Rear brake has too much free play

[chowzai]

Hi All,

I bought a brand new PCX last week and realised that the rear brake has too much free play (I have to hold it down about 2inches before the brake begins to engage. I tried tightening the brake from the rear wheel on the left hand side but if I tighten it the ignition doesn't start.

Is this normal? Maybe its the design of the PCX?

On a second note, how long do you guys have to hold down the ignition button before the the scooter fully starts running? For me its a couple of seconds (which isn't bad) but I looked on youtube and it seems like they are starting instantly. Is that normal? Maybe its part of the "Break in" period?

Its my first scooter and its brand new so I just want to make sure things are working out correctly.

Thanks for your help guys!

Rico

[iceman]

I'd say mine is almost instant to about half a second.

[JohnL]

Almost instant also. Sounds like yours may need some adjustment.

[chowzai]

hmmm ok, thanks for the tip. It started ok today.

What about the free play on the back brake? Have you guys tried tightening it from the rear wheel?

Took her out today, everything seems ok. Just wished the rear brake worked better. It slows you down but its really really weak.

[iceman]

I don't like my rear brake - seems poor compared to other scooters such as the much older honda lead I took my CBT on. Still, people say engine brake when you can, use the front mostly and top it off with the rear. Not sure if it's poor design or due to the CBS stuff.

[chowzai]

Yea. Back brake is almost non existent. It will slow you down in Cornering just about. Overall a great bike though. I am going to call my dealer about the free play. Hope they can tighten it up more. I tried tightening it from the rear wheel but the engine wouldn't ignite if I do that. I literally have to hold the brake like 2 inches down. 3/4 touching the handle bar before it does anything.

[WhiteNoise]

Please let us know what your dealer says and does. Thank ya

[chowzai]

He actually said the manual is wrong because pcx bikes are like that. Every bike is different. He did say service team will look at it on my first service. Any idea what the first service will entail? The 600 miles or 6 week mark.

Thanks

[ScooteringAbout]

He is wrong then! I had the same issue before my 2,500 mile service, mentioned this, and the brake was checked out by my dealers, the rear brake now can lock up the rear wheel!

Keep at your dealers, they're being sodding lazy!

[yak]

Not much happens at the 600 mile service. Mostly an oil change. Many dealers are asking you to delay until 1,000 miles. The 2 key things are the valve adjustment and the oil strainer. If those are both correct, you have little to do for the next 5,000 miles. There are lots of previous threads about these items. Maybe 1 in 20 needed a valve adjustment. Maybe 1 in 40 had some debris in the oil strainer ( i did not do a true analysis about these numbers but they make my writing sound much more official). So there is a good chance that you can save the $165 USD and change the oil yourself at 1,000 miles.

[chowzai]

Hi Drew, thanks for the reply. If the rear brake is too loose, there is less chance of a rear wheel lock up right? Mine is too loose, not too tight. I did try tightening it but the engine wouldn't start. Maybe it's a safety feature. Lol.

Hi Yak, I was told that if I don't service at 600 miles or 6 weeks my Honda warranty would be voided? I don't have a clue about bikes, don't even know what an oil change or valve adjustment is so wouldn't be able to sevice it myself. Haha.

I am still trying to work out how to break in the bike. Done about 93 miles so far but haven't gone past 45mph. any tips?

[JohnL]

The bike doesn't need much running in, best way is to ride it normally without thrashing it.

[Blubayou]

Am I the only one who likes the combined braking system?

Thought I'd hate it but I find it very effective.

If your rear brake is properly adjusted, it takes a good tug on the brake lever to ensure the starter is not inhibited, but it should start instantly.

I think the brakes on the PCX are very good indeed.

[wangsuda]

^I have no problem with mine either. I find the combi brakes are great in Bangkok traffic and excellent for curves. Oh, and my rear brake seems fine. Does the job.

[ScooteringAbout]

Since my dealer (AllBikes Rochdale) did my 2,500 mile service, and had a look over the CBS system, I've noticed a remarkable improvement, more then once until I quickly got used to the increased power, I pulled too hard on the rear lever, and locked up the rear!.

[chowzai]

Hmmmm. I will just wait for the first service and mention it. The bike starts normally now. I think it was just the run in period. Great bike so far. Love it!

[maddiedog]

You should be able to tighten up the rear brake and still start it. Your switch to the starter may be a bit bent out of place, check the little switch under the left lever and see if it's pushed out of place. I was able to tighten mine a fair bit and ran into trouble with the rear brake being engaged from being too tight before I ever ran into problems with engaging the start switch.