Honda PCX scooter to use four-valves and VTEC?

Spreading widely across the internet are several patent drawings that are said to have been registered for a new scooter in Japan. Looking at the photos we obtained from website Kojintekibikematome, the engine illustrations were posted together with a scooter that strongly resembles the Honda SH150i.

While the SH150i, a proper step-through scooter, is not sold in Malaysia, it shares components in common with the Honda PCX 150. If these photos are genuine, then this could mean the engine might be used for a forthcoming model of the PCX.

The PCX 150 has been updated, being sold together with the PCX 150 hybrid but the power plant is still the same eSP 149 cc unit with two-valves and a single overhead cam. Meanwhile, close competitor the Yamaha NMax comes with a 155 cc, four-valve mill with variable valve actuation.

From the patent drawing, it looks like this new engine design registered by Honda for its new scooter will come with four-valves per cylinder with two small intake valves and slightly larger exhaust valves. Seen from the side, the part labelled number 69 appears to be a small solenoid controlling the valve timing.

If correct, this would be an adjustable valve timing system much like Honda’s VTEC that is common on Honda car engines. Aside from Honda cars, VTEC has previously made an appearance on the middleweight Honda CB400.

Through variable valve timing, an engine can produce both optimum power and fuel efficiency, depending on the engine rev limit and the way the vehicle is driven or ridden.

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