The review that made me purchase the 4th generation instead of the 3rd generation Honda PCX

When the 4th generation Honda PCX 150 was introduced in Malaysia, I was shopping for my first motorcycle. I have always like Honda PCX but the premium price it was made me shy away. I was actually looking for Yamaha NMax, bigger cc by a bit and cheaper.

Yamaha N-Max
The Honda PCX is priced at RM10,999 or about GBP2,000 while the NMax on the road price was RM9,100 or about GBP1,655. I first went to a Yamaha authorised dealer to look at the NMax 155 and then to a Honda authorised dealer to look at a moped when I bumped into the 3rd generation of PCX 150. I then realised how much better the fit and finish of the Honda PCX. The passenger's foot peg releases and closes with more solid and premium feel than those on the NMax.

The brand new Honda PCX 150 (3rd generation) was having a clearance price of RM9,400 or about GBP1,700. I then tempted to buy the PCX because of the huge discount.

Honda PCX 150 (3rd generation)
I then started to compare the differences between the two, trying to find which one is the better for myself. My priority was comfort and leisure riding with speed below 100 km/h, short to 50 km of commuting.

I opted for PCX because -

  • the premium feel over the NMax,
  • 14" tyres compared to 13" on the NMax (my head is thinking how much more the NMax engine needs to rotate the smaller tyres which to my head is inefficient) { this is definitely not proper for a motorcycle review },
  • the LED lightings, and
  • CBS - combination braking system.
Though I would love if Honda includes these NMax features, which I have to forego -
  • the VVT or V-Tech-like technology that the NMax have,
  • the rear disc brake.
I was 90% onto the 3rd generation Honda PCX when I received an advise to consider the latest Honda PCX (4th generation) - just for the sole reason of its keyless ignition system.

Honda PCX (4th generation)
Then, I found this blog  by Honda Pro Kevin which write in detail about the latest PCX. At first, I thought this model was just some visual update to the 3rd generation. Paultan.org reported that this is the "updated and revised" PCX which I now realised that I missed the word "thoroughly" there.

The 4th generation PCX is a new PCX because -
  • it utilises a brand new steel duplex cradle frame which is a change from its previous tubular steel underbone design
  • the placement of the rear shocks is new for better comfort
  • the rear shocks have new specification
  • the rims are wider (but lighter) and are fitted with wider tyres
  • it now has lower centre of gravity which should improve ridings
  • the wheelbase is now shorter for better manoeuvrability
There are other changes. Please read it on Honda Pro Kevin's page.

In the end, I purchased the fourth generation Pearl Metalloid White Honda PCX 150.

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