Honda SH 300i test

Menus

• Dolce Scoot
• The same only better !
• Discovery
• In the saddle
• Contact
• In the city
• On the highway
• On departmental
• Braking
• Comfort
• Consumption
• Convenient
• Maintenance
• Conclusion

Dolce Scoot

The same only better !

Who said apron scooters and big wheels have no future? In Italy, no one in any case and the Italian press has also made the trip in numbers (no less than 20 journalists) to try the latest evolution of the SH Honda scooter which is evolving in a major way in 2015 in its 300 cm3 version.. It must be said that in Italy this model sells 6,500 units each year, compared to the 300 units sold in France! 20 times more! What a long way for the model since its birth in 1984 with the 50, then the 100 in 1996 and the first generation of 125 in 2001 before seeing the first SH 300 in 2007. The version 300 of 2015 logically follows the evolution of the 125cm3 version unveiled in 2011 even if the differences between the two vintages are not immediately obvious. But why a 300 cm3 when the motorcycle license then becomes an obligation and ultimately it is an urban scooter? Test drive in Rome to try out the new two-wheeler which has been all the rage here for years and respond…

Discovery

The SH is one of its so-called large-wheeled scooters (16 inches), apron and flat floor. Little used in France, they are the tops of sales in Italy where the fact of not having to step over a central bridge and the enormous space available on the floor allowing to stack bags with an impressive loading capacity make them a must. The tapered line then, more feminine, with a population of less male users in Italy (but 93% male in France) end up explaining the particular enthusiasm of the model..

The 300 is in the perfect line of the 125 at the level of the lines. We also find the common points concerning the small hook to hang suitcases and other bulky bags and the small chest to take a helmet, but a modular helmet anyway and not just a jet like the old model.

We then appreciate the Honda finish always on top, from the licked paint to the LEDs at the front and rear displaying an elegant light signature day and night. And we appreciate the brand new smart key (Smartkey) with its range of two meters to activate or on the contrary lock the two-wheeler..

The most aesthetic will appreciate the blue LEDs around the contact button placed on the apron, at the same place from where the opening of the saddle is actuated. We find the same engine, now euro4 with a new rather discreet but above all cleaner exhaust and reduced consumption. However, the framework is entirely new. It is moreover this new framework which made it possible to enlarge the space dedicated to the trunk..

On the other hand, you have to be a true connoisseur or play the game of 7 errors to detect the differences between the 2015 vintage (on the right) and its predecessor (on the left). At most we notice a more refined line and a more beautiful part in the main color of the model. The tail light is also more tapered than the old one. Up close, the meter is completely new

The HS exists in six colors … And unfortunately only three will be imported into France since only the gray, silver and blue will be imported but on the other hand not the white, nor the black, nor the red.

In the saddle

We do not step over the HS. You pass your legs just by barely lifting them. We then rest naturally on the long saddle, just as welcoming for the driver as the passenger. The latter will find wide and load-bearing footrests.
But with a high seat height of 805 mm and above all a comfortable width, the driver of 1.70 will barely touch the ground with his toes. Fortunately, the two-wheeler is light and the particularly natural position with the hands falling perfectly on the handlebars makes you feel good on board instantly. And the advantage of a high saddle is that it gives you more of the road and traffic..

We then tilt our head sharply to find an analog set before our eyes with speedometer, fuel gauge and engine temperature. A digital indicator completes the whole with partial double trip, totalizer, clock and on-board computer with average and instantaneous consumption. Everything is readable but like many scooters in the category does not naturally fall under the gaze.

A storage compartment in the apron on the left can finally accommodate a few small items or an iPhone4-type smartphone (but not the 6 or a pair of glasses in their case).

Contact

Contact and the 300 wakes up with a discreet noise almost a purr that will not risk waking your neighbors in the middle of the night.

In the city

Full right grip and we are already at the next traffic light. The SH 125 was already lively but there, the additional 175cm3 bring a real boost, especially since the light weight of 169 kilos offers an excellent weight / power ratio for the category. The acceleration is sharp and immediate immediately and continues to overtake quickly if you do not pay attention to the maximum speed in the city..

With a chassis very close to the 125 and an almost identical caster angle, we find the same ease of driving and in particular a handling at very slow speed which makes it possible to slip easily between the lines of stationary cars without forcing and even less. without suffering.

We also find a braking with an excellent feeling, feeling doubled of the power and the ABS to offer an easy grip. We could almost give it to a driver who is only allowed to drive a 125. And the icing on the cake, the ABS is not at all intrusive, even still leaving the possibility of initiating a slide before triggering..

On the highway

The SH rushes off on the motorway to reach 130 km / h and still nibble some 10 km / h, well launched in a straight line. Downhill, it can even tickle 150 km / h (140 km / h real) like the old model to go down to 125 km / h uphill. It then easily retains its speed even in the event of a false flat, unlike the 125 which ran out of steam quickly and especially at a much lower speed. Despite the lack of protection, the wind resistance is then negligible and we can very well stay at maximum speed without suffering, especially since the scooter remains very healthy even with knock in large curves and passing over roadway connections. Still at maximum speed, instantaneous consumption then reaches 6.8 liters per hundred … But this is undoubtedly the only reason that will make you slow down … Unless you have opted for the high bubble. The optional Honda screen protrudes even the head of the midsize driver. It provides excellent protection from wind and weather and. Orally all the. Fair and even the head. On the other hand, it generates a little more noise in the headphones and a slight blur in the direction in case of wind and maximum speed..

On departmental

At ease in town and on the motorway, the departmental roads are then child’s play for the SH 300. It easily passes over the defects of the road with excellent cushioning which makes it possible to consider long duo rides on weekends. end. It really helps speed up the pace and with its tight hunting angle reacts quickly and well, almost too much, to a course correction..

The new SH300 seems to have improved in dynamic behavior thanks to its new frame but the previous one is already very good, the difference is really barely noticeable.

Braking

Single 256 mm disc front and rear, but with ABS power is there every day. Not very intrusive, you really have to take only the rear brake and apply very hard to trigger it in the dry anyway. On the other hand, a normal grip of the two handles at the same time does not trigger the ABS while allowing to stop quickly and short. On the other hand, we will regret the loss of C-ABs compared to the previous vintage..

Comfort

The SH is a flying carpet offering excellent comfort in the category with a double shock absorber doing an excellent job, even in position 3, intermediate, ideal in most cases. You can always adjust it more flexibly with the key available in the tool kit under the saddle in case of use in a bumpy city, such as Rome. The long saddle allows you to find your place as well in solo as in duo to consider making the road.
The small rear luggage carrier finally offers a grab handle functionality.

Consumption

The fuel gauge remains stuck to the maximum before starting to oscillate around 75 kilometers, then is found halfway at 135 km. Honda announces a possible average consumption of 3 liters per hundred. While driving almost at the cleat throughout the test with in particular large sections toc on the motorway, the average consumption over 160 km was 3.6 liters, confirmed by the on-board computer. On portions of national, stalled at 90km / h, instantaneous consumption actually fell below 3 liters. The SH 300 therefore offers a range that can vary between 250 and 300 km depending on the driving with its 9-liter tank..

Convenient

The front storage compartment just allows you to carry a smartphone, but rather a small one than the big last generation which will not allow to close the hatch.

The 19-liter trunk (expanding capacity) under the saddle can now accommodate a modular helmet, a pair of gloves and compact rain pants. It mainly incorporates a 12v socket, cigarette lighter type, while the storage compartment has lost its cigarette lighter socket. It may be wise to add a USB output.
The SH is also designed to be completed by a small 35-liter top-case particularly well integrated into the overall line, in the color of the model..
But the real place is at the level of the feet with the flat floor. Bags can be largely stacked up to the height of the handlebars and everything is easily well wedged.

The long enough rear rack can accommodate a good bag, even a duffel bag, using the holes in the rack to secure everything.

With both a side stand AND a center stand, the lack of a parking brake is less of a problem, especially since the scooter is easily placed on the central.

Maintenance

The HS must pass the first 1,000 km overhaul, then only another at 12,000 km. But beware, this is either an annual revision or a revision to 12,000. The annual service is above all the occasion for a simple oil change and usual checks..

Conclusion

The SH 125 was practical on a daily basis but suffered from its limited displacement to get out of the suburban. With the 300 cm3, we discover a real engine and a potato which also makes it possible to drive with pleasure beyond the utilitarian aspect of a 125cm3 to rack up the kilometers and consider weekends of walks. The new 300 ultimately wins above all the Smartkey and a significantly larger trunk beyond the more elegant line. With historic reliability and a rising price (previously below 5,000 euros) but which remains reasonable at 5,349 euros, barely more expensive than some 125 cm3 on the market, the SH 300 will appeal to bikers who want an elegant two-wheeler in town and stay in a skirt in summer as well as pragmatic bikers who want a reliable machine, practical for everyday life and with enough power to ride and have fun on a daily basis. We would almost dream of seeing the Forza 125 arrive in a 300cc version when we see that it has taken over the 125cc engine based on PCX and SH. And speaking of Forza, the current 300 is almost the same price, with a more sought-after look in France than the SH but without the handling and boarding capacity of the SH. At Honda, the multiplicity of the range and the possible choices does not facilitate the final decision … Apart from that of tastes and colors ultimately…

Strong points

• agility
• motor
• frame
• comfort
• consumption
• braking

Weak points

• increasing price
• place under the saddle

Honda SH 300 technical sheet

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