PCX ?
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PCX ?
Hi all,
I am looking at getting a 125cc scooter for commuting into London.
My heart is saying a Vespa 3V LX but my head is saying a Honda PCX or PS.
My main criteria is:
1 Safety/Handling,
2 Reliability
3 Speed
Did anyone here go through teh same dilemma. If not the with teh Vespa, with choosing between the PS and the PCX.
The PCX seems to have a touch more storage space and is more economical but the PS has the traditional upgright seating position and more accelerations (according to the Honda salesman).
Any advice or thoughts ?
I am looking at getting a 125cc scooter for commuting into London.
My heart is saying a Vespa 3V LX but my head is saying a Honda PCX or PS.
My main criteria is:
1 Safety/Handling,
2 Reliability
3 Speed
Did anyone here go through teh same dilemma. If not the with teh Vespa, with choosing between the PS and the PCX.
The PCX seems to have a touch more storage space and is more economical but the PS has the traditional upgright seating position and more accelerations (according to the Honda salesman).
Any advice or thoughts ?
Re: PCX ?
Spy wrote:My main criteria is:
1 Safety/Handling
The PCX with bigger wheels is a clear winner on handling
Spy wrote:2 Reliability
Not much to pick between them but the Vespa service intervals are much longer meaning lower running costs.
Spy wrote:3 Speed
Nothing to pick between them
Spy wrote:Did anyone here go through teh same dilemma. If not the with teh Vespa, with choosing between the PS and the PCX.
The PCX seems to have a touch more storage space and is more economical but the PS has the traditional upgright seating position and more accelerations (according to the Honda salesman).
Salesman is just trying to shift an old dog, imo the PCX is Hondas best vfm 125 scooter by a significant margin but Honda's best 125 is the S-wing.
The seating position is much the same on them all.
Buy the one you want the most.Spy wrote:Any advice or thoughts ?
If you want a Vespa then get a Vespa
If you are on a budget a Honda Vision 110 is a good choice.
Four decades on two wheels has taught me nothing, all advice given is guaranteed to be wrong
Re: PCX ?
Thanks for the advice guys, particularly your breakdown GN2.
I was interested in your reference regarding handling on the PCX with bigger wheels.
Does that mean, compared to a Vespa GTS or LX, the PCX would:
- handle better in the wet ?
- weave in and out of traffic easier and more nimbler ?
I was interested in your reference regarding handling on the PCX with bigger wheels.
Does that mean, compared to a Vespa GTS or LX, the PCX would:
- handle better in the wet ?
- weave in and out of traffic easier and more nimbler ?
Re: PCX ?
I bought the PCX back in February and I was looking at the Honda 110 and Vespa 150 and really thought I was buying the Honda 110. I ended up with the PCX because I found it more stable at speeds 30mph+ and I like the extra power over the 110. The Vespa was more money and I couldn't justify the expense, especially since I liked the Honda more. The bikes with the smaller wheels feel sort of skittish, where the PCX feels very solid. It has been nearly perfect scooter, just wish I had extra 25cc of the newer 150. Although I think you end up wanting something just a little bigger no matter the size. I have no regrets and really enjoy it.
I think the other guys have described it nicely, it depends on what you feel the most comfortable.
Good luck
I think the other guys have described it nicely, it depends on what you feel the most comfortable.
Good luck
Re: PCX ?
The bigger wheels mean better stability and ability to cope with bumps/surface breaks better.Spy wrote:I was interested in your reference regarding handling on the PCX with bigger wheels.
Does that mean, compared to a Vespa GTS or LX, the PCX would:
- handle better in the wet ?
- weave in and out of traffic easier and more nimbler ?
Wet conditions, the key factor is tyres.
They will all be good at manoevering in traffic but the PCX will be more stable at higher speeds.
The reason I bought my PCX was price, when I got mine it was nearly a grand less than a Vespa, that gap has closed up a bit and with the new LX 3V having such good service intervals its now a harder choice.
Four decades on two wheels has taught me nothing, all advice given is guaranteed to be wrong
- maddiedog
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Re: PCX ?
The PCX will be more stable in traffic maneuvers, but the Vespa will probably be more twitchy. It all boils down to preference in that case.
The Vespa will get 75-80mpg, the PCX 90-95mpg... Both possibly more if you drive like grandma.
The PCX will be quieter -- the Vespa is aircooled, not watercooled. Most people in the scooter rallies I go to can't even tell my PCX is on, it's so quiet.
The PCX is certainly more economical if you plan on doing your own maintenance, but I'd argue that Vespa components are of higher quality from firsthand experience. If Vespas weren't so ridiculously expensive in the USA, I would have purchased a Vespa instead of a Honda. The Honda engine is probably a bit more solid, but the Vespa's drivetrain, body, and frame are all much more robust than any Honda frames or tupperware.
Don't get me wrong -- the PCX is nice. But it's definitely not Honda's premier luxury scooter (the SWing is), and it definitely isn't as well-built as the Vespa is. It's a good, solid, cool-looking economy scooter. Since that's what I bought it for, it has met and exceeded my expectations. If I was looking for less efficiency, more fashion, and more luxury, I would have spent the extra $1000 or so and gone with a S 150 IE. It's all about what you want, a scooter's about having fun. Ride both, pick the one that you feel is more fun.
The Vespa will get 75-80mpg, the PCX 90-95mpg... Both possibly more if you drive like grandma.
The PCX will be quieter -- the Vespa is aircooled, not watercooled. Most people in the scooter rallies I go to can't even tell my PCX is on, it's so quiet.
The PCX is certainly more economical if you plan on doing your own maintenance, but I'd argue that Vespa components are of higher quality from firsthand experience. If Vespas weren't so ridiculously expensive in the USA, I would have purchased a Vespa instead of a Honda. The Honda engine is probably a bit more solid, but the Vespa's drivetrain, body, and frame are all much more robust than any Honda frames or tupperware.
Don't get me wrong -- the PCX is nice. But it's definitely not Honda's premier luxury scooter (the SWing is), and it definitely isn't as well-built as the Vespa is. It's a good, solid, cool-looking economy scooter. Since that's what I bought it for, it has met and exceeded my expectations. If I was looking for less efficiency, more fashion, and more luxury, I would have spent the extra $1000 or so and gone with a S 150 IE. It's all about what you want, a scooter's about having fun. Ride both, pick the one that you feel is more fun.
Currently ride: Nothing right now - mostly mountain biking with my boys until they're old enough to ride
Previously rides: 2011 Honda PCX 125, 2005 V-Strom DL650, 1974 Vespa Ciao, 2011 Honda PCX 170 (tons of mods - takegawa 170cc big bore kit, gears, etc), 1996 Honda Nighthawk 250, 1987 Honda Spree, 2000 KTM 125SX, 2003 Honda Silverwing, 2007 Genuine Buddy 125, 1998 Honda PC800, 2008 Buddy 125 (white), 2008 Buddy 125 (red), 2001 Honda Reflex, 1987 Honda Elite, 1988 Honda Spree, 2007 Yamaha Vino, 2007 Honda Metro, 2x 125cc pure-chinesium dirt bikes
Previously rides: 2011 Honda PCX 125, 2005 V-Strom DL650, 1974 Vespa Ciao, 2011 Honda PCX 170 (tons of mods - takegawa 170cc big bore kit, gears, etc), 1996 Honda Nighthawk 250, 1987 Honda Spree, 2000 KTM 125SX, 2003 Honda Silverwing, 2007 Genuine Buddy 125, 1998 Honda PC800, 2008 Buddy 125 (white), 2008 Buddy 125 (red), 2001 Honda Reflex, 1987 Honda Elite, 1988 Honda Spree, 2007 Yamaha Vino, 2007 Honda Metro, 2x 125cc pure-chinesium dirt bikes
Re: PCX ?
The LX 3V is a new engine, it's more economical than the previous one and has 6000 mile service intervals.
Fuel consumption should be on a par with the PCX.
The aircooling means fewer things to go wrong and reduced maintenance over liquid cooling.
If you live near the coast or are a learner the Vespas metal monocoque is a disadvantage because it corrodes and is very expensive to have repaired properly if you dent it.
The Vespa has less onboard storage than the PCX but does have a flat deck, useful for carrying larger items.
If you can afford the higher purchase price of the Vespa, its the one to go for if you plan on keeping it for a long time.
Fuel consumption should be on a par with the PCX.
The aircooling means fewer things to go wrong and reduced maintenance over liquid cooling.
If you live near the coast or are a learner the Vespas metal monocoque is a disadvantage because it corrodes and is very expensive to have repaired properly if you dent it.
The Vespa has less onboard storage than the PCX but does have a flat deck, useful for carrying larger items.
If you can afford the higher purchase price of the Vespa, its the one to go for if you plan on keeping it for a long time.
Four decades on two wheels has taught me nothing, all advice given is guaranteed to be wrong
Re: PCX ?
Thanks guys interesting view points.
As both manufacturers have 0% interest free credit on offer, the difference in monthly cost is not big hence why I am looking at both.
I think if I was forking out the cash up front, the PCX would be a no brainer.
I prefer the Vespa GTS body but like the sound of the new 3V engine in the LX.
The PCX might be a better buy though if it is easier to repair dents etc but I think the service intervals ae shorter at 2,500 miles !
As both manufacturers have 0% interest free credit on offer, the difference in monthly cost is not big hence why I am looking at both.
I think if I was forking out the cash up front, the PCX would be a no brainer.
I prefer the Vespa GTS body but like the sound of the new 3V engine in the LX.
The PCX might be a better buy though if it is easier to repair dents etc but I think the service intervals ae shorter at 2,500 miles !
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Re: PCX ?
gn2 wrote:The LX 3V is a new engine, it's more economical than the previous one and has 6000 mile service intervals.
Fuel consumption should be on a par with the PCX.
The aircooling means fewer things to go wrong and reduced maintenance over liquid cooling.
If you live near the coast or are a learner the Vespas metal monocoque is a disadvantage because it corrodes and is very expensive to have repaired properly if you dent it.
The Vespa has less onboard storage than the PCX but does have a flat deck, useful for carrying larger items.
If you can afford the higher purchase price of the Vespa, its the one to go for if you plan on keeping it for a long time.
Don't want to bore on the the PCX has to all practicable purposes 5,000 mile service intervals.
Buy the one you want and enjoy it
Re: PCX ?
The PCX valve clearance check interval is 2500 and the Vespa's is 6000.qed wrote:Don't want to bore on the the PCX has to all practicable purposes 5,000 mile service intervals.
Whether you're on d-i-y, independent or main dealer servicing the Vespa LX 3V has a much lower maintenance requirement than a PCX.
Four decades on two wheels has taught me nothing, all advice given is guaranteed to be wrong
- you you
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Re: PCX ?
gn2 wrote:The PCX valve clearance check interval is 2500 and the Vespa's is 6000.qed wrote:Don't want to bore on the the PCX has to all practicable purposes 5,000 mile service intervals.
Whether you're on d-i-y, independent or main dealer servicing the Vespa LX 3V has a much lower maintenance requirement than a PCX.
Deja vu
At least the audible valve clearance check on the Vespa will be easier
- maddiedog
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Re: PCX ?
I think it's important to note that most PCX owners have concluded that the valve adjustment interval is silly, and at least go double that between checks.
Currently ride: Nothing right now - mostly mountain biking with my boys until they're old enough to ride
Previously rides: 2011 Honda PCX 125, 2005 V-Strom DL650, 1974 Vespa Ciao, 2011 Honda PCX 170 (tons of mods - takegawa 170cc big bore kit, gears, etc), 1996 Honda Nighthawk 250, 1987 Honda Spree, 2000 KTM 125SX, 2003 Honda Silverwing, 2007 Genuine Buddy 125, 1998 Honda PC800, 2008 Buddy 125 (white), 2008 Buddy 125 (red), 2001 Honda Reflex, 1987 Honda Elite, 1988 Honda Spree, 2007 Yamaha Vino, 2007 Honda Metro, 2x 125cc pure-chinesium dirt bikes
Previously rides: 2011 Honda PCX 125, 2005 V-Strom DL650, 1974 Vespa Ciao, 2011 Honda PCX 170 (tons of mods - takegawa 170cc big bore kit, gears, etc), 1996 Honda Nighthawk 250, 1987 Honda Spree, 2000 KTM 125SX, 2003 Honda Silverwing, 2007 Genuine Buddy 125, 1998 Honda PC800, 2008 Buddy 125 (white), 2008 Buddy 125 (red), 2001 Honda Reflex, 1987 Honda Elite, 1988 Honda Spree, 2007 Yamaha Vino, 2007 Honda Metro, 2x 125cc pure-chinesium dirt bikes
Re: PCX ?
I think you'll find that only the GT models are liquid cooled.
After the first service the official service interval for the PCX is at 2500 miles or six months then at 2500 mile or six month intervals whichever comes first.
@54 seconds:
After the first service the official service interval for the PCX is at 2500 miles or six months then at 2500 mile or six month intervals whichever comes first.
@54 seconds:
Four decades on two wheels has taught me nothing, all advice given is guaranteed to be wrong
- you you
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Re: PCX ?
Forced air apparentlySpy wrote:I think the new 3V is now liquid cooled as opposed to air cooled.
SO just to confirm as I am a little confused now. Is the official PCX service interval 2,500 or 5,000 after the first service at 6 months ?
Servicing is every six months or 2,500 miles is my understanding