A few PCX questions from a newb - Tall riders?

[UneasyRider]

I have been reading about the PCX for a while and I think it may fill the bill for what I am looking to do.

I am 6'3" / 210# - It seems that there are a number of tall PCX riders. Could some of you post a pic of you ON the bike for reference? I have not had the chance to sit on one and I'd like to get an idea of what a tall person looks like sitting on one.

Now my questions:

1) My goal is to avoid the freeway for the most part, but to have the ability to get on it if I absolutely HAVE to. I have read that the NYC variator mod w/13g rollers is a good way to get better top speed. Is that enough for the freeway? Can it hold 65 comfortably for a while with this mod?

2) Do larger tires (like 120s or 140s) bring down MPGs?

3) Will a nicer sounding exhaust cut down on MPGs? If not, what is recommended?

4) Would a Forza better fit the bill? I actually lean towards the PCX because I like the idea of a lighter weight bike that I can just use to "zip around" locally (country highways, backroads, grocery runs, etc)

5) I have to ride on dirt/gravel roads - no avoiding it for me. PCX okay for this? It seems the lighter weight would be a plus in this situation.

THANK YOU! This site seems to have a bunch of nice helpful folks - hope to be one of you soon!

UR

[homie]

Welcome to the forum sir... here ya go if you want to see how you will be seated on any motorbike before you buy it.
http://cycle-ergo.com/

1. YES!
2. yes it will... 85-90 mpg
3. IDK
4. 4Z's? never do it
5. we can bust our butts on any two wheeler of any weight on sand, gravel, black ice etc.

[UneasyRider]

Thanks!

I have looked at cycle-ergo already. A stick figure is somewhat helpful, but not the same. Was hoping for real pics.

[homie]

sorry i'm only 5'9" but a custom seat on a PCX would be the ticket if I was your height... and I would move the bars forward as far as the windscreen would allow. (I do this anyway)

[UneasyRider]

I have seen the threads about de-humpifying the seat, and would do that immediately after I get one.

[Jge64]

Try and get thru my build thread in my sig, a few diff seats, exhaust and other pics. I am 6 2, a windshield helps.

[homie]

I have seen the threads about de-humpifying the seat, and would do that immediately after I get one.

There won't be a hump on 2015/16/17 models but you still might want a custom saddle. Be sure to check the OP (posters) year thats talking when searching these archives, and please put your location to the left so's we's know how easy it will be for you to shop custom saddles You might be one of them foreigners.

[UneasyRider]

Try and get thru my build thread in my sig, a few diff seats, exhaust and other pics. I am 6 2, a windshield helps.

Very nice mods. I like it.

Still hoping for a pic or two of LARGE RIDERS on a PCX...

[gn2]

1: Not a chance
2: Yes and they reduce acceleration as well
3: Yes
4: Only reason for aftermarket exhaust is for the cosmetics or if the original rusts through or gets damaged in a collision.
5: The answer to this applies equally to the Forza, neither it or the PCX are intended to be used on unmade road surfaces. They both have very low ground clearance, you can hit the fairing riding up or down a kerb never mind going off road.

[homie]

This old but excellent video shows what must be a 6'plus dude on a PCX. It's not really giving me any bad vibs other than he's wearing a tented visor at night. Actually tall people kinda give a nostalgic, retro, rebel look to the PCX and rider... or maybe the headless horseman is what I'm feeling

[honkerman]

I have been reading about the PCX for a while and I think it may fill the bill for what I am looking to do.

I am 6'3" / 210# - It seems that there are a number of tall PCX riders. Could some of you post a pic of you ON the bike for reference? I have not had the chance to sit on one and I'd like to get an idea of what a tall person looks like sitting on one.

Now my questions:

1) My goal is to avoid the freeway for the most part, but to have the ability to get on it if I absolutely HAVE to. I have read that the NYC variator mod w/13g rollers is a good way to get better top speed. Is that enough for the freeway? Can it hold 65 comfortably for a while with this mod?

2) Do larger tires (like 120s or 140s) bring down MPGs?

3) Will a nicer sounding exhaust cut down on MPGs? If not, what is recommended?

4) Would a Forza better fit the bill? I actually lean towards the PCX because I like the idea of a lighter weight bike that I can just use to "zip around" locally (country highways, backroads, grocery runs, etc)

5) I have to ride on dirt/gravel roads - no avoiding it for me. PCX okay for this? It seems the lighter weight would be a plus in this situation.

THANK YOU! This site seems to have a bunch of nice helpful folks - hope to be one of you soon!

UR

#1, while you can technically do 55 mph highways, it's not ideal. Yes, you can upgrade the variator to get more speed out of it, by the time you've invested in that kind of upgrade, you may as well get a CB300f or a Forza.The PCX is most at home on secondary roads.

#2. Yes, and there isn't any real point. They are simply an appearance mod with no real advantage.

#3. I have a Leo Vince Corsa exhaust and I've gained about 10 mpg. It also sound amazing. Do a search, I've got a couple threads about it here. Or search for scootin fool on YouTube. I've got vids and you can here it in my scooto vlog videos.

#4, if you want a lightweight bike, see the aforementioned CB300F. The Forza won't give you that.

#5, gravel and dirt are bad on any purpose built street bike. I haven't crashed my PCX on gravel yet, but I don't push it when I have to ride on it.

[UneasyRider]

The CB300F, nah. Not looking for a motorcycle. Sizing down from a 1600 cruiser, and want the SEG factor (sh*t eating grin) of a scooter, plus storage. Reflex, Forza, PCX. Probably one of those.

[honkerman]

Ahh, well, that's a bit different then.

You might consider a big-wheel scooter like the Piaggio BV-350 (though it's a bit expensive), or something like a Yamaha Majesty or Silverwing.

I'm not sure the PCX will fit you in its stock form, but you could always modify the seat and change the handlebar position. I'm 5'10" and it's pretty well perfect for me, so you might feel a bit squeezed. The only way to know for sure is to sit on one and see how it fits. Just like trying on jeans at K-Mart. The scoot is low to the ground, planted and nimble. I prefer it to my Piaggio BV-250...which is for sale.

another option would be an old Helix. Finding one at a reasonable price can be tricky, but boy are they comfortable.

[UneasyRider]

I actually had a Helix - wanted one for a long time. Once I got it I HATED the riding position and handling... I also owned a Reflex, and loved it!

[chicaboo]

I'm 6'2", and after 2 months the hump on my 2012 PCX started to bother me with numbness where it meets my backside.
This weekend I think I will do the humpectomy on the seat and see how I feel about a new humpless seat or padded cover.

Otherwise, I find the ergonomics of the scoot quite good with some variation in foot position possible - even if not ideal for my wider feet...
I don't have any pictures of me on the bike, but my legs and knees don't feel cramped if that makes any difference to you.

[UneasyRider]

That does help. On Cycle-Ergo it looks just a bit smaller than the Reflex, but still a pretty good size.

I have read posts by Mel46 that claim top speed of 75mph with "NCY variator, drive face and 13 gram rollers" installed. So it seems like if that is true, then cruising at 65 would be doable. Yes? Just hoping it is possible. 65mph is so much better than 60mph for me, if possible, but not necessarily a deal-breaker.

And I am definitely not interested in big bore or anything like that. Just some simple mods to gain what I can without screwing too much with the factory setup. Otherwise I will have to jump up to a 250+ and take on all that extra weight.

I hope he chimes in on this thread - I'd like to hear about that setup and the MPGs that go with it.

[flyingzonker]

You might look a little big on the PCX. If that is going to bother you (I say this with no disparagement intended), then maybe a Forza would better answer your situation. Let's face it, people like to feel like they look good.

When I ride my PCX, I feel like Superman. I suspect, however, that I probably look more like Jimmy Olson. S'OK by me.

[chicaboo]

At 6'2", 256lbs and over 2' across the shoulders, I'm surprised the PCX can even cope with me!
With just sliders I can do an indicated 71.4mph and 74.5mph with slight downhill and tuck.
Personally I don't like how the PCX feels over 59-62mph depending on how windy it is.
The PCX can do the speeds you want, but you might feel more comfortable doing them on a Forza.

Sometimes I wish I'd spent twice the money and got a Forza, but then I'd wish I'd spent twice again on a Tmax...
Having said that, I imagine a Forza with lighter sliders/rollers would be quite nice if the ergonomics suit me?
For my first bike I'm somewhat happy with my choice, but I do intend to upgrade after a year or so...

[homie]

here is fact... the kit, inexpensive, easy to install
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NRc9g3Dasw

the results
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EQ6MHoIYAo

the endurance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qS4vpDdGUsw

Averaging 87 mpg with this kit
you will get mid 90's mpg and top out at 78 mph on the 'stock rubber' with the PCX150.
It's a blast to ride and fun to work on. Meets all the needs you have mentioned... now go get yourself one tallman

[UneasyRider]

Great info Homie - thank you and everyone else.