The Honda PCX / Forza / ADV150 / SH Forums

Here we go, post what you more experienced owners would look for when buying a used PCX.
Ask for service records. Check for throttle play because that would tell me if it was serviced (cable only stretches so far). I would certainly look at the center stand for cracks in the mount. Park it on the C-stand and roll the rear wheel listening for the bearing issues. Look for over sized tires and note the mods that were needed to install them.

Take the time to check the reserve (upper) coolant tank. That serves 2 purposes: it shows that the seller cared enuf to keep it full; and you can find a potential problem.... if the tank has cracked, it won't hold coolant and the replacement tank costs $54. The tank is under the seat and can be viewed without tools (maybe a screwdriver).

Check for oil leaks... make sure the valve cover gasket is clean and not covered in "sealant".
Rusty exhaust components...
Weathered rubber... tires, grips etc. (Homie please, who in their right mind would install over-sized tires on a PCX )

dasshreddar wrote:Check for oil leaks... make sure the valve cover gasket is clean and not covered in "sealant".
Rusty exhaust components...
Weathered rubber... tires, grips etc. (Homie please, who in their right mind would install over-sized tires on a PCX )

very funny DS... who is going to tear down the sellers bike and look at valve cover gaskets

PS; if you new guys are wondering what some of this stuff is search the forum or ask for links to topics posted and many will help you.

and there is this to consider from YAK

"I just bought a 2013 PCX150 in Phoenix.... 2 weeks ago. It had 2,000 miles. Asking price $2,500. I got it for $2,300. Then paid $300 to check the valve adjustment (the valves did not need adjusting) and replacement of the reserve coolant tank (previous owner did not know that the tank was broken).
I had been shopping for 3 months. No one would bargain below $2,800 since all of the sellers had paid $3,800 less than one year ago; but all of the scooters were under 4,000 miles. Then I read on this forum about dealers discounting brand new 2013's. Sure enuf, one of the local dealers had 2 brand new 2013's for $2,600 ( you would have to negotiate the $310 dealer fee that is added).
Only pay $2,000 for that one with 11,000 miles if the owner has complete service records. I would normally encourage you to bargain down the price, but if it sells to someone else you might have to wait months before another one comes up for sale for $2,000."

Listen for the bearing problem that some have had. The cvt area will sound like a gravel truck or cement mixer. Also check the brakes, or at least the brake lever play. Also check the rims for knicks or other signs that it might have been in an accident. And make sure the gas cap and cover work properly. I remember getting ours from the shop and the gas door would not work because they had neglected to reconnect the cable the opens the latch.

This is going to scare the crap out of new members isn't it... maybe not half as much as a Forza list of possible fails

All in all though, the pcx is a sturdy bike. I haven't heard of anything that should make people shy away from it. Even though it has had some problems, all have been relatively easy and inexpensive to fix. If you don't use it as a mountain or dirt bike, it should be fine. Just dropping it does not constitute wrecking it. You could drop it from a standstill. Even replacement plastic is cheap to replace. There isn't much to be afraid of on this little dynamo.

Can you imagine buying a used Harley? Does it leak within specifications?

Mel46 wrote:Just dropping it does not constitute wrecking it. You could drop it from a standstill. Even replacement plastic is cheap to replace. There isn't much to be afraid of on this little dynamo.

agreed, but dropping it might get you on my survivors list

SECoda wrote:Can you imagine buying a used Harley?

No.

I ride my buddy's second Harley on scenic treks or used to. I always ask him if his AAA (towing service) is paid up before we leave. One of them always has something wrong going on.

I think the newer Harleys are fairly decent. My parents have a 2007 or 2008 Ultra Classic that they've taken across the USA a number of times with no issue. But I think the ones much older than that are iffy.

SECoda said, "I always ask him if his AAA (towing service) is paid up before we leave."
I'm still laughing!

When I see a motorcycle broke down on the side of the road, its a Harley.