EICMA 2012: Honda NSS300 Forza Scooter Announced for Europe and Canada

Wed, 14 Nov 2012

Earlier this week, we revealed six all-new Honda models coming to America for 2013. The American Honda announcement was time to go along with Honda’s presentation at the 2012 EICMA Show in Milan, Italy, for the European market and Canada. But there was one model revealed at EICMA that wasn’t part of the U.S. announcement: a new 279cc maxi-scooter called the NSS300 Forza.

The Forza isn’t a new model designation for Honda. Previous models have bared the name before, and Americans may be more familiar with the previous incarnations under its “Reflex” moniker, last available here in 2007. Absent from the U.S. lineup since then, the NS250 Forza has been available in other markets as a smaller option to the 582cc Silver Wing.

For 2013, the Forza gets a liquid-cooled 279cc single-cylinder engine Honda claims gets 24 hp at 8250 rpm and 19 ft-lb. at 6000 rpm. Honda also claims fuel economy of 72.4 mpg which, with the 3.0 gallon fuel tank, works out to a range of about 220 miles.

The seat is a low 28.1 inches from the ground and lifts up to reveal a storage compartment Honda says can hold two full-face helmets. A passenger would sit significantly higher than the operator, while making use of the die-cast aluminum grab handles and fold-out pegs.

The broad fairing should offer plenty of wind protection while dual pockets on the back side resemble a car’s glove compartment, providing additional storage for small items. The left pocket is lockable and contains a 12V power socket.

The NSS300 Forza is equipped with Honda’s combined braking system which allows the rear brake lever to operate both front and rear brakes, while the front brake lever only works on the front. Combined ABS is also available as an option.

The 2013 Honda NSS300 Forza will be available in Europe in Asteroid Black Metallic, Pearl Himalayas White and Seal Silver Metallic. Canadians will also get a Pure Red option.

Follow Motorcycle.com for more coverage of the 2012 EICMA Show.

[Source: Honda]

By Dennis Chung