Chassis
The NSS300 Forza’s chassis is designed to provide the all-round usability and comfort of a sit-in scooter, with some of the excitement and fun that a motorcycle delivers. It’s also accessible – and satisfying – for anyone from a novice to a veteran rider with a riding position that easily accommodates a wide variety of rider heights.
An extremely strong and durable tubular steel underbone frame underpins the NSS300 Forza’s chassis, and provides composed and confident handling in all conditions. Featuring Honda patented technology it’s built in two parts (rigid & flex) that have been optimally harmonised using CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) analysis.
The rigid part, which joins an upper tube that extends directly from the head pipe with a rear frame that extends straight forward at an angle, has a simple structure while the flex part, which provides suppleness, joins the end of the down tube to the rear frame.
Utilising a lower floating link on the engine mount the frame’s rigidity balance has been further optimised, delivering great feel to the rider with reduced vibration. Doing without gusset-plate reinforcement it is also 10% lighter than the frame used on the previous model. Rake and trail are set at 27°/89mm, with a wheelbase of 1,546mm. Overall dimensions are 2,166(L) x 753(W) x 1,189mm(H); kerb weight is 192kg.
Cast aluminium wheels (14in x 3.0in front, 13in x 4.0in rear) plus 120/70-14 front and 140/70-13 rear tyres ensure sure-footed stability and grip. Braking is via a single front 256mm disc with twin-piston caliper and rear 240mm disc/single piston caliper. Honda’s Combined Braking System (CBS), where the rear brake lever also operates the front brake (the front brake lever operates only the front brake) enhances peace of mind in a fast-stop situation, and Combined ABS is available as an option.
A low seat height of 716 mm makes the NSS300 Forza very easy to manage while a compact body width of 580mm and slim floorplate helps it through tight traffic. The seat itself is ergonomically shaped, helping comfort on the move and allowing feet to reach the ground easily. It opens (via a switch) and lifts to reveal a luggage compartment capable of taking two full-face helmets; rear footpegs fold out when needed for a passenger and a die-cast aluminium grab rail is built in to the rear of the bodywork.
Fitting a top box or other accessory is dealt with by the simple removal of part of the rear spoiler cover. Range from the 11.6L fuel tank is 35km, thanks to fuel consumption of 30.8 km/l (87mpg) (WMTC mode). Access is gained via a switch next to the seat switch.
Looking and feeling good while riding are a key part of scooter ownership for riders of all ages and outlook, and the NSS300 Forza’s crisp, contemporary design lends it a bold presence. The fairing itself presents a lithe and sculpted form, but with a keen eye on function; wind and weather protection at speed is excellent, without sacrificing the around-town ability of a smaller capacity scooter. The front mask is framed by an extension giving a distinct presence and a ‘character’ line flows front to rear, giving definition to the side view.
Dual fairing pockets store items where they’re easy to get at; on the left side a large capacity box can be opened, closed and locked via a switch located beside the main key. It also features a 12V power socket and a maintenance panel allows easy access to plug in optional accessories.
The comprehensive dash includes speedometer, clock, dual trip-meters plus fuel and temperature gauges and oil level warning light. The hazard lights work without the ignition on and for extra convenience there’s also a sidestand fitted as standard. Twin 35/35W bulbs and efficient multi-reflector optics provide excellent forward vision at night, and always-on 5W bulbs frame the NSS300 FORZA’s ‘face’.
Engine
The NSS300 FORZA’s 279cc, liquid-cooled SOHC four-valve engine is based on that of the well-established SH300i, with power characteristics tuned to deliver excellent fuel economy plus an entertaining ride at low, mid and high rpm. It has a bore and stroke of 72mm x 68.5mm, and compression ratio of 10.5:1. A roller type rocker arm, plain journal crank bearings and sealed crankcases deliver long-term reliability; oil capacity is 1.7L.
A 5mm (Exhaust side) offset cylinder reduces internal friction and CAE has been used to improve cooling efficiency. Careful gas flow management took in the shape of the combustion chamber and matched the middle-section profile of both intake and exhaust ports for a more efficient burn – valve timing has been altered to suit and long-reach projection-type spark plugs also employed. An automatic centrifugal clutch works a V-Matic transmission (with ratios set for fast low speed reaction and smart acceleration) and belt final drive.
Using highly efficient PGM-FI fuel injection the engine is Euro 3 compliant and features a secondary air supply (AI) built-in to the oxygen sensor plus a dual-core catalyzer in the exhaust. It produces a power output of 17.9kW @ 8,250rpm, with 25.7Nm torque @ 6,000rpm.
