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Buy a new PCX? Or fix the current I have?
Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2018 5:58 am
by eweriuer
Hello everyone!
I have a very happy owner of a Honda PCX 125 2013 which has just reached 15k miles.
I have now done the first service myself (general checks, spark plug, oil, brakes, brake oil too) but now I have the question if it's worth fixing the few more problems I have recently or would be better to buy a new / used and more recent one, and I am looking for advice.
1- I recently started riding in 2 (75kg+50kg) and the rear shocks are pretty bad, they reach their limit on every hole, so probably they need to be replaced.
2- Front shocks are now quite bad too, also when driving alone, they do a weird sound when braking, I think they might be reaching their limit too when braking.
3- Transmission also does a weird metallic sound now, so I would need to double check that too.
4- Also I want to bring the bike to the mechanic to do the valve clearance adjustment as I believe it has never been done on my bike.
So I think I could do 1 and 3 myself, but 2 and 4 needs a mechanic. I was wondering if I am missing something else too. I will need to spend a few hundreds pounds on a Honda PCX 125 with 15k, which probably will be usable for another couple of years. Now I am questioning myself if it would be better to sell it now that has still some value and buy a new or used one but more recent.
What would you do?
Re: Buy a new PCX? Or fix the current I have?
Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2018 7:54 am
by Mel46
Whether you bought a new one or fixed the one you have, the same items would have to eventually be done to all PCX's. At 15K miles it just needs some normal maintenance and some upgrades.
1. The shocks that are standard on a PCX are not that great to begin with, so even a new bike won't fix that problem. There are quite a few websites that sell YSS aftermarket shocks for the PCX. Those should fix your problem. Just make sure they have some kind of adjustment capability.
2. Have a shop change the oil in the front fork. Then have the front brake checked to make sure it is working correctly, and that the pads do not need changing.
3. If you can't do it, have a mechanic check the belt and rollers, as well as the clutch bearing, which was a problem for some of the 2013 models. Here is a picture of the assembly, which can be replaced as a unit.

- Clutch bearing.png (6.72 KiB) Viewed 846 times
4. New or old, valve adjustments are a normal service requirement. It should have been done at least once in its lifetime, though more than once would be good.
In short, almost everything on your list is fixable and normal maintenance. You need to get your hands on a service manual and learn to do some of that yourself, or have a good mechanic. Every bike needs some kind of upkeep. It is a machine.
I am guessing that you are not in the United States, so would you mind going into your profile and adding your general location, please. It helps us to better help you. Thanks.
Re: Buy a new PCX? Or fix the current I have?
Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2018 8:11 am
by eweriuer
Thanks for your clear answer Mel46.
Regarding the trasmission, I've posted a thread when I bought the scooter in 2014:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3206&p=44519#p44519
The problem is still there after 4 years! And after I asked 3 different mechanics to fix it. They did something (maybe only add some grease I don't know, one changed also belt and rollers) and that would have fixed the problem for a couple of weeks, and then come back again. Plus now I can hear metallic sounds.
I'll open it and have a look. But I guess I'll need to replace some parts there too (my guess is on the clutch).
Thanks for your help!
Re: Buy a new PCX? Or fix the current I have?
Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2018 8:53 am
by eweriuer
Ups I missed your comment about the location, added now, I am from London
Also do you have a model in mind regarding the YSS rear shock absorber? I had a look around but found different models and very different prices and I am a bit confused

Re: Buy a new PCX? Or fix the current I have?
Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2018 11:09 am
by Jge64
yss z series...pics in my signature link.....
Re: Buy a new PCX? Or fix the current I have?
Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2018 1:02 pm
by Old Grinner
FWIW Perhaps make sure the steering head bearing is still in good shape. . .or at least there's no indication of wear or looseness (which can effect handling). Proper adjustment and lubrication of the bearing will be mentioned in the manual but it does require some work.
Here's a good thread about that. . ..
https://www.hondapcx.org/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=8459
Always worth a look at a brake cable also just to make sure there's no sign of frayed spots, especially at the handlebar lever or rear brake arm on the wheel.

Re: Buy a new PCX? Or fix the current I have?
Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2018 1:09 pm
by WhiteNoise
Sell (as is?)
Get Excited,
Buy New!
Why waste time?
Tick tock, tick tock. Damn clock!
Let's Ride
My 2cents
Re: Buy a new PCX? Or fix the current I have?
Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2018 1:58 pm
by eweriuer
thanks guys for all your useful comments!
I am booking a weekend to do all the necessary work on my beloved pcx
While doing the service myself, I found that is also a nice relaxing exercise

if you have all the tools and nothing goes wrong......
Re: Buy a new PCX? Or fix the current I have?
Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2018 3:36 pm
by Mel46
I would suggest checking the clutch bell and pads. They do wear out, and if you are starting to hear metallic sounds it would be a good idea to at least check it, as has been suggested in your previous thread.
https://www.powerbypcx.com/en/accessori ... v2-v3.html
YSS shocks.