I’m wondering. I’ve been thinking new 350 but currently difficult to get hold of and top money as no used on offer. However, looking at reviews of 300 they too are excellent in the main. I could get hold of a used one with little mileage for over a grand less than new 350 and it’s got heated grips and topbox. Is the difference between the 300 and 350 so great as to justify the extra money and probably long wait for delivery?

good question. Now Honda don't go backwards so I'm sure the 350 is a slightly better scoot, but the 300 is also , and the 300 engine is very economical and a well proven in all aspects, so I would have the 300 without a doubt. Just make sure that 6 months down the line when dealers have lots of 350's that you don't wish you had waited.

I don't think there's a huge difference between the 300 (2018 onwards) and 350. Possibly the engine on the 350 is Euro 5 emissions compliant?
There are of course older Forza 300s (pre 2018) which are a very different kettle of fish!

The engine in the 2017-on Forza 300 is the bike's weak spot, but only relatively speaking.

Compared to others, it is down on power and the economy is below par, both of which I think the 350 is intended to fix.

But that's not to say avoid the 300. The power (24.5hp) and economy (I get high 80s mpg) are both decent in isolation so I'm not complaining.

And of course it's a proven lump and I've not heard of anyone having any problems with longevity.

So, accept the 350 is a bit better but don't discount the 300.

Local honda is saying October for a 350 £100 deposit then your on the list honda send them to dealers where customer has paid deposit. That's what he says anyway .

If it doesn't muddy the water, also consider the Yamaha X-Max 300? I'd say it falls somewhere between the 300 and 350 Hondas in performance; the handling is sharper but maybe not so comfortable, and it averages nearly 100mpg with a bigger tank - I enjoyed the 3 years on mine. Must be a few used ones around by now.

As a previous owner of the excellent xmax 300 in my opinion the 350 is a step-up albeit a small one. I would have no problem in recommending a used xmax.

Yamaha Tamworth have pre reg xmax 300 £4999

Stibbs - there is currently a used sh350i for sale in Bedford with under 100 miles on the odometer - its listed on Biketrader - as said by horobags Honda don’t go backwards so the sh350i is an improvement over the sh300i - power is up from 24.8bhp to 29bhp - it gains a usb type c socket under the seat for phone charging while there’s space for a full-face helmet under the 805mm tall seat - I understand that there will be four colours available in 2022 whereas at the moment there are only two - I definitely think that if you bought an sh300i just now you would regret not opting for the sh350i further down the line - I’m in the exact same position as you Stibbs in that I know that the sh300i is a mighty fine scooter and its over a grand less than the sh350i - decisions decisions
UPDATE - I chose a 2019 Honda SH300i in pearl white metallic with only 172 miles on the odometer - came with the 35 litre Honda topbox - full service including coolant change - optimate charging lead fitted - full tank of petrol and three months warranty including nationwide recovery - the bike was listed at £3895.00 and I negotiated a £95.00 discount so all in it was £3800.00 - Two Wheels Edinburgh were the supplying dealer

lenny wrote: ↑Fri Aug 27, 2021 5:23 am As a previous owner of the excellent xmax 300 ... I would have no problem in recommending a used xmax.

As another previous Xmax 300 owner I'm sorry but I have to disagree.

The engine is amazing, being powerful, economical and quiet. But to me, the Xmax has some serious issues. Of particular note:
- the rear suspension wallows and is harsh, which is pretty clever (in a bad way).
- the headlamps and in particular the main beam are not for for purpose. On an unlit road the dips are poor and the main is downright dangerous. It's so bad that the Met Police, who issue them to PCSOs, have complained to Yamaha about this.

So I personally cannot recommend the Xmax 300.