Honda Forza 300 2018: redesigned from scratch and increasingly premium [ROAD TEST]

An attractive look, first-class finishes and equipment and with plenty of space in the saddle and under the saddle. These are the main features of the Honda Forza 300, an important model for the house of the golden wing, which with this latest generation is completely redesigned. It has a strong personality, which over the years has led it to be one of the most esteemed medium-sized Honda scooters in Europe. The beginning of the history of this scooter dates back 18 years ago. In fact, it was 2000 when upon its debut it was immediately appreciated by the public, not only for its look, but also for its practicality and efficiency. After four years, Honda implemented some details, making it even more popular with users, thanks to premium equipment: from the Smart-Key to the S-Matic electronic control for the CVT transmission. Obviously, since then, the PGM-FI injection fuel system was already present, which Honda had debuted in 1995 for the "WAVE 125i" scooter, intended for the Thai market in those years.

Strength, in name and in fact. Yes, because Honda continues to perfect this scooter over the years, also making improvements in terms of safety. Just think of the innovations introduced between 2005 and 2013. There is talk of a combined ABS braking system, but also of great comfort, which the Forza shows off both when driving alone and as a couple. Practicality and grand touring qualities, thanks to which it is pleasant, even on extra-urban transfers.

How does it change today?

But let's see in the present. Today, Honda Forza 300, with this new generation, is radically renewed. A scooter with an intelligent and sporty spirit, more compact and lighter (12 kg less), with a slimmer design than the previous model. After the enormous success received by its younger brother, the Forza 125 which sold over 3 units in Europe in the 30.000 years since its launch, Honda has profoundly renewed its bigger brother, more compact, but still dedicated to "GT" use.

Elegantly sporty look, with more compact and decisive lines than the previous model

A quick glance is enough to confirm the resemblance to the Forza 125. Compact lines, with a greater sense of liveliness, give this medium-sized scooter a touch of elegance. Speaking of equipment, the new Forza 300 is very complete. Compared to the previous model, it drastically improves both in design and comfort, primarily refining the excellent aerodynamic protection. The new windshield, in fact, electrically adjustable through a practical control on the left electric block, increases the rider's repair, allowing adjustment on a travel of 140 mm. The saddle is now slightly higher, to improve visibility while riding.

The instrumentation features highly detailed finishes and has an increasingly automotive style, with analogue dials for the speedometer and rev counter, with a large LCD display in the centre. It can be set to three types of display, via a command on the left electrical block, presenting a complete menu which includes: residual autonomy, instantaneous consumption, average consumption, ambient temperature, battery charging voltage and travel time. A scooter that differentiates itself from the competition also thanks to the meticulous attention to detail that Honda wanted to use for its development. The legendary under-seat compartment is confirmed, capable of accommodating 2 full-face helmets, but we also find a convenient storage compartment created in the back of the front shield, capable of accommodating a mobile phone with the possibility of recharging it via a 12V socket. Other premium details include the Full-LED headlights and the Smart-Key electronic key, which is now also connected to the optional 45-litre top box. The fuel tank has a capacity of 11,5 litres.

Renovated chassis and reduced weight make this scooter easy to handle and practical

The chassis is developed around a completely new frame, in steel and with a weight that has been reduced from the previous version. The overall weight of the new Forza 300 is now 182 kg, with a full tank of petrol, 12 less. Still talking about numbers, the chassis dimensions are now aimed at a more brilliant ride, with a wheelbase of 1.510 mm (-36 mm), steering head inclination of 26,5° (was 27°) and trail of 89 mm . As regards this new version, we note the improvement in mass centralisation, guaranteed by the different positioning of the radiator and the battery, now located between the petrol tank and the compartment under the saddle. The Honda Forza 300 is 2.140 mm long, with the seat 780 mm from the ground, which ensures a more upright and natural ride, improving the pleasure compared to the old version (which was 2.165 mm long with a seat height of 842 mm). Just sit on the saddle to feel the difference, while in narrow city spaces it is more manageable and practical. In action you immediately appreciate the excellent calibration of the suspension compartment which, especially at the front with a fork with 33 mm legs, is more reactive and ready. At the rear, where we find an aluminum swingarm with a unique casting, the double shock absorbers are adjustable in spring preload to 7 positions. As regards the size of the rims, here too the new Honda Forza 300 2018 wanted to differentiate itself from its "ancestor", increasing by 1", with the front measuring 15 and the rear measuring 14. The tires move to sizes of 120 /70 (front) and 140/70 rear. Completing the picture is the braking system, which uses 256 mm discs with 2-piston caliper for the front, while at the rear we find a 240 mm disc with single-piston caliper. It should be underlined that the choice of the Japanese company fell on excellent original equipment tyres, in fact we find the Pirelli Diablo Scooter. ABS is obviously standard and guarantees safe braking.

The engine is the well-known single-cylinder of the SH300, but with some modifications

Let's move on to the engine chapter. Let's start by saying that the Forza 300 features the same engine as the best-selling SH300, the undisputed leader of the medium scooter category. An injection engine, capable of 25,2 HP at 7.000 rpm, 4 cc, liquid-cooled 279-valve, single overhead camshaft (SOHC). Here too, however, Honda wanted to make some changes. In fact, to optimize supply, some interventions have been implemented on the ducts, ignition and distribution side. In addition to being appreciated at any speed, the engine is also efficient in terms of consumption, where it is slightly improved. Honda guarantees mileages of 32,7 km/l in the average cycle, with a range of approximately 370 km. For the first time on a Honda scooter, traction control was then introduced, which we now hear very often about, not only for super sports bikes. This system works by detecting any difference in speed between the front and rear wheels to calculate the percentage of slip and then calibrate the drive torque via electronic injection to allow the rear wheel to recover traction. This refined system, through a switch on the left handlebar block, can be activated/deactivated as desired. The V-Matic transmission with V-Belt has gears set for rapid acceleration and brilliant acceleration.

Do you want to know how much the new Honda Forza 300 costs?

The cost of the new Forza 300 is 5.790 €, launch price that will last until next autumn, which retouches the previous amount of 5.350, but it would have been impossible not to be affected by the many new features and an endowment that has become much richer. As for the colors, it is available in the following 4 shades: Crescent Blue Metallic, Pearl Nightstar Black, Matt Cynos Gray Metallic, Matt Pearl Cool White. Furthermore, the range of Honda accessories for the Forza 300 includes: a rear luggage rack, a 45-litre top case for 2 full-face helmets (with opening managed via Smart-Key), an internal top case bag, an anti-theft device and finally, for the winter, it is possible to have heated grips.

Our test

The attention paid to the design of this new model is evident from the first glance, with slimmer and more compact lines compared to the previous model with a touch of sportiness that draws inspiration from its younger brother, the Forza 125. Having climbed into the saddle and ridden a few kilometer of healthy and busy city streets of the French Riviera, towards Monte Carlo, we begin to get to know the new Forza 300. It certainly has a great engine, then it is balanced and unexpectedly easy to handle, it can be driven easily and proves to be powerful enough , as well as capable of keeping a surprising pace on mixed terrain. On the mountain roads that take us towards Monaco, one of the most exclusive cities in the world, we can enjoy the route almost as if it were a motorbike. The Forza 300 picks up well from 3.000 rpm and is sweet and progressive. The low seat allows everyone to rest their feet well when stationary and, thanks to its low weight (182 kg with a full tank of petrol), it is easy to manoeuvre. The blocks are there at your fingertips, while the very nice instrumentation is clear, easily readable and offers all the information necessary for the journey, there is even the ambient temperature, which marked the threshold of 33 degrees in our hot test. These qualities make him appreciated even on extra-urban trips, where he was able to convince and even surprise us, as he never found himself in difficulty. On mountain hairpin bends, between bends and counter bends, it shows off disarming handling. In a natural way it is able to negotiate even the narrowest hairpin bends with dignity, where it has proven to live up to the name it bears.

The riding position, with legs extended forward, invites you to travel in a natural way, but the Forza 300 actually has an agile and reactive chassis at all speeds. It is well balanced and safe, it does not sway on bends at high speeds and, thanks to the narrow handlebars, it is practical to maneuver in narrow city spaces. The low center of gravity helps to descend quickly and without any worries for the rider.
The suspensions, soft enough, filter even the most damaged roads well, while the ABS brakes guarantee safety in all conditions. Its action is modulable and progressive, while if there is a need for a more vigorous response you need to tighten the levers with a bit of decision. A very positive opinion, in our opinion, also for the windscreen which can be adjusted to your liking, but the gem is that it can be raised and lowered electrically during your journey, without any discomfort and without taking your hands off the handlebars, guaranteeing total protection for the driver , when it is in a raised position. The underseat is also convenient, as it can accommodate two full-face helmets and, via an internal bulkhead, the space can be divided up to store different objects. Finally, a note on fuel consumption, which is low, we traveled around 33,5 kilometers per liter (even exceeding the declared figure), which translates into a grand touring range, but everything about the new Forza 300 makes you want to travel and not just to use it to go to the office during the week.

Tester clothing:
Jacket: Alpinestars Wake Air
Pants: Alpinestars Crank Denim Pants
Gloves: Alpinestars Atom
Shoes: Alpinestars Stadium
Helmet: LS2 Twister