Daughter is considering a 125 to commute and visit BF etc and maybe the odd long distance when more experienced.

It's been so long since I rode a 125 I have no idea what's out there so suggestions welcomed.

The PCX seems to get rave reviews... if going new or new ish

Its a very nice scooter indeed, but for cheaper scootering you cant beat a Vespa PX. She might find the Vespa has a lot more street cred too, and you can service it at home with ease and carry a spare wheel. Theres nothing out there more practical and stylish for a youngster IMHO.

S-Wing or X-Max or Citystar or a Vespa or a Sym or a Kymco.
The PCX 125 will not do more than 62.5mph and is unsuitable for doing a test.
If you use it for a test you get a full licence, but only for a 125.
I really like the Sym Fiddle, nice and stylish and super cheap to buy and run.
But it doesn't have the badge that says wasp.

A girl at work has a SYM Fiddle II, she loves it but says it wont get to 60mph even downhill. To be fair to the PCX, 62mph is pretty good. When I tried one it got there eagerly.

On a PCX 62 is flat out max on the limiter (clock reads 67) and it does not have enough pace to pass or stay ahead of HGVs.
55 is a more likely pace but you get passed by everything.
Bit like riding a new Vespa PX in that respect...

True, a Vespa PX125 will only make 60mph with a decent exhaust and carb rejet. The PCX does have decent acceleration whereas the PX doesnt! But when you are young, style counts and the PCX might appear too sensible and grown up?

Honda SH125i appears to be unbreakable, nice large wheels for the potholes and excellent performance.

I think the SH is a good choice.

Honda reliability was a big selling point for me

My favourite is the S-wing, it has a touch of luxury about . Feels solid with genorous seat and storage, good weather protection and it looks like a bigger bike so fewer fools try to bully a "moped". Nippy take off and it will maintain 70 unless you go mountaineering.

I'm about to be banned for life for this, but...

I don't know how many times I've seen For Sale ads that say. "I bought this for my wife/daughter but she decided that she doesn't like riding on two wheels." So, have you considered starting your daughter out on a cheap Chinese clone? If you're handy with a wrench you can keep them running long enough to get her accustomed to riding. If she bails out, or if she forgets to lock it down and it gets nicked, you've saved yourself considerable cash. And if she decides that she likes scootering, sell the clone to some chav and buy her a 'real' scooter.

OK. Beat me up. I can take it.