Exploring the sun-drenched streets of Seminyak or navigating the scenic ridges of Ubud is an experience best served on two wheels. 

Among the sea of options for island transport, the Honda PCX stands out as the ultimate "throne" for travelers. It’s bulky enough to feel stable, sleek enough to look premium, and comfortable enough for those long hauls to Uluwatu. 

However, once you pull into a brightly colored Pertamina station, you might find yourself staring at the different nozzle colors in confusion.

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Choosing the correct fuel for Honda PCX isn't just about keeping the engine running; it’s about maintaining that smooth, vibration-free power that the PCX is famous for. 

Using the wrong octane can lead to "knocking" (pre-ignition), reduced gas mileage, and a less-than-stellar riding experience.

Whether you are a digital nomad or a tourist on a weekend getaway, here is everything you need to know about picking the right fuel for Honda PCX versions commonly found in Bali.

Understanding Compression Ratios and Octane

Before we dive into the specific models, it helps to understand why the choice of fuel for Honda PCX matters so much. 

Every engine has a compression ratio, the measure of how much the air-fuel mixture is compressed before it’s ignited.

• Low Compression Engines: Good with lower octane (Research Octane Number or RON 90).

• High Compression Engines: Require higher octane (RON 92, 95, or 98) to prevent the fuel from exploding too early under pressure.

In Bali, the most common fuel brands you’ll see are Pertamina.

1. Fuel for Honda PCX 125

While the 125cc variant is more common in European markets, you might still encounter some older or specific imports in rental fleets across Indonesia. 

Honda PCX 125 features a compression ratio of 10.6 : 1.

For this specific engine, the ideal fuel for Honda PCX 125 is a mid-tier octane. You want something that balances efficiency with engine cleanliness.

• Best Options: Pertamax (RON 92), Shell Super, or BP Performance 92.

These fuels provide the necessary stability for a 10.6 : 1 ratio, ensuring the engine stays cool and responsive during stop-and-go traffic in areas like Kuta or Canggu.

2. Fuel for Honda PCX 150

The PCX 150 was the long-standing king of the Indonesian roads before the 160cc update. Like its smaller sibling, it sports a compression ratio of 10.6 : 1. 

If you are renting this model, you’ll find it’s quite forgiving, but it definitely prefers "blue" over "green" (at Pertamina stations).

When looking for the best fuel for Honda PCX 150:

• Recommended: Pertamax (RON 92), Shell Super, or BP Performance 92.

Avoid using Pertalite (RON 90). While it’s cheaper, the lower octane can cause carbon buildup over time, making your scooter feel sluggish when you're trying to overtake a tour bus on a bypass.

3. Fuel for Honda PCX 160

The newest beast on the block is the Honda PCX 160. This model saw a significant jump in tech and performance, featuring a high-compression eSP+ engine with a ratio of 12 : 1. This is a high-performance machine that demands high-performance juice.

Picking the wrong fuel for Honda PCX 160 will result in a noticeable loss of power. To keep this engine purring:

• Best Options: Pertamax Green (RON 95), Pertamax Turbo (RON 98), Shell V-Power, or BP Performance 95.

With a 12:1 ratio, the engine runs hot and under high pressure. High-octane fuel ensures the combustion happens exactly when the spark plug fires, giving you that crisp acceleration you need for Bali's hilly terrain.

Read Also:

What's the Best Fuel for Honda Scoopy for Riding in Bali?

What Gasoline Should I Use in Vario for Bali's Adventure?

Best Gasoline for Yamaha Fazzio You Should Use When Riding in Bali

What Gasoline Should I Use in NMAX? A Guide for Your Bali Adventure

Honda PCX Average Fuel Consumption on Bali's Road

Why is Honda PCX Bali’s Best Friend?

credit: Wikimedia Commons - Khaosaming

Bali’s roads can be unpredictable, one minute you’re on a smooth highway, the next you’re navigating a narrow gang (alleyway) with a surfboard rack attached to your side. 

This is where the bigger scooters, like Honda PCX, comes into play. Honda PCX offers:

• Ergonomics: Wide seats and footrests that let you stretch your legs.

• Storage: A massive under-seat compartment (U-Box) perfect for your helmet, raincoat, or grocery run from Bintang Supermarket.

• Stability: Larger tires that handle the occasional pothole much better than smaller scooters.

If you want to know how Honda PCX can be your option for long rides in Bali, make sure to check this out: Is Honda PCX Good for Long Rides Across Bali's Area?

Need to Get PCX for Bali Adventure? Rent in Cinchy Now!

Explore Bali with scooter

Choosing the right fuel for Honda PCX is only half the battle; the other half is finding a rental provider that actually takes care of their fleet. 

This is where Cinchy steps in to elevate your holiday.

We specialize in providing a seamless rental experience, focusing on our Comfort category for those who refuse to compromise on their riding quality. 

If you’re looking for a Yamaha NMAX or a Honda PCX, we ensure your scooter is delivered in "like-new" condition.

Why travelers choose Cinchy:

• Well-Maintained and Safe Scooters: We don't just "check" our scooters; we obsess over them. Every unit undergoes rigorous servicing to ensure that when you're cruising through the Bedugul highlands, your brakes and engine are 100% reliable.

• Competitive and Transparent Pricing: Whether you need a ride for a quick sunset chase or a month-long exploration, we have rates that fit your budget.

  • Comfort Category (Honda PCX, Yamaha NMAX): Starts from IDR 155K/day, dropping to IDR 125K/day for weekly rentals, and an incredible IDR 80K/day for monthly stays.

• Delivery to Your Doorstep: We know you didn't come to Bali to sit in a taxi searching for a rental shop. Cinchy offers free delivery and pickup for major urban areas. Whether you just landed at Ngurah Rai International Airport or you’re lounging at your villa in Seminyak, we’ll bring the scooter directly to you.

• 24/7 Support: Flat tire at midnight? Lost your way? Our customer support team is available around the clock to help you out.

While we hope your trip is nothing but smooth sailing, it’s always better to be prepared. Cinchy offers two straightforward insurance tiers:

• Basic Coverage: Ideal for confident riders. This includes repairs for damage exceeding 2 million rupiah. You are only responsible for the first 2 million rupiah (the deductible). Please note, theft is not covered under this plan.

• Full Coverage: For total peace of mind. This offers no deductible for repairs from scratches, accidents, or even theft. You ride, we worry about the rest.

A friendly reminder: Insurance does not cover "Negligence." This includes things like flat tires, draining the battery because you left the "standby" mode on, or taking your PCX off-roading on a beach (which we highly discourage!). Also, personal health and third-party liabilities remain the responsibility of the rider, so please ride safely and wear your helmet!

Ready to start your Balinese adventure with a premium, well-maintained scooter delivered straight to your hotel? Book your Honda PCX with Cinchy now!