Yamaha Aerox SP vs. Honda PCX160 RoadSync: next-gen scooter battle

The scooter category in the Philippine market has been competitive from the get-go, and in this segment, numerous brands have been vying for the top spot for decades. 

For Yamaha Motor Philippines, its premier entry into the upper end of the scooter range is the Aerox, which recently received a full model change at this year’s Yamaha Motorshow. Honda Philippines Incorporated, on the other hand, rolled out the all-new PCX160 this year as well. 

With the aforementioned next-generation versions, both scooter nameplates have become more attractive to buyers. The two, after all, received an improved array of safety technologies, enhanced comfort-oriented features, and more modern-looking designs. 

But the question now is: which scooter is better on paper? By just how much do these two rides differ from each other? Let’s find out by comparing their respective top-spec versions - the Yamaha Aerox SP and the Honda PCX160 RoadSync. 

Tale of the tape

To begin this comparison between the Yamaha Aerox SP and the Honda PCX160 RoadSync, let's check out their dimensions. 

For the Yamaha model, it is 1,980 millimeters (mm) long, 710 mm wide, and 1,170 mm in height. It also has a ground clearance of 145 mm, a wheelbase length of 1,350 mm, and a seat height of 790 mm. The Aerox SP also tips the scales (wet weight) at 130 kilograms (kg). 

The Honda-made scooter, on the other hand, has a length of 1,936 mm, a width of 742 mm, and a height of 1,123 mm. It also has a wheelbase length of 1,313 mm, a ground clearance of 134 mm, and a seat height of 764 mm. For its weight, the PCX160 RoadSync clocks in at 133 kg. 

Based on the figures above, the Aerox SP is both longer and taller than the Honda. It also has a longer wheelbase and more ground clearance. Plus, it is 3 kg lighter than its Honda-made competitor. On the flip side, the PCX160 is wider and has a lower seat height.

For buyers, taking note of a motorcycle’s size and weight will provide crucial clues on just how hefty the ride is. And of course, seat height is important to note because it determines whether an individual can comfortably place their feet on the ground when coming to a stop. 

Here’s a table showing all the relevant measurements of the Yamaha Aerox SP and Honda PCX160 RoadSync side by side: 

Model	Yamaha Aerox SP	Honda PCX160 RoadSync
Length (in millimeters)	1,980	1,936
Width (in mm)	710	742
Height (in mm)	1,170	1,123
Wheelbase length (in mm)	1,350	1,313
Ground clearance (in mm)	145	134
Seat height (in mm)	790	764
Curb weight (in kilograms)	130	133

Features, chassis

Concerning how they look, both the Yamaha Aerox SP and the Honda PCX160 RoadSync sport a good amount of sharp corners and sharp design details. Both also get aggressive-looking LED lighting fixtures, ample foot areas, and well-arranged handlebar controls.

Both rides also get a smart key feature for extra security, a USB charging port, and a smartphone linking software. For the Yamaha, it comes with the Y-Connect. The Honda, on the other hand, has the RoadSync program. The two also have digital displays that are both capable of providing navigation. 

Unique to the Yamaha Aerox SP, however, is a drive mode selector, which is not present on the Honda-made PCX160. For the unaware, the said feature provides a Sport mode for responsive and dynamic riding, and a Touring mode for relaxed journeys. 

Additionally, the Yamaha scooter comes with a 3-level downshift control system, which the brand says lets users adjust how their ride’s throttle response and behavior during deceleration. 

Concerning safety, both models get anti-lock braking, traction control systems, hazard lamps, and passing lamp switches. 

To ensure ride quality, the Yamaha Aerox SP and Honda PCX160 RoadSync get telescopic front forks and dual spring swing arms with subtanks. Stopping power for the two rides is handled by front and rear discs. 

For putting down power on the road, the Yamaha-made model uses 110/80-14M/C 53P front and 140/70-14M/C 62P rear tubeless tires. The Honda nameplate, on the other hand, has 110/70 – 14MC 50P front and 130/70 – 13MC 63P rear tubeless tires. 

Some notable mechanical features shared between the models include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Fully transistorized ignition system
• Electric starting system
• Injected fuel system
• Automatic transmission
• Centrifugal clutch 
• Wet sump lubrication

For their fuel tanks, the Aerox SP has a capacity of 5.5 liters, while the PCX160 RoadSync can hold a bit more at 8.1 liters. 

Moreover, the Honda model’s underseat storage box has a capacity of 30 liters, which is a smidge more generous compared to the Yamaha’s 24.5-liter storage box. 

Engine, Performance

Concerning powertrains, the Yamaha Aerox SP uses a 155 cubic centimeter (CC), liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single overhead cam (SOHC) engine with a maximum output of 15.1 horsepower (hp) and 14.2 Newton-meters of torque. 

The Honda PCX160 RoadSync, meanwhile, is propelled by a 157 CC, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, SOHC mill that can put out 15.8 hp and 14.7 NM of torque. 

Based on the figures above, the differences in their peak outputs are marginal, but the Honda does make a smidge more than the Yamaha scooter. 

For better fuel efficiency, the two nameplates also come standard with a stop/start system. 

Pricing

In the Philippines, the all-new Yamaha Aerox starts at P125,900 for the entry-level Standard trim. The top-spec SP variant, on the other hand, is priced at P163,900. 

For the Honda PCX160, its entry-level Standard variant retails at P133,400. The top-of-the-line RoadSync version, meanwhile, is priced at P155,900. 

Interestingly, the Yamaha model’s affordable version is a bit cheaper compared to the Honda’s entry-level trim. For their top-spec versions, the story is flipped with the top-spec Yamaha commanding a higher price. 

Verdict

Based on their specifications and features, it appears that the top-spec trims of the Yamaha Aerox and Honda PCX160 are evenly matched. They both have advanced connectivity technologies, about the same amount of safety gear, and nearly similar maximum output figures. 

Then again, the Yamaha nameplate does come with more features that allow for more user control over how it handles and rides. As mentioned above, it gets a drive mode selector and a throttle adjustment system - both of which are absent on the PCX160. 

In the end of it all, however, the final choice between these two rides will often come down to the buyer's preference. So, if you’re the type who is on the fence between the two, we urge you to give each ride a thorough test drive. 

Because, sure, reading specs comparisons can be a good start, but having real-world experience with the motorcycle you’re planning to buy will definitely make for a better final purchasing decision. 

Also read:

Take a look at some rain-ready 2-wheelers from Yamaha Motor PH

Here is a ‘sensible’ piece of advice from Yamaha Mio Gravis ambassador

Dual-sport motorcycle duel: Yamaha PG-1 vs. Suzuki Raider J Crossover

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