Press Release Honda 2014 PCX 125

Press information for PCX125 2014

2014 HONDA PCX125 Press release date: Model updates: Europe’s favourite – also one of its most economical – 125cc scooter receives brand new bodywork, full LED lighting, a 12V AC adaptor and achieves even greater fuel efficiency of 47km/litre, with a 250 mile plus tank range.

Contents: 1 Introduction 2 Model overview 3 Key features 4 Accessories 5 Technical specifications 1. Introduction

The PCX125 has topped the powered two-wheeler sales charts in Europe for the last two years. Its success is down to a formula Honda has had many years’ experience in perfecting. The strong, modern design allows it to slip elegantly into a styleconscious urban youngster’s lifestyle, while compact dimensions ensure it can wriggle through busy traffic – and park – with ease. Perhaps most importantly, the PCX125 represents great value for money, in terms of initial affordability and low running costs, thanks to very competitive pricing and the engine’s performance and fuel efficiency. Two years ago it was the first scooter in Honda’s range to receive the low-friction engine code-named eSP: “enhanced Smart Power”. For 2014 – and building on the winning formula – Honda’s engineers, led by Large Project Leader (LPL) Yamaguchisan have not rested on their laurels. Their new PCX125 is more stylish, even more fuel-efficient and features a host of detail upgrades to facilitate life on the move in a busy city environment.

2. Model Overview A smart, sporty look, without increasing size but with improved comfort, was a key factor in the new PCX125’s design. The development team also wanted to add value and practicality; many detail improvements are in response to owner feedback. All lighting is now LED, saving electrical drain on the engine and a hazard button has been added, as well as a clock in the dash and integral 12V AC adaptor. Perhaps most importantly the PCX125 is now even more fuel-efficient, (47km/litre WMTC mode) thanks to the addition of low rolling resistance tyres and further friction reduction within the engine. A larger 8-litre fuel tank (up from 5.4-litre) means that a range of approximately 400 kilometres is possible from one fill-up. And not only is the upgraded PCX125 more cost efficient to own: it offers a purchase price advantage over its competition, plus the high build quality, reliability and durability Honda scooters are known for.


Yamaguchi-san, Large Project Leader PCX125: “I have worked on many motorcycles – including the Transalp, Varadero and FMX – but this was my first scooter so I enjoyed the opportunity. It was not without worry! Because the PCX125 has been such a popular model, to make it better while keeping its spirit was a big challenge. But we worked hard and I am proud of our new PCX125; we have added logical upgrades and once again improved the fuel efficiency – saving money – for Europe’s city commuters.” PCX: Personal Comfort ‘X’ level

3. Key Features 3.1 Styling & Equipment The 2014 PCX125’s dynamic look reflects the advanced technologies that go into its production and includes many detail changes to enhance both usefulness and comfort. It’s still a compact form, however, maintaining its traffic-busting ability. The riding position remains a sit-in style and hugs the rider securely; the passenger backrest has been removed to allow more freedom. Compact dual LED headlights add a sporty edge and maintain light distribution with the arrangement of low-high-low beams. The indicators, taillight and license plate light are also LED, reducing electrical drain on the engine by 40kW. The addition of a hazard function is in direct response to feedback from certain key European markets – particularly France – where urban commuters split lanes of congested traffic with hazard lights flashing for increased visibility. The left hand fairing pocket is larger in size and will happily hold a water bottle or drinks can. It also contains the 12V AC adaptor for charging a phone – a useful additional feature. There’s under seat storage for a full-face helmet and the stepped seat itself now has a sprung hinge, so it stays up when open. Seat height is a very manageable 760mm with a ‘straddling’ height of 540mm. Both the seat and fuel lid are opened via one-touch switches and the ignition key receives a key shutter; all are sited 15mm closer to the rider. A central console presents all the information within a neat, concise design. Speed is displayed by a luminous needle moving around the outside of the LCD panel, which contains an odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge, plus the additional fuel efficiency meter and clock. 3.2 Colour options Pearl Cool White Pearl Nightstar Black Moondust Silver Metallic Pearl Siena Red Petrol Blue Metallic

3.3 Engine


The lightweight and compact liquid-cooled SOHC two-valve 125cc engine powering the PCX125 offers durability with excellent performance away from the lights – 050m takes just 5.4s – plus quiet, smooth operation and reduced CO2 production. Critical of course is its impressive fuel economy and the reductions to the engine’s internal friction – less electrical drain and a built-in fuel pump – plus reduced rolling resistance from the tyres mean that the PCX125 will now return an incredible 47km/litres (WMTC mode). The engine layout is built around a host of low-friction technologies working in harmony. An offset cylinder reduces friction caused by contact between piston and bore, efficiently transmitting combustion energy to the crankshaft. A compact combustion chamber and PGM-FI fuel injection optimises combustion efficiency and cooling performance, tailoring torque characteristics to suit the rpm ranges typically used by a 125cc scooter rider. Optimised ignition timing combines with efficient cooling of the combustion chamber to aid resistance to ‘knocking’. A 300-cell catalyser is sited in the exhaust. A ‘spiny’ cast-iron sleeve – with tiny surface extensions – keeps in check any distortion of the inner bore diameter. This design lowers tension in the piston ring, reducing friction. A shell-type needle bearing is used for the rocker arm shaft while small and light rollers work in conjunction with cam profile and valve spring load. A compact high-efficiency radiator – integrated into the exterior of the right-side crankcase – employs a small, light fan, reducing frictional losses and lowering drag. Rolling resistance within the transmission unit is reduced by the use of three lowfriction main bearings, all designed to deal with the loads they individually receive. The drive pulley features a fin design that lowers air resistance and the follower pulley reduces pressure on the drive belt, cutting transmission losses. The electronically controlled brushless ACG starter is an integrated component mounted directly on the end of the crankshaft, serving as starter motor and alternator. It spins the engine directly, eliminating any noise from gear engagement or meshing. Idling Stop automatically stops the engine running after three seconds at idle and restarts it instantly as soon as the throttle grip is twisted. It’s seamless in use thanks to ACG and the swing-back system that returns the crank to its position before air intake, and a decompression mechanism that negates cranking resistance from compression. Updated for 2014, Idling Stop now has functionality to ‘read’ the battery charge and turns itself off to avoid excessive drain. The battery itself is also a larger, long-life unit, from YTZ7S to YTZ8V. A V-Matic wide-ratio continuously variable transmission employs a quiet, durable drive belt, manufactured from high-elasticity rubber, delivering efficient drive to the back wheel.


3.4 Chassis The PCX125 has to provide handling nimble enough to deal with jams but also a stable and comfortable experience for rider and passenger at all times. Its durable tubular steel underbone frame, short 1,305mm wheelbase and steering geometry – rake of 27° with 86mm trail – are unchanged and combine to create just such a platform. Kerb weight is 130kg. The turning radius is a tight 2m, allowing for easy manoeuvres in tricky spaces, while 5-spoke 14” cast aluminium wheels add stability and rider confidence. Special Dunlop tyres – with a compound designed to reduce drag – are fitted, and in conjunction with the low-drain LED lighting, contribute 70% toward the improvement in fuel efficiency. The front is a 90/90-14, the rear a 100/90-14. With 100mm stroke 31mm, telescopic forks soak up uneven surfaces and further aid rider confidence; twin rear shocks give 75mm stroke through an aluminium swingarm. Honda’s Combined Brake System (CBS) operates between the front 220mm front disc/three-piston caliper and 130mm rear drum, distributing some braking force to the front when the rear brake is applied for smooth, progressive brake performance. 4. Accessories tbc

5. Technical Specifications tbc