2014 Honda Forza Scooter Is An Ideal Mid-Displacement Machine

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In today’s two-wheeled motoring society, it’s not at all surprising that there are male riders who are loaded with excessive levels of testosterone and who shudder at the prospect of even being seen aboard a scooter of any size, shape or form. Trust me though, there’s nothing wimpy, or to be ashamed of, about riding a scooter, as long as you select one that’s appropriate for your specific size and weight.

STATS Starting Retail Price As Tested Price HP / Lb-Ft
2014 Honda Forza Scooter $5,559. – NS300 / $6099.-NSS300A with ABS $5,749.- NS300 / $6,249. –NSS300A – dealer prep and handling charges may vary Honda does not list horsepower or torque ratings
EPA Rating As Tested MPG
Rating: BUY IT! 68 mpg combined N/A

The Honda Forza scooter is a mid-displacement machine that comes with some pretty high-tech attributes such as a fuel-injected liquid-cooled 279.2cc, SOHC, 4-valve, liquid-cooled single-cylinder four stroke motor with Programmed Fuel Injection. An automatic enrichment feature is standard in this 300-class engine with its four-valve head with sophisticated roller rocker arms.

All of the above adds up to a sporty scooter that’s big enough for extended rides for two, yet versatile, practical and economical enough to keep transportation costs at an attractive and affordable level.

Honda-Forza-RSDR

Honda has long served as a major force in the scooter marketplace, offering riders a variety of choices with displacement classes ranging from 50 to 600cc. The 2014 Honda Forza scooter fits nicely in between Honda’s SH 150i scoot which is made in Italy, and their Silver Wing scooter that comes across as more sport bike than scooter, with its 582cc DOHC, 8-valve, liquid-cooled four-stroke parallel-twin with PGM-FI with automatic enricher circuit, four-hole injectors and computer-controlled, fully transistorized ignition with electronic advance.

The Honda Forza’s $5,599 starting price point (add $500 for the ABS equipped model) fits nicely between the $4,499. price tag of the SH 150i and the $9,270. MSRP of the big Silver Wing.

The motor of the Honda Forza scooter mates to Honda’s V-Matic belt converter automatic transmission – a CVT which provides seamless, twist and go acceleration without a clutch. Bringing the Forza scooter to a halt is a Combined Braking System (CBS) with a 256mm front disc and a 240mm disc in the rear. The optional ABS system also features the CBS.

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Suspension componentry consists of 35mm front forks with 3.7 inches of travel up front and a double-sided aluminum swingarm and twin shocks aft with 3.9 inches of travel. Rolling stock is Dunlop Scoot Smart rubber -120/70-14 Front / 140/70-13 Rear mounted on 6 “V”-spoke black painted alloy wheels.

Honda-Forza--RWhl

The chassis was designed by Honda’s engineers utilizing the analysis of computer aided engineering to create a strong and durable tubular steel backbone-type frame with tuned flex that aids in yielding a supple ride. The Forza’s engine is positioned low along the left side of the swingarm. The Forza also utilizes a dual-axis lower floating link that controls engine movement in two directions, which, when riding over uneven or rough surfaces, minimizes load transfer to the main frame by absorbing vibration in both horizontal and vertical planes, providing a smoother ride along with reduced engine vibration.

The seat height measures only 28.2 inches and its long, ergonomic shape enhances riding comfort. It is contoured enabling an easy reach to the ground when stopped. Flip a switch on the console and the seat opens to reveal a large, locking storage space with room for two full-face helmets and more.

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The Honda Forza scooter is loaded with thoughtful touches that make it a convenient mode of transportation. There are dual fairing pockets for easy to get storage of items; on the left side a large-capacity box can be opened, closed and locked via a rocker switch located beside the main key cylinder. There’s also a 12-volt power socket and a maintenance panel that allows easy access for accessory plug in or for cell phone charging.

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Instrumentation consists of a speedometer, odometer, tachometer, A&B trip meters, a fuel gauge, clock, average fuel consumption meter, PGM-FI Malfunction Indicator Lamp, coolant temperature gauge, low oil pressure indictor, an ABS indicator for ABS models, a parking brake indicator, and oil change indicator.

For added convenience the Forza comes with both a side and center stand. Twin 35/35W bulbs and efficient multi-reflector optics light up the way vision at night, and always-on 5-watt bulbs aid in being seen. The three gallon fuel tank is capable of covering a range of just over 200 miles but keep in mind that actual mileage may vary depending on load, tire pressure, road and weather conditions, and other factors.

My test Honda Forza scooter was the non-ABS model.

SUMMARY: The 2014 Honda Forza scooter delivers a stylish, fun, economical and comfortable ride – a ride that would be even more comfortable if the rider seat back were readily adjustable. Tall riders with long legs are forced forward in close proximity to the fairing and console and will find themselves unable to stretch out comfortably – at least that was my experience at 6’4”. Obviously owning the scooter would allow modifying the seating position, but that wasn’t an option on the press test unit.

Honda-Forza--FF

The Forza is only available in Pearl Red, which is attractive and highly visible (a good thing), but if red is not your color, then you’re out of luck. The color and seating position not withstanding, the Honda Forza scooter is a most enjoyable way to scoot about in either a commute scenario or for recreational sojourns. It delivers enough power to carry two, is freeway legal, and its light 422 pounds make it highly maneuverable and easy to handle. It also meets current CARB and EPA emissions standards.

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There is a transferable one-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan, and several Honda genuine accessories available for personalization and added comfort and convenience. These include a Tall Windscreen, a 35 Liter Rear Trunk, a Rear Trunk Attachment Kit, a Cycle Cover and a One-Key System for the Rear Trunk. A one-year warranty begins on the day accessories are purchased by the customer.

On the TFLcar scale of:

  • Buy it!
  • Lease it!
  • Rent it!
  • … or Forget it!

I give the 2014 Honda Forza Scooter a Buy It! for a fun and economical scoot.

Base Price  $5.599.00 (NSS300) / $6,099.00 (NS300A- with ABS) 

Price as Tested: $5,749.00 (NS300) / $6,249.00 (NSS300A) – dealer prep and handling charges may vary

SPECIFICATIONS: 2014 Honda Forza Scooter

Base Price:                           $5.599.00 (NS300) / $6,099.00 (NSS300A- with ABS)

Price as Tested:                  $5,749.00 (NS300) / $6,249.00 (NSS300A) – dealer prep and handling charges may vary

Engine Type and Size:           279.2cc DSOHC, 4-valve, liquid-cooled single-cylinder four stroke, Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) with automatic enrichment

Horsepower (bhp):                         Honda does not list horsepower ratings

Torque (ft./ lbs.):                         Honda does not list torque ratings

Transmission:             Honda V-Matic belt-converter continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT)

Drive Train:                                    Automatic centrifugal clutch, dry with belt final drive

Suspension:                        Front: 35mm telescopic forks with 3.7 inches of travel

                                               Rear: Double-sided  aluminum swingarm and Twin shocks in the rear with 3.9      inches of travel

Brakes:                              Front: Single 256mm disc with three-piston caliper with Combined Braking System (CBS)

                                           Rear: 240mm disc with single-piston caliper with CBS Optional Combined ABS

Tires:                              Dunlop Scoot Smart 120/70-14 Front / 140/70-13 Rear mounted on 6 “V”-spoke black painted alloy wheels

Wheelbase:                                   60.9    inches

Length Overall:                            85.3    inches

Curb Weight dry:                        422      lbs. (dry)- NSS300 / 428 lbs NSS300

Fuel Capacity:                               3.0       gallons

EPA MPG Estimate:                    68        mpg

Seat height:                                    28.2     inches

0 – 60 mph:                                  Not tested

Review by Arv Voss, Auto Impressions

Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles as well.