Menus
- Daily convict GT
- Discovery
- In the saddle
- In the city
- Motorway and expressways
- Departmental
- Part-cycle
- Braking
- Comfort / Duo
- Convenient
- Consumption
- Conclusion
- Colors
- Accessories
Daily convict GT
Developing maxi-scooters from the end of the 90s, Honda offered the first Forza in 2000. Available in France five years later, the model cubed 250 and already offered the best of technology: sequential gearbox, remote locking, parking brake, C-ABS as standard.. Constantly evolving since it was put on the market, the Forza is increasing in displacement for 2013. The Hamamatsu firm hopes to meet the expectations of consumers wishing for more engine pleasure and distant outings, but without forgetting everyday users. In a highly competitive market, the novelty will have to put forward many serious arguments both in terms of dynamics and equipment..
Discovery
The Honda NSS300 Forza takes place between the SH125 and 150 and the SWT-400 in the Honda range, placing it between urban scooters and maxi-scooters with more road pretensions. Honda is thus aimed at the most distant commuters (which switch between city and suburbs), wanting a machine large enough for their daily journey but suitable for urban centers..
Racy, elegant, the new Forza retains a wide front face to generate maximum protection against air flow. Especially since its nose screen is particularly short, proof of its intermediate positioning. Wide and tapered double optics dress the bow, stretching its long indicators up to the fairing. In contrast, the lines become thinner towards the center of the machine. The body of the scooter is dressed in taut lines widening towards the rear and supports a large saddle with worked volumes. The oversized pilot seat receives a large backrest forming an anti-slip dome for the passenger. This sits comfortably at the end of the machine, also finding a massive grab handle wrapped around the stern. A cover also hides the attachment of an optional top case.
The assembly rests on a tubular steel frame, the lower part of which is more flexible, in order to modulate the chassis movements. Its design creates a large storage space that can accommodate two full-face helmets in addition to other loads. The structure also houses the injected single cylinder, single camshaft and 4 valves liquid cooled. Its 279 cm3 and a bore / stroke ratio of 72 x 68.5 mm develop a maximum power of 24 hp (17.9 kW) at 8,250 rpm, only two values higher than the Forza 250. The torque also improves with 2.57 da.Nm at 6,000 rpm (+0.17 and 500 rpm higher). The most notable point is the absence, on the new opus, of the sequential transmission equipping its predecessor 250, replaced by a classic variator..
To slow down its 192 kg, the Forza NSS300 is equipped with a three-piston front caliper pinching a single 256 mm disc. In contrast, a single piston element bites a 240 mm wafer. The C-ABS (combined braking) system is standard, ABS remains optional but is fitted to our test machines. The wheels are made of 6-spoke cast aluminum, 14 inches for the steering gear and 13 for the rear, accommodating 120 and 140mm Dunlop Scoot Smart casings. Guiding is provided by a 35 mm telescopic fork, coupled to a double combined shock absorber.
In the saddle
A strong point of the NSS300 Forza, the generous seat rises to just 716mm (compared to many scooters closer to 790mm) and the scooter’s narrow base allows you to place your legs on the ground easily regardless of the size of the rider. In line with Honda’s wishes, the general ergonomics place it "in" the machine. The handles fall naturally under the hands and the handlebars spin towards the steering column hidden by a plastic plate. Particularly welcoming, the cockpit displays a flattering finish.
A large dashboard dominates the whole, counting a number of analog instruments: tachometer and tachometer, fuel gauge and engine temperature. In the center, a digital window displays the hour, mileage and two partials. Particularly readable, the whole, very qualitative, smells of the automobile.
Around the coded key switch, a button controls access to the tank and another to the saddle to open a large compartment with electric lock. There is a 12 volt outlet, located at the far end. A second, smaller chest is located on the right side, without a lock. In the end, only a parking brake is missing.
In the city
Maneuverability is an undeniable quality of the new Forza 300. Its remarkably short turning radius allows it to find its way in traffic despite an already substantial size. With a good balance, its center of gravity placed very low indeed provides an appreciable stability. Spacious, it lets the crew easily find their place on board.
Also showing effective recoveries in urban areas, the NSS300 easily plays through crowded crosses. Vibration-free, its single cylinder quickly climbs to its peak torque to deliver good acceleration from a standing start. The speed limits in town are then quickly reached, without real sensations, however, as the unit remains linear.
Finally, ensuring excellent control, its coupled braking can be very powerful. Beware of rainy days.
Motorway and expressways
The legal motorway appears quickly enough, but the Forza NSS300 then struggles to climb further into the towers. Downhill and at the switch, we still reach a good 155 km / h at 9,000 rpm, 20 kilometers more than other models of the same displacement..
At regulatory speed, the course is very correct as long as the coating remains correct. As soon as the asphalt degrades, the big Honda scooter gets drier on the compressions and gently waves on the angle.
The bust protection remains good whatever the pace thanks to a wide and enveloping apron. However, the low height of the bubble and the front face allows the air flow to push on the cervicals. Despite everything, his ability to cross fast spaces is very real and the addition of a high bubble will strengthen his skills..
Departmental
On the secondary network, the Forza becomes pleasant again. Its chassis works more calmly and the front axle remains precise. Tonic up to 80 km / h, the engine limited to 275 cm3 then shows its limits and runs out of steam at the slightest hill. In the absence of acceleration worthy of the name, we will talk about gentle revs. The driving force, outside the city, is not its major asset. Unlike overall comfort, correct for all occasions. What to appreciate a dynamic part-cycle ready for the sequences of curves. Only its ground clearance will temper the too lively heat, the central stand quickly rubbing the asphalt. But again, its unusual deceleration power works wonders. Simultaneously actuating both levers fixes the NSS300 on its wheels in no time.
Part-cycle
Agile, lively and precise with the usual paces, the Honda scooter will become more agitated if it is pushed to its limits. It remains healthy and easy, however, and allows occasional country trips without fear..
Braking
A great craftsman of C-ABS combined braking, the winged manufacturer once again shows the extent of his knowledge. So much so that the front lever is almost smoother than its counterpart engaging the two calipers and despite having a single disc both at the front and at the rear. The efficiency of the system is superior to a traditional ABS.
Comfort / Duo
Appropriate for its pilot, the NSS300 is wide enough for the passenger’s legs. Its footrests too forward will not help the less tall. The flexible seat and good support make all the more regret a less studied ergonomics on the back.
Convenient
We will console ourselves with an excellent loading capacity in this segment. Raising a block, the saddle reveals a long and wide chest to accommodate two full-face helmets. We still regret a reduced accessibility to the lower space.
Consumption
Its 11.6 liters of tank and an announced consumption of 3.2 L / 100 km allow it more than 350 km. These unverified data seem quite plausible in view of the contained performance of the machine and the real work carried out by Honda on all of its motorcycle and scooter models recently with particularly low consumption..
Conclusion
The Honda NSS 300 Forza is a bridge between two ranges. Its sporty style will serve your urban journeys with panache, while its respectable build allows you to consider the varied kilometers of everyday life. A few more distant trips can even be considered. More demonstrative by its loading capacities than its pure dynamic performances, this scooter also seduces by its agility in town.
Priced at 5,299 € with ABS, it will be in the fight with its counterpart SH300i, with a less usual look in France, but popular in Italy. The SH’s small footprint and more mischievous engine will contrast with the sleek styling and far greater payload of the NSS300.
Among other manufacturers, we will oppose the Yamaha X-Max 250 Sport, at 5,499 €, with lighter lines. The enemy number remains the Piaggio, the X10 350 ie ABS. Italian bomb of 33 horses but claiming 5.699 € in standard version, the Italian will not fail to seduce the most athletic of potential customers.
The novelty fulfills its contract of versatility but without exuberance. Effective everyday seducer, he lacks a little life at the top of the tachometer. A lack of trunk amply compensated by that located under the saddle. Quality that is ultimately more demanding in everyday life under automated control.
Strong points
- Comfort
- Balance and liveliness
- Braking
- Payload (2 full face helmets)
- Price
Weak points
- Motor character a little tight
- High speed suspension tuning
- Protection
Competitors: Kymco XCiting 400, Piaggio X10 350, Yamaha X-Max 250
Honda Forza 300 technical sheet
Colors
- Asteroid Metallic Black, Himalayas Pearl White, Seal Metallic Silver
Accessories
- High windshield: 119 €
- Top Box 35 L: 119 €
- Top Box 45 L: 299
- Heated grips: € 279
User reactions and testimonials on the
motorcycle guide
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