The Honda PCX / Forza / ADV150 / SH Forums

Hello,
I live in Rockford, MI, U.S. and I'm looking at getting a PCX150. I'm 63 and never driven a bike for any length of time. Since I'm looking to retire this spring and have a small part-time summer job 5 miles away, I thought the scooter would be more economical to use than my pick-up. Also close trips to the store (within 20 miles) on 45 mph roads would make the bike handy. I appreciate the forum as it has loads of good information for new riders like myself.

Sounds like you are an ideal candidate. Just remember the old saying that you never forget how to ride a bike is a little flawed. Took me awhile to regain the hang of it after being off any two wheeler for over 30 years. Got my PCX in my sixties and now look forward to the summer months when I can use my bike for almost the same applications as you're intending

Take an MSF course. It is very likely the easiest way to get your motorcycle endorsement anyway.

You won't actually save any real money - you need to ride many miles to save enough to pay the insurance. What you will get, though, is a new world of fun. I started at 59, never having ridden a motorized two wheeled vehicle. I absolutely LOVE the freedom and the efficiency of riding such an elegant bit of machinery. I'm good for around 2500 miles a year going to my sort of regular job (3 days a week at a local jail) and all over the back roads in my county as a math and science tutor. I was worried about the motorcycle acceptance factor of my student's parents, but the scoot elicits a far different response than a regular motorcycle. Everybody so far has thought it was awesome (or are just very polite - IDK). Good luck!

Welcome, scooters are just as fun and freedom feeling as motorcycles. I have had everything under the sun except cruisers and the PCX with its weight and small tires and nimbleness holds its own against anything out there in its "element" which is in crowded cities and winding streets. Its probably one of the easiest bikes to get started on, I think the Honda Grom and Kawasaki Z125 are close just from the way they are.

Stop thinking and go for it I say...

Rick54 wrote:Hello,
I live in Rockford, MI, U.S. and I'm looking at getting a PCX150. I'm 63 and never driven a bike for any length of time. Since I'm looking to retire this spring and have a small part-time summer job 5 miles away, I thought the scooter would be more economical to use than my pick-up. Also close trips to the store (within 20 miles) on 45 mph roads would make the bike handy. I appreciate the forum as it has loads of good information for new riders like myself.

PCX is a wonderful bike--100mpg is standard. I have another bigger scooter for interurban stuff.

However, if I were to have only one bike, I think I would look at a Forza or maybe a used Relflex--with these bikes you can do highways and even a little freeway riding. PCX is hugely great for in-town riding and on minor highways--45 mile limit-- but trying to do 55 mph highways (think 70) and higher won't work out well. They can get up to 60-65 stock, but they won't last long ridden much that way.

87112 wrote:Welcome, scooters are just as fun and freedom feeling as motorcycles.

That's because all scooters are motorcycles.
But not all motorcycles are scooters.
In some ways the scooter is more fun and freedom than a regular small capacity motorbike.
You don't have to be changing gear every few seconds and there's somewhere to store your helmet so you don't have to carry it around with you when you are out and about.

Thank you everyone for the encouragement. I think my heart is set on the PCX which should suit my rural living quite nicely. I have no desire or need to do any freeway driving in my travels. My travels are within a 15 mile radius on country blacktop roads. If there was a major concern it would be deer crossing or standing in the roadway.

It sounds to me like the PCX would be a good fit for your needs and intended purpose.

Rick54 wrote:Thank you everyone for the encouragement. I think my heart is set on the PCX which should suit my rural living quite nicely. I have no desire or need to do any freeway driving in my travels. My travels are within a 15 mile radius on country blacktop roads. If there was a major concern it would be deer crossing or standing in the roadway.

In that case you are making a good choice. I love my PCX to pieces.

Welcome to our forum(s) Rick! Glad you decided to join us and that a PCX may find a home - in Yours!
I've been reading your other threads about your concerns. It's smart you put "them out there" for answers. Members have invaluable info to share and we all share the same Fun interest.

I beleive you'll be Very Happy choosing a PCX. A great all around scoot. Weighing under 290 lbs the bike it's easily moved about in a garage, etc. Riding is easily managed and soo enjoyable. Its Seat height makes on/off and stops a breeze at 29.9" above ground level. Storage is aplenty and more can be added. Ya like bling? We got that too and more.

Be safe... read our forums, and read Proficient Motorcycling. A fabulous book! It can be bought on Amazon. Take the MSF course and be Proud (Always) that you did. Buy proper safety attire, yes...armored gear whilst riding a scooter It Matters, it Counts! One noggin, in our lifetime. Wear a helmet! Who cares Who laughs. Just jealous...they wanna ride too.

Back to purchasing a PCX. Very Exciting Times, I'm tickled for ya It's a Purchase you'll Never Forget!
Ahem...May I recommend that you choose the White? Why? One word: Class! But above that, and for Safety's sake, You will be seen better. (Me? I always want to be seen...anywhere, everywhere)
Good Luck, and enjoy every morsel!

Alrighty then, I spoke Enough. My name is WN, and this is how I roll

Thank you WN for all the insight of your experience. I will surely look into the book you mentioned as well as the clothing. I did take a MS class many years ago, but never followed through with getting a bike. Now that I'm looking at retirement and with a part-time golf course grass cutting job just 5 miles from my home, the PCX seems like a better mode of transportation than using my pick-up.

With my pending retirement, it's amazing how ones life style seems to shrink in size, and that includes all the traveling here and there and all about town. The only real concern is my grandson, who is only 9 at the moment, but I'm sure he'll have his eye on gramps new toy!

Rick54 wrote:Thank you WN for all the insight of your experience. I will surely look into the book you mentioned as well as the clothing. I did take a MS class many years ago, but never followed through with getting a bike. Now that I'm looking at retirement and with a part-time golf course grass cutting job just 5 miles from my home, the PCX seems like a better mode of transportation than using my pick-up.

With my pending retirement, it's amazing how ones life style seems to shrink in size, and that includes all the traveling here and there and all about town. The only real concern is my grandson, who is only 9 at the moment, but I'm sure he'll have his eye on gramps new toy!

When are you planning on getting the bike, are you looking forward to it?

Planning on getting the bike in the next couple of months. No hurry as winter is coming on! I would think the price would be better during the winter months as nobody is riding and dealers are looking to move something in order to pay for keeping the lights on. Probably no deals are to be had in spring as everyone is getting the itch to get on the road.

Rick54 wrote:Planning on getting the bike in the next couple of months. No hurry as winter is coming on! I would think the price would be better during the winter months as nobody is riding and dealers are looking to move something in order to pay for keeping the lights on. Probably no deals are to be had in spring as everyone is getting the itch to get on the road.

What about second hand? Less of a hit if you don't take to it.

And you can do a few things with it over the winter to get acquainted and be set for the spring.