The 2023 PCX160 was unveiled in Thailand, not only in a new color but also in a special edition. It is called the MIDNIGHT RACE EDITION, customized with gold wheels and dark colors. Expect to see this special edition in Japan for the first time in a long time!
PCX is Japan's best-selling motorcycle, and the 2023 model has some leverage.
The PCX/PCX160, which was fully remodeled in 2021 and gained a 4-valve engine, recorded sales of 21,300 units/6,667 units (Motorcycle News estimates), making the 125cc PCX the best-selling model in Japan among models for which statistics by the model are available.
In 2022, it will maintain its position as the best-selling motorcycle in Japan with sales of 17,300 units/5,603 units (same as above). The 2023 model, the third year since the full model change, will have only color changes, but a special Thai version with a strong impact would attract more attention.
The PCX160 Midnight Race Edition presented in Thailand is a modern interpretation of the Midnight tradition, designed with a night-inspired black base coloring with gold inserts. The coloring is both flashy and soothingly austere.
Other regular colors are Pearl Jupiter Gray and Matte Suit Blue Metallic, which are new to the PCX lineup in Europe. A similar gray color is also available in Thailand as a new color and is expected to be included in the lineup in Japan.
Currently, there is no information on the 2023 PCX/PCX160 models in Japan, and the release date and color variations are unknown. I will report further information as soon as it becomes available.
HONDA 2023 PCX160 MIDNIGHT RACE EDITION. An austere special edition was presented in Thailand. The two-tone color scheme of black and blue, rather than the traditional midnight, is very modern.
YAMAHA XS1100LG MIDNIGHT SPECIAL (1979). The midnight color is black and gold. Although the XS1100 is an overseas model, the XS250 Midnight Special was released in Japan in 1981.
HONDA PCX150 Special Edition (2016). Special editions have been released twice before for the PCX series in Japan. The most recent was in 2016 when the 125 was available in white and the 150 in black. No special editions have been released for the 3rd and 4th generations.
HONDA 2023 PCX European Spec. The new color Pearl Jupiter Gray was announced in Europe in November. It is a trendy earth color and is expected to be popular in the Japanese lineup.
2022 Model PCX/PCX160 Main Specifications (reference)
Overall Length x Overall Width x Overall Height: 1935 x 740 x 1105mm
Wheelbase: 1315mm
Seat height:764mm
Weight: 132 kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder SOHC 4-valve 156cc
Maximum output: 12.5 PS/8750 rpm / 15.8 PS/8500 rpm
Maximum torque: 1.2kg-m/6500rpm / 1.5kg-m/6500rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 8.1 liters
Transmission: V-Matic continuously variable
Brakes: F=disc, R=disc
Tires: F=110/70-14, R=130/70-13
Price (approx.): 2715 USD / 3090 USD