PCX Grows to 150cc (Apres Le SA, Mais Quoi?)

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

My job will soon require an Interstate-capable ride for at least 2 days a week. I may have a budget to procure this beast, once I determine what it is. I really don't want anything much bigger than 250ccs,300 pounds, but it must be capable of 70-75 MPH without draining its fuel tank in 40 miles - an issue even with the added oiltank capacity on Flash.

Right now I'm leaning toward the CRF 230 dual-purpose from Honda-san. An occasional trail ride is nice to have as an option. I realize Suzuki and others made some good 400-ish cc trail bikes but again, I need something I can ride away without worry, and used bikes are always a gamble.

On the sportbike side, Honda's CBR 250 looks good, but it's no powerhouse and will just about blow my budget. In that class, I've always have admired the overachieving Kawaskaki Ninja 250 for its near-100MPH potential. It has few rivals, and none in the USA. The old 500 Twin can do that without drama but an un-flogged example is hard to find.

In the Scooter world, to which I've grown partial for its weather protection, I really like the new 2013 PCX 150 but doubt is Highway capability. The 125cc version from last year edged maybe a bit beyond 60 on a good day. Anyway they're getting $3600 for the not-so-attractive SH150 - Sorta looks like the girl who never gets axed to dance at the Middle School Prom, so figure 4 Large for the stylish PCX.

I still gotta figure out what to do with Flash, too. It seems unlikely Ms. Wheelperson will permit more than one two-wheeler here in Deepinnaharta.

[veedubh20]

pcx still popular in south east asia country.

[sanjuro]

The PCX 150 would be sweet, but Honda artificially restricted the PCX 125 to cut spark right at 62 mph. No aftermarket parts have worked to bypass this. The 150 would be legal for the freeway, but I'm sure Honda would again limit the top speed on the ECU.

Even an older Elite 250, which easily does 70 mph, would be squirrely in the rain with it's tiny tires. You could get a used Yamaha Morphous (mine easily did 80 mph), but would require a huge windscreen at the front spoiling it's looks.

I see used CBR 250R bikes for $3500 all day, and they are super easy to get up to speed.

[SuprasNsprees]

I see used CBR 250R bikes for $3500 all day, and they are super easy to get up to speed.

this. and they're FI! im picking one up come winter when the prices fall out

[bradthreee]

Hey Wheelman,

I am also looking into picking up a PCX 150. I'm pretty sure they get over 100mpg.

I would say go with the PCX for comfort, your back will thank you.

[Eft37]

keep an eye out for aftermarket PCX125 rear rims for me, I have an idea about one and want to check some stuff.

[Pete M]

400 Bergman will do 97 and is road ready.

[sanjuro]

Yeah, but they are way heavier with a lot more mass than the PCX.

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

Currently leaning heavily toward the CBR 250 unless I can find a non-clapped-out Post-2008 Ninja 250 with intact plastics.
That's proving to be harder around here than I would've thought. The Red/White/Blue CBR sure is nice, though. I'm a sucker for Vintage Honda racing colors...

[Spreetard]

What about the Reflex? Don't forget that slick little maxi-scooter. It's no monster like the Silverwing, but it'll pull 85mph...or 76mph on non-Honda measuring equipment.

[devenex]

it'll pull 85mph...or 76mph on non-Honda measuring equipment.

Good to know it isn't only the small models that they cursed with this affliction!

[maddiedog]

My PCX won't do 60, it does 58 uphill, downhill, on flat... Doesn't matter the condition, 58mph max.

They SAY the 150 will do 70mph, but no one in the US has posted a PCX 150 top speed on the PCX forums yet (http://www.hondapcx.org).

I get 96mpg with my PCX 125, which is pretty awesome, it's better than most people get with 50cc Honda Metros or Ruckuses.


Have you looked at the Suzuki DR200? It's a dual-sport that is rated for 110mpg. I haven't heard anyone get over 90mpg, but that's still good for a dual sport.

I used to have a Honda Reflex, but the engine blew up (less than 20000 miles on the odo). I didn't really like the way it handled, it felt cheap and was unreliable. Little things kept breaking, but it still was good and economical for the price.

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

Useful input Dawgs, thanks!

Speedometer error is rampant with all Japanese and even Euro bikes.
While it's good to avoid ticketry with a Little overestimation, the worst offenders seem to be 600cc sportbikes, according to Mototcycle Consumer News. As much as 12 percent!
The most accurate? Harley-Davidson, with less than 2 percent usually. Must be a Metric thing...

Speakin' of MCN, the July issue arrived with a test of the ZX14, clocking a production bike record 189 RWHP.

Dude! Swap in a Dio!! Electronically limited to 186MPH. Wonder how long it'll take for someone to defeat that little electronic - TOO LATE!!

They also have a bulletin about the PCX150, touting its "freeway-legal" displacement.
Still, Gathering Speed to an Indicated 70MPH (63?) don't make it safe to merge onto Deepinnaharta Freeway in anything but rush hour traffic.
The CBR runs 89, and seems to get up there decently quick, tho' still nearly a second behind the NINJA250 to 60MPH. But the Ninja needs 9000 RPM to make less torque than the CBR makes at 6500.

Still likin' the Honda.

[noiseguy]

If you're looking to commute at those speeds, a 250cc is the absolute minimum. Honda Helix or Elite 250 come to mind. A 150cc will not cut it.

There is a China clone of the Helix (CF Moto, uses same panels even I believe) and other China 250cc scoots... but they have the typical made in China issues.

I don't know how large you are... I'm 6' and 170lb, and a 250cc motorcycle is just too small to do more than run to the corner store. The Rebel 250 or Ninja 250 wouldn't work for me as a commuter.

I think, for a motorcycle, your minimum size is a 500cc bike. The Suzuki GS500 would make a better commuter for you. They are about 350lb (air cooled), carburetted, twin cylinder with 2 valves (so only 4 to adjust total). Cheap... they can be had from $300 - $3000 all day long just about anywhere with population, since they are a popular starter bike (brand new they are less than $4500). I've a 1990 that I picked up as a commuter in NW AR and I consider it the absolute minimum required for interstate commuting. It will do 80 MPH, but lacks the authority of a 600cc sport bike for passing and such. Frankly, this is fine with me. Fuel economy is 55-60 MPG, which is just a little worse than the EX250 (which gets 70 MPG) but at a much higher power output (and more usable torque band) and better ergos.

Here you go. 23K and $1000 with bags, in somewhere names Schertz: http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/mcy/3083080204.html

Look forward to hearing what you pick up.

[motormike]

The only thing I need to say is: 250 cc's has never been enough to maintain highway speed with any confidence. Usually, the ride is sketchy at top speeds with the lack of weight making it prone to sudden and dramatic lane changes resulting from passing 18-wheelers, tour buses, and watermelon trucks....500cc bikes are marginally more stable at speed, but WILL do the required mph consistently without feeling like every bolt and nut is backing out....