Honda Forza 125 ABS MY2017, the B-license maxi scooter [FIRST CONTACT]

During the “Easy Test” event (here the article), there was also the opportunity to try Honda's flagship 125, the Forza 125 revised and updated with MY2017. We tested it thoroughly two years ago (here is our article with the complete test), it is a grand tourer among the 125, which is aimed above all at a motoring public.

With a "grown-up" appearance and the propensity for extra-urban use, the Forza 125, despite being a 125, offers a very interesting package, a perfect look, a record load capacity (under the saddle you can store two full-face helmets and there is still room left), but also very good performance thanks to the 15 horsepower, with a decent starting point from a standstill and a maximum speed that would allow it to circulate on ring roads and motorways without problems, if only the regulations allowed it.

Lots of quality, excellent finishes and a dashboard with references to the world of cars, with two large analogue instruments. We also find LED headlights and 15" front and 14" rear tyres, which offer a lot of safety. The 2017 new package is quite interesting. If ABS was already standard, this year the Smart Key system makes its debut, which allows you to keep the electronic key comfortably in your pocket, while the chassis part was also the object of attention, with a completely new setting for the suspensions (new the rear spring) and the adoption of new covers, the Michelin City Grip. The latest change concerns the rear-view mirrors, which have been repositioned higher to offer better rear visibility.

The consumption data is confirmed, with a reported 43,5 km/l in the average WMTC cycle, which promises a record range of around 500 km, thanks to the 11,5 liter tank in total. The price is 4.840 euros, in line with a top product in its segment. Three colors available: Matt Cynos Gray Metallic / Black, Black / Mat Ruthenium Silver Metallic and Lucent Silver Metallic / Mat Pearl Pacific Blue.

Trying it together with the other 125s it is immediately clear that it is the only one with the 4-valve version of the eSP engine, also combined with liquid cooling. The performances are in fact brilliant, also because the weight is contained in just 159 kg, full of fuel included. This is an almost record-breaking figure, in light of the dimensions and equipment, much smaller than its direct competitors (just to name one, the Yamaha X-Max 125 weighs in at 173 kg). The credit goes to the "full" power, at the limit of the maximum threshold allowed for a 125, with 15 horsepower delivered at 8.750 rpm.

The grand touring nature is confirmed, as mentioned, by the large 11,5 liter tank, which extends the range of use without the need for refueling to around 500 km. There is no shortage of LED headlights, ABS, brakes disc also at the rear, but also a windscreen manually adjustable to 6 positions (with 120 mm of travel), as well as a large 48 liter underseat compartment and a 12V socket in the front compartment. It is easy to handle and easy to ride, even if it is the "biggest" among the 125s from the Japanese company, thanks to an excellent weight balance and a saddle placed just 780 mm from the ground. If you want a small displacement scooter, but without really giving up anything, the Forza 125 is what you are looking for, with just one small flaw, a demanding price, however justified by what it brings to the table.

Test clothing:
Jacket: Toucan Urbano Eros
Trousers: Tucano Urbano Genoa Gag
Gloves: Tucano Urbano Aero Touch
Shoe: Stylmartin Sneaker Sunset
Helmet: Tucano Urbano El'Jet