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Newby.. pcx tuning tips

Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2012 2:17 pm
by cooksey
Hi folks. new to the forum.
Brought a pcx125 around 3 months ago to save costs on fuel and I love it to bits!!
Have just purchased a givi screen from doble for £49.99 hopefully will protect me better during the winter months.
Pictures soon

Re: Newby.. pcx tuning tips

Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2012 2:22 pm
by gn2
No, it's all lies.
Attempting to tune a PCX is an exercise in futility.
But:
Stainless exhaust better than standard because it will be less likely to corrode.
So buy one when the original wears out.
K&N filter arguably better because it will last much longer.
So only buy one if you will do enough miles to make it worth your while.

Re: Newby.. pcx tuning tips

Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2012 4:45 pm
by jasontheparamedic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68tWyjJbHEE

Check this video out regarding J. Costa variator. My belt wear caused my top speed to drop to about 57mph. The variator does work, but just a little bit. Truth be told, I've even gone up to 65mph but speed gains are inconsistent, going anywhere from 60 - 65mph top speed. The price for one of these is $250. I don't know how to get new sliders for the J Costa as they will eventually wear down after about 10000 miles. That's not including the cost of impact wrench or having someone install for you. I have a PCX 125. I'm not sure if it works for PCX 150.

Also, read this thread.

http://hondapcx.org/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=355

Please think very carefully about this process. Afterall, this bike is not a maxi scooter.

Re: Newby.. pcx tuning tips

Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2012 1:55 pm
by maddiedog
You won't get much more performance out of the PCX than stock. Most of it is snake oil.

I've heard good things about the DR Pulleys, but haven't seen any evidence proving their effectiveness yet. Many people saw no change or a decline in performance from the JCosta variator, while a few saw increases. YMMV.

The K&N filter made no difference for me in gas mileage OR performance. Like GN2 said, it's only worth it because it is reusable.

Re: Newby.. pcx tuning tips

Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2012 6:51 pm
by jasontheparamedic
Over $400 in mods for a couple miles an hour top speed gain. It's up to you to do what you want. I wouldn't re-do that decision again, as the performance increase did not match the price/value. If you need more power, there should be gently used pre-owned bigger bikes readily available in many areas of the country.

Re: Newby.. pcx tuning tips

Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2012 7:41 pm
by Taz
Buying the screen is about the best performance improvement if it gives you more comfort at speed. Regarding the exhaust and having recently had a trail bike topple on me and burn my leg from the exhaust. I would make sure any replacement exhaust has heat protection. I should have taken a photo of the burns!

Re: Newby.. pcx tuning tips

Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2012 4:21 am
by Nobody
I'm planning on installing some Dr.Pulley sliders with the standard variator and an uprated clutch contra spring on the weekend. Hope I can get it done with no issues. Will see what it does - but I'm realistic here as we are limited by the power on tap. I want better acceleration/pickup for the type of riding I do; top speed is not an issue for me. These are not expensive mods: 34€ for the sliders and $25US for the spring. Add in some new tools (tools are an investment) and it is under $100. Hey, I like tinkering so this is also fun.

If you go for just the exhaust/filter thinking you will get a power increase I think you will be disappointed. You have to look at the whole system and unless you have $$$/gold & time on hand to upgrade/tweak the filter/ecu/engine/cvt components, the payback is not worth it. Like what gn2 always says: want a faster bike, get a bike with a bigger engine. Worried about the exhaust rusting? I treated my exhaust/most metal bits with ACF-50 anti corrosive protection when I got it. Still looks pristine under the layer of crud.

Re: Newby.. pcx tuning tips

Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2012 8:29 am
by maddiedog
Nobody, please report back with your results on the Performance forum. :D

Re: Newby.. pcx tuning tips

Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 9:19 am
by trigg123
the ebay exhausts are fake crap.save your money and buy the arrow one like i did! great product and still looks like new. Its cleaned once a week.
regards Trigg