New bigger Forza hinted!

[MrGrumpy]

........If only I didn't find the NC engine rather annoying....

IIRC, you found the motor holding onto gears or not being in the gear you wanted for a particular scenario Mr G?

No, it wasn't the DCT that particularly annoyed me on my X-ADV test ride (though I had hoped that the DCT would add to the riding experience over a CVT, but found it didn't), it was the engine itself, with its fabled 'motorcycle style' vibes at low revs due to its crank design. I'm obviously used to the free-spinning smooth Tmax engine, and found the Harley-style puh-puh-puh burble at low revs annoying - made even worse if you used D mode which seemed to always hold the engine at maximum vibes by using the highest possible ratio! I just wanted it to rev rather than slog away using its torque! It depends on what you are used to of course - people who have ridden bikes might like it and find it 'characterful', but its not what I'm used to. Now of course, I fully recognise that the engine is very effective, and goes faster and is more economical than the TMax, but I just found it joyless - sacrificing fun for efficiency.

[StephenC]

Maybe the real news today, is the replacement of the Forza 300 with a 350...

Yes, 28hp and claimed range of 217miles. Should be good. Looks like there'll be an option for bluetooth smartphone link-up too. No doubt not what the Goldwing gets (a full Android Auto experience) but I'm interested to see what it can do - displaying a satnav app screen on the dash would be very handy.

re the 750 - obviously it has a smaller back wheel to allow for storage. The official site claims 22 litres, but I don't know whether that's any good or not

[StephenC]

... sacrificing fun for efficiency.

And that in a nutshell is probably what most scooter commuters would want?

[Stephen]

Well first glances and opinion isn’t great from me,not overly impressed,but i have only seen photos,when we can actually see one in the flesh probably not until next year,was hoping for a belt drive(dont like messing around cleaning & oiling the chain on my x-adv)the centre tunnel is huge,infact it’ll be “leg over the seat”job i think,17f &15r wheel looks odd,probably because of the gap between the rear fender and wheel,doubt if i would get my XL helmet under the seat.

The feet forward looks good and having owned a dct i am happy with the modes,sport 1 is what i tend to use mostly,will need to see and test one in the flesh.I am due to chop my bikes in next year and was 50% maybe even more decided on choping both machines in and getting a new Tmax,early views of the 750 Forza hav’nt changed that as yet.

Steve

[Stephen]

Well first glances and opinion isn’t great from me,not overly impressed,but i have only seen photos,when we can actually see one in the flesh probably not until next year,was hoping for a belt drive(dont like messing around cleaning & oiling the chain on my x-adv)the centre tunnel is huge,infact it’ll be “leg over the seat”job i think,17f &15r wheel looks odd,probably because of the gap between the rear fender and wheel,doubt if i would get my XL helmet under the seat.

The feet forward looks good and having owned a dct i am happy with the modes,sport 1 is what i tend to use mostly,will need to see and test one in the flesh.I am due to chop my bikes in next year and was 50% maybe even more decided on choping both machines in and getting a new Tmax,early views of the 750 Forza hav’nt changed that as yet.

Steve

[MrGrumpy]

... sacrificing fun for efficiency.

And that in a nutshell is probably what most scooter commuters would want?

But very few commuters would choose a 750 scoot for a commute! For most people, the 350 or 125 (depending on the nature of your commute) would make much more sense, unless you had a serious M-way journey to do. We have to admit that many maxis are going the way of bikes - expensive toys for rather mature boys!

[MrGrumpy]

r,was hoping for a belt drive(dont like messing around cleaning & oiling the chain on my x-adv)the centre tunnel is huge,infact it’ll be “leg over the seat”job i think,

Yes, its not a step-thru is it! Neither was the Integra....

I'm less hostile to a chain drive than I used to be, given that belts seem to be as much of a hassle! Fitting a Scottoiler or similar may cut down maintenance a lot. The mostly enclosed nature of the chain on this Forza may make things cleaner, but on the other hand, makes me wonder if it would make an auto-oiler more difficult to fit, given that only around 6" of chain are actually visible!

[TheBoyBilly]

Haven't posted for a while but today seems a good time to come back. I had a 2014 Forza before trading it in for an Er6f. That sporty riding position gets wearing at my age and was looking to go back to a Forza 300 next year. Most of my riding will be local journeys with perhaps a couple of European trips per year (mainly battlefield tours) I found the Forza 300 perfectly acceptable on the E42 to Mons (for example) keeping up with the heavier vehicles and taking in the scenery at the same time. Now this new family of Hondas has arrived. The 750 is tempting but I travel light so don't use top boxes but in saying that I think the 750 even for me doesn't have enough space under the seat. I'm never going back to a chain now at my age either. So the 350 it is. Its just that bit more refined than the excellent Forza that preceded it and will comfortably carry all I want and extra coming back (fags and wine) in my Kriega bag across the seat. A circa 200ml tank range is just right for leg-stretches and refreshment stops. I think it would easily get me to furthest Germany and into Poland (Görlitz) should I want it to. But I do do congratulate Honda on a decent effort with the 750. But that chain is the deal-breaker for me.

[OldEssexman]

But that chain is the deal-breaker for me.

I understand where you are coming from about the chain. I haven't ridden a chain-drive bike since 1991 and I am reluctant to 'go back' to chains. That said, I am looking to replace my 650 Burgman, bought new in Dec 2017 and now with 54k miles on the clock, and the new Forza is attractive. I'll have to see one in the flesh of course but I am tempted.

[Normsthename]

Shame.
I loved my Integra 750 and was looking forward to the Forza 750.
But no electric screen even though they fit one to the 300
No cruise control to match the Yamaha Tmax

Andy