Repair, replace, upgrade (Honda PCX CVT clutch repair and variator upgrade)

The Honda PCX (both 125 and 150), seem to have an annoying habit of wearing out clutch bearings. From what I've been able to deduce from the things I've read, it's not so much a fault in the bearing but in the folks who install them without applying enough grease.

After about 6,000 miles, my PCX started making a light whooshing noise inside the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). By 10,000 miles it had become very loud, though it still did not seem to be affecting anything performance-wise. Just the same, prudence won out and I ordered a clutch bearing inner face assembly with the bearings pressed in (about $30, so not bad).

I had changed the belt around 9500 miles, and observed the drive plates were looking a bit worn, so I ordered a replacement for those too. These came in the form of NCY parts as it was only a mite more for performance parts than for the OEM equivalents. It seemed there was little wisdom in getting stock parts in this scenario, so I went for the NCY bits with 13 gram rollers.

Everything finally arrived this week, so I braved the heat and did the deed. It didn't take all that long, though I did have to run the clutch assembly to Lancaster Honda since I didn't have the tools to get it apart. Just the socket alone would have cost me more than the $9.00 I paid them to put it together.

With everything assembled, I went for a ride on rt. 283, and got it up to an indicated 74, which I guessed was probably 73. I'll admit, I chickened out at that point and let off the throttle. Riding a tiny little scooter that fast is just a bit nerve wracking.

I did go back after dark when the road was mostly deserted with a GPS running. It recorded a top speed of 71, which is still impressive from a 150. I'm sure if I had a perfectly flat stretch, or a bit of downhill, it could do better, but it's not something I really care to test. That was a bit fast for the little bitty PCX, and I'm fine with what I've learned so far thank you kindly.

So, my first impression of the NCY variator bits with 13 gram pulleys is complete happiness. The low end acceleration felt a bit weak at first, but once I'd ridden it around a bit, it seemed to loosen up.

The replacement clutch inner assembly was well worth it. I no longer hear the constant whoosh-whoosh-whoosh of the worn bearing, and my mind is eased.

Should you wish to watch the video of the process and my highway run, here it is:

Took a little break

For those who follow my YouTube channel, you may have noticed I haven't posted any new videos in almost a week. There is a very good reason for this. I've been busy. My graduation from YTI's Motorcycle Technology Center took place on August 30th and my wife's parents visited from North-Western PA,

My dear mother, was unable to attend because of a recent surgery. So I went to visit her over the weekend. I purposefully left my filming equipment at home so it would not take away from the weekend and found myself wishing I'd had it along, especially after seeing a near miss between a bear and a Jeep Cherokee on the way home. Crazy stuff right there.

I took the Jag because the Honda needs a bit of CVT work and I didn't trust it for nearly 700 miles of travel, and of course, in typical Jaguar style, something went wrong. one of the seals on the power steering rack blew. After opening up the power steering reservoir I found it filled with this:

This liquid was also leaking all over the ground. Obviously, it's not right, and looks to have gotten contaminated somehow. I still have to repair it properly, but I was able to flush the liquid out mostly and added some sealer, which got me home.

It was nice to visit my mom, and Maggie certainly enjoyed it. She slept most of the way to Massachusetts, but also spent some time with her nose out the window.

Of course, she also did a lot of sleeping at Grandma's house. I'll admit, having a dog makes traveling a bit more enjoyable. Maybe next year we can take the scooter instead, but I don't think she'd enjoy that length of a ride on the scoot.

So, here's the graduation ride video, thanks for reading, and thanks for watching.