Honda PCX125 (2025) - Technical Review

Europe’s best-selling scooter in 2023 and the choice of many-a-courier is the Honda PCX125 which has been a permanent resident at or near the top of the sales charts since its 2009 introduction (140,000 sold in Europe since then), and for 2025 it’s undergone a significant update. Engine, bodywork design, brakes, and electronics have all undergone revisions, while a Deluxe version is a new addition, known as ‘DX’ and features a 5- inch TFT screen and compatibility with the Honda RoadSync app to increase the appeal to this twist-and-go city street dissector.

Known for its sportiness, practicality and being well-equipped, the PCX125 is well-backed by Honda’s badge, bringing reassurance and reliability as well as a strong dealer network.

Pros & Cons

2025 Honda PCX125 - Price

At the time of writing as the scooter was unveiled at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Honda had not yet confirmed the price or any PCP deals, but the Japanese marque has a tendency not to increase updated models by much, if at all. The outgoing model is still attractively priced at £3659 with PCP deals available from £59/month based on a £675 deposit. Don’t expect the 2025 model to be too far apart.

A two-year warranty is standard across the whole Honda two-wheeled range, and the benefit of a well-regarded dealer network is an attractive and reassuring backing.

Available in four colours, three of which are new: Mat Galaxy Black Metallic remains while the three newbies are known as Mat Dim Gray Metallic, Pearl Snowflake White and Pearl Dark Ash Blue. Fancy.

2025 Honda PCX125 - Engine & Performance

To comply with stringent Euro5+ regulations, Honda has had to revise the already robust, reliable and resilient single cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-stroke 125cc motor and exhaust run with new ECU settings, catalyser position and a new O2 sensor which affects the overall performance by just 0.1Nm of the overall peak torque figure which is down to 11.7Nm. Honda’s engine has the enhanced Smart Power Plus (eSP+) technology which means it’s been designed to improve performance and fuel efficiency simultaneously.

The slightly irrelevant peak power figure remains at 12.34bhp @ 8750rpm, which is one of the strongest performers in the class. Nippy is a word that goes hand in hand with scooter reviews, and given the Honda’s lithe-looking dimensions and engine performance, you should well be winning the traffic-light grand prix getaway. Given a long enough run up, the PCX125’s top speed is (said to be) 60mph, though on previous models we’ve tested that figure has been nearer to 70mph depending on jockey size and wind direction.

2025 Honda PCX125 - Handling & Suspension (inc. Weight)

The big news on the 2025 version of this popular scooter is the rear drum brake has been replaced with a more modern 220mm disc with single-piston caliper that matches the front disc (which has a twin piston caliper set-up) for additional power and improved consistency.

Additionally, the DX model gains remote reservoirs on its suspension with springs weighted for a “smooth ride on rough city streets”. I do recall the rear suspension on the 2019 model being particularly jarring over the speed bumps courtesy of minimal damping, so this revision should be very beneficial. Kerb weight is up from 130kg to 133kg (134kg on the DX model).

Known for its lightweight and easy manoeuvrability whether in and out of the garage/shed/car park or shuffling about in the parking bays, the PCX125 is well suited for city life.

2025 Honda PCX125 - Comfort & Economy

A full tank of unleaded from the unchanged 8.1-litre tank should last about 240-miles if you rode to conform with Honda’s claims of 134.5mpg, which is also unchanged. That’s an awfully long way for less than £11 (at today’s average UK fuel price). Even if your commute is 24-miles, that would be a whole week’s worth of home-office-home trips. And what would the equivalent price of an Oyster card be? I’ll tell you, a 7-day card covering Zones 1-5 is £73. Hmm.

Idle Stop (‘Stop/Start’ to you and me) is a seamless function that stops the engine after 3 seconds at standstill, it then fires back up instantly as soon as the throttle is twisted, and is said to assist with fuel economy. The system can read the battery charge and turns itself off to avoid excessive drain.

Seat height drops by just 1mm down to 763mm but the 2025 PCX125 should continue to offer a very well-thought out and comfortable riding position.

2025 Honda PCX125 - Equipment

30.4-litres of space under the seat is plenty for a full-face helmet and your sandwiches. A USB-C socket in the glovebox is easily accessible for your smartphone. A Smart Key operates the ignition and seat, while the LED headlight features a daytime running light. The new ‘DX’ model features a new 5” full colour TFT screen to improve visibility in bright sunlight and reduces glare too, it also features IOS/Android smartphone connectivity with Honda’s RoadSync app for the usual plethora of options including turn-by-turn navigation.

Naturally, Honda offers a range of accessories including an outdoor cover (though I’m sure you could use it indoors if you really wanted), a top box and even a Winter Pack that comes with a windshield and heated grips.

2025 Honda PCX125 - Rivals

The learner-legal scooter market must be the most competitive in all of motorcycling. From those who just need a commuter to dart around the big cities, to fast food dispatchers and final mile delivery riders, race paddock transport, camper van accompaniments or chic coastal cruisers, the 125cc twist-and-go PTW is as versatile as they come. What matters most to one rider might mean diddly squat to another but the 125cc scooter is practical in terms of rider space, pillion space, under seat storage, fuel economy, ease of use and light weight manoeuvrability too. The Honda PCX125 is challenged by many, one from its own stable in the shape of the updated-for-2025 Forza 125, as well as an influx of cheaper Chinese models, but we’ve picked three who’ve been around for a while.

Yamaha NMAX 125, 2024 | Price: £3775 (est.)

Read more

Power/Torque

12.1bhp / 8.3lb-ft

Weight

132kg

Suzuki Burgman Street 125EX | Price: £3199

Read more

Power/Torque

8.5bhp / 7.4lb-ft

Weight

112kg

Kymco Agility City Plus 125 | Price: £2559

Read more

Power/Torque

8.8bhp / 6.6lb-ft

Weight

114kg

2025 Honda PCX125 - Verdict

It doesn’t take a brave guess to think this updated Honda PCX125 won’t be anything but a better all-around package than its predecessor. Complying with European emission regulations is a requirement but manufacturers are certain to make nips and tweaks to improve their machines at the same time. The PCX125 faces some tough competition but Honda’s badge on the side will offer reassurances while the bike is sure to be comfortable, economical and about as powerful as a 125cc scooter can be. However, we’ll reserve full judgement until we’ve give it the courier/commuter treatment when the bike is available in the UK.

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Do you own a PCX125? Tell us what it’s like, or ask us questions about it at bikeclub.bennetts.co.uk.

2025 Honda PCX125 - Technical Specification

What is MCIA Secured?

MCIA Secured gives bike buyers the chance to see just how much work a manufacturer has put into making their new investment as resistant to theft as possible.

As we all know, the more security you use, the less chance there is of your bike being stolen. In fact, based on research by Bennetts, using a disc lock makes your machine three times less likely to be stolen, while heavy duty kit can make it less likely to be stolen than a car. For reviews of the best security products, click here.

MCIA Secured gives motorcycles a rating out of five stars (three stars for bikes of 125cc or less), based on the following being fitted to a new bike as standard:

• A steering lock that meets the UNECE 62 standard

• An ignition immobiliser system

• A vehicle marking system

• An alarm system

• A vehicle tracking system with subscription

The higher the star rating, the better the security, so always ask your dealer what rating your bike has and compare it to other machines on your shortlist.