Honda Forza 125 Review

What Is It?

The 2018 Honda Forza 125 is a learner friendly premium maxi scooter which was first launched in 2015 and updated in line with the 300cc version for 2018.

Engine: 125 cc Single Cylinder, 15 bhp

Economy: 100 mpg, 250 miles

Top Speed: 80 mph

Seat Height: 780 mm

Wet Weight: 162 kg

Price: £4,700

What Is It Like?

Why The Forza?

I have owned the Honda Forza 125 since September 2018, after many of my pals had the older version, but I opted to spend the extra money for the newer model. I love my gadgets so I fancied a go at all the fancy parts on the newer model!

My Riding

My main reason for buying the Forza is that I am a full time Deliveroo driver working 40+ hours a week and riding over 100 miles a day so I needed the best possible bike to keep up with my demands. Below is all my personal reasons to why the bike is such a great bike and a few minor nitty gritty negatives.

Positives

• Large fuel tank with up to 280 miles range
• Very comfortable seat with lots of leg room
• Looks amazing, large glove box
• Fast with amazing handling (this has been tested and pushed to the limit)
• Huge amount of storage under the seat that's big enough for two full face helmets
• Keyless start was a bit strange but works great and is so much better than a key
• Don’t be put off by how big and wide the scooter is as you can still filter in city traffic
• Lots of information on the dash

Negatives

• You have to be a bit heavy handed with the throttle for the bike to even start moving
• The fuel and seat switches feel a bit cheap and sometimes won’t open
• The screen could have been a bit taller - I assume the bike is aimed at taller people hence why you can barely put your foot flat on the ground and I’m 5’11
• A few of the controls and switches are too close together

To Sum Up

After all this, if you're in the market for a 125cc scooter and want something cheap to run, that looks great, is fast and something that won’t let you down then this is the bike for you.

Spend the extra money and get the newer model as there is so much difference to the older model. I couldn’t believe how different they are, but that’s another topic.

- Harry H, 2019

How Does It Compare?

• Kawasaki J125
  (2016 On)
  • Engine 125 cc
  • Power 14 bhp
  • Seat 775 mm
  • Insurance 2 / 10
  • Cost Similar
• Peugeot Citystar 125
  (2011 On)
  • Engine 125 cc
  • Power 14 bhp
  • Seat 795 mm
  • Insurance 2 / 10
  • Cost Similar
• Peugeot Satelis 125
  (2006-2018)
  • Engine 125 cc
  • Power 15 bhp
  • Seat 784 mm
  • Insurance 2 / 10
  • Cost 20% more
• Suzuki Burgman UH125
  (2014 On)
  • Engine 125 cc
  • Power 12 bhp
  • Seat 735 mm
  • Insurance 2 / 10
  • Cost 10% less
• Yamaha NMAX
  (2015 On)
  • Engine 125 cc
  • Power 12 bhp
  • Seat 765 mm
  • Insurance 2 / 10
  • Cost 20% less
• Yamaha X-MAX 125
  (2018 On)
  • Engine 124 cc
  • Power 14 bhp
  • Seat 795 mm
  • Insurance 2 / 10
  • Cost Similar

The Second Opinion

Living With It

I have owned the Forza for just over a month now and I love it. It's really smooth accelerating, can hold 65 with no problem and will get to 75 with a push.

It's very easy to put the bike on the main stand, I can do it with one hand and one foot it's that easy, plus the windscreen does a amazing job at deflecting wind. I do get a bit of wind in the face but I'm over 6 foot.

What Have I Changed?

Lots of storage allows me to easily put my helmet and jacket under the seat. Not all scooters can hold a XL helmet under the seat but this will with room to spare. I have added custom levers for comfort, an LED light under the seat and I believe both these are a must for comfort and easy use.

Any Negatives?

A few negatives I have noticed are you feel all the potholes and some can hurt but I find this only on the big pot holes the small ones are fine. Also the seat doesn't open all the way so it can be hard to reach to the end of the storage section.

- Matt H, 2019