Honda PCX160 Maxi-Scooter Launched

Launched in Japan, the PCX160 replaces the PCX150

• It packs a new 156cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine.
• Honda claims a mileage of 53.5kmpl, which is impressive for its segment.
• Notable features include a 30-litre underseat storage, all-digital instrument cluster, and apron-mounted USB type-C port.

Honda Japan has launched the Honda PCX160 in the Japanese market, replacing the somewhat long-in-the-tooth PCX150. As the name suggests, it packs a bigger motor. But that’s not all, the PCX160 also has a couple of new tricks up its sleeve. The scooter is priced at 407,000 Yen, which is around Rs 2.87 lakh. This makes it around Rs 23,500 dearer than the scooter it replaces. It will be available from January 28, 2021, in Japan.

Also Read: 2020 Honda CBR150R Launched In Thailand, Rivals Yamaha R15 V3

The new Honda PCX160 draws power from a 156cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled four-valve engine, which churns out 16.31PS at 8500rpm and 15Nm at 6500rpm. This makes the new motor more powerful and torquier by 1.41PS and 1Nm. That doesn’t sound all that much but Honda has made up for it by equipping the scooter with a silent starter, switchable traction control system, a redesigned underbone frame for better rigidity, and better brakes among other things. It also gets an idling stop system as before. The engine offers a claimed mileage of 53.5kmpl, which is pretty commendable for a 160cc scooter. In comparison, the Honda Activa 125 returned 52.63kmpl in the city and 51.23kmpl on the highways, in our tests.

The front end uses the same telescopic fork whereas the travel of the twin rear shock absorbers has been increased to 95mm. For better handling and braking, the 14-inch front and 13-inch rear wheel use disc brakes on both ends with a single-channel ABS as standard. At 132kg, the Honda PCX160 is just 1kg heavier than the 150cc version.

The scooter is loaded with modern features such as an all-LED lighting system, a massive 30-litre underseat storage compartment, apron-mounted storage cubby holes with integrated USB type-C port, fully digital instrument cluster, keyless operation, and a large 8.1-litre fuel tank.

Also Read: 2021 Honda PCX 125 Unveiled, Gets Tons Of Updates

While the Honda PCX160 is unlikely to be launched in India, Honda is expected to offer something better here - the Honda Forza 350. You can read all about it here.