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With 16 hp Engine and Smart Key, the New Honda Scooter Dominates the Market in 2025, but Persistent Criticism of the Suspension and Brakes Raises a Debate About the Secret to Its Success.
The new Honda scooter PCX 160 is not just a scooter; it’s a phenomenon. Year after year, it solidifies itself as the absolute leader in its segment and ranks among the ten best-selling motorcycles across Brazil. The 2025 line maintains the successful formula, betting on a modern engine and the undeniable strength of the Honda brand.
However, behind the impressive numbers, the new Honda scooter lives in paradox. Its leadership coexists with chronic and well-documented complaints from its owners, especially regarding the suspension and brakes. After all, what explains the dominance of the PCX? Is it a technically superior product, or a testament to the power of the Honda brand?
The Absolute Leader in Numbers: The Sales of the PCX 160 in 2025
Market data leaves no doubt about the popularity of the PCX. In May 2025, the model sold 3,656 units, placing it in 8th position in the overall ranking of motorcycles in the country, an impressive feat for a scooter.
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Its dominance in the category is even more overwhelming. Between January and October 2024, the PCX sold 48,295 units, more than double that of the second place, the Honda Elite 125. These numbers show that, for Brazilian consumers, the PCX is the standard choice when it comes to scooters.
The 16 hp eSP+ Engine and Onboard Technology
The main technical argument of the PCX 160 lies in its eSP+ engine (enhanced Smart Power Plus). The single-cylinder 156.9 cc, liquid-cooled engine with 4 valves delivers 16 hp of power and 1.5 kgf.m of torque, making it a benchmark for performance in the category. The eSP+ technology uses low-friction components to ensure greater efficiency and durability.
In terms of convenience, the new Honda scooter is well-equipped. It comes standard with a smart key (Smart Key) that also functions as an alarm, Full LED lighting, a 100% digital panel, and a generous 30-liter compartment under the seat, capable of storing a closed helmet and other items.
The Stiff Suspension and the Main Complaint of Owners
Despite its strong points, the PCX 160 carries a criticism that spans generations: the suspension. The assembly, with telescopic fork in the front and two shock absorbers in the back, both with just 100 mm of travel, is the main target of complaints from owners.
Repeatedly, owners describe the suspension as “stiff” and that it “jars harshly” when going over potholes and irregularities, something very common on Brazilian asphalt. This characteristic severely compromises the rider’s comfort and is the most cited negative point about the model and one of its biggest weaknesses.
The Single-Channel ABS Brake and the Duel with the NMAX
Another controversial design decision lies in the braking system. Even in the top-of-the-line version, the PCX 160 DLX, the ABS system is single-channel, meaning it only operates on the front wheel. The rear wheel, although it has a disc brake, does not feature anti-lock braking technology.
This choice, likely made to cut costs, puts the PCX at a direct disadvantage against its main rival, the Yamaha NMAX 160. The Yamaha scooter offers, as standard, a dual-channel ABS system that operates on both wheels and is considered more technically safe and efficient, especially in emergency braking.
Is the New Honda Scooter Worth It?
The decision to purchase a PCX 160 in 2025 involves weighing the pros and cons. The Honda scooter is the ideal choice for the urban rider looking for, above all, fuel economy, an engine with excellent performance, and the financial security of a product with a very high resale value.
However, this choice requires the buyer to be willing to tolerate an uncomfortable suspension by Brazilian standards and a brake system that is not the most complete in the category. The leadership of the new Honda scooter thus seems to hinge less on technical perfection and more on brand power, perceived reliability, and the strength of a mechanical set that, in its strong points, truly shines.
Ela faltou freio de mão. E pisca alerta com a moto travada
PCX é vida, troquei os amortecedores traseiro e garanto que melhorou até às dores que eu sentia na coluna. Coloquei os amortecedores da SH 150 marca Rhino. Os melhores
PXC 160 falta um pouco de motor pra cidade da mas pegou rodovia não passa de 105 km/h esquelando. Talvez 200cc seria ideal. Suspensão melhorou um pouco em relação a 150. As novas PCX 160 pararam de vir a bateria japonesa Hiazuna agora Hélio ou Honda duram menos. No dia que aumentar a cilindrada para 200 cc vai vender muito e claro amortecedores melhores.
No dia que a PCX for lançada com 200 cc, vai ficar do valor da XMAX.