Honda PCX scooter heading to Oz

Honda is set to add a 125cc scooter to its Aussie line-up with the all-new PCX125, featuring an idle stop switch and brushless Alternating Current Generator (ACG).

In order to start the engine smoothly from the state of idling stop, the ACG starter, which first debuted on the Zoomer scooter released in 2002, is mounted directly on the end of the crankshaft, serving as a starter motor and an alternator. According to Honda, the ACG technology eliminates typical noise from the starter gear engagement or meshing.

Meanwhile, when the idle stop switch is enabled, the engine stops running after three seconds of idling, but it restarts when the throttle is twisted open again -helping to improve fuel efficiency by up to another five per cent.

At the heart of the PCX is a 125cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder, two-valve SOHC engine, which features an innovative 'built-in' radiator and fuel injection, claimed to help deliver frugal economy of around 2.2lt/100km.

Power production is 11.2hp (8.3kW) at 8000rpm, and torque is 11.6Nm at 6000rpm.

The scooter has a tinted screen and a dual headlight, behind which sits an instrument panel with speedometer, fuel gauge and an indicator for the engine's innovative Idle Stop Switch.

Underneath the rider and pillion seat is a lockable storage space, and there is also an optional 26lt top box.

The wheels are 14-inch five-spoke cast aluminium, and there's also combined braking. The forks are 33mm, and there's 100mm of travel at the front and 75mm at the rear.

Cost is $3990, and the PCX125 will be available in late to mid-August in the following colour choices: Pearl Himalaya White, Asteroid Black Metallic or Seal Silver Metallic.