2023 Honda PCX: Performance, Price, And Photos

Honda's mid-displacement maxi scooter hits its stride and proves that urban commuting doesn't have to be boring

Honda last gave its elegant little urban scooter, the PCX, a major overhaul ahead of MY2021, so it is unsurprising to find the 2023 model a direct carryover. The engine, updated with a larger bore and smaller stroke, comes with Honda's in-house traction control feature, something that is rare as hen's teeth in this genre and displacement bracket.

Improved lighting gives a concurrent boost in safety through better two-way visibility with your surroundings for some peace of mind. The expanded under-seat storage in the Honda PCX gives it greater utility as a grocery-getter or commuter. It comes with the support of a robust accessory menu that lets you make your own mark on the machine while also improving rider protection and storage. New wheels and tires round out the bundle of improvements with a wider profile for improved traction, front and rear.

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While the Honda Selectable Torque Control (traction control) steals the limelight, there are actually a number of improvements under the hood, as it were. Displacement boosted to 157 cc – up from 149 cc – and the compression ratio warmed up considerably from 10.6-to-1 up to 12-to-1 increasing engine capability.

A new, four-valve head opens up the naturally-aspirated engine and lets it breathe more freely. To that end, it has a large, 4.9-liter airbox and the throttle body diameter saw a boost by 2 mm up to 28 mm to finish opening up the circuit.

The engine borrows from racing tech with an oil jet that sprays lubricant up onto the underside of the piston crown to carry off heat from that hottest of spots and prevent pre-ignition/detonation/dieseling that could damage the upper side of the piston crown itself. A more-rigid crankshaft and an upgrade to roller bearings reduce shaft flex and vibration.

The 2023 Honda PCX 160 produces 15.8 horsepower and 11.1 pound-feet of torque. Power flows through Honda's V-Matic transmission that delivers the twist-and-go operation that scooter pilots expect. The factory uses a dual-purpose alternator that charges when the engine is running and also serves as the starter when the engine is off in order to save space. Top speed is 73 mph, so technically, you could hit the interstate with this scoot if you have the nerve for it, but there won't be anything left for roll-on.

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Slick, suave, and smooth, there is no denying the aesthetic value of the overall design. I'd describe it as ultra-modern with impeccable fit and finish and a definite urban flair that brings to mind university students and young urban commuters at a glance. Gone are the old lollipop mirrors in favor of a new design that more closely fits with the rest of the bike.

A sculpted front fender sets the tone with an interesting blend of angles and curves that continue throughout the rest of the bodywork. Even the headlights have an artistic bent with super-bright LED emitters and a distinctive daytime running light arrangement for effective round-the-clock visibility.

A smoked flyscreen rides up top that is well-vented to smooth out airflow at the top of the wind pocket and prevent the wearisome head-buffet effect for long-distance comfort. Behind the glass and a heavy brow, the digital instrument display and array of indicator lamps take care of the instrumentation in one central location.

A short tunnel intrudes into the step-through somewhat, but that is typical of the genre. Molded foot wells give you some options on foot position, so you can go with what works for you. A pillion pad, grab rail, and fold-up foot pegs let you share the fun with a friend right out of the box.

The under-seat storage capacity boosted to 30.4 liters, has plenty of room for a full-face bucket and a bookbag or some groceries. A small compartment on the left side of the inner fairing is just right for a phone, with a USB-C port to power/charge your phone.

More LED yummygoodness rides in the tip of the tail with high-visibility style on full display and integrated turn signals. The tag mounts to a short mudguard to complete the gear in the rear.

Length

76.2 inches

Width

29.2 inches

Height

43.6 inches

Seat Height

30.1 inches

Wheelbase

51.7 inches

Ground Clearance

5.3 inches

Fuel Capacity

2.1 gallons

Curb Weight

288 pounds

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Honda hides its underbone-type frame completely under the refreshed bodywork with a handful of improvements. It establishes a 26.3-degree rake angle, and once the 14-inch front wheel factors in, it leads to a dead-short, 3.11 inches of trail. This lends some eager handling and good cornering characteristics in keeping with its track record as a sporty scoot that is fun to ride.

A set of 31 mm telescopic forks float the front end on 3.9 inches of travel, while out back a pair of coil-over shocks take care of business with 3.7 inches of travel for an overall plush ride that can handle less-than-stellar road surfaces. As for the brakes, a single, 220 mm disc and twin-piston anchor slow the front wheel with a 130 mm drum brake out back, so if you go for the ABS model, you can expect it to work on the front wheel only.

Cast-aluminum wheels roll with an edgy spoke design that fits well with the PCX's overall design in a 14-inch ahead of a 13-inch rim, lined with a 110/70 and 130/70 respectively. The 2.1-gallon gas tank is under the floorboard to help lower the center of gravity and improve handling.

Front Suspension/ Travel

31 mm Telescopic Fork/ 3.9 in

Rear Suspension/ Travel

Twin Hydraulic Shock Absorbers/ 3.7 in

Rake

26.5°

Trail

3.1 inches

Front Tire

110/70-14

Rear Tire

130/70-13

Front Brake

220 mm Disc, Front-Wheel ABS

Rear Brake

Rod-Actuated 130 mm drum

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The 2023 Honda PCX costs $4,149. There's only one colorway this year; the Matte Brown Metallic package that pairs tastefully with the mature overtones of the overall build.

Features

Front-wheel ABS, Large under-seat storage

Warranty

One Year, Transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty

Colors

Matte Brown Metallic

Price

$4,149

These mini-maxi scoot types are popular. I had to look no further than its domestic foe Suzuki with its Burgman 200 model to find a worthy competitor.

Suzuki enjoys a long history with its popular Burgman line, so this is the genuine evolution of design and not a copycat design. The Burgman has a similar look in that it's graceful and elegant, but it ain't all for show. The tall windshield makes for a rather generous wind pocket right off the showroom floor with quite a bit more protection for your upper body.

ABS comes to stock, and while the Suzuki comes with a handful of lesser electronic systems, it has no answer for Honda's traction control feature. The wheels are even smaller on the Burgman at 13 inches up front and 12 inches out back, but still, Suzuki manages to get disc brakes on both ends, much to its credit.

As for output, the Burgman produces 18.1 horsepower with 12.5 pound-feet of torque for a slim edge in both power and grunt. Suzuki looks to get $4,999 for its Burgman 200, which means you can get comparable performance and the HSTC for less with the Honda PCX.

"Did I mention traction control on a scooter? That's some good stuff right there, and certain to improve safety and confidence while out burning up the streets. This is just the thing for someone who is looking for efficient basic transportation, but doesn't want to pay for overkill."

My wife and fellow motorcycle writer, Allyn Hinton, says,

"The redesign in 2021 improved cornering with a chassis update, and the scooter made more capable with a bigger engine. It sells in other markets as the PCX160, and it's really come into its own with updated styling. It's a scooter to take seriously."

MSRP for the 2023 Honda PCX160 starts at $4,149 and comes exclusively in Matte Brown Metallic.

With the new 157 cc engine, the Honda PCX160 produces 15.8 horsepower at 8,500 RPM and 11 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 RPM.

The top speed of the Honda PCX160 is a claimed 73 MPH with a quarter-mile time of 19.7 seconds.

With the new 157 cc engine, the Honda PCX160 has a claimed fuel economy of 106 MPG

TJ got an early start from his father and other family members who owned and rode motorcycles, and by helping with various mechanical repairs throughout childhood. That planted a seed that grew into a well-rounded appreciation of all things mechanical, and eventually, into a formal education of same. Though primarily a Harley rider, he has an appreciation for all sorts of bikes and doesn't discriminate against any particular brand or region of origin. He currently holds an Associate's degree in applied mechanical science from his time at the M.M.I.