MY HONDA FORZA TEST RIDE

[SOOTYGULL]

For various reasons (see my other recent post) I am looking for something lighter than my TMAX and can do without the TMAX power, so I am scouting around for a smaller scooter and have shortlisted the the Honda Forza 300, the Kymco Downtown 300i and the Kawasaki J300.

I am about five feet seven and found the Forza was nice and light, compact and has such a low seat that I can put both feet flat on the ground.

When riding with my feet flat on the floorboards it felt comfortable and although I could ride feet first it was not as roomy leg wise as I expected but I am sure I would get used to it. What is nice is the comfy seat with its hump that hugs your bum and lower back.

I wouldn't say it vibrates at tickover but I was aware that this is a single BUT once I accelerated away, as the reviews say it becomes a very smooth engine indeed yet the engine does have "character" and that pull you get from a single cylinder which I like, oh yes and it doesn't sound noisy.

It felt eager to me and pulls away quite respectably up to 65 mph and not bad from there to 70mph; I had it up to just under 80mph but it is running out of steam after 70mph.

Handling in bends is far better than I expected, I felt confident on it and it was great on smooth roads, not bad on the bumpy stuff BUT I could really feel it on extreme bumpy sections - was the suspension set up properly on this demo ????

The ABS brakes are really, really nice; progressive feel not on and off, I tested them by pulling up sharply and the ABS certainly did the trick ! Having had ABS on my previous motorbikes whatever I end up getting I want ABS now !!!!

The small screen does a fair job and is nice in the summer but a larger screen would be better for the winter.

I liked the fact that both headlights are on at the same time as to me this gives added road presence.

Underseat storage is very good BUT I couldn't get my full face helmet underneath regardless of what the journos say about it being large for its size.

Overall I liked it, it felt good around town and on the open road. Controllable and safe I would say which may not be what you are looking for but I could live with it !

So that's my fourpenneth, there are plenty of other reviews around, like

http://scootercommunity.com.au/blogs/sc ... eview.aspx

and

http://www.visordown.com/road-tests-fir ... 22725.html

I can agree with some parts of these reviews but disagree with others !

Next I will post my Kymco Downtown 300i review.

[bornagainbiker]

Have you considered the Daelim S3 Advance 250. I did and it's great. Only downside is the under seat storage not taking a full face helmet but I simply hook the strap under the seat and rests on the outside, however my open face with visor fits ok. Great power, high mpg and very stylish.

I've had several scooters and I rate this highly.

http://www.maxi-muppets.co.uk/forum/vie ... =5&t=16030" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[MrGrumpy]

For various reasons (see my other recent post) I am looking for something lighter than my TMAX and can do without the TMAX power, so I am scouting around for a smaller scooter and have shortlisted the the Honda Forza 300, the Kymco Downtown 300i and the Kawasaki J300.

Overall I liked it, it felt good around town and on the open road. Controllable and safe I would say which may not be what you are looking for but I could live with it !

Next I will post my Kymco Downtown 300i review.

Interesting - though I'd expect any scoot to be controllable and safe!!!! Generally, it obviously depends on your expected use. The Kymcosakis have quite a lot more power (5bhp approx), so should give you better open road performance - if that's important to you. I find it very disappointing that you couldn't fit your full face helmet under the seat - wasn't it supposed to take 2 of them???? That would really irritate me. Honda seem to be getting this wrong a lot, with the tiny spaces of the SH300 and the Integra. As the Forza was designed in Thailand, maybe Thai people don't use full face lids, so don't see the importance of having space to store them!
My impression of the Forza is that its pretty compact, and probably a decent urban scoot, but I suspect that Kymcosaki twins might be better at longer trips - it'd be interesting to see whether you find that to be true or not!

[road runner]

I have a Caberg Justissimo GT flip helmet in XL and it fits under the seat on my Forza in the front lower well, without any problems.

[gn2]

Many XL helmets do fit, there's a knack to it, facing forward in the front section and facing to the exhaust side in the rear.

[SOOTYGULL]

Thanks Bornagainbiker for pointing out the Daelim 250.

I had been punting round for a demonstrator near me and the nearest dealer had just sold his, he said they only get them to order.

Came across this http://www.daelim.fr/sc_detail.php?ArNum=115&FaNum=7" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and this " onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Looks very tasty - are we Brits missing out yet again ?

[michaelphillips]

Thanks Bornagainbiker for pointing out the Daelim 250.

I had been punting round for a demonstrator near me and the nearest dealer had just sold his, he said they only get them to order.

Came across this http://www.daelim.fr/sc_detail.php?ArNum=115&FaNum=7" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and this " onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Looks very tasty - are we Brits missing out yet again ?

i think in france they call it the s300 yrt its the same as our version, specs of the s300 below which is identical to the Daelim 250

Engine
247 cc. 4 time. 4 Valves DHOC Euro 3.
Cooling
Liquid.
Ignition
ECU.
Supply
Electronic injection Daelim
Lubrication
Wet sump.
Bore / Stroke
nc
Compression ratio
nc
Maximum power
nc
Couple
nc
Transmission
CVT
Clutch
Centrifugal
Starter
Electric by Smart Key
Framework
Tri-tubular steel CrMo.
Braking system
Full Front / rear. The left is up on the forehead and rear discs Simultaneously
Front brake
Hydraulic, Floating Disc diameter 240 mm 4 piston caliper.
Rear Brake
Hydraulic disc diameter 220 mm 1 dual caliper pistons.
Front suspension
Hydraulic fork
Rear Suspension
Oscillating and two adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers engine.
Size front tires / rear
120/70-14. 140/60-13
Fuel tank
Including reserve 12.7 liters 1.9 L
Dry Weight
180 kg
Dimension (mm)
Mm Length: 2140 mm Width:. 750. Mm height: 1310.

Seat height mm: 775.

Wheelbase: 1500
Standard equipment
Backsplash Backsplash driver passenger door package, side stand and center, smart key, warning lights, headlight flasher, Clock, Trip Meter, engine temperature gauge, Tachometer, Fuel Guage segment LED systems. electronics, lighting box, electric trunk assisted by hydraulic cylinder petrol cap locked door in the Smart Key. Glove box lockable 12v Outlet, Tidy closed.
Optional Accessories
Top case back, Support Top Case
Color
Off white. Black.

[BenR]

Don't discount the Sym joymax 300i either. 28.6bhp & light(ish) in this catagory, seems to be getting good reviews on youtube.

[SOOTYGULL]

Thanks Benr, you are quite right I should see if I can find a Sym joymax 300i demonstrator - my past experience with even seeing any SYM product at so called SYM dealers let alone a demonstrator has been fruitless but I'l have a go.

[SOOTYGULL]

No response from MOTOGB yet about a SYM JOYMAX 300i .. actually no response to my email at all so far.