Riding The Honda 2025 PCX160: The Daily Workhorse with Better Comfort and Tech

2025 Honda PCX 160 Specs

• Engine: 157cc liquid-cooled eSP+ single-cylinder, SOHC 4-valve; 11.8 kW (15.8 hp) @ 8,500 rpm, 14.7 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
• Transmission: V-Matic automatic CVT
• Dimensions: 1,936 mm length x 742 mm width x 1,123 mm height; 1,313 mm wheelbase; 764 mm seat height; 134 mm ground clearance
• Weight & Capacity: 133 kg curb weight; 8.1 L fuel tank
• Suspension: Telescopic fork front; twin shock rear with sub-tank (RoadSync exclusive)
• Brakes: Hydraulic disc front and rear
• Tires: 110/70-14 front, 130/70-13 rear (tubeless)
• Fuel Economy: 46 km/L (WMTC mode)
• Price: P154,900 (Suggested Retail Price, RoadSync variant)

Standout Highlights

• Premium TFT full-color meter panel with RoadSync connectivity for voice-activated navigation and Bluetooth audio streaming
• Spacious underseat storage fits a full-face helmet, jacket, and more
• USB Type-C charging port for on-the-go device powering
• Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) for enhanced traction
• Stylish LED headlights, taillights, and new handlebar cover in Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic or Pearl Fadeless White
• Generous foot space and plush, wide seat ideal for solo or two-up riding
• Effortless Bluetooth pairing for multiple devices, including helmet intercoms

In the world of scooters, where comfort meets everyday grind, the 2025 Honda PCX160 RoadSync still surprised me. I had the privilege of reuiniting with a Honda PCX160 albeit a new one thanks to Honda Philippines' Media and Vloggers PCX Ride Event on November 14, 2025. That date shifted from late October due to Taal Volcano's minor eruptions, prioritizing everyone's safety. Assembling at the Honda Safety Driving Center in Parañaque, our group of moto enthusiasts embarked on a breezy 120km round-trip jaunt to Tagaytay's Cabezera Ridge View Restaurant. What unfolded was a light-hearted, laughter-filled ride that showcased why the PCX160 isn't just a basic scooter. It's a refined attack workhorse with very well made comfort and suspension.

Riding alongside media friends amplified the fun: Ian from Insidemoto, the pretty superbike racer Des Buncio, vlogger Russel Borja, Keith of @23.moto, Micah Duque, @iamjamich and @migs2wheels. We zipped through SLEX's service road notorious traffic, navigated mild twisty turns, and blasted down fast straights, all under the watchful eyes of Honda's professional marshals. These safety pros kept formations tight, enforced protocols, and turned what could have been a chaotic convoy into a seamless symphony of engines.

A Fresh Face with Tech That Turns Heads

From the moment I swung a leg over the PCX160 RoadSync, its sophisticated yet sporty vibe hooked me. The Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic finish (one of two color options alongside Pearl Fadeless White) gives it a premium edge, but it's the all-new TFT meter panel that steals the show. Bright, intuitive, and easy on the eyes, this full-color display feels like a fresh evolution for scooters. It ditches outdated analog gauges for something straight out of a supersport bike. At a glance, you're fed speed, fuel, navigation prompts, and more, all without squinting.

The RoadSync system elevates connectivity to effortless heights. I paired my phone via the Honda RoadSync app in seconds, unlocking voice-activated navigation that guided us flawlessly through Tagaytay's winding roads. Streaming Apple Music? Seamless. And it handled multiple Bluetooth devices like a champ. No dropouts with my helmet intercom, even as we chatted mid-ride. Throw in the USB Type-C charging port for keeping gadgets juiced, and you've got a scooter that's as smart as your smartphone.

On the Road: Smooth Power, Supreme Comfort

Powered by a 157cc liquid-cooled eSP+ engine (delivering 11.8 kW at 8,500 rpm and 14.7 Nm at 6,500 rpm), the PCX160 feels intimately familiar to anyone who's swung a leg over a previous PCX model. It's that signature Honda smoothness. Relaxed for urban crawls, with a linear power delivery that builds confidence. Hit 6,000+ rpm, and there's a satisfying kick, urging the bike forward without drama. We tackled everything from bumper-to-bumper jams to open straights, and it aced them all. The upgraded twin-shock rear suspension (with a new sub-tank for the RoadSync variant) soaks up imperfections like a dream, paired with telescopic forks up front for a plush, planted feel. Comfort? Off the charts. Ideal for longer hauls like our Tagaytay mini ride.

The ergonomics seal the deal. The seat sits low at 764mm, making it accessible for a wide range of riders, but it's wide and luxuriously plush, begging for two-up adventures with a pillion. Foot space is generously large, letting you stretch out without feeling cramped. And that underseat storage? I forgot how cavernous it is. My half-face helmet, jacket, and a hefty water bottle vanished inside with room for snacks or a spare backpack. At 133kg curb weight and with an 8.1L fuel tank, it's nimble yet practical, with hydraulic disc brakes front and rear for assured stopping power.

One feature I didn't dive into during the ride was Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). A traction aid that could add even more versatility in wet or slippery conditions. A quick demo on that would've been ideal, but the bike's inherent stability made it a non-issue on our dry run.

I clocked around 42 km/L over the 120km loop, dropping just one bar on the meter. Honda's WMTC-rated 46 km/L claim feels spot-on for real-world use.

Beyond the Ride: Honda's Hospitality Shines

Honda curated an event on top of the sunny weather and great lunch. En route breaks allowed ample time for photos and videos, with the PCX160's full LED headlights, taillights, and new handlebar cover making it distinct from the outgoing model. Lunch at Cabezera Ridge was a highlight, complete with a fun program featuring prizes and a Honda raffle. Lady luck smiled on me. I snagged a sleek jacket and a soft accessory pouch!

I rigged my DJI Action cam with a clamp (next time, Quadlock mount for sure), capturing the ride's easy pace. It was pure joy piloting this beast alongside mates, weaving through the scenery without a care. (check out this P200 1:1 Quadlock copy I actually use https://s.shopee.ph/4foSgRbEIv)

The Verdict: RoadSync All the Way

Priced at P154,900 (Suggested Retail Price), the 2025 Honda PCX160 RoadSync punches way above its weight. It's the ultimate urban steed: efficient, connected, and comfy, with that bulletproof Honda reliability. If you're eyeing the standard PCX160, skip it. Spring for RoadSync. The TFT display alone is a game-changer, and the enhanced suspension makes every mile feel premium. This isn't just a scooter. It's a daily driver that doubles as a joy machine.

Whether you're dodging EDSA gridlock or chasing horizon lines, the PCX160 RoadSync proves scooters have evolved. Honda, you've nailed it. Can't wait for the next ride.

Darwin Zialcita is a moto enthusiast and NewsMoto contributor. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Threads at @darwinzialcita and NewsMoto for more two-wheeled tales.