What gasoline grade should be used for the PCX160?
4 Answers
The PCX160 should use 95-octane gasoline. Below is relevant information about 95-octane gasoline: Composition of 95-octane gasoline: 95-octane gasoline consists of 95% isooctane and 3% n-heptane. When the engine's compression ratio is high, high-octane gasoline should be used. If low-octane gasoline is used with a high compression ratio, it can cause abnormal combustion, leading to knocking, increased fuel consumption, and reduced driving power. High-compression engines can also use lower-grade gasoline, but the choice of gasoline grade should not be blindly based on the compression ratio. Instead, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for refueling. Significance of 95-octane gasoline: The implementation of this standard will help improve the overall quality of automotive gasoline in China and reduce pollutant emissions from motor vehicles. Emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter from new vehicles can be reduced by 25% to 80%, while emissions from in-use vehicles can be reduced by 10% to 15% overall. This standard is of great significance for protecting the environment and improving air quality.
I've been repairing vehicles for many years and have handled numerous PCX160 cases. This motorcycle's engine has a relatively high compression ratio, and the official manual clearly states to use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 92 or higher, such as the common 92 or 95 octane. This specification is chosen because lower-octane fuel, like 90 octane, can easily cause knocking issues—that clicking sound you hear when accelerating. Over time, this can accelerate wear on the spark plugs and cylinder walls, even leading to cylinder scoring and costly repairs. For daily use, 92 octane is sufficient—economical and reliable. While 95 octane offers slightly better performance, it's not mandatory. The key is to avoid mistakenly using diesel or low-quality fuel, as this can cause more engine carbon buildup. I've seen owners make multiple trips to the repair shop because of this. Additionally, regularly checking the fuel tank cap's seal and the air filter's condition helps the engine run more smoothly and can save on fuel costs in the long run, with an average fuel consumption of just over 2L per 100 kilometers.
I usually commute on a PCX160, and it's been almost two years now. I've always used 92-octane gasoline without any issues. Honda recommends using 92-octane or higher, and I've tested 95-octane before. It felt slightly smoother during acceleration, but the difference wasn't significant, and it's more expensive, so 92-octane is more cost-effective. During daily rides, if you accidentally use lower-octane fuel, the engine may vibrate slightly. It's advisable to switch back to regular 92-octane immediately. Choose reputable gas stations like Sinopec or Shell to avoid low-quality fuel from small stations, which can affect combustion efficiency. During maintenance, regularly change the engine oil and clean the throttle body to keep fuel consumption in an ideal state. Before long-distance rides, check the fuel gauge and don't wait until it's almost empty to refuel—it's both convenient and reassuring.
As a young rider, I love the thrill of riding the PCX160. Its engine is highly responsive and requires 92 or 95 octane gasoline to perform at its best. Lower octane fuel can cause unstable engine output and affect acceleration response. 92 octane is sufficient, while 95 octane offers a slight improvement at high speeds but comes at a higher cost. Always ensure fuel purity to prevent engine knocking and guarantee a smooth ride every time.
