the PCX because of its wide maneuverability. It may look big but it’s very easy and light to go through the traffic.
The PCX has a rear mechanical drum brake and a disc brake with ABS at the front. The brakes are great, but I still wish that there would come a time where the rear would also get ABS. Riding it as I said is very comfortable and smooth, thanks to its shocks; 31 mm telescopic fork at the front and twin shocks at the rear. Seat height is about 30.1 mm and a fuel capacity of about 8 liters.
When I got the unit, it had a full gas tank. My fuel consumption averaged at about 49 km/l. I was somehow surprised, and I thought it was an error. But after a week of riding through traffic and such, I suddenly remembered something, I haven’t had the chance to refuel! The PCX is tremendously efficient. I got an average of 49.7 km/l in a very chill long ride and 46.4 km/l when I was being aggressive with my throttle. Part of it is because of Honda’s Idling stop system, making the PCX one of the best and most efficient scooters today.
All in all, I was very impressed by how much the PCX has checked every box that I think a scooter should have; safety, comfort and fuel efficiency. The only issue I had with it was its drag at low rpm, but maybe its only in the unit that I got. My time with the PCX has reassured me with the fact that whenever a vehicle has a Honda badge, it definitely won’t disappoint.
Elijah’s Likes
- Premium and elegant design which stands out
- Very efficient
- Full of features
- Comfortability is top-notch
Elijah’s Room for Improvement
- Drum brakes at the rear
- Most expensive than some rivals
- Dragging Issues
Elijah’s Ratings ☺
Design: 5/5
Features: 5/5
Safety: 4.5/5
Acceleration: 3.5/5
Handling: 4/5
Fuel efficiency: 5/5
Value for money: 4/5
Overall: 4.4 out of 5
Price: P133,900*
*Pricing is correct and accurate as of this article’s time of writing.
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