Percy the PCX125

[Carl]

Greetings from Kent, UK. Great forum you have here! New owner, so thought I'd create an diary given I'll be putting some mileage in.

Today I did something I've been wanted to do for years.... got myself onto two wheels!

After doing a CBT earlier this month and after reading lots of threads on here I wandered into my local Honda dealer and purchased a Pearl White PCX125. Not normally one for naming cars or objects, but it has quickly become known as Percy. Sad I know..

I need something that will take me the 30 miles from rural Kent into central London 3 or 4 times a week. Had a good look at the Forza 125, SH125 and N-Max, but the PCX seemed to fit the bill nicely. The Forza was just to expensive to justify even against my usual mode of transport - the train that costs £4,775 ($6,661) per year! I should also say my door to desk commute is 2 hours each way. This 'should' reduce this!

The scooter - I managed to pick the PCX up for £2,450 a nice discount of £249. Did this by asking my local Honda Dealer to match an online price I'd found from a dealer based in Essex. Didn't expect them to do it! Spoke to someone else offering an even bigger discount but checked with Honda and they said they wouldn't honour the warranty as their bikes don't come through Honda UK so are classed as grey imports.

Man maths tells me that running the PCX will cost about £1,200 less to run this year than the train. This means I can reluctantly use the train for four months without being out of pocket if the weather is bad. Once I've recouped the cost of the bike getting to work will be very very cheap compared to the train!

I've never had a new car before and as I was only 2 weeks away from the twice yearly number plate change so held out for a '16 plate. Typical British weather... lovely, sunny and dry yesterday... heavy rain today!

So after putting on my new waterproof gear I headed for a 25 mile run. Took it steady as I'd not ridden in the wet.

First chance I had to take a pic:



Back home:



Had a play in the dark and impressed by the LED headlights. The stop-start is great as it restarts very quickly. It might only be a 125 but surprised how quick it takes off from a standing start.

Going to get used to the bike locally before taking it all the way to work later this month. Really enjoyed filtering to the front of a couple of queues earlier today!

I'm actually looking forward to my commute!

[homie]

I like Percy... looks just like my Shay... Whitey!
Welcome... I didn't think you could upload images with just one post. Umm we swing without a net in the Honda PCX/Forza forum. Maybe because we have moderators now?

[iceman]

Nice bike, I went for the white too and still prefer it to most other colours - it does help stand out. You say 'usually a 2 hour commute each-way' - how many miles each way do you believe it will be? The PCX is a great scooter but scooters are not best for regular long jaunts, and from my experience not great to ride in strong winds (no problem with rain, and that's 2 years on stock tyres).

[Carl]

I like Percy... looks just like my Shay... Whitey!
Welcome... I didn't think you could upload images with just one post. Umm we swing without a net in the Honda PCX/Forza forum. Maybe because we have moderators now?

Thanks! I used the [img]link%20goes%20here[/img] tags.

Nice bike, I went for the white too and still prefer it to most other colours - it does help stand out. You say 'usually a 2 hour commute each-way' - how many miles each way do you believe it will be? The PCX is a great scooter but scooters are not best for regular long jaunts, and from my experience not great to ride in strong winds (no problem with rain, and that's 2 years on stock tyres).

I got white to be seen too. The black one looks mean but you wouldnt see it in the dark. It was windy yesterday but nothing I couldn't handle. Bad weather = go to work on the train.

The commute is approx 2 hrs each way using the train. 10 minute drive to park for free near the station. 10 minute walk to the station. 1 hour 10 mins into London on the train. Then a 15 minute walk from Victoria station to the office.

Slightly less going in but on the way home its definatley 2hrs if I want a seat. Have to get to the station 15 mins before the train goes.

The ride according to google maps and colleauges who ride in is about an hour.

Its 20 miles fast A road (60mph limit) then 10 miles through stop start traffic (30 mph limit).

Plan is to get some riding experience this year on a 125 then do my full bike licence next year and get a bigger bike.

[kineavy]

Did you discuss a service plan? I will be doing 25 mile a day round trip 6 days a week so gonna need servicing every 4 months roughly.
I am gonna take their service plan I think.

[MikeP]

Did you discuss a service plan? I will be doing 25 mile a day round trip 6 days a week so gonna need servicing every 4 months roughly.
I am gonna take their service plan I think.

May i suggest checking this forum and youtube for service Info first. It will save you a bundle. The maintenance is realy quite simple. Everyone here is happy to share and help you along.

[kineavy]

Did you discuss a service plan? I will be doing 25 mile a day round trip 6 days a week so gonna need servicing every 4 months roughly.
I am gonna take their service plan I think.

May i suggest checking this forum and youtube for service Info first. It will save you a bundle. The maintenance is realy quite simple. Everyone here is happy to share and help you along.

While maintenance might be simple. I don't want to invalidate the warranty.

Did you discuss a service plan? I will be doing 25 mile a day round trip 6 days a week so gonna need servicing every 4 months roughly.
I am gonna take their service plan I think.

May i suggest checking this forum and youtube for service Info first. It will save you a bundle. The maintenance is realy quite simple. Everyone here is happy to share and help you along.

[iceman]

I had the 1st service done but as the bike is running well, I weighed up the 2yr service cost against the likely-hood of major repair costs (three london dealers advised me prices ranging from £79 to £220 for the five services + VAT so more than £900!). April will be 2 years ownership with less than 10,000 miles on the clock - so saved myself over £800 and so far just changed the engine oil. Starts and runs like a dream.
Problems some people have either show soon after purchase or a while down the line with rear bearing issues. Good riding!

[Carl]

Yup they did me a quote for the service plan. Was £554 to get me to 7500 miles. Didnt take them up on their offer there and then. Had budgeted £550 for the first year/10,000 miles based on prices I'd found on here.

The Honda dealer said that I could only use Honda to service it or I would invalidate the warranty. Is this the case?

Strange as I've always had my cars serviced at recommended indy specialists. As long as genuine parts are used and they are VAT registered you keep the warranty.

Was going to check out some other local garages before committing to the Honda price.

[kineavy]

I got a price of 2000 for 3 years up to 27000 miles. Locked in at todays labour rates and it's interest free. 55 quid a month. I am saving loads on fuel by switching so will not notice the difference in outgoings and it's peace of mind.

[kineavy]

Dealer also said Honda will try and catch you out on something if not main dealer serviced and try and void warranty.

[homie]

I got a price of 2000 for 3 years up to 27000 miles. Locked in at todays labour rates and it's interest free. 55 quid a month. I am saving loads on fuel by switching so will not notice the difference in outgoings and it's peace of mind.

Just happy to save on the fuel bill? but 75-80 usd a month the forum is here so you don't pay that. I guess its a wash with the petrol savings but I couldn't do it.

[homie]

Dealer also said Honda will try and catch you out on something if not main dealer serviced and try and void warranty.

Absolutely Honda wants out of all warranties ASAP, but good news is the little scooter is very, very dependable. Forza, not so much

[Carl]

Had a couple of days riding Percy now, completed just over 100 miles. Really enjoying being on two wheels!

Weather has been strange this week. Rain, hail and snow! It was quite mild and dry on Thursday so made the most of it.

Couple of silly newbie biker moments though.

1. Petrol station. First time I filled up £7.17! Great. Fill up, pay, get back on bike... start... doesn't want to start. No problem, keys out, back in, brake, start button, no start. So after doing this at least 3 times and getting a sinking feeling whilst thinking at least I've got 2 years free recovery AND looking across to the guy who was filling up his car smirking.

Realise the side stand is still down Pop it up and off I go!

2. Not pulling across the car at the front of the queue of traffic to be first off the lights. Stupid chav woman in a knackard Citroen Picasso decided she wanted a drag race before 2 lanes merged into one. No problem, life is too short, so tuck in behind her and carry on in the knowledge that I don't drive a Picasso.

I've realised that van drivers are generally dicks. Not really noticed this in the car, but if if anything has been too close its been a Transit Van. This includes several sitting far to close whilst following traffic at at the speed limit so not holding anyone up but not enough to overtake.

Ordered the tall Givi (1130) "riot shield" screen but had a message to say its out of stock. Tempted to cancel the order ride without one. Do they make much of a difference? Dp they slow the bike down?

Tempted to fit some aftermarket heated grips and muffs, but this could wait until the end of the summer.

I also received a letter from my insurance company stating although I have a ground anchor and chain, I also need to secure it using a disc lock or I'll be uninsured. This is in a locked garage!! So will pop out today for one.

[iceman]

I also received a letter from my insurance company stating although I have a ground anchor and chain, I also need to secure it using a disc lock or I'll be uninsured. This is in a locked garage!! So will pop out today for one < what! Please tell us what the insurance company is.

[Embattle]

I've got a high end pragmasis 13mm chain but it isn't one on the thatcham list thus it won't save me anything on insurance, those items that are save so little they aren't worth listing on insurance since they restrict your covered ability to park up for short stays without using a chain etc.

[kramnala58]

..... Realise the side stand is still down Pop it up and off I go! ....

You are not the first one to do this, and you won't be the last. Laugh it off, and off you go.

[kramnala58]

........ Ordered the tall Givi (1130) "riot shield" screen ..... Do they make much of a difference? Dp they slow the bike down?

Yes they make a difference. No they don't slow the bike down. They actually make it able to travel faster because they deflect the drag wind much better than the human body does.

[Carl]

Thanks for the replies. On phone so cant multiquote.

Definatley learned a lesson with the side stand!

Re insurance. Organised through Lexham policy from Ageas. Funny one as the chain I have is Thatcham approved. I assume I live in a low risk postcode as I know for the car we are an 'A' rated area.

Will keep the order for the givi screen.

Hopefully will get out for an hour later. Likely in the dark and in the rain.

[Carl]

Thought I'd update this thread with some new pics. I've covered 480 miles now and have loved every mile.

Most of my rides have been in the local area playing with traffic, getting used to riding and filtering before I try and ride in the morning rush to central London. I'll be riding A26, A20, A2 straight into Westminster if anyone knows it.

Think I have all the kit now (all the gear and no idea!). I took a late night ride into central London last week to avoid the traffic and get a feel for the route. Took 1hr 5 mins to the office and I held back on junctions to work out how to navigate some crazy roadworks. Very strange riding in bus lanes after years of avoiding them. Other scooter drivers seem to be one of the biggest dangers out there.

Have started using Sainsburys 98ron (super) unleaded and the bike does feel more responsive. Filled up 3 times now.

Fitted the Givi tall (1130ST) windscreen and its a massive improvement. Bike looks more grown up and seems to be comfortably be able to cruise at 55 to 60 with ease.

Bike now:



Front:



Side:

Peaking over the top:



I mentioned in another thread first impressions of the windscreen:

Red line - line of sight. Annoyingly I look about 2 inches above the top of the screen. This was annoying at first but I've got used to it. The lack of wind on your chest more than makes up for it. I can have my visor up or cracked and ride without to much wind in my eyes. Oddly I get lots more noise if I completely close the visor.

Green line - duck slightly under the top of the screen... It's very quiet and calm. All you can hear is the engine. At 6-2 this hurts your back after 10 mins! Its lovely though. If I was 5-6 this would be a brilliant.

Blue line - COLD!!! Now I get a chill on my back where I didn't before. I might have, but I notice it much more now. Screen creates an odd back draft.

Hands are nicely protected.

Bike feels quicker, but I think this sensation is due to the lack of wind hitting your body. MPG has gone up from 118 to 122 (uk) mpg. I'm noticing crosswinds more and at 60 the bike does blow around more.

I'm 90% happy with it. If I found a slightly taller one it would be binned!

Finally, if you do buy one, please read up on how to remove the faring. It's only 2 screws, but on the 2015+ model you pull the plastic forward. I'd seen a 2013 demo and that one pulls up so tried doing that and split the lovely new faring. Gutted and waiting for a new one to turn up from Thailand - £19 mistake! Honda wanted £54 so happy to wait!!

Went for a longish ride today in very windy conditions to get a feel for how the bike behaves. No issues.