Honda Forza 350 (2025) Review – First Ride Impressions
I pull up outside the dealership early one damp Bristol morning, the Forza 350 in Pearl Falcon Grey bathed in soft light. Even in static pose the bike projects presence: muscular yet elegant lines, a tall windscreen, well‑finished bodywork, good detail on the cast alloy wheels. First thought-this feels like a premium scooter, not a cheap compromise.
Engine, Performance & Drive Feel
Twist the throttle and the 330cc liquid‑cooled single (SOHC, 4‑valve, with Honda’s eSP tech) burbles into life. On cold start there’s a mild thrum, then smooth delivery. Peak power is about 21.5 kW at 7,500 rpm, torque sits at 31.5 Nm at 5,250 rpm.
In practice this means good usability in town: merging, accelerating off traffic lights, weaving through traffic is composed, almost confident. The CVT transmission handles things smoothly; no obvious jerks, minimal hesitation. Around 5,000-7,000 rpm feels like the sweet spot for overtakes or quicker progress on A‑roads.
Push higher, and the Forza isn’t a sport‑bike, but it holds well. Top speed is quoted at 85 mph which for a scooter in this class is respectable; you’ll get there on open stretches, though wind pressure builds. The adjustable windscreen helps a lot, able to dial in more protection (or less) depending on riding position and speed.
Chassis, Handling & Ride Comfort
Kerb weight of 186 kg means it’s not featherlight-but once moving you quickly forget that figure. Low‑speed manoeuvres are manageable; the turning radius of 2.4 m gives acceptable agility for parking or tight urban U‑turns.
Suspension: a 33 mm telescopic fork at front with 100 mm travel, twin shocks at the rear. Over Bristol cobbles, canal towpaths, degraded road surfaces the Forza soaks up bumps well. Not miraculous-big hits still deliver feedback-but overall a compliant ride. The seat height, 780 mm, offers a decent reach for most riders and feels balanced.
Brakes: the front disc (256 mm) with Nissin 2‑piston calipers, the rear (240 mm) do their job cleanly. The front has good bite, fairly controlled feel. I tested emergency stops from 70–80 km/h and it inspired confidence-no drama, just solid deceleration.
Tyres front 120/70‑15, rear 140/70‑14, both on cast aluminium wheels, give a good grip level. There’s some slop when pushed late into corners, but not enough to undermine sporty lines—you quickly learn where its limits are, and they’re fairly generous for a maxi‑scooter.
Practicality
This is where the Forza 350 shines in real‑world usage. Under‑seat storage is generous-helmets, gloves, maybe even a small rucksack depending on what you pack. Fuel tank is 11.7 litres; consumption in my mixed ride hovered around Honda’s claim (~3.4 L/100 km), but realistically I saw a bit more in heavy town traffic.
Dashboard and instruments are well thought out: a 5‑inch TFT display gives clarity, the layout is easy to read at a glance. USB‑C port is present (useful), LED lighting front and rear is bright and sharp. The windscreen gives decent protection; in rain it’s enough that neck and shoulders stay relatively dry.
Other touches: smart key, linked security and immobiliser, RoadSync connectivity. All of it adds up to something that makes daily use feel less of a chore. Build quality feels solid—no rattles, tight seams, good paint and finishing.
What It’s Not & Potential Concerns
- For taller riders, motorway speeds bring some buffeting-even with the windscreen up.
- It’s not designed for sporty twisties-handling is capable but not quick‑flick agile.
- No cruise control, which could be missed on long stretches.
- Low‑rev performance can feel laboured; mid‑range is where it thrives.
Value & Verdict
At a list price of £5,999, the 2025 Forza 350 isn’t bargain‑basement-but you get a lot for the outlay. You’re buying more than a scooter to shuttle through traffic; this one handles longer rides, everyday errands, and light touring with confidence and comfort.
For riders who want a solid, versatile maxi‑scooter with practical features, comfortable design and Honda’s solid engineering, the Forza 350 ticks the right boxes. It’s not a sport‑tourer-but it doesn’t pretend to be. It’s a confident, well‑rounded scooter that earns its keep on every kind of road.
Lid Life Ratings
| Category | Rating (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Urban Agility / Low-Speed Handling | 8.5 |
| Engine Performance | 8.0 |
| Comfort (Seat / Windscreen / Ride) | 8.5 |
| Practicality (Storage / Usability) | 9.0 |
| Value | 8.0 |
