Launch: Honda PCX125

Honda's idle stop technology has made the transition from four to two wheels, with the company recently launching its Thailand-built PCX125 scooter in Australia with the fuel-saving feature.

And far from being a fringe-dwelling augmentation, idle stop could certainly have broader implications for Honda's larger capacity scooter and motorcycle line-up - especially with low CO2 emissions forming a key plank of the company's recently announced 2020 vision.

Here's how it works. When the idle stop switch is activated, the engine stops running after three seconds of - crazily enough -- idling, but it restarts when the throttle is twisted open again, with only a minuscule - ie insignificant - amount of lag. The system helps to improve fuel efficiency by up to another five per cent, according to Honda.

And therein lies the real rub, 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.

The technology operates with data input from seven separate sensors and switches, and only kicks in when engine temperature reaches a pre-determined level.

You can even leave the bike on its centrestand for up to three minutes with the idle stop activated.

Honda claims the PCX125 will deliver fuel economy of around 46km per litre. And to emphasise the point, for $100 that will get you about two return trips from Sydney to Melbourne.

If you're contemplating such a feat, you may want to crunch the numbers first, as you'll have 8.4kW and 11.6Nm to play with on some of those long uphill stretches.

Not really the sweet spot for high-speed touring, but for a commuter the PCX125 is just right: not too big, not too small, not to fast and - here's the key - not too slow to put the rider on a knife edge.

At the heart of the PCX is a liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single-cylinder, two-valve SOHC engine, which features a 'built-in' radiator.

There is also a brushless AGC starter, mounted directly on the end of the crankshaft, which works up a sweat as both a starter motor and alternator.

It gets up to speed quite quickly with a nice hit of torque, so there are no issues about gelling in with traffic, and stability is assured with 14-inch wheels and a fairly rangy 1305mm wheelbase.

Steering is light and responsive there's plenty of legroom, the seat is comfortable, and the suspension provides a decent amount of travel. And I love some of the little styling touches like the chrome handlebars.

The budget-priced scoot, which retails for just $3990, also includes a nifty combined braking system, designed to actuate both front and rear brakes when only the rear drum brake is strongly applied. The front brake will not operate when the rear brake is lightly actuated.

As for accessories, the list includes signature scooter items such as a top box, but also an alarm, U-lock, muffler ends, bar ends, side covers, floor panels - it's customisation heaven.

So how does Honda manage to shoehorn all this technology into a 4K scooter? The answer lies in the Thailand factory, with the PCX the first worldwide release from the facility.  And it's not going to be the last as Honda strives to produce more affordable, cost competitive global products over the next 10 years.

Colours for the PCX are Pearl Himalaya White, Asteroid Black Metallic or Seal Silver Metallic.

Visit the scooter's microsite at www.hondapcx.com.au for details on how you could win one of five PCXs over the next few months.

TRANSMISSION
Type: V-Matic
Final drive: V-Belt

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame type: Tubular steel underbone
Front suspension: 31mm forks, 100mm travel
Rear suspension: Twin shocks, 75mm travel
Front brakes: 220mm disc with combined three-piston caliper
Rear brakes: 130mm drum

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed kerb weight: 124.4kg
Seat height: 761mm
Wheelbase: 1305mm
Ground clearance: 135mm
Fuel capacity: 6.2lt

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 11.3hp (8.3kW) at 8000rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 11.6Nm at 6000rpm

OTHER STUFF
Price: $3990
Colour: White, black metallic or silver metallic
Bike supplied by: Honda Australia (www.hondamotorcycles.com.au)
Warranty: One-year unlimited kilometres