Honda Forza 300 Review (2018-2021)

Highlights

  • Excellent maxi scooter with low running costs
  • Honda build quality
  • More agile and better to ride than ever

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Annual servicing cost: £140
Power: 25 bhp
Seat height: Low (30.7 in / 780 mm)
Weight: Medium (401 lbs / 182 kg)

Prices

New N/A
Used £3,000 - £4,400

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

We're riding the significantly updated Honda Forza 300 twist-and-go automatic scooter (otherwise known as the NSS300 Forza) and can’t stop smiling. With the electric screen on its lowest setting, the refreshing cool breeze can be felt. Its sportier, lighter chassis is making easy work of the congestion and the premium scooter is eye-catching in the reflections of the exclusive shop windows. Move over supercar, coming through.

On the latest version there are new clocks, Honda SMART key, (keyless ignition) and LED lights. The optional 45l top box also uses the same keyless technology.

Honda have significantly improved the Forza, it’s a premium, good-looking, functional scooter, which should sell by the bucket load and continue the 2013 Forza 300's success.

The original Honda Forza 300 was low and laid back, more like a Honda DN01. This is a completely new look, with a ‘mass forward’ design. Honda wanted to give the Forza a quality feeling and appearance, which has worked.

There's a thriving online community for the Forza, along with PCX and SH125i scoots, at the Honda PCX/Forza/SH Forums.

In 2021 this bike went off sale, replaced by the larger-engined Honda Forza 350.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The 2018 model is shorter, 26mm, lighter 12kg, and the wheelbase has been reduced by 35mm. The steering head is steeper and the seat height is now 64mm higher (780mm), putting the rider more in control.

The new model is far more agile than the 2013 version, which actually seemed quite nimble at the time. The differences are more obvious at low speed.

Honda Forza 300 ridden in a marina

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The new Forza shares its engine with their cheaper Honda SH300i, which means a single-cylinder four-stroke, fuel injected, four-valve motor. Honda are claiming 24.8bhp @ 7000 rpm and 20fltb of torque @5750rpm.

The Honda Forza 300 top speed is 80mph officially, however on the launch in southern France we managed to edge out a few more mph. More importantly than top speed Honda are also claiming increased fuel economy, with a tank range of over 200 miles from the 11.5l fuel tank.

The Honda Forza 300 is a fantastic scoot to ride quickly around bends

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
5 out of 5 (5/5)

There is no reason to question the quality of Honda’s premium Forza, the single-cylinder four-stroke engine is unstressed and should run forever.

Our Honda Forza 300 owners' reviews show overwhelmingly positive scores for reliability, which won't surprise anyone who's heard of the company's famed build quality. However, there are a few notes saying that you need to keep the battery topped up in order to start the bike first time every time.

The Honda Forza 300 has exceptional build quality and reliability

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

At the time, the £5099 Forza was on par with the popular Yamaha X-MAX 300 (£5199), but slightly more than the more basic Kawasaki J300 (£3999) and also basic Kymco X-Town 300 (£3699). It then went up £100 so was exactly the same price as the X-MAX.

Used values typically range between £3-4500, and this bike would make a great secondhand buy thanks to Honda's aforementioned exceptional build quality.

Honda Forza 300 has been replaced by the 350

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The screen is now electronically adjustable, and one of the fastest we’ve ever experienced, almost like a Guillotine in reverse. It’s a simple, nice and smooth action, and can be set at any level, very much like the premium Honda Gold Wing.

Honda have re-positioned the battery and radiator to give even more under-seat lockable storage. With 53.5l of space, up from 48l there is enough room for two full-face helmets, with room to spare. There’s also a small storage compartment upfront, with a mobile phone holder, next door to a 12v socket.

You get a decent amount of kit on the Honda Forza 300

Honda Forza 300 has HSTC (Honda Selectable Torque Control)

For the first time Honda have chosen to fit HSTC (Honda Selectable Torque Control) to their premium scooter, traction control for those who don't speak Honda. The system uses the ABS wheel speed sensors to monitor wheel speed and intervenes when it notices a significant difference between the front and rear wheel speed.

When the system intervenes, there’s a flashing T indicator on the dash. Traction control may appear over-the-top for a scooter, especially when riding in the summer. But, fast forward six months, the middle of winter, wet cold diesel-ridden city streets of London, we’ll be thankful for some help.

Honda Forza 300 upgrades

There's a surprisingly large number of companies selling aftermarket bits for the Honda Forza. Choose from exhausts, suspension replacement and of course myriad luggage options.

Specs

Engine size 279cc
Engine type Liquid-cooled, four-stroke, single
Frame type Steel underbone
Fuel capacity 11.5 litres
Seat height 780mm
Bike weight 182kg
Front suspension 33mm, none-adjustable
Rear suspension Twin rear shocks
Front brake 256mm discs with two-piston caliper
Rear brake 240mm single disc with single-piston caliper
Front tyre size 120/70x15
Rear tyre size 140/70x14

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption -
Annual road tax £55
Annual service cost £140
New price -
Used price £3,000 - £4,400
Insurance group -
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two years

Top speed & performance

Max power 25 bhp
Max torque 20.1 ft-lb
Top speed 85 mph
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range -

Model history & versions

Model history

The original Honda NSS300 Forza was made between 2013-2018, and updated for 2019. A limited edition version was announced in 2020, retaining the same engine, geometry and styling package revealed in 2018 and pairing them with new colours, stitching, top box and more.

First revealed in 2000, Honda’s mid-capacity maxi scooter has received a number of updates throughout its life and 2020 is no exception; retaining four colour schemes for the standard bike and a new Limited Edition model featuring a grey and gloss black livery, red-stitched leather seat, rim tape, colour-matched 45-litre top box and altered Forza 300 logo. Around 100 of these machines will be allocated to the UK market.

Away from the special edition, standard 300 models can also be purchased in; Crescent Blue Metallic, Pearl Nightstar Black, Matt Cynos Grey Metallic and Matt Pearl Cool White.

Underneath the changed exterior, the Forza remains the same as it has done since 2018 – featuring the familiar SOHC four-valve 279cc engine producing around 25bhp at 7000rpm, steel underbone frame, sleek bodywork and electronic gizmos.

This includes switchable Honda Selectable Torque Control (or traction control to you and me) which monitors the front and rear wheel speed in order to calculate any unwanted rear wheel slip. Once detected, the system limits engine torque via the fuel injection to get the bike back under control.

Honda Forza 300 with top box

On top of this, there are also more practical measures, too, including space for two full-face helmets under the seat, which can be partitioned to store items separately, an electronically operated screen, and a lockable front left inner fairing pocket - housing a 12V charging socket.

This is secured via the bike’s Smart Key, which also controls the main ignition switch and optional 45-litre removable top box. Much like many modern cars, the box will lock automatically as you walk away, or at the touch of a button if you want some extra assurance.

In 2021 it's set to be replaced by the larger Honda Forza 350.

Other versions

In 2018, Honda also slightly updated the 125 version of their Forza scooter. The Italian built Honda has been specifically produced for the European market and like the 300 is designed to be a luxurious scooter, to give the most a 125 scooter can offer.

Honda have tweaked the styling, new clocks and LED lights, but more importantly added an electronic adjustable screen. As like the 300 underseat storage has also increased, and now comfortably accommodate two full-face helmets.

The clocks are now neater; the overall design has a classy look to it. The electronic screen, as like the 300 isn’t fixed and can be electronically set at any position. Under the seat space has increased by 2l, and up front there’s additional storage with a separate iPhone holder and 12v socket. All the design touches give the 125 a quality feel.

The idling stop technology works effortlessly, like a modern car disabling the engine once you’re stood still. When you want to move away you simply twist the throttle and the engine turn backs on automatically. It’s designed to save fuel in town, Honda quote a 310mile tank range from the 11.5l fuel tank.

The 4v engine 125 four-stroke has some kick to it, off the mark it’s more than quick enough to keep with fast traffic. Even on fast roads it’s happy to cruise at 60mph and a little more. You can almost question why would you want the Forza 300 But at £4689 it’s only  £410 cheaper than the 300 and on PCP it’s actually £10 a month more. So, the question really should be why buy the 125?

Owners' reviews for the HONDA NSS300 FORZA (2018 - 2021)

10 owners have reviewed their HONDA NSS300 FORZA (2018 - 2021) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your HONDA NSS300 FORZA (2018 - 2021)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Engine: 4.9 out of 5 (4.9/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Equipment: 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Annual servicing cost: £140
5 out of 5 FORZA 300
04 September 2023 by Adfg

Year: 2019

Brilliant scooter, so versatile. Comfortable, easy to ride, motorway cruise all day, 85-90mpg on daily commute. Loads of storage space.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Plenty of leg room. Space to stretch out. Longest journey so far 100miles, no pains or stiffness whatsoever.

Engine 5 out of 5

Ease of use. Performance is perky, 0-60 time is 9-10 seconds.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Only done 4000miles, oil service every 8000m. So not spent anything yet!

Equipment 5 out of 5

The storage "boot" under the seat

Buying experience: Dealer. All good. It was used with 3000miles.

4 out of 5 Berts forza 300 review
12 August 2022 by Bert

Year: 2020

BEST OVERALL 2 WEELLER I EVER OWNED. ASIA FEELING Like to give it a 4,5. For this trafic its the sweetspot can do perfeclty on all strust 130 km on hiway and perfectly 5 km in city. A ton off space to put your things in. Good weather protecting. Fuel can be better in my opinion i do normal drive 3.1L/100KM. I also changed the suspension with yess chocks verry good.. Handeling is light and smooth. Miss heated seats,croucecontrol,and hillassist. Overall super top scooter

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Upgradede the suspension with yess. Best inprovment you can do. No more hard bumps.

Engine 5 out of 5

Service evry 12000km also verry strong engine read sameone had a 150.000km So verry confident

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Honda says all

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

Miss heated seat cruice control and hillasist. Oh and a upgrade in the dachscreen would be nice to.

Buying experience: 2 hand from dealer. It is ok

4 out of 5
04 July 2022 by Scooter boy 63

Version: Ns 350

Year: 2021

Typically honda build quality powerful as much as a scooter can burn up the tarmac nice touch with the electric screen ,instruments,overall a good solid scooter from Mr Honda except the suspension the only fly in the so great ointment the rear travel on the shocks are set high over stiff too low bottoms out in the middle as good as it gets for a scooter it is what it is

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Suspension needs upgrading unless it's my weight brakes work well and brings the scooter to a controlled stop even when you have to brake in a emergency

Engine 5 out of 5

Excellent power delivery smooth even at motorway speeds flexible around town this is where honda engeneers are at there best years of experience built into this motor it will last forever

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Solid build some paint missing on centre stand due to rideing through winter other than that no problems and I think it will last scooters catch road grime like a magnet underneath as they are so low to to the road surface this scooter will run for years just service as recommended by the manufacturer reliability is built into the honda DNA

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Excellent 80 mpg even at motorway speeds all round good economy cheap road tax and insurance as this scooter is less than a year old has not required a service other than the the initial first service which was done before I purchased the machine

Equipment 5 out of 5

It has to be the electric powered screen with the underwear storage area I'm going to miss this on my next bike

Buying experience: Local Honda dealer in Bristol purchased secondhand like new with the factory fitted heated grips presented like a brand new bike no demo test ride which seems the norm now I wonder if I had rode the scooter for two hours would I have handed it back or rode some others and purchased another scooter or bike

4 out of 5
06 June 2022 by Popeye

Year: 2020

Annual servicing cost: £160

🙂

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

🙂

Engine 4 out of 5

🙂

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

🙂

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

🙂

Equipment 3 out of 5

🙂

4 out of 5 Forza 300 hidden gem
16 May 2022 by John combes

Year: 2020

Annual servicing cost: £160

Great bike to get around on. Use it for commuting and two up trips to the coast,also good for short sprints along the motorway comfortable and economical on fuel plenty of space under the seat

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

Could do with a few more accessories

Buying experience: Bought from a Honda dealership great experience. Helpful friendly staff, great shop I paid the advertised price of £5099

4 out of 5 Honda what dreams are made of
01 January 2022 by GeorgeC

Year: 2019

Annual servicing cost: £100

Love the Scoot in general not keen on the keyless ingnition

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Great storage and pillion comfort

Engine 5 out of 5

Brilliant Engine so smooth and refined even two up with very little loss of power with the passenger

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Quality is generally good but a few of the bolt holes are slightly cross threaded noticed this when fitting rear rack. Also battery needs to be fully charged for starting !

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Self serviced running costs I've had at least 2 poor dealership services. One where they'd not even checked the coolant level which was very low and caused overheating

Equipment 4 out of 5

Great Storage enough for your sofa and one chair lol

Buying experience: Bought from Dobles motorcycles purchased without seeing was not disappointed the only thing is they haven't serviced the bike which they should have done

4 out of 5 It's a Honda
27 December 2021 by Gc

Year: 2019

Annual servicing cost: £100

Great scooter really smooth and very comfortable..the only niggle I have is to keep topping up the battery needs to be full strength to start

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

DIY servicing is relatively easy

Equipment 4 out of 5

Back Box gives extra storage although already ample

5 out of 5 no bull
11 July 2021 by anthony cookson

Year: 2021

Annual servicing cost: £35

picks up speed 40 to 65 mph,very quick.comfort better than my armchair.average 90mpg,will do whatever you ask of it.will do 90mph gps.honda quality a1.thier is nothing i dislike.only regret why did it take me so long to buy scooters.fits 2 helmets under seat.had 125 forza before it.gone off motorcycles for good.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

i remove pads and clean each 6 mths.ride all day

Engine 5 out of 5

very smooth, better than downtown 300i and burgman 400 also owned in past.i go with a motorcycle club and its taken some member back at its performance on motorwaysalso

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

6 stars it should be

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

retired mechanic/mot inspector. done to my standards.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Buying experience: fitted heated gripps and seat,back box,etc etc.crewe honda £5000.

5 out of 5 The car on two wheels that does 80+mpg, low tax and great looks
02 January 2021 by Jonathon Stenner

Year: 2020

Annual servicing cost: £299

A brilliant alternative to a second car, stylish, economical, reliable - what's not to like?

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Easily useful as a mini tourer on metalled roads - big generous seat, huge luggage compartment, multiple foot positions to stop the legs becoming tired, no vibrations - perfect for 20-30 miles commutes but easily capable of much longer distances.

Engine 5 out of 5

Loads of torque, great pickup between 40-60mph - sits at 70 all day on all inclines, also useful engine braking above 15 mph - feels unburstable. The unit has been fitted to the SH 300 and has been remarkably trouble free.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

No problems at all - the usual Honda reliability

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Very long service intervals for the proven 300 unit

Equipment 5 out of 5

The standard screen is too low for those with long backs - Puig make a great replacement in smoked and clear variants. I have fitted a Givi rack and hand deflectors to keep the wind blast off the hands, also a hugger which keeps a lot of muck off the air box and cooling pipes exiting from the engine. Standard grip heaters work fine with deflectors, but a bit weak without assistance. Standard tyres are great and the charging port is really useful when the phone is using Google Maps, which can drain your phone battery quite badly; it should be a USB port, but the converter only costs £2 from a petrol station.

Buying experience: Great dealer in Norfolk - Ling's - I bought an ex-demo and it al went very smoothly, with great customer support al the way.

5 out of 5 Brilliant lightweight tourer
29 August 2019 by Tim Dobby

Version: 2018 onwards model

Year: 2018

Good points Smooth, fast, economical engine with day long comfort, low maintenance and good storage. Light weight and low CO2 emissions. Class leader.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Sportier handling than my previous BMW GT650 but like most scooters, jumps a bit on rougher roads and bumps.

Engine 5 out of 5

Engine smooth, economical (90mpg) and feels unburstable. I have used mine for touring with much bigger bikes in France and will run at legal motorway speeds unstressed albeit not much in reserve at 80mph!

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Better quality manufacture than my previous BMW scooter and half the price. I would rate build so far as excellent at this price point.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Too new to comment but with enclosed drive, 90 mpg and 8000 mile service intervals it doesn’t appear expensive

Equipment 4 out of 5

Favourite features : Electric screen, 12v socket, helmet storage, light weight and day long comfortable seat. Only equipment I would have added : heated grips, tyre pressure monitors

Buying experience: Crescent Honda Southampton: excellent people to deal with

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