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Have a 2013 PCX. Should I upgrade, get a 2019, DCT, or ...?
Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2019 4:54 am
by grndslm
So I bought this 2013 PCX a couple years ago. Only things I've really done to it were out of ABSOLUTE necessity -- tires and camshaft tensioner. I ride this thing every day, and every day I think I need to do the humpectomy, the variator/roller/belt upgrade, fix the clutch whine/grind & slipping/vibration problem, etc.... but I also wonder if I would be better off with a slightly larger bike to ride on the Interstate. I only NEED something that will ride at 65 mph 85% of the time, but it'd be nice if that same device could also handle 80 to 85 mph so I could hop on the Interstate safely for 10 to 20 miles.
So I've obviously got a few options....
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Upgrade the 2013 to see how many miles I can really get off this thing.
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Just get a 2019 or maybe 2020 if they're coming out soon. Could start fresh, wouldn't need any upgrades, plus I'd get a lotta extras.... better suspension, larger fuel capacity, more trunk space, LED headlights, 12V phone charger built-in, maybe front ABS (does this get rid of CBS, tho? Kinda like CBS, really), plus all new chassis & engine design, and even wider tires (dunno if this is really necessary, tho... I thought I read here that skinnier tires actually led to more stability?).
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Get a DCT bike -- like the CTX700 or NC700X and add storage boxes (eww!!), while sacrificing the multi-foot rest positions of scooter floorboards. Chains don't bother me as much as losing the more practical aspects of scooters.
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Just upgrade to a bigger scooter -- like the Xmax 300, used Forza, or heck why not an even bigger [and older] Silver Wing?
I feel like I should just take the Xmax off since it's the real oddball, not being a Honda. I'd probably have already bought a Forza for being a middle of the road scooter that can do it all.... but as far as I know, only red is available in the U.S..... and I hate red vehicles since they're TOO eye catching. But what say the masses?? Forza with a paint job?

Re: Have a 2013 PCX. Should I upgrade, get a 2019, DCT, or
Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2019 5:07 am
by grndslm
I would like to add that I'm looking for something that's at least as comfortable as the PCX, which is probly pretty hard to find.
The only bikes I've had the opportunity to sit on are the Smax, which was too cramped for me as someone who prefers a feet forward riding position, and while feet back, my knees were almost touching the handlebars, and I'm only 5'9". And I also sat on the CTX, which seems incredibly comfortable, but it's ONLY a feet forward position, which I prefer to alternate and pull my feet back from time to time. I might be able to add some type of floorboard to the CTX since there's no shifting involved.
I've HEARD that the Forza is not as comfortable as the PCX, and the Silver Wing might be more comfortable to sit on while cruising the Interstate system... but handling in town is itself less comfortable than the PCX due to its extra weight.
I think I need a PCX200 with a flat seat. Even the stepped seat on the newer PCXes doesn't seem a whole lot better than the 2013 hump. I have a feeling that a 2013 PCX after humpectomy might be the most comfortable scooter around, no?
Re: Have a 2013 PCX. Should I upgrade, get a 2019, DCT, or
Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2019 7:40 am
by big bear
i have a x max 300 buy one you will like it plenty of power and good storage. Yes i know its not a honda but its honda fault for discontinuing selling the forza here and forcing us to by other bikes
Re: Have a 2013 PCX. Should I upgrade, get a 2019, DCT, or
Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2019 7:58 am
by Jge64
Go see if you can find a test ride on an Xmax. I had a 2015 PCX, A DCT 700 CTX and countless other bikes. I am more than 100% satisfied with the new X max, it has the same flickability and light feeling with the PCX has, but the most horsepower in the class. I have taken it on (4) 500 mile trips with no problems at all. I would replace the seat with the comfort seat. It’s much nicer.
Re: Have a 2013 PCX. Should I upgrade, get a 2019, DCT, or
Posted: Fri Oct 11, 2019 9:52 am
by Mel46
If you want to go 65 mph, which the PCX can do, the rest is up to you. The 2013 version was the fastest one built so upgrading the variator and drive face will get you to 75 mph, as long as you have a new or almost new belt on it. However, without a windscreen on it you will be acting like a wall to the wind, which will then slow your speed. So, yes you could update it and make it really comfortable and much faster, like I have done on mine.
However, if you have your mind set on getting a faster bike then you will have to decide whether you want a scooter or a motorcycle. Honda made the Forza 300, and there are probably still some available, but it may be more bike than you want or need. Find one and sit on it before going any further on that choice.
The newest PCX is comfortable, but you will still have the same speed problem.
As Jge64 mentioned, there are other manufacturers who have good products as well, including the Yamaha Xmax 300. Find a dealer and sit on it. You may like it.
It all comes down to what you really really want.
I am sure that you have seen pictures of the modifications and upgrades many of us have done to our bikes, so the decision on how to spend your money is totally yours.
Re: Have a 2013 PCX. Should I upgrade, get a 2019, DCT, or
Posted: Sat Oct 12, 2019 10:03 pm
by grndslm
I found a dealer that had an XMax 300 in stock. Liked the looks, but it seemed so top heavy... like heavier than the Yamaha MT-07!! The CTX700 certainly feels way lighter. If the Forza and Silver Wing both feel as top heavy as the XMax.... then I guess the CTX is probly the only other bike I'd consider.
Guess I'll just keep the '13 PCX, do the humpectomy & CVT upgrades..... and THEN trade my Kymco Spade 150 for a CTX.
Re: Have a 2013 PCX. Should I upgrade, get a 2019, DCT, or
Posted: Sat Oct 12, 2019 11:14 pm
by Old Grinner
You can get a nice padded seat cover from "Cheeky Seats" for the 2013 if you remove the hump.
https://scooterseatcovers.net/index.php ... cts_id=580
Re: Have a 2013 PCX. Should I upgrade, get a 2019, DCT, or
Posted: Sat Oct 12, 2019 11:41 pm
by 87112
grndslm wrote:I found a dealer that had an XMax 300 in stock. Liked the looks, but it seemed so top heavy... like heavier than the Yamaha MT-07!! The CTX700 certainly feels way lighter. If the Forza and Silver Wing both feel as top heavy as the XMax.... then I guess the CTX is probly the only other bike I'd consider.
Guess I'll just keep the '13 PCX, do the humpectomy & CVT upgrades..... and THEN trade my Kymco Spade 150 for a CTX.
That is what I thought of the XMAX as well, it felt big and top heavy. The front end feels small but mentally the rear end feels big. I am sure its all in my head as a test ride will prove it to be not true.
If you want light feel in a performance ride, it probably does not get any better than a Ninja 400, that thing rocks.
Re: Have a 2013 PCX. Should I upgrade, get a 2019, DCT, or
Posted: Fri Oct 18, 2019 5:17 am
by gn2
grndslm wrote:I found a dealer that had an XMax 300 in stock. Liked the looks, but it seemed so top heavy... like heavier than the Yamaha MT-07!! The CTX700 certainly feels way lighter. If the Forza and Silver Wing both feel as top heavy as the XMax.... then I guess the CTX is probly the only other bike I'd consider.
Guess I'll just keep the '13 PCX, do the humpectomy & CVT upgrades..... and THEN trade my Kymco Spade 150 for a CTX.
The Xmax 179kg is significantly lighter than a CTX DCT 234kg.
CTX weighs roughly two PCXs and is a very heavy beast.
I think where you're getting the top heavy "feel" from is the Xmax seat height and width, the CTX seat is
very low indeed.
Don't waste time, money and effort on the PCX mods, it won't do what you say you want.
I would say get a Forza because it has a very low seat, but it is useless for feet forward unless you have extremely short legs.