2010–2013 · Scooter · Buyer's Guide
PCX125 (JF 28)
City Featherweight, Costs Almost Nothing
The Machine's Character
The PCX125 JF 28 is Honda's no-nonsense answer to urban traffic. Its liquid-cooled 125 cc single makes 11 hp and 9 lb-ft, and it drives a belt through a twist-and-go automatic in a compact underbone chassis on 14-inch wheels. On paper that's modest, and it's meant to be. Honda built this bike to cost almost nothing to run and to fit through gaps a car can't use. Idle stop saves fuel at red lights, combined braking links the ends, and a center stand comes from the factory. At 273 lb (124 kg) wet, it feels thought through rather than cheap.
It's for the rider who crosses a dense city every day and wants to park wherever there's a space. The steering is light and the 30.0 in (761 mm) seat is easy to reach, so it welcomes novices and doesn't bore veterans. There's underseat storage for daily errands, and a luggage system is an option. The caveat is that early bikes carry a real list of known problems, from stalling to cracked center stand mounts and battery trouble. The accessory rear trunk base was also recalled because it could detach. There's no ABS either. And 11 hp means this is a city tool. It isn't a highway bike.
Hard Numbers
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
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| Power | 11 hp (8 kW) |
|---|---|
| Torque | 9 lb-ft (12 Nm) |
| Displacement | 125 cc |
| Engine | Single-cylinder |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Final drive | Belt |
| Front tire | 90/90-14 |
| Rear tire | 100/90-14 |
| Wheelbase | 51.4 in (1305 mm) |
| Seat height | 30.0 in (761 mm) |
| Wet weight | 273 lb (124 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 1.6 gal (5.9 L) |
Equipment check
Comfort
- Luggage System Optional
Known issues
-
Accessory rear trunk base detachment (Recall)
The Honda Genuine Accessory rear trunk base may not lock securely, allowing the trunk to detach while riding, posing a safety risk. Honda issued a recall to replace the base.
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Intermittent stalling and cutting out while riding
Engine cuts out unexpectedly at stops or while riding, leaving the rider stranded. Difficult to restart immediately. Possibly related to idle air control or fuel delivery.
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Centrestand mount failure
The centrestand mounting points are prone to fracturing on early models, which can tear a hole in the crankcase, causing an oil leak.
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Battery and starting problems
Early models experienced premature battery failures and occasional starting issues due to faulty ACG starter-generator units; a recall addressed battery drain hose routing.
The Numbers Compared
Compare the technical specifications of the Honda PCX125 with other bikes in its class.
Head-to-head: Honda PCX125 vs. its rivals
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Seat height
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