Plastic Parts / Poor Suspension

[foggyhelmet]

Sorry about the title! Maybe someone can help me reword it...

Anyway, the PCX-150 after 10k miles or so is holding up very well performance-wise. You probably already knew this -Honda makes a great product. My question(s) have to do with the extent of the fragility of the critical components.

I'm just wondering if I am missing anything.

Basically, the bike is no joy to ride on unrepaired streets and because of the flooding/heat this year the asphalt is cracking and bowing everywhere. I just hope the same isn't happening to the PCX. Probably a thousand "bottom-outs" have been tallied - recessed manhole covers, cracks, dips, crumbles. Recently I hit a bottom out and something snapped. I pulled over to inspect and all I could spot was the bottom screws of the air filter case....which was already compromised. Temporary fix is duct tape and even more rigorous inspection before taking off.

What I'm wondering before I take it to the shop and get reamed is are there any critical parts that naturally wear out and snap that the casual eye wouldn't think of?



Also, I have to say the kickstand caved in on a sudden gravel stop that had me sliding on the left side. Had it inspected at that time and nothing critical was broken. That's not to say something might be compromised? Plastic's really fickle when it has minor damage and I just don't want to be sailing along and a critical component breaks off. We only get one chance to get it right -if it's critical, clearly there's danger ahead.

p.s. I know someone is going to say take it in to the shop -I will be doing so. For our edification here, what components are really susceptible to the shock force the bike takes on the stock twin shocks?

[Jge64]

I am a new owner recently , however I've been in motorcycles for 35 or 40 years, and I was very surprised how bad the stock shocks were… I replaced with a simple YSS set, and it was a much better ride immediately , it handled potholes better, never bottoming out. I am 240 pounds. I think the stock shocks could be a lot better.

[foggyhelmet]

I am a new owner recently , however I've been in motorcycles for 35 or 40 years, and I was very surprised how bad the stock shocks were… I replaced with a simple YSS set, and it was a much better ride immediately , it handled potholes better, never bottoming out. I am 240 pounds. I think the stock shocks could be a lot better.

I'm 220 and it kills my back even when I go the complete rounds with stretching and eating properly etc. YSS is going to be installed fairly soon -I am glad to hear it's much better.

Any idea what else could snap or break besides our vertebrae?

[Jge64]

Nope , are top and bottom mounts of shocks intact?

Next i would check frame..

[homie]

You shouldn't look for stress cracks in this area. They pose no safety or mechanical issue but you probably shouldn't look because I suspect there will be many who find them. Not sure what I will do about this, maybe replace it this winter during tear down reinforcing the inside area with a coat of marine epoxy knowing it will happen again if I don't.

[foggyhelmet]

I see what you're saying. My greatest concern is Honda made the bike with bad suspension yet also did not take into consideration the stress the additional shock force would put on flimsy plastic parts.

Something as stupid as a quarter-sized piece of plastic coming off while riding and lodging itself in the wheel well somewhere. I try to be more rational and say that won't ever happen. If it ever does....there's no room for backtracking...

[you you]

I see what you're saying. My greatest concern is Honda made the bike with bad suspension yet also did not take into consideration the stress the additional shock force would put on flimsy plastic parts.

Something as stupid as a quarter-sized piece of plastic coming off while riding and lodging itself in the wheel well somewhere. I try to be more rational and say that won't ever happen. If it ever does....there's no room for backtracking...

Honda didn't make a PCX with bad suspension.

Are you ok?

[homie]

I see what you're saying. My greatest concern is Honda made the bike with bad suspension yet also did not take into consideration the stress the additional shock force would put on flimsy plastic parts.

Something as stupid as a quarter-sized piece of plastic coming off while riding and lodging itself in the wheel well somewhere. I try to be more rational and say that won't ever happen. If it ever does....there's no room for backtracking...

I've had these off when I did my valve clearance check and they are well made and connected in multiple ways to the frame (slots, screws and fasteners) so there is little chance any chunks will be falling away This is vibration damage and not stress I should have been more specific. Honda needs to see the chemist who's mixing the polymers for these fairings and cowlings and add a little flexibility mojo. There will always be something and so far this has been (ALL) with the 2015 that has found its way to my scoot. I will reinforce the area from the inside this winter during teardown or order a new side panel and reinforce that one before install.

Just remember we are out there for 3700.00 looking pretty darn good!

[maddiedog]

The suspension is bolted to the frame. The body panels are bolted to the frame.

The frame is rigid and connects the two.

I see no reason why the (admittedly lacking) stock suspension would put strain on the body panels. The panels from my experience are stout too -- I took my PCX on a lot of gravel roads with no issue. I think you're worrying too much.

[foggyhelmet]

The suspension is bolted to the frame. The body panels are bolted to the frame.

The frame is rigid and connects the two.

I see no reason why the (admittedly lacking) stock suspension would put strain on the body panels. The panels from my experience are stout too -- I took my PCX on a lot of gravel roads with no issue. I think you're worrying too much.

Actually, no. Sounds like there's just a gap in understanding here on both ends. Something actually broke while going over a bump. It is plastic and holding up something else. I don't care if it is metal, plastic, or synthetic goose droppings....if it is something that will cause an accident by coming off.

A lot of these replies are assuming the broken plastic is in my head, when it was actually because numerous plastic bits are coming apart as my bump count climbs. Auditory clues, visually confirmed.

So, the reason I am asking for enlightenment here is I have an extremely limited budget at the moment. I can't risk being paranoid or complacent. So, please help with insight if you have it.

[you you]

The suspension is bolted to the frame. The body panels are bolted to the frame.

The frame is rigid and connects the two.

I see no reason why the (admittedly lacking) stock suspension would put strain on the body panels. The panels from my experience are stout too -- I took my PCX on a lot of gravel roads with no issue. I think you're worrying too much.

Actually, no. Sounds like there's just a gap in understanding here on both ends. Something actually broke while going over a bump. It is plastic and holding up something else. I don't care if it is metal, plastic, or synthetic goose droppings....if it is something that will cause an accident by coming off.

A lot of these replies are assuming the broken plastic is in my head, when it was actually because numerous plastic bits are coming apart as my bump count climbs. Auditory clues, visually confirmed.

So, the reason I am asking for enlightenment here is I have an extremely limited budget at the moment. I can't risk being paranoid or complacent. So, please help with insight if you have it.

Ride your scooter not your keyboard and enjoy the open road.

A few deep breaths might help