UK's best-selling motorcycle, repeatedly
10+ years at the top
MCIA registration data shows the PCX125 has been the UK's best-selling powered two-wheeler in most years since 2014 — outselling every full-size motorcycle Honda makes in the UK combined. London courier fleets are the volume driver. Boring fact: more PCX125s are registered each year than Africa Twins, Fireblades and Goldwings combined.
Liquid cooling on a 125cc commuter
Standard since launch
When the PCX launched in 2010, liquid-cooled 125cc commuter scooters were rare — most rivals (Yamaha YBR125, Honda CBF125) were still air-cooled. Liquid cooling means consistent power in stop-start city traffic, lower emissions, longer engine life. eSP/eSP+ engineering also gives 130+mpg real-world.
12-inch wheels
Trade-off vs SH125
Honda chose 12-inch wheels for the PCX vs the SH125's 16-inch wheels — for a lower seat (760-764mm), better load space and tighter manoeuvring. Pay-off: less stable on potholes, less confident on wet manhole covers. If you're commuting on broken UK roads, the SH125 is genuinely better. If you're commuting on smooth A-roads, the PCX wins.
Underseat helmet storage
Workable, not generous
30L underseat compartment fits a single open-face or compact full-face. Modern XL full-face helmets (Shoei NXR2, Arai Quantic) often won't fit at all. This is the single most-asked Honda dealership question. Buyer beware if you ride a large lid.
Real-world fuel economy
130-150mpg
Honda quotes 134mpg WMTC; real-world owners report 130-150mpg in mixed commuting. 8L tank gives 250+ mile range. PCX125 is genuinely cheaper to run than a 50cc moped, and dramatically cheaper than any car.
Insurance group
Group 5 (low)
PCX125 sits in insurance group 5 — same bracket as a 16-year-old's first car. Realistic UK fully-comp quotes for a 30-year-old in a postcode that isn't central London: £150-£220/year. Younger riders or central London postcodes can hit £400-£600 — still trivial vs a car.
Price creep 2016 → 2026
£2,899 → £3,499
PCX125 is up ~21% over 10 years in cash terms — but UK CPI is up ~36% in the same period, so the PCX has actually got CHEAPER in real terms. One of the rare bikes where the 2026 model represents better value than the 2016 did.
