Got my first and new scooter! PCX150!

General Honda PCX chat, questions about the PCX, or questions about riding.

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ChrisPhantastic
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Got my first and new scooter! PCX150!

Post by ChrisPhantastic »

I got my PCX150 less than a month ago and the weather is finally nice enough for me to ride it! I'm having a blast on the scooter! I have 70 miles on it, still breaking it in. I haven't gone to full throttle yet, I have gotten it up to 55 with tons of room to spare. I definitely am excited to see how fast it gets up to once I get the 300 miles of the break-in period finished. A few questions from a newbie, does a windshield hinder or help MPG or speed? Also, once the engine is broken in, how fast are you guys getting it up to? I wish there were more around town (Nashville, TN) so I wouldn't feel so lonely on my scoot! All the bikers and HD dudes aren't too fond of waving to us scooter riders here in town from my experience so far. :cry: Anyways, any tips or tricks would be appreciated! Thanks!
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Urbanian
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Re: Got my first and new scooter! PCX150!

Post by Urbanian »

Congrats on the new scoot!

Don’t expect the bike to go faster with the windshield, but you may find it easier to ride at full speed with the wind off your chest. Then if you’re always riding WOT, it will reduce MPG.

The tall Givi windshield gives excellent wind protection.

Have fun!
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Re: Got my first and new scooter! PCX150!

Post by Indyglow »

I agree that the tall Givi windshield is good. The short Givi makes it feel like your head will be torn off if you go over 50 mph. Goldwing people will usually wave to you, so will regular bikers who don't have better-than-thou attitudes. HD people live in a whole different world. I get more waves from motorcycle people than from other scooter people.
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Re: Got my first and new scooter! PCX150!

Post by Taz »

I get nods except from HD or Burgman riders for some reason.
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Re: Got my first and new scooter! PCX150!

Post by maddiedog »

Welcome to the forums!

A windshield doesn't hinder MPG or speed, but it doesn't really help much either. The PCX hits its limiter before it runs out of power, so the windshield won't have any noticeable effect on performance. I did find that after I put the windshield on, I got a lot more waves, not sure why. :lol:
Currently ride: 2011 Honda PCX 125 - Upgraded windshield and seat, keeping this one mostly stock
Previously rides: 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
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Re: Got my first and new scooter! PCX150!

Post by Urbanian »

maddiedog wrote: I did find that after I put the windshield on, I got a lot more waves
Should I put a windshield on my surfboard?
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Re: Got my first and new scooter! PCX150!

Post by uploader »

I was going full throttle the same day I got my PCX 125, Now the bike been broken in it goes slower :cry:
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valuesynthetics
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Got my first and new scooter! PCX150!

Post by valuesynthetics »

Welcome to the PCX club! I ride around Briley parkway here in Nashville with no problem cruising at 55-60. I do have a tall Givi windscreen but I'd say it primarily contributes to rider comfort.
-Jacob
PCX150
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ChrisPhantastic
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Re: Got my first and new scooter! PCX150!

Post by ChrisPhantastic »

I live right off the briley exit off of Thompson lane! And thank you all for the help! For now, the wind isn't bothering me too much; but when it does, I'll be sure to get a windshield. Apparently most hd guys think that we drive "liquorcycles", basically only guys with DUIs drive scooters and we all don't know a thing about driving them. I figured they knew that anything over 50cc requires you to get a license and pass a test. I took the msf course and passed on a Honda Rebel. I guess they are "elitists". ah well, i wave at everyone! I just like the fuel economy of a scooter and it's so freaking fun! Anybody else have post break-in experience? I'm hoping it gets to the 65-70 mph range once it does.
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cessna151
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Re: Got my first and new scooter! PCX150!

Post by cessna151 »

I put almost 5k miles on mine now. I'm 6'2" and really feel the wind when riding on the highway. Unlike maddiedog, i can never hit the limiter unless i'm going down hill. Max speed for me is about 61mph unless i'm going down a good hill at which point i hit the limiter at 67mph.

Something odd that i noticed was that when i first got it i would hit the limiter at 71mph but as soon as i got the first oil change at 600 miles i started hitting the limiter at 67 and have never been able to go faster since. I'm might try some lighter weight oil at the next oil change to see what happens.

Oh and just fyi i checked my speedo with a GPS and it's within 1mph at all speeds.
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Re: Got my first and new scooter! PCX150!

Post by maddiedog »

Cessna, that speed decrease is from belt wear, not oil weight. As the belt wears down, it gets narrower, making the bosses in the CVT closer together and resulting in more torque with less speed. A new belt will get you back up to speed. :)
Currently ride: 2011 Honda PCX 125 - Upgraded windshield and seat, keeping this one mostly stock
Previously rides: 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
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Re: Got my first and new scooter! PCX150!

Post by Slickvic »

maddiedog wrote:Cessna, that speed decrease is from belt wear, not oil weight. As the belt wears down, it gets narrower, making the bosses in the CVT closer together and resulting in more torque with less speed. A new belt will get you back up to speed. :)
I dont disagree Maddie as I have seen this on my old scooter. But would he see that much belt wear with only 600 miles on it? :?
Previous - 1986 Honda Elite 250, 2007 Ninja 500r, 2013 Honda PCX-150
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Mel46
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Re: Got my first and new scooter! PCX150!

Post by Mel46 »

I am sure that these scooters aren't fully broken in at 600 miles. We now have 2500 miles on ours and it gets up to speed quickly and stays there with little effort. After going g through what I have with the windscreens, I would have to suggest the tall Givi vs the standard one. My wife is only 5' tall and I thought the standard Givi would be tall enough. It wasn't. Also, you might consider seat modifications because that seat gets uncomfortable if you are sitting for any length of time. Aside from those suggestions I would suggest that if you plan on using the scooter to carry groceries, get some kind of rack for the back or a tail box. There isn't a lot of room under the seat. Have fun on your new scooter. It is a great little bike.
Currently own:
Red 2013 Honda PCX150

Givi tall windshield & tailbox - Lots of extra lights
Custom seat from Thailand - Bad Boy Airhorn
Takegawa Lowering Shocks - Michelin City Grip Tires
Headlight assy upgraded to LEDs w/HS5 main bulbs
NCY variator, drive face, and rollers
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maddiedog
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Re: Got my first and new scooter! PCX150!

Post by maddiedog »

Slickvic wrote:
maddiedog wrote:Cessna, that speed decrease is from belt wear, not oil weight. As the belt wears down, it gets narrower, making the bosses in the CVT closer together and resulting in more torque with less speed. A new belt will get you back up to speed. :)
I dont disagree Maddie as I have seen this on my old scooter. But would he see that much belt wear with only 600 miles on it? :?
Valid... I didn't see slowdown from belt wear on mine until at least 4000 miles.
Currently ride: 2011 Honda PCX 125 - Upgraded windshield and seat, keeping this one mostly stock
Previously rides: 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
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Re: Got my first and new scooter! PCX150!

Post by WhiteNoise »

Hi ChrisPhantastic and welcome! "Tips and tricks?" Word of warning: Do Not wax your saddle....EVER! none of that "wipe on, wipe off" stuff used there (less you want to slide your bum to/&/fro or perhaps off o_O (friend of mine inTexas did that to a brand new scoot and never could reverse the action. Very angry at oneself for doing that.)
That was just a quick tip that came to mind, the rest can be had just spending a day or two (? Haha) reading topics/posts. Glad you are lovin' the PCX ...... So am I :D
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cessna151
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Re: Got my first and new scooter! PCX150!

Post by cessna151 »

maddiedog wrote:Cessna, that speed decrease is from belt wear, not oil weight. As the belt wears down, it gets narrower, making the bosses in the CVT closer together and resulting in more torque with less speed. A new belt will get you back up to speed. :)
If that were true, wouldn't i be able to hit the limiter even easier?
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Re: Got my first and new scooter! PCX150!

Post by maddiedog »

One would think -- there are more factors in play than just the belt. Temperature, humidity, rider weight, wind, etc all can play a part, especially with such small displacement. Since your speed went down after a service, I would check and see if they overfilled your oil. That could potentially bog you down some.
Currently ride: 2011 Honda PCX 125 - Upgraded windshield and seat, keeping this one mostly stock
Previously rides: 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
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cessna151
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Re: Got my first and new scooter! PCX150!

Post by cessna151 »

I believe i found the problem. I found my receipt from my last oil change and they put GN4 10w40 in it! I just ordered HP4M 10w30 and will have it changed by end of next week hopefully, so we'll see then.
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Re: Got my first and new scooter! PCX150!

Post by maddiedog »

That would make sense -- 10w40 is thicker. It's still in spec, so no damage done.
Currently ride: 2011 Honda PCX 125 - Upgraded windshield and seat, keeping this one mostly stock
Previously rides: 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
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Re: Got my first and new scooter! PCX150!

Post by CaptnJim »

Congrats on the new scooter - they are big fun! We put the shorter Givi windshield on ours; makes a real difference with pressure on the torso, but you get a bit more noise in your helmet over 45 mph. I prefer a windshield I can see over.

My wife and I have been riding for a lot of years, and have owned a lot of bikes during those years. I understand the excitement with a new bike, and the desire to wave at everybody and everything. I owned 9 Harleys over the years... and I usually wave... regardless of the other make or style of bike. I find the "wave factor" varies according to the circumstance. We lived near Sturgis, SD, for a lot of years... with 500,000 of your closest biker friends in the area during the Rally, waving is suspended. ;) In congested city traffic, no waving. I used to think guys on sportbikes were stuck-up, but then realized that they are holding on for dear life in that body forward position - it makes it hard to wave. Also, watch close with the Harley riders - they tend to wave below the handlebars... if you are used to the "happy hand held high", you may not notice the below bar technique. :lol:

Last week, we scored a "thumbs-up" from a couple on a Harley trike while at a stoplight. You get 10 extra bonus points for that!!

Yes, that was mostly tongue-in-cheek. Enjoy the ride, don't get distracted by looking for people to wave at - keep your focus on the traffic! o_O These days, I mostly just wave at the pretty girls.

Best wishes,
Captain Jim
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