Increased cubic capacity for Honda’s mid-size sporty GT sit-in scooter brings with it faster
top speed and improved acceleration.
The ‘enhanced Smart Power+ engine is also now EURO5 compliant.
Cosmetic updates add to the premium appeal and improve aerodynamics.
The electric screen features an extra 40mm travel and a USB charger adds further convenience.
As an option, the Forza 350 can wirelessly connect its rider to various smartphone functions
via the new Honda Smartphone Voice Control System.
The Forza name has long been a powerful force in Honda’s two-wheeled line-up.
Its history as a premium, mid-size scooter goes back to the year 2000: the first model
set the template, delivering a lively ride, plenty of storage room and an innovative combined
braking system.
It was well received throughout Europe, where owners found its multi-role capability useful
in every aspect of daily life.
While retaining its trademark mix of sporty and GT character, the Forza 300 has constantly
evolved, aiming to exceed owners’ expectations with every upgrade.
In 2004 it gained Honda’s S MATIC electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission,
a theft-deterring Smart key, highly efficient PGM-FI fuel injection for the engine and space
for two full-face helmets under the seat.
2005 saw the addition of ABS brakes and, in 2008, luxurious touches like an audio package
and speakers plus upgraded S matic (with phased auto shift mode) and Combined ABS brakes were
added.
In 2016 it moved on again, as the Forza 300 with a new ‘sit-in’ design large enough
to carry two people in total comfort, even at highways speeds.
2018 marked the unveiling of a radically revised Forza 300 – lighter, smaller, sharper and
sportier – following in the hugely successful wheel tracks of its little sibling, the Forza
125, while retaining all the best attributes of its ‘GT’ nature.
A ‘Limited-Edition’ model with Grey Gloss Black colour scheme and matching Smart top
box added an exclusive choice in 2020.
Now, for 2021, it’s time for another advance.
The Forza 350 is faster, even more useful and, of course, stylishly desirable with it.
A 50cc increase injects 12% more peak power, at 20.8Kw, but the Forza 350’s engine is
significantly stronger all the way through the rev-range, delivering faster acceleration
and a top speed raised just over 6%, to 137km/h.
It’s also EURO5 compliant.
Cosmetic and aerodynamic updates have been applied to the front fairing sides, mirrors,
rear side panels and engine cover for a sleeker overall look with even more premium appeal;
the chassis itself is unchanged but now connects to a lighter swingarm, and the electric screen
adjusts with an extra 40mm travel to improve wind protection.
The instrument panel has also been refreshed, and the Forza 350 rider now has the possibility
of linking to their smartphone via Bluetooth with the new Honda Smartphone Voice Control
System which is available as an option from new.
A USB socket replaces the ACC charger.
The Forza 350’s new ‘enhanced Smart Power+’ engine achieves both high environmental performance
and strong output characteristic through comprehensive adoption of technologies for friction reduction.
Thanks to the extra 50cc capacity, the liquid-cooled, fuel-injected SOHC four-valve unit’s peak
power rises from 18.5kW to 20.8kW at 7,000rpm, with maximum 27.2Nm torque at 5,750rpm.
The dyno graph comparison graphically displays the whole picture, however, showing how both
power and torque rise considerably from 3,500rpm up.
The effect on real-world performance is obvious: top speed increases 8km/h to 137km/h and,
from a standing start, the Forza 350 will cover 200m 0.7s faster, at 10.4s.
To earn the extra ccs, the bore goes from 72mm to 77mm while stroke increases to 70.7mm.
Compression ratio is set at 10.5:1.
To make use of the increased capacity, the length and timings of the valve lifts have
been optimised.
Compared to the previous model, the closing of the inlet valve and the opening/closing
timings of the exhaust valves have been delayed by 5°.
The lift amount has also been increased by 0.3mm.
The timings of the inlet valve openings remain unchanged.
The crankshaft has also been redesigned and is now 10% lighter.
This has been achieved without any change to the dimensions of the journals, while still
maintaining the strength and rigidity required to transmit the higher output.
Roller-type rocker arm, plain journal crank bearings and sealed crankcases deliver long-term
reliability together with strong performance.
To enhance piston cooling, an oil jet, as used on the CRF450R, sprays oil right to the
back of the piston, advancing ignition timing and improving combustion performance.
Oil capacity is 1.7 litres.
A revised intake sees throttle bodies increase to 36mm from 34mm, with inlet valves increasing
1mm to 28mm, increasing efficiency.
Air is supplied via a 5.5 litre airbox.
Intake and exhaust ports have also been completely redesigned.
The intake port now draws air in more efficiently, utilising a strengthened tumble flow within
the cylinder for more consistent fuel combustion.
Exhaust gases are now expelled via a straight exhaust port, rather than the curved port
of the previous design, further improving efficiency.
To reduce exhaust gas resistance, the new muffler now consists of two distinct chambers
rather than three.
Improvements to the pipe connecting the expansion chamber as well as the size and location of
the catalyser also improve gas flow and purification.
Internal friction is reduced through a 5mm offset cylinder, the introduction of hydraulic
cam chain adjuster and the use of a scavenger pump.
Used on high performance machines, the pump lowers the internal pressure within the engine,
reduces oil agitation and decreases pumping losses and internal rotational friction.
A newly adopted balancer shaft further reduces vibrations and contributes to a smooth enjoyable
ride.
An automatic centrifugal clutch works a V-Matic transmission (with ratios set for fast low
speed reaction and smart acceleration) and belt final drive.
Through the 2021 update the engine cover has been redesigned to complement the new bodywork.
The Forza 350’s engine is equipped with Honda Selectable Torque Control.
The system detects any difference between the front and rear wheel speeds, calculates
the slip ratio and then controls engine torque via the fuel injection to regain rear wheel
traction.
HSTC can be switched ON-OFF via a switch on the left handlebar.
A ‘T’ indicator in the digital display flickers when the system is working to manage
grip.
The engine is also now homologated for EURO5, which from January 1st 2020 introduced significantly
stricter engine emissions standards compared to EURO4.
These requirements include substantial reductions in permitted carbon monoxide emissions, an
over 40% decrease in total hydrocarbon emissions, tougher misfire detection and the introduction
of a particulate matter limit.
Fuel economy is a frugal 30km/l; the 11.5L tank capacity gives a potential 340km+ range.
The Forza 350’s lines flow back from its electric screen (controlled by a switch on
the left handlebar) which, for the 2021 update gets a revised shape and an extra 40mm travel
to adjust through 180mm.
It’s designed to provide wind protection, with airflow directed around and over the
rider’s head, and reduce wind noise.
Stability and comfort at higher speeds – and long distances – can be instantly exchanged
for a greater sense of freedom around town, by lowering the screen.
Sculpted for both style and aerodynamic efficiency, the Forza 350’s sharp design lines give
a clean, smooth modernity, creating an impression of energetic sportiness and premium desirability.
The styling team’s key words of ‘aggressive, technical and powerful’ find expression
in a new spoiler-type surround below the headlight, refreshed fairing side panels with a distinctive
‘Z’ design line, and a steeply descending character line for the rear side panels that
create a forward-looking, purposeful aesthetic.
Pillion grabrails are now plastic rather than aluminium, saving 1407g, further improving
mass centralisation and agility.
For comfort at higher speeds a larger front air duct manages negative pressure in front
of the rider, reducing the natural effect of the wind pushing the rider back.
Two full-face helmets can be stored under the seat, and it’s also possible to partition
the storage area to house a helmet and/or rain gear.