AMERICANS: Would you buy a 125cc motorcycle for the street?

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

I still remember watching the first TV ad for the 5th generation of the Honda CG 125 at the house of an uncle. Most of the ones with front drum brake were fitted only with kick-start, yet this one has electric start.


Front disc brake in the Cargo version was not a factory option whenever fitted with any of the 125cc engines ever fitted to the CG (this one has the old-school pushrod engine, while other generations of the CG from 2009 to 2019 got it replaced with an OHC engine carburettor-fed at first, until EFI was fitted in 2016). Only the 150 and 160 versions of the CG Cargo got front disc brake as standard.

[wheelbender6]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Scooters are not so often as rev-happy as a more standard motorcycle, and the gearing is also more strictly optimized for inner-city traffic. Most of the times I would only recommend a scooter above 200cc to be used as an all-around commuter if highway stretches are required.

The only exception to that 200cc scooter rule that I can think of right now is the Yamaha SMAX. With only 155cc, it can still cruise at 65mph and wind out at over 70mph. But, it is tough to do DIY maintenance on them with the shim and bucket valve adjusters. its still a lot of scoot for the money.

[Isaac Zachary]

Originally Posted by wheelbender6

The only exception to that 200cc scooter rule that I can think of right now is the Yamaha SMAX. With only 155cc, it can still cruise at 65mph and wind out at over 70mph. But, it is tough to do DIY maintenance on them with the shim and bucket valve adjusters. its still a lot of scoot for the money.

What about the Honda PCX?

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Isaac Zachary

What about the Honda PCX?

I like the ADV 150 more than the PCX.

[wheelbender6]

I stand corrected. The PCX 150 was governed to 63mph for a while, but they are now governed to 69mph since 2019.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

I'd still rather look at the ADV instead of the PCX, as it has a similar powertrain in a more versatile package, dealing better with some rough pathways.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

I'd still rather look at the ADV instead of the PCX, as it has a similar powertrain in a more versatile package, dealing better with some rough pathways.

I thought the same thing but then I just looked at the specs. The ADV is basically a styling exercise. The only ADV improvements over the PCX is an extra inch of suspension travel for the front fork and 0.25 inches more travel on the rear shocks. Wheels are the same. I think I'd rather have the 160cc PCX and an extra $500 in my pocket.

I would REALLY like Honda to bump the Trail 125 up to 150cc so it can be used outside of city streets.

[M_a_t_t]

Originally Posted by wheelbender6

But, it is tough to do DIY maintenance on them with the shim and bucket valve adjusters.

Is it shim under or over bucket? If it's over then it is pretty easy. Under is nerve wracking because you have to pull the cams. Now that I've had to do both I don't think it's too terrible as long as you pay attention to detail and do it in one or two sessions. Once you leave parts out for awhile you start to forget how everything goes back together!

I don't know anything about the access to those parts on the scooter are either so that might add some difficulty.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by JSH

The ADV is basically a styling exercise.

I like the styling of the ADV more than the PCX or other strictly-urban scooters.

The only ADV improvements over the PCX is an extra inch of suspension travel for the front fork and 0.25 inches more travel on the rear shocks.

Even though it may seem too small of an improvement, the slightly longer suspension travel and ground clearance are actually useful under many circumstances in my country.

I would REALLY like Honda to bump the Trail 125 up to 150cc so it can be used outside of city streets.

With such increase to the displacement and some improvements to gearing, that engine would be really better.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

I like the styling of the ADV more than the PCX or other strictly-urban scooters.

I like the ADV styling better as well.

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Even though it may seem too small of an improvement, the slightly longer suspension travel and ground clearance are actually useful under many circumstances in my country.

The extra suspension travel is useful in my country too. The question for me is if it is worth the extra cost. That said, another look shows the price difference isn't as much as I originally thought. The ADV comes standard with ABS while on the PCX ABS is a $200 option.