2021 Honda PCX 125 Unveiled, Gets Tons Of Updates

Apart from a redesigned frame and a new Euro5-compliant engine, the scooter also gets practicality & feature updates

• The 2021 Honda PCX 125 offers a claimed mileage of 47.6kmpl.
• It also gets switchable traction control and larger underseat storage.
• Other notable new features include an apron-mounted USB type-C charging port, smart key and a silent starter.

Honda has unveiled the 2021 Honda PCX 125 in Europe. The 2021 model might not look all that different from its predecessor but Honda has made a whole bunch of changes, making the scooter practically new on the inside.

To begin with, the 2021 Honda PCX 125 packs an all-new Euro 5-compliant 125cc single-cylinder 4-valve liquid-cooled engine, churning out 12.5PS at 8750rpm and 11.8Nm at 6500rpm. In comparison, the Euro 4 motor churned out 12.23PS at 8500rpm and 11.8Nm at 5000rpm. Honda has complemented the extra power by providing a silent starter (like the Honda Activa 125) and switchable traction control. Although, we feel equipping a 125cc scooter with a traction control system is pointless. Honda has managed to extract 47.6kmpl without using the Idling Stop System (offered as standard).

The new engine sits inside a redesigned duplex steel cradle frame. It is linked to the same 31mm telescopic front forks as before but the rear end gets a pair of longer-travel shock absorbers. This coupled with the 1-inch smaller rear wheel (13 inches) and a fatter 130/70 tyre should ensure better ride quality. The front end uses the same 14-inch wheel wrapped with a slightly meatier 110/70 tyre. Honda hasn’t tinkered with the brakes. The 2021 model gets the same 220mm front disc with single-channel ABS and a 130mm drum at the rear as before.

When it comes to features, the 2021 PCX 125 has a few tricks up its sleeve. The reworked frame and the slightly redesigned rear body panels have resulted in a 2.4 litre gain in the underseat storage, bringing the total volume to a generous 30.4 litres. It even gets a Type C charging port on the apron for added convenience. For better practicality, the apron-mounted fuel filler cap gets a small integrated cubbyhole to secure the fuel tank cap while filling up. There’s also a new Smart Key on offer, which can remotely switch on the scooter as well as open up the optional 35-litre removable top box. Geeks will be happy to know that the negative LCD instrument cluster shows all the necessary information, including the average mileage. As usual, the lighting system is all-LED.

At 130kg kerb, the 2021 PCX 125 weighs the same as its predecessor. While the 764mm seat height might be 4mm taller than before, there’s a 30mm extra foot space forward and on the sides. Honda is unlikely to launch this maxiscooter in India as it will be too expensive for the segment it caters to. However, we could get the bigger-engined Honda Forza 350 soon. You can read all about it here.