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HI, yes of course, they're tubeless tyres on the NC.

Hi, thanks for the kind words. The all do in varying degrees. The XCP pro stuff, especially the orange can, leaves more like a thin wax than an oily film so sure if you use it in a place when it’s getting hit with lots of road dirt when you’ve just applied it, it will pick up a lot of muck. That said the others will tend not to be so bad because, frankly, they tend to rinse off relatively quickly.

Hi, just about to start doing a few more how to's, what sort of thing would be useful to you?

Hi, my budget was a little limited, I don't have the financial backing that Bennetts do I'm afraid, so I tried to pick a representative group of products that covered most bases and the popular choices in the UK. That said the commonly found Waxoyl product we have here is quite a heavy wax (compared to the heaviest I test) and while that would make it a top choice for swing arms and frames it would probably be a bit unsightly for more obvious areas let alone engines etc. I personally used the black version on a black swing arm to good effect and it was barely visible. Hope that helps.

@@BikingChap I'm in the UK too. I'm definitely going with XCP since it's so much better than the others tested. But I'm interested in how the Jenolite brand stacks up against XCP as they have a very big range too, and also Tetroseal Waxoil which is proper stuff and commonly found.

@@Riggy2201 Hi, thanks for reaching out. I'm interested too and am looking to do another test this year and will look to include some more of these products, stay tuned!

Yep, the NMAX looks smart. The Honda you buy in spite of it's looks, not because of them lol.

Thanks very much for the kind comments :) It's very much personal preference. Performance wise I think it's had to split them but perhaps pulling away from a stop, around town say, the NMAX has a slight edge. What finally put me off the NMAX was that I heard a few people had worn pistons / barrels at relatively low miles and even a local delivery guy had a 2 year old NMAX that left a trail of smoke and sounded terrible. I could find no such horror stories with the PCX. In short if I was going to do lowish miles and sell once the warranty ran out I might have gone for the Yamaha but I wanted the scoot for a long time so went for the Honda, good luck and thanks!

@@BikingChap I did not know about any of that, time for some more digging hehe. Thank you again for the thorough reply. All the best!

@@BikingChap Looking the subject up, I've just seen a video of a South Korean mechanic changing the piston and cylinder of a 2020 Nmax 125: ruclips.net/video/41soMRYKh-0/видео.html No idea about the bike in question's history but there does seem to be some truth to what you've said. And it is a lot of work to replace those parts.

@@marcellocapone4925 yes and I did contact the guy and, from memory, it had only done low 20k miles.

Very much personal preference but I'd go for the updated suspension and brakes off the later CB500X before cruise control but I know many folk really find cruise useful.

Thanks for reaching out. I know the switch gear, especially on the left side, can have issues where replacement was required but without researching I'm not sure what the reason for failure was. With regard to the ignition switch, firstly they're a lot cheaper to replace but better still you can invariably take them apart and restore / clean them. I had to do this on a previous Honda project and I bought some plastic grease, some contact cleaner / lubricant (Servisol Super 10), and some 'brasso' to clean the contacts. It took a little while to pull apart and put back together and I needed a 'security' screwdriver, but it's still faultless years later. Hope this helps :)

Hi John, no this is one i hired for the review. Unlike most reviewers who have deals with dealers / manufacturers to get access to the latest bikes I rent the bikes i review (apart from the odd one I've owned for many years like the NC) This way you can be sure my take is completely straight and not influenced by a need to keep the dealers / manufacturers happy.

Hi thanks for this, I'm planning a new 2024 test and will look to include at least one Bilt Hamber product if available in the UK, thanks for the tip!

I don't think you'll be disappointed, let me know how you get on!

Currently Honda's own 10w30 :)

Honda advise a 10w30, so I stick with that. :)

Hi, Honda specify a 10W30 oil for the PCX, which scooter do you have?

@@BikingChapis 10w30 oil good for cold water and hot water in a honda pcx 125 2018 model

Spot on, yes!

I'm always wary of 'best bike' recommendations because everyone has different priorities. I went for the PCX because I wanted more power than the Vision 110 and Honda reliability but didn't want to spend Forza 125 money. What were your priorities for your new bike?

Added to my list my friend! :)

Hi, thanks for reaching out, that giveaway is now closed but I do have another still running at the moment, try here: ruclips.net/video/D7osDfu_QYE/видео.html

Excellent, consider it done! Update coming soon!

Sir, thanks for reaching out and you're English is great, don't worry! I found that the products that set like a wax, rather than an oily film, were far more long lasting. I don't know the weather in Vietnam but if the humidity is often high then a more waxy product like this will probably last well. I hope you have a great day, best wishes!

@@adildewji as I’ve got older I’ve found some of the really tall bikes off putting too. Nothing wrong with the NC, there’s nothing else quite like it. 👍Thanks for the sub!

@@Censuwine thanks for the feedback, I really appreciate it. Sales have been split pretty evenly from what I’ve seen but the manual and DCT are very different beasts. It’s a very personal decision rather than one being ‘better’ than the other. Good luck!

Hi Ron, thanks for the feedback. I'm around 1.9m and I'll be honest I didn't ever feel naturally comfortable on the NC, let me explain. I quickly found I was getting pain in my hips and while I could never be certain as to the cause I think it was a mixture of the slightly cramped peg to seat distance and that the seat rolled your hips forward. The bars, for me at any rate, were fine. What I think I would try is to lower the pegs and to adjust out the slope of the seat (along with some more padding). It wasn't the most uncomfortable bike I've had but it was certainly the only one to give me hip pain problems. I hope this help at least explain my experience. All the best, Jon.

@@BikingChap Thx Jon, very helpful. 👍

@@ronplekkringa8130 No problem, you're welcome.

@@Eaqub1 thanks that and I agree with all you said! I have a guy working with me now to address these issues, hence the delay in content at the moment, and hope to produce better content going forward, many thanks for dropping by. :)

Hi Fozzie, thanks for dropping by, the winner has already been picked for this competition I’m afraid but don’t panic, I’m currently testing a new version of the XCP pro clear coat and a bundle of XCP products will be up for grabs shortly! ruclips.net/video/D7osDfu_QYE/видео.htmlsi=4RxsyC9iaFURxAk9

Hi Roger, that’s a really good point and, hands up, I didn’t check it. I have to say that because many modern bikes have a cat AND an initial silencer under the engine (the NC only has a cat) the rear can is often mainly for aesthetics and removing doesn’t make them massively louder, an MT-10 being a classic case. On these bikes I don’t believe just change the rest can will make much difference to sound, performance or economy. Where people replace the cat or cat a pre silencer then, performance can improve but absolutely fuel economy can take a tumble.

I am not sure about that. Fuel average after 10.000km with original exhaust, 4.1l/100km. Fuel Average after 6000km with Leo Vinci Oval, 4.1l/100km.

@@BikingChapVery good point indeed. Thank you!

@@adildewji my pleasure! :)

Hi, it’s not a silly question at all :) no, you just twist the grip as per usual and hit the up / down button, no need to come off gas / shut the throttle when changing.

Hi, ok easy question first, the engine is silky smooth, it really is, so no issues there. As to your height, I'm ok on it at 6'2", the lack of comfort after a while comes from all the weight being on your backside. I think the issue for you, especially if your height is mainly from your legs (I've a 32" inseam) will be your knees touching the handlebars as you turn. It's marginal for me and in the beginning I caught the left grip on my knee once or twice. If you can sit on one and with one foot on the board make sure your knee clears the bars when turned lock to lock you should be fine. Good luck!

@@BikingChapthanks for the detailed reply!

@@technokitten2038 you're more than welcome, hope it helped :)

Hi, thanks for the long and detailed comment. Firstly with regard to the anti rust treatment I used XCP Pro for the rear of the bike and that has worked well though it does attract making it look messy. Like any other of these products though this will be no use on the exhaust system and even after 1,500 mine is starting to corrode. For the exhaust I used a product like this previously www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/vht-flameproof-very-high-temperature-spray-paint-7000879/ and that proved far longer lasting that the factory paint. Like you I find it a really great option for just pottering around town. Where I do find it's limitation is on hills and there are many in my area. On hills I do find I hold normal traffic up but with a 350cc scooter costing £5,500+ I think the PCX is a great compromise, I just take my time and don't worry about any traffic behind me :)

is the color degrading over time really that noticeable? I'm in love with the blue one but if it's bad I might just go with the black one.

@@buttergolem8584 they are both matte and will suffer the same, fade and scratches will be visible, especially on the tunnel area from shoes scratching when you get on, they will lose that new bike shine equally, black maybe even more so. My advice is the pearl colors

@@LiviuXSA I'd agree. If I was buying again I'd go for a gloss white if still available. Easy to keep looking nice and straightforward to repair / repaint if damaged.

I'm looking around for more products for a similar trial this year but it's a struggle to find products that are available both in Europe and the US. I'll keep looking!

Wow, that's impressive, not sure the PCX would go that fast!

Thank you for the very kind feedback, it’s much appreciated. It’s hard to get two bikes together but I’ll try to do this more going forward. :)

Thank you for your kind words. If roads are tough I’d go for the scooter with the biggest wheels or a small motorcycle I think. Good luck!

@@BikingChap I use TVS XL 100 for my tour.

@ghumantudeb9185 that looks like a great, tough bike to tour on. 👍

@@BikingChap No Sir, just 99cc, 89kg, CVT, chain drive. But it's my budget. Thank you so much for reply.

The places you see, the people you meet will be the same whether on a 99cc bike or a 990cc bike! 89kg also makes it super easy to move about on 👍 Ride safe!

Hi, I have yes so currently between ‘proper bikes’. They’re great at what they’re designed for and very sweet handling if a bit crashy. Brakes are better than the NC! Thing is, what next?! :) [I've added you to the list too!]

@@BikingChap thanks! My pcx was great. Over the 35k I did mostly commuting on it other than the usual servicing at 2500 miles (previous gen) it needed 2 sets of head stock bearings, new centre stand and a new indicator ecu which was replaced as a recall under warranty. I had the givi tall screen and muffs on mine for the winter. I resisted putting a topbox on it. Miss it sometimes. It was my first experience of 2 wheels and have many happy memories.

I think a lot of the scoots go through head bearings due to the harsh suspension and dire state of our roads.

Thanks Keith, there was a distinctly un relaxing moment when I realised I was dripping the used oil on the new camera. I cut the cries of anguish out 🤦‍♂️ As for the gloves ‘the boss’ has only just asked if I’ve seen her spare gloves. Thankfully she doesn’t follow me in on RUclips 😬

That’s why I think running them to 4,000 miles is a bit much. The oil that came out wasn’t filthy but certainly not fresh, had done less than 1,000 miles…

Fun fact, if you changed the oil by the book, a single 5l pack would be enough for 20,000 miles! 😀

Absolutely and it’s so ridiculously easy on these I wanted to encourage people to have a go. It’s done around 1,600 miles and had its first service at 600 miles so the oil had around 1,000 on it. I thought it was quite dirty for such little use but it may still be bedding in. Certainly wouldn’t want that in there for thousands more miles.

I was surprised too! It’s a great bike, not perfect, but a great allrounder. Great to hear you still love it after over 100000km!

Thanks buddy! :)

I get it. Most twins these days are fussy low down, probably down to emission limits and the NC, driving effortlessly from idle, does stand out as different. It's almost like an old school twin, a Guzzi almost. There's nothing else quite like it and good though the AT engine is, it just doesn't feel simply like a bigger NC.

Hi, thanks for that, I added you to the list!

Thanks, I've added you to the list! The MZ is sadly frozen in time in the garage pending the removal of asbestos boarding. Hoping to have more on it over the next few months!

Hi, thank you, I’ve added you to the list!

Than the DCT NC or the Transalp?

The NC engine is very different from the CB or Vstrom so make sure you get a test ride to see if it suits you. I think many NC owners would love to see an upgrade to the brakes, suspension and dash but I get the feeling Honda have stopped any more meaningful updates to the bike now, which is a great shame if true.

Thanks Jim, added you to the list!

Thanks Stephen, I’ve added you to the list!

@@BikingChap 👍

Let’s be honest, I look ridiculous on it, especially with the very low standard screen. I’m plotting a ‘pizza delivery bike to the south of France’ series at the moment which could either be disastrous or mildly amusing possibly both ;) My little cbf125 was the star of my original video, on the same drive, some 9 years ago.

Thanks Doug, it’s tricky to give the other products a good comparative test but I’ll do what I can. 👍