Honda PCX125: rest and play
The new scooter has lobbed in Australia, complete with a funky idle stop switch and brushless alternating current generatorHonda has just created a whole new meaning for motorcycle rest and play.
In launching the all-new Thai-built PCX125 scooter, Honda has introduced idle stop technology to its local line-up, which is an absurdly simple - and fuel saving - measure.
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, according to Honda.
You can even leave the bike on its centrestand for up to three minutes with the idle stop activated.
The Bikesales Network tried the technology out during the Australian press launch last week, and it's clear that it will certainly have broader implications for Honda's larger capacity scooter and motorcycle line-up in the future.
And that makes sense too, as it's one thing trying to cut fuel consumption on a 125cc scooter that's already frugal as buggery, but the real gains will be made on the bigger, more fuel hungry hardware.
But for now idle stop is only on the PCX125, which Honda claims will deliver around 2.17lt/100km. And to emphasise the point, for $100 the PCX125 will be able to make two return trips from Sydney to Melbourne.
If you're contemplating such a feat, you'll have 11.3hp (8.4kW) and 11.6Nm to play with on those long stretches, with the lot tracking on stability-lending 14-inch wheels.
At the heart of the PCX is a 125cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder, two-valve SOHC engine, which features a 'built-in' radiator.
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 idle stop switch.
Underneath the rider and pillion seat is a lockable storage space, and there is also an optional 26lt top box.
There's also combined braking. The forks are 31mm, and there's 100mm of travel at the front and 75mm at the rear.
Cost is $3990, and the PCX125 (the first 'worldwide' model coming out of Honda's Thailand factory) will be available later this week in the following colour choices: Pearl Himalaya White, Asteroid Black Metallic or Seal Silver Metallic.
As for accessories, the list is as exhaustive as any motorcycle.
Keep an eye out for a full launch report on the Bikesales Network.
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