If you have spent even a day in Phuket, you have seen the Honda PCX160 everywhere: parked outside beach clubs in Bangtao, lined up at the Big Buddha car park, weaving through Chalong traffic on the way to the pier. It is not the cheapest scooter in our fleet and it is not the smallest, but it is the one most riders ask for by name. This guide looks at why, with real specifications rather than marketing language, so you can decide if it is the right bike for your trip.
What the Honda PCX160 actually is
The PCX160 is Honda's mid-size "maxi-style" automatic scooter, one step up from commuter bikes like the Click160 and a size below true maxi-scooters like the Forza 350. It runs a 156.9cc single-cylinder engine with Honda's eSP+ (Enhanced Smart Power Plus) technology: liquid-cooled, four valves, PGM-FI fuel injection, and a range of internal friction-reducing tweaks Honda carried over from its bigger-bike engineering. In plain terms, it is a genuinely modern engine, not a bored-out version of an older design, and it is tuned as much for smoothness and efficiency as for outright speed.
Official output is 15.8 hp (11.8 kW) at 8,500 rpm and 14.7 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm, sent through a V-Matic automatic transmission (a CVT, so there is no clutch or gears to worry about). That is roughly 20-25% more power than a 125cc scooter, which is the difference you feel most on inclines and when carrying a passenger.
Storage that actually fits what you bring
This is where the PCX earns its reputation. The under-seat compartment holds around 30 litres, enough to swallow a full-face helmet plus a day bag, a beach towel, and a bit of shopping, so you are not riding with a backpack digging into your shoulders all day. There is a smaller front glove box (about 1.7 litres, good for a phone or a bottle of water) with a USB Type-C charging port built in, so you can keep your phone topped up while you ride between beaches using it for navigation.
Fuel-wise, the tank holds 8 litres. Honda's official WMTC figure is around 45 km per litre, and riders in Thailand typically report real-world figures in the 40-50 km/l range depending on how much stop-start traffic and hill climbing is involved. In practical terms, a full tank comfortably covers a full day of island exploring, including the climbs, without needing to hunt for a fuel stop.
Built for Phuket's hills, not just its flat streets
Phuket looks flat on a map until you actually ride it. The climb up to the Big Buddha, the switchbacks around Kata and Karon viewpoint, the hill out of Patong toward Kamala: these roads punish underpowered scooters, especially two-up. The PCX160's extra torque compared to 110-125cc scooters is most noticeable exactly here, holding speed on a gradient without you having to wring the throttle flat out.
It also feels planted at speed. With a 1,313mm wheelbase, a 764mm seat height, and a kerb weight of around 131-133kg, it sits between a nimble city scooter and a heavier maxi-scooter: stable enough for the open stretches of the bypass road or the coastal route past Nai Harn, but still light enough to filter through Chalong or Phuket Town traffic without feeling like a handful. Braking comes via a combined braking system (CBS) on standard models, with ABS available on higher trims for extra confidence on wet roads during the rainy season. Many units also come with Honda SMART Key keyless ignition, which is a small thing until you are digging through a beach bag with wet hands.
Good routes to try on a PCX160
A couple of rides that suit the bike's strengths:
- Chalong to the Big Buddha. A short but steep climb of around 6km of switchbacks from near our Chalong branch up to the 45-metre Big Buddha statue, with views back over Chalong Bay. It is the single best test of a scooter's low-speed torque on the island, and the PCX160 handles it without complaint.
- The south coast loop. Chalong, up to the Big Buddha, down through Kata to the Karon viewpoint, a swim stop at Nai Harn, and a sunset finish at Promthep Cape. It is around 35km and takes roughly four hours with stops, mixing hill climbs, coastal curves, and a decent stretch of straight road where the PCX's stability at speed is welcome.
- Bangtao to Mai Khao. A flatter, more relaxed ride up the west coast past Layan and Nai Yang toward the quieter beaches near the airport, good for a lower-key day where the extra under-seat storage means you can pack properly for a beach day.
Who the PCX160 suits best
It is a strong choice if you are riding two-up, if you have some scooter experience already (it is heavier and more powerful than a 110-125cc, so it rewards a bit of familiarity), or if you simply want fewer compromises: more storage, more comfort on longer rides, and more confidence on Phuket's hillier roads. If you are brand new to riding altogether or only need something for short trips around a single area, a lighter 125cc scooter like the Click160 may suit you better and will be gentler to learn on. If you are covering more ground, riding with a partner, or planning full-day trips that mix town, hills, and coast, the PCX is generally the more comfortable pick.
What's included when you rent from Chang Thai
Every Chang Thai Motorbike Rental booking includes a helmet, a phone holder so you can run maps or navigation safely, and medical insurance cover. We can also arrange delivery to your hotel or villa on request, so you do not need to travel to a branch to start your rental. We have five branches around the island: Chalong (our main branch), Mai Khao, Phuket Airport, Bangtao, and Phuket Old Town, so pickup and drop-off can usually be arranged close to wherever you are staying.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a motorcycle licence to rent a PCX160 in Phuket?
Yes. Because it is over 50cc, Thai law requires an appropriate motorcycle licence (either a Thai licence or an International Driving Permit that covers motorcycles) to ride a PCX160 legally, and to be covered by insurance. Bring your licence and passport when you collect the bike.
Is the PCX160 hard to ride for a beginner?
It is a fully automatic twist-and-go scooter, so there are no gears to manage. It is heavier and more powerful than a small 125cc scooter, which some first-time riders find reassuring on hills and others find takes a little more getting used to at low speed. If you have never ridden before, we are happy to talk you through your options when you book.
How much luggage can I actually fit?
The under-seat compartment holds around 30 litres, which fits a full-face helmet with room to spare for a beach bag, a light jacket, or a few small shopping bags. It will not replace a top box for serious luggage, but it comfortably covers a normal day out.
How far can I ride on a full tank?
The tank holds 8 litres, and real-world fuel economy on Phuket's roads is typically in the 40-50 km/l range depending on traffic and hills. That is comfortably enough for a full day of sightseeing, including climbs like the Big Buddha, before you need to refuel.
Can I rent a PCX160 for just one day?
Yes, daily rentals are available alongside weekly and monthly rates, and longer rentals bring the daily price down. Check current availability and pricing for your dates on our booking page.
Ready to book a Honda PCX160 for your Phuket trip? Check availability and reserve online at changthairentals.com/rent-bike-phuket, or message us directly on WhatsApp at +66 93 687 1999 and we will help you sort out pickup, delivery, and dates.
Photo credits: “2023 Honda PCX 160 ABS” — Chanokchon, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons