2021 Honda PCX First Look

It’s refreshing to see that Honda, which established its foothold here in the States way back when with a friendly little 49cc moto for the masses, is continuing to take scooters seriously, with the announcement that three favorites will be returning to the lineup for 2021 and 2022: the PCX, Ruckus, and Metropolitan. While the 2022 Ruckus and Metropolitan are unchanged with the exception of new paint, the 2021 PCX returns with the “150” nomenclature dropped from its name, as befitting the new larger and more fuel-efficient engine.

The fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, SOHC single is now an oversquare 60mm x 55.5mm (bore by stroke), with displacement up 7cc to 157cc. A larger 28mm throttle body feeds it fuel, of which Honda says it will need less thanks to a new four-valve design, and for 2021 it also gets an automatic hydraulic cam-chain adjuster. One less maintenance chore to worry about.

The PCX’s double-cradle chassis has also been redesigned for 2021, for better cornering ability and a more comfortable ride. Under the seat is a 30-liter storage compartment, big enough to swallow a full-face helmet or a bag of groceries, and an essential USB charging port integrated in the front fairing is standard.

Other features include both a sidestand and centerstand, LED headlight and turn signals, a larger LCD instrument, and optional ABS. Best of all, the improvements will only cost you $100 more than last year, with a base MSRP of $3,799 ($3,999 for the PCX ABS). It will be available in Pearl White, starting in March.