Forza 125

Introduction

Honda’s Forza 125 was designed specifically for discerning European scooter customers who demand the maximum out of their ride in every respect – style, presence, performance and specification. And right from its introduction in 2015 it has met and exceeded all expectations, evolving year on year with owner feedback and selling over 30,000 units to date

Straight out of the crate the Forza 125 hit the ground rolling, deftly mixing traffic-busting agility – thanks to its compact dimensions – with ample ability for longer-range highway commute thanks to its engine performance, wind protection and comfort. It combines the comfort of a ‘GT’ (Grand Touring) scooter with a sports-oriented attitude and handling ability, while offering plenty of storage, a host of premium details plus Honda’s engineering innovation and high build quality

Classy and agile, and expanding on its obvious success, the Forza 125 is not standing still: for 2018, maintaining a steep development curve, it has been redrawn with fresh new lines and several significant rider-focused upgrades

Model Overview

The main ingredients in the successful Forza 125 recipe remain unchanged for 2018: a 4-valve engine that combines class-leading performance with 490km-tank range fuel efficiency and Idling Stop; a lightweight chassis that balances high speed stability with around-town manoeuvrability; and a rich specification that includes LED lights, Smart Key, two helmet storage capacity, and riding comfort for two. The production facility is also unchanged - Honda’s ultramodern factory in Atessa, Italy

But there are significant new additions to the mix. The specification and equipment rises yet another level: a new electric screen adjusts seamlessly and provides full wind protection or a stripped-down view ahead while revised instruments serve up extra information digitally, in support of the analogue dials. Both front and rear indicators are now LED, underseat storage space increases by 5.5 litres, while the Smart Key now also offers control of the optional 45-litre top box

And then there’s a new level of sophistication to the Forza’s unique aesthetic appeal. Originally designed by the same stylist responsible for the head-turning NM4 Vultus, the lines remain bold and eye-catching, but now offer an even more modern, slightly smoother, more mature appeal

Equipment and Styling

Adjustable electric screen controlled from the left handlebar

Revised dash offers a mix of analogue and digital information

LED indicators complement the LED headlight and taillight

The Smart Key also now operates an optional 45-litre top box

Refreshed design lines further enhance the premium feel

The Forza 125’s fully-refreshed look flows back from the new electric screen, which adjusts smoothly through 140mm and is 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 for long distances – can be instantly exchanged for a greater sense of freedom with the screen in its lower position by simply pushing a switch on the left handlebar to move it to any point in the 140mm range

Handlebar width remains 754mm as does mirror height of 1125mm, the perfect dimensions for slipping through streets clogged with cars – one of the Forza 125’s incremental development steps already in place from 2017 was to raise its own mirror height to avoid issues with car mirrors. Seat height is unchanged at 780mm; there’s plenty of room for two and the sit-in riding position cups the rider securely. The front and rear indicators are now LED, matching the headlight and taillight

Two full-face helmets can be stored under the seat, which now offers increased storage space of 53.5 litres, up from 48 litres. It’s also possible to partition the storage area to house a helmet and/or rain gear and A4 sized bags. The front left inner fairing pocket is lockable, and its internal space can be arranged for the rider’s convenience, to hold a phone and water bottle, for instance. It also houses a 12V-1A charging socket

The Forza 125’s Smart Key – as well as controlling the main ignition switch knob and compartment locking – also now manages the optional 45L removable top box, a first on a Honda scooter. With the Smart Key in the rider’s pocket the box automatically locks when the rider walks away. It can also be locked from the key. The top box switch is on its bottom surface, and to maintain the internal volume of the box the actuator mechanism is located in the rear body of the machine

Revised instruments present analogue speedometer and rev-counter dials flanking a digital display that can switch between 3 modes (controlled by a switch on the left handlebar); odometer, range remaining and current fuel consumption; trip meter, average fuel consumption and timer; or ambient temperature thermometer and battery sensor

The Forza’s sharp design lines and distinctive contemporary presence have played a big part in its success since launch in 2015. Now for the 2018 model, the design has been substantially re-worked. While the bold design lines remain instantly recognizable as a Forza 125, every panel has been revised to give the machine a slightly smoother, more mature appearance, with a more rounded, ‘stubby’ feel to the front end and slightly softer design lines throughout. Further heightening the new look, black signature points around the nose, front and side cowls give an added sense of sportiness

The Forza 125 will be available in the following paint options:

Matt Carnelian Red Metallic/Pearl Nightstar Black - **all-new for 2018**　

Matt Pearl Cool White/Matt Cynos Grey Metallic - **all-new for 2018**

Matt Lucent Silver Metallic/Matt Pearl Pacific Blue

Matt Cynos Grey Metallic/Matt Carbonium Grey Metallic

Black/Matt Cynos Grey Metallic

Engine

Four valve engine features Honda’s eSP technologies plus Idling Stop

Powerful and efficient, with strong performance throughout the rev range

42.7km/l gives range of nearly 500km between fill ups

The Forza 125’s four-valve water-cooled SOHC powerplant delivers 11kW@ 8,500rpm, with peak torque of 12.5Nm @ 8,250rpm. Bore and stroke is set at 52.4 x 57.9mm; compression ratio is 11.5:1

From a standing start the Forza 125 accelerates rapidly (0-200m is covered in just 13.4s) while sharp mid-range makes for responsive roll-on performance in the typical 40-60km/h around-town speed range. It will cruise happily around 90km/h and V-max is 108km/h

The engine is packed with Honda’s eSP low-friction technologies; clever packaging of items like the oil pump (which is built in to the crankcase) help maximize the efficiency. A compact combustion chamber and PGM-FI fuel injection – fed by a 4.7-litre airbox and 28mm diameter inlet duct – optimize combustion and cooling performance

An offset cylinder reduces friction caused by contact between piston and bore, efficiently transmitting combustion energy to the crankshaft. A ‘spiny’ cast-iron sleeve – with tiny surface extensions – keeps in check any distortion of the inner bore diameter. This design lowers tension in the piston ring, reducing friction

A compact high-efficiency radiator – integrated into the exterior of the right-side crankcase – employs a small, light fan reducing frictional losses and lowering drag. Rolling resistance within the transmission unit is reduced by the use of three low-friction main bearings, all designed to deal with the loads they individually receive. The drive pulley features a fin design that lowers air resistance and the follower pulley reduces pressure on the drive belt, cutting transmission losses

The electronically controlled brushless ACG starter is an integrated component mounted directly on the end of the crankshaft, serving as starter motor and alternator. It spins the engine directly, eliminating any noise from gear engagement or meshing

Idling Stop automatically stops the engine running after three seconds at idle when the scooter is stationary and the brakes applied, and instantly re-starts when the throttle grip is twisted. It’s seamless in use thanks to ACG and the swing-back system that returns the crank to its ‘top dead centre’ position before air intake, and a decompression mechanism that negates cranking resistance from compression. It also has the functionality to ‘read’ the battery charge and turns itself off to avoid excessive drain. The battery is a long-life YTZ8V unit

One of the original aims of the Forza 125 is that the trip to the fuel station should happen just once a week for the average user, and a near 500km tank range is possible thanks to the engine’s fuel efficiency of approximately 42.7km/l (WMTC mode) and 11.5-litre tank

Chassis

Steel frame, 33mm telescopic forks and preload adjustable twin shocks

Wet weight of just 162kg aids agility and ease of use

Cast aluminium wheels, front and rear disc brakes with ABS

The tubular steel frame that underpins the Forza 125’s chassis provides the necessary rigidity and strength for the broad variety of riding conditions it will face. Sturdy 33mm telescopic forks are matched by twin rear shock absorbers – adjustable through5-stage spring preload – working through a 1-piece aluminium swingarm

The Forza 125’s light weight, just 162kg, makes it easy to manage at walking speeds, and easy to park. A wheelbase of 1,490mm provides stability; the geometry – 26.5° rake and 89mm trail – delivers nimble steering

The cast aluminium 15-inch front wheel is fitted with a 120/70-15 56P tyre while the 14-inch rear wears a 140/70-14 68P tyre, offering maximum traction and ride comfort. A large 256mm single disc performs stopping duties up front, mated to a 240mm rear, with the benefit of two channel ABS for extra braking control on slippery surfaces

Accessories

A range of Genuine Honda Accessories are available for the Forza 125. They include:

Rear carrier rack (direct fitment)

Inner bags

Heated grips

Alarm

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice

**Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors**