PCX150 service schedule and brakes?

[dustin91]

Hey all, I'm getting my PCX150 later this week, and just wanted to know opinions on the feel of the CBS braking system. Thoughts?

Also, although I'm sure the dealer will tell me as well, but what's the basic maintenance schedule you guys have seen required?


Thanks!

- Dustin

[maddiedog]

The CBS is good for new riders, but if you're used to riding with a separate rear brake, it can get annoying. Regardless, it's very simple. I generally brake using the CBS, with the rear brake set a bit tighter than the stock adjustment, and use the front brake lever only in emergency stops. It's a good strategy -- you'll be used to the long distance to stop with the CBS, so when you have to stop quick, you'll be surprised how fast you can actually stop! Keep in mind, the PCX doesn't have ABS, so you have to be careful not to lock up the tires.

Maintenance schedule here: http://hondapcx.org/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=323

[dustin91]

Excellent! Thanks for the advice Maddie. My only experience on a bike so far was a 1998 Honda Rebel used in my motorcycle safety class. After 12 hours of riding there, my only brake knowledge is right hand and right foot. Should be an easy switch to the CBS with your advice, especially since I had a novice's tendency to roll the throttle when braking. On the scoot, that shouldn't be much of an issue if I'm using the left brake more often. And thanks for the manual link!

BTW, your dog is adorable! Had my wife looking at a few of the pics you posted when I was reading the forums over the weekend.

[maddiedog]

Hah, thanks. She's a good girl.

[strkngfang]

The CBS braking is super. I use both levers at stops for optimum stopping power. They work so well that when my wife and I took our scoots to the MSF course a few years ago, when it came to the "quick stop" portion of the course, we would stop so suddenly in an unbelievable small amount of space that the instructor accused us of stopping before he gave the signal. We told him the brakes were just that good, he tried it and was convinced that they were. We were on a Honda Elite 110 & a Honda SH150i, both with CBS braking systems.

[Mel46]

I have taught my wife to use both brakes at the same time, and I was taught the same thing. Yes, the scooter stops quickly, and we both love that about it. But that does not preclude using common safety practices. I have seen too many safety shortcuts come back to bite people. Learn to use the brakes together and you will never be surprised if you use someone else's scooter that does not have CBS.

[dasshreddar]

CBS is good overall, I originally thought about removing it, but after riding it for a bit I realized it gave the weak rear drum brake much more stopping power.
I did however loosen the CBS 2 turns, so I would say my front is about 15% and rear is about 85% vs. the stock 30%-70% CBS power.
If I find a good rear disc set up, I would consider removing the CBS though.

[dustin91]

Awesome - thanks for all the tips! Counting down the days to actually GET my scoot!

[skuuter]

CBS is a System I'm pretty fond of, and have gotten used to using it over the years. Like maddiedog, I've always preferred separate brakes on the front and rear, but that being said, because of the Automatic Type Trans Unit, and Scooters having a much higher rear weight balance than Motorcycles, the System is really suited well to Scooter Useage.....Honda did Good.....

[cessna151]

hmm, i didn't think i would be alone in saying i think CBS is dangerous and i don't like it one bit. When you lock up the rear tire the bike has a severe tendency to drift sideways due to the CBS front brake being applied simultaneously. This effect is especially dangerous when on gravel or wet roads which just makes a bad situation even worse.

The owner's manual says service every 2500 miles; however, every 5000 is more than adequate. Also the service is pretty easy and can be done yourself if so inclined. Just get the service manual and save some big $$$!

[Alibally]

Don't lock up the rear brake then.

[you you]

hmm, i didn't think i would be alone in saying i think CBS is dangerous and i don't like it one bit. When you lock up the rear tire the bike has a severe tendency to drift sideways due to the CBS front brake being applied simultaneously. This effect is especially dangerous when on gravel or wet roads which just makes a bad situation even worse.

The owner's manual says service every 2500 miles; however, every 5000 is more than adequate. Also the service is pretty easy and can be done yourself if so inclined. Just get the service manual and save some big $$$!

Why would applying the front when the rear is locked cause the bike to drift sideways?

I've tried locking the rear to push the back out when coming to a stop. Just for a laugh. It's not too keen. Rear brake is a bit weedy and there is too much weight over the rear. Can't imagine anything severe/dangerous

[strkngfang]

Use both hand brakes at the same time, like taught in the MSF class & you'll have no problems.

[maddiedog]

hmm, i didn't think i would be alone in saying i think CBS is dangerous and i don't like it one bit. When you lock up the rear tire the bike has a severe tendency to drift sideways due to the CBS front brake being applied simultaneously. This effect is especially dangerous when on gravel or wet roads which just makes a bad situation even worse.

I think CBS is okay on dry roads, but like you said, offroads and gravel it can get hairy. I intentionally will lock the rear offroads or on gravel, and cannot do that with the CBS on the PCX, even though I take my PCX off-road on occasion.

Don't lock up the rear brake then.

This is easier said than done without ABS.

Why would applying the front when the rear is locked cause the bike to drift sideways?

I've tried locking the rear to push the back out when coming to a stop. Just for a laugh. It's not too keen. Rear brake is a bit weedy and there is too much weight over the rear. Can't imagine anything severe/dangerous

It's physics, the back tries to pass the front end if it gets locked and you're getting non-locked deceleration at the front. A locked tire is less effective braking than one that is rolling (hence the implementation of ABS on most cars and bikes). The locked rear is less effective than the non-locked front, and the rear locks easier than the front due to the lack of weight. This shouldn't happen if your CBS is properly adjusted (like from the factory). With the factory settings, it's basically impossible to lock the rear.

Because I take the PCX offroads and am used to bikes without CBS, I have my adjuster set so that I have WAY more action on the rear end than stock. As a result, I can lock the rear, and cause that sideways action. It's easy to control though... It's not really dangerous, and is actually a great way to whip a dirt bike around on singletrack trail. The PCX is no dirt bike though. There is basically no reason to adjust the bike so you can lock the rear unless you want to take it offroads. I ride enough gravel roads that I keep it adjusted that way.

[you you]

hmm, i didn't think i would be alone in saying i think CBS is dangerous and i don't like it one bit. When you lock up the rear tire the bike has a severe tendency to drift sideways due to the CBS front brake being applied simultaneously. This effect is especially dangerous when on gravel or wet roads which just makes a bad situation even worse.

I think CBS is okay on dry roads, but like you said, offroads and gravel it can get hairy. I intentionally will lock the rear offroads or on gravel, and cannot do that with the CBS on the PCX, even though I take my PCX off-road on occasion.

Don't lock up the rear brake then.

This is easier said than done without ABS.

Why would applying the front when the rear is locked cause the bike to drift sideways?

I've tried locking the rear to push the back out when coming to a stop. Just for a laugh. It's not too keen. Rear brake is a bit weedy and there is too much weight over the rear. Can't imagine anything severe/dangerous

It's physics, the back tries to pass the front end if it gets locked and you're getting non-locked deceleration at the front. A locked tire is less effective braking than one that is rolling (hence the implementation of ABS on most cars and bikes). The locked rear is less effective than the non-locked front, and the rear locks easier than the front due to the lack of weight. This shouldn't happen if your CBS is properly adjusted (like from the factory). With the factory settings, it's basically impossible to lock the rear.

Because I take the PCX offroads and am used to bikes without CBS, I have my adjuster set so that I have WAY more action on the rear end than stock. As a result, I can lock the rear, and cause that sideways action. It's easy to control though... It's not really dangerous, and is actually a great way to whip a dirt bike around on singletrack trail. The PCX is no dirt bike though. There is basically no reason to adjust the bike so you can lock the rear unless you want to take it offroads. I ride enough gravel roads that I keep it adjusted that way.

Sorry maddie but if you lock the rear end it'll just slide to a stop. Physics means the point of retardation is behind the centre of gravity so it is self stabilising like a dart it might fishtail a bit

Locking the rear wheel and pushing the bike sideways for a fun skid is different and fun tbh but let's not get mixed up or lose track, or feed the dramatic op