Honda’s Forza 300 scooter is completely reborn in lightweight, compact, sporty form, with an enhanced specification including electrically adjustable screen, full LED lighting and optional 45-litre Smart Key-linked top box. It also gains Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) - a first for a Honda scooter – and smart new instrumentation.

The Forza name has long been a powerful force in Honda’s two-wheeled line-up. Its history as a premium mid-size scooter goes back to the year 2000: the first model set the template, delivering a lively ride, plenty of storage room and an innovative combined braking system. It was well received throughout Europe, where owners found its multi-role capability useful in every aspect of daily life.

While retaining its trademark mix of sporty and GT character, the Forza 300 has constantly evolved. In 2004 it gained Honda’s S MATIC electronically controlled CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), a theft-deterring Smart key, highly efficient PGM-FI fuel injection for the engine and space for two full-face helmets under the seat.

2005 saw the addition of ABS brakes and in 2008, luxurious touches like an audio package and speakers plus upgraded S MATIC (with phased auto shift mode) and Combined ABS brakes were added. In 2016 it moved on again, as the Forza 300 with a new ‘sit-in’ design large enough to carry two people in total comfort, even at highways speeds.

2018 marks the unveiling of a radically revised Forza 300. It’s following in the hugely successful wheel tracks of its little brother, the Forza 125 (of which 30,000 have been sold in Europe in the 3 years since its launch) and, while retaining the best attributes of its ‘GT’ nature it’s now lighter, smaller, smarter and sportier.

The 2018 Forza 300 has a crisp, sporting new look and much tighter, sharper dimensions than the previous design. Its wheelbase and length are reduced, while it’s also narrower, but with a higher seat height for improved visibility. Even with a new larger diameter rear wheel, it is 12kg lighter thanks to a revised chassis and redesigned frame, which boosts acceleration, top speed and fuel efficiency.

Smoothly adjustable, the new electric screen provides maximum wind protection at speed­ or ultimate freedom around town. Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) has been added and can be switched on and off from the left handlebar.

Revised instruments serve up extra information digitally, in support of the analogue dials and all lighting is LED. The Smart Key offers control of the optional 45-litre top box.

• Adjustable electric screen controlled from the left handlebar
• Revised dash offers a mix of analogue and digital information
• Room for two full-face helmets under the seat
• Full LED lighting
• Sharp new lines create a sportier, ‘svelte’ new look

The Forza 300’s design lines flow back from a new electric screen, controlled by a switch on the left handlebar, which adjusts smoothly through 140mm. It is designed to provide wind protection (with airflow directed around and over the rider’s head) and reduce wind noise. Stability and comfort at higher speeds – and for long distances – can be instantly exchanged for a greater sense of freedom with the screen in its lower position by simply pushing a switch on the left of the screen to move it to any point in the 140mm range.

Two full-face helmets can be stored under the seat, and it’s also possible to partition the storage area to house a helmet and/or rain gear and A4 sized bags. The front left inner fairing pocket is lockable, and its internal space can be arranged for the rider’s convenience, to hold a phone and water bottle, for instance. It also houses a 12V charging socket. All lighting is LED.

The Forza 300’s Smart Key – as well as controlling the main ignition switch knob and compartment locking – also now manages the optional 45L removable top box, a first on a Honda scooter. With the Smart Key in the rider’s pocket, the box automatically locks when the rider walks away. It can also be locked from the key. The top box switch is on its bottom surface, and to maintain the internal volume of the box the actuator mechanism is located in the rear body of the machine.

Revised instruments present analogue speedometer and rev-counter dials flanking a digital display that can switch between 3 modes (controlled by a switch on the left handlebar): odometer, range remaining and current mpg; trip meter, average mpg and timer; or ambient temperature thermometer and battery sensor.

Sculpted for both style and aerodynamic efficiency, the Forza 300’s look mirrors that of the popular Forza 125, with modern lines that create a real sense of sportiness and freedom. In a radical departure from the outgoing model, the completely new styling moves from a more curved, rounded feel to a sharper, more dynamic look, completely in keeping with the agility and performance offered by the more compact dimensions. Silver accents around the nose, front and side cowls lend a further touch of elegance in keeping with the overall premium feel.

The Forza 300 will be available in the following paint options:

Crescent Blue Metallic

Pearl Nightstar Black

Matt Cynos Grey Metallic

Matt Pearl Cool White

• Completely new tubular steel frame, 12kg lighter wet weight
• Shorter in wheelbase with sharper steering geometry
• Much more compact dimensions paired with raised seat height
• Both wheels cast aluminium, the rear now 14-inch diameter

The 2018 Forza 300 has a brand-new chassis, which carves 12kg from the machine for a wet weight of 182kg. Its foundation is a tubular steel frame that also shortens the wheelbase 35mm to 1510mm. Rake is slightly steeper at 26.5° (from 27°) with trail of 89mm, and the radiator and battery are located between the fuel tank and underseat storage area, focusing mass to the centre.

Compared to the previous model, it is 25mm shorter in overall length, at 2140mm. Seat height has been raised 62mm to 780mm and the riding position is naturally upright, promoting excellent all-round visibility. Handlebar width is now 755mm (2mm narrower than the previous design) with front width of 580mm and mirror width of 860mm – compact dimensions to make slipping through traffic-heavy streets easy.

Sturdy 33mm telescopic forks are matched by twin rear shock absorbers – adjustable through 7-stage spring preload – working through a 1-piece aluminium swingarm.

The cast aluminium 15-inch front wheel is fitted with a 120/70-15 tyre while the 14-inch rear (1-inch larger in diameter than the previous design) wears a 140/70-14 tyre, offering maximum traction and ride comfort.

A 256mm single disc performs stopping duties up front, mated to a 240mm rear, with the benefit of 2-channel ABS for braking control on slippery surfaces.

• Faster acceleration, higher top speed and improved fuel efficiency
• Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) standard equipment
• Can be turned ON-OFF from a switch on the left handlebar

The new Forza 300 shares its 279cc, liquid-cooled fuel-injected SOHC four-valve engine with the legendary SH300i, and has power characteristics tuned (via a gas flowed head, long reach spark plugs and altered valve timing) to deliver an entertaining ride at low, mid and high rpm – plus excellent fuel economy.

Bore and stroke are 72mm x 68.5mm, with a compression ratio of 10.5:1. It produces peak power of 18.5kW @ 7,000rpm, with 27.2Nm torque @ 5,750rpm. The new models 12kg weight loss helps performance: 0-200m is covered in 11.1s, with V-max of 129km/h, 0.3s and 2km/h faster than the previous model. Fuel economy is also improved, up to 31km/l from 30.8km/l (WMTC mode). The fuel tank holds 11.5-litres, giving a potential 370+ range.

A significant new feature for the 2018 Forza 300 is Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) – the first time the system has been fitted to a Honda scooter. HSTC detects any difference between the front and rear wheel speeds, calculates the slip ratio and then controls engine torque via the fuel injection to regain rear wheel traction. HSTC can be switched ON-OFF via a switch on the left handlebar. A ‘T’ indicator in the digital display flickers when the system is working to manage grip.

The Forza 300’s engine is well-proven and engineered to last – a roller type rocker arm, plain journal crank bearings and sealed crankcases deliver long-term reliability; oil capacity is 1.7-litres and a 5mm offset cylinder reduces internal friction. An automatic centrifugal clutch works a V-Matic transmission (with ratios set for fast low speed reaction and smart acceleration) and belt final drive.

A range of Genuine Honda Accessories are available for the Forza 300. They include:

45-litre Smart top box

Rear carrier rack (direct fitment)

Inner bags

Heated grips

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