HONDA UNVEILS REVAMPED FORZA SUPERSCOOTER LINEUP FOR 2021
Updated 125, 350 and stonking new 750 twin Forza maxiscooters go big on practicality, technology and performance.
One effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has been to revitalise the two-wheeled commuter sector. Many people who still have to get to work are eschewing public transport for isolated, solo personal transport on motorcycles and scooters.
Which gives Honda’s new 2021 scooter range even more relevance. The firm has taken its premium Forza lineup and given it a hefty makeover, bumping up the capacity of the midrange 300 to a 350, and launching an all-new Forza 750 superscooter. This new flagship model takes the engine and DCT transmission from the NC750 range, puts it in a luxury maxi-scooter chassis, gives it class-leading performance and equipment, and a heap of useful accessories.
Honda Forza 125
Starting with the smaller bike though, the new Forza 125 is mostly unchanged in terms of engine and chassis. But the single-cylinder 125cc motor gets a new traction control system, for extra safety on slippery city roads, while the bodywork is tweaked for better protection and improved aerodynamics.
The bike is also Euro5 compliant for 2021. The Forza 125 has been a big success for Honda, selling more than 60,000 units across Europe since 2015, thanks to great standard equipment like electric screen, keyless ignition system, light weight and amazing 120mph fuel consumption.
Honda Forza 350
Next up is the new 350 Forza. This replaces the current 300 version, adding a 50cc capacity increase that boosts power by 16 per cent – now up to 29bhp – and gives a claimed 85mph top speed. The engine has a totally overhauled top end, with bigger valves and throttle body, plus a lighter crankshaft and improved cooling.
On the equipment front, there’s keyless ignition, electrically-adjustable windscreen, a new USB charging point under the seat, plus a new wireless phone connection system, the Honda Smartphone Voice Control system.
Honda Forza 750
The biggest news is the new Forza 750 though. Honda’s not had a top-level maxi-scooter for years, ever since it stopped producing the 600 Silver Wing scooter in 2013. The recent Integra 750 was more of an automatic motorcycle than a ‘proper’ scooter. But this new machine takes the parallel twin engine and DCT automatic transmission from the NC range, and puts it in a classy, comfy, practical maxi-scooter chassis.
The engine makes around 58bhp, putting it on a par with the likes of Suzuki’s Burgman 650 and the Yamaha T-Max, and comes with three power modes – Rain, Sport and Standard, plus a customisable User setting. The advanced DCT dual-clutch transmission has six gears and offers manual mode, Rain, Standard and Sport auto modes and also a fully-customisable User mode. Finally, there’s Honda’s traction control system, which offers three selectable modes, as well as an ‘off’ setting.
Loads of options from the powertrain then – and the chassis looks well up to the power too. There are dual radial-mount four-piston brake calipers up front, and a single-piston caliper at the back, all controlled by an advanced ABS system. There’s a ‘proper’ 17-inch front wheel, with a 120/70 section tyre, which will help give proper ‘big bike’ handling and stability. The rear is a wide 160/60 15.
Equipment levels are also high. Standard kit includes keyless Smart ignition, that also controls the central locking for the seat, fuel cap and smart top box, plus USB charging point, colour TFT LCD dashboard and full LED lighting. Like the 350, the Forza 750 also gets Honda’s new Bluetooth phone connection setup, the Honda Smartphone Voice Control system.
There’s no word on price or availability on the new Forza range as yet – but we’d expect to see them on sale for the turn of the year to go with the Euro5 regulation changeover.
More on the new Honda 2021 models as we get it!
HONDA FORZA SUPERSCOOTER SPECIFICATIONS
Forza 125
Engine: 4v single, SOHC, liquid cooled, 125cc
Bore x stroke: 53.5×55.5mm
Compression ratio: 11.5:1
Max power (claimed): 15bhp@8,750rpm
Max Torque (claimed): 12.2Nm@6,500rpm
Transmission: automatic V-matic
Frame: steel tube underbone type
Front suspension: 33mm forks
Rear suspension: aluminium swingarm, preload-adjustable twin-shock suspension
Brakes: single 256mm disc, twin-piston sliding caliper (front), 240mm disc, single-piston caliper (rear), ABS.
Wheels/tyres: cast aluminium, 120/70 15 front, 140/70 14 rear
Rake/trail: 26.5°/89mm
Wheelbase: 1,505mm
Kerb weight: 161kg
Fuel capacity: 11.5 litres
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Forza 350
Engine: 4v single, SOHC, liquid cooled, 330cc
Bore x stroke: 77×70.7mm
Compression ratio: 10.5:1
Max power (claimed): 29bhp@7,500rpm
Max Torque (claimed): 32Nm@5,250rpm
Transmission: CVT V-belt automatic
Frame: steel tube underbone type
Front suspension: 33mm fork
Rear suspension: aluminium swingarm, twin-shock preload adjustable suspension
Brakes: 256mm disc, twin-piston sliding caliper (front), 240mm disc, single-piston caliper (rear), ABS.
Wheels/tyres: cast aluminium, 120/70 15 front, 140/70 14 rear
Rake/trail: 26.5°/89mm
Wheelbase: 1,510mm
Kerb weight: 182kg
Fuel capacity: 11.7 litres
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Forza 750
Engine: 8v parallel twin, SOHC, liquid cooled, 745CC
Bore x stroke: 77x80mm
Compression ratio: 10.7:1
Max power (claimed): 58bhp@6,750rpm
Max Torque (claimed): 69Nm@4,000rpm
Transmission: six speed DCT gearbox, auto/manual modes, chain final drive
Frame: fabricated steel diamond type
Front suspension: 41mm USD fork
Rear suspension: aluminium swingarm, monoshock suspension
Brakes: dual 310mm discs, four-piston radial mount calipers (front), 240mm disc, single-piston caliper (rear), ABS
Wheels/tyres: cast aluminium, 120/70 17 front, 160/60 15 rear
Rake/trail: 27°/104mm
Wheelbase: 1,580mm
Kerb weight: 235kg
Fuel capacity: 13.2 litres
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