2021 Honda PCX Features & Benefits

February 2, 2021

PCX ABS
PCX

While qualities like fuel economy, simple operation, congestion-busting maneuverability and ease of parking are all factors with most scooter purchases, Honda’s PCX has long shown that such practical considerations needn’t come at the cost of a comfortable ride. Now for 2021, the PCX gets a significant upgrade that includes new, elegant styling, advanced equipment and a larger engine that is freeway-capable. Equally suitable for new riders and more experienced customers, the PCX offers a relaxed, fulfilling ride in a wide variety of situations, including around-town travel, highway commuting and suburban touring. It’s still the ultimate tool for tackling urban environments in style, but it has also evolved to a new level of comfort.

HISTORY

Since it was introduced abroad in 2009, the PCX125 (as it was called then) has always been about a high-quality, relaxing scooter experience. It grew to a 150 in 2009, with the fuel-sipping eSP engine. LED lighting came five years later, and the PCX150 was first offered to U.S. customers in 2015. A new double-underbone frame structure offered an improved ride starting in 2018. For 2021, it has been renamed as the PCX.

ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN

While around-town commutes were never an issue for the PCX150, engineers were looking to expand the territory in which the model could practically roam, so for 2021 they equipped it with a new, more powerful engine that is freeway legal while still offering the incredible fuel efficiency for which the PCX was known. In addition, the model gets Honda Selectable Torque Control—technology typically reserved for high-performance models.

For 2021, the PCX gets a larger cylinder bore (up from 57.3 mm to 60.0) and a shorter stroke (down to 55.5 mm from 57.9), resulting in a 157cc displacement (up from 149cc). Not only is the new engine freeway-capable, but the short stroke reduces sliding friction and improves compression ratio (up from 10.6 :1 to 12.0:1) for enhanced power.
The engine also now has a four-valve layout, enhancing intake and exhaust efficiency for improved power.
The inlet system has been redesigned and has a high-capacity 4.9 liter air cleaner, and the throttle body diameter increased from 26 to 28 mm for improved efficiency.
The exhaust system has also been redesigned, with the catalyzer repositioned to better clean exhaust gases, allowing good power while protecting the environment.
The low-friction Honda V-Matic automatic transmission provides smooth, predictable acceleration while also bolstering fuel efficiency.
The crankshaft has been redesigned to be more rigid, and a roller bearing was adopted, reducing the crankshaft flex generated by inertial force and combustion energy at high rpm. The result is reduced noise and vibration.
Piston-cooling oil jets—technology used in high-performance models like the CRF450R motocrosser—are adopted for 2021. Engine oil is sprayed on the underside of the piston, aiding cooling and preventing knocking while also enabling ignition timing advance for enhanced power output.
A number of friction-minimizing technologies maximize engine efficiency. For example, a new hydraulic lifter operates the cam-chain-tensioner so that the tensioner reduces chain vibration and mechanical noise, while improving fuel efficiency.
HSTC has been added to improve safety in situations with limited traction. The system monitors wheel-speed sensors and throttle opening and, when slip is detected, intervenes by limiting engine torque. An indicator on the meter informs rider that HSTC is being employed. The system can be turned off if desired.
The diameter of the pulley has been increased and its shape optimized, reducing friction and noise.
The clutch shape has been changed and the transmission shaft upsized, improving the clutch’s vibration characteristics for smoother acceleration from stops.
As before, the PCX engine has friction-reducing features like a roller rocker arm, an offset cylinder, a spiny cylinder sleeve and a double-cog belt.

DESIGN / STYLING

While the PCX was already the standard-setter for scooter styling, designers wanted an updated look to go along with the engine changes.

Brilliant LED technology is used for all lighting. The headlights are now positioned in a horizontal line for both low and high beams, creating a line that flows to the back of the vehicle. A new taillight design has a three-dimensional effect while still retaining the X shape that distinguished the previous model.
New, wider meter has a high-visibility LCD display in the center and displays a wider range of easily readable information. As before, a fuel-consumption readout, clock, speedometer, odometer, trip meter and fuel gauge are all supplied, and now a low-battery voltage warning light and V-belt replacement time indicators have been added. The meter shape matches the scooter design’s relaxing image, and the three-dimensional bezel structure looks stylish even when the meter is not lit.
The model’s recognizable chrome handlebar is still used, but the clamp cover has been restyled with a square shape to match the vehicle design.
The engine cover has been redesigned to match the scooter’s design lines.

The handy under-seat storage compartment has been redesigned for a two-liter increase in volume to 30 liters, plenty to store a full-face helmet.
The front storage compartment is now easier to access from the seated position. The compartment Includes a USB-C socket for charging electronic devices like smart phones. There’s also sufficient space (1.7 liters) to store a plastic bottle.
A fuel-tank door was added, and its underside incorporates a convenient holder in which the fuel cap can be placed during refueling.
A new rubber-mounted handlebar holder reduces vibration, thereby improving hand comfort.
The footrest area was extended forward and outboard by 30 mm each, resulting in a riding position that is adaptable to riders of differing body sizes.

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION

Hidden beneath the PCX’s updated styling is a chassis with significant changes, aimed at reducing weight, improving handling and increasing the comfort for which this scooter was already known.

A simplified frame structure delivers a comfortable ride and good cornering performance by optimally balancing weight reduction and rigidity. Using CAE analysis, engineers optimized pipe diameters, material selection, material thickness and joint locations. The changes resulted in a weight reduction of over a tenth of a pound, aiding vehicle handling and maneuverability.
The rear grab rail has a new shape and thickness for improved passenger hand grip and reduced weight (.44 pounds). By cutting weight of components that are located far from the vehicle’s core engineers further centralize mass for improved handling and maneuverability.
The aluminum wheels (14-inch front, 13-inch rear) have been completely redesigned with five Y-shaped spokes for optimum rigidity balance, contributing to a safe, comfortable, smooth ride. The tires have also been redesigned with a wider profile—100/80-14 front, 120/70-14 rear—and the increased air volume contributes to good linear handling performance and a comfortable ride.
Strong brakes front and rear deliver powerful, controlled stopping performance, and one-channel ABS is available.
Rear-wheel travel has been extended by .4 inches to 3.7 inches, for an improved ride on rough roads.
As before, the large 2.1 gallon fuel tank is located under the floorboard, contributing to a low center of gravity and enhanced riding traits.

Transferable one-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan

Honda Accessories

A selection of Honda Accessories is ready to customize the 2021 PCX150, including:

Tall Windscreen
Rear Trunk
Trunk Base
1 Key Inner Cylinder

Final accessory list subject to change without notice.

WARRANTY: Because we’re so confident in the quality of each of our Honda Genuine Accessories, we’re pleased to offer one of the best warranties in the industry. One-year warranty begins on the day accessories are purchased by the customer.