Honda Officially Announces Forza Scooter for US

We knew it was coming after seeing it receive certification from the California Air Resources Board, but American Honda has officially announced it will offer the 279cc Forza scooter for U.S. consumers. First announced at the 2012 EICMA show for the European market and Canada, the Forza fills a gap in Honda‘s U.S. scooter lineup between the 153cc PCX150 and SH150i and the 582cc Silver Wing.

The Forza uses a liquid-cooled 279cc single-cylinder engine with Honda’s Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) system with power delivered through a Honda V-Matic continuously variable automatic transmission. American Honda did not offer numbers but the European-spec model claims 25.5 hp at 7500 rpm and 19.2 ft-lb. at 5000 rpm. American Honda did claim a fuel economy of 68 mpg which, with a 3.0-gallon fuel tank, should translate to a range of about 204 miles.

The fuel tank is positioned in the body behind the front wheel, leaving space under the seat for two full-face helmets. Additional storage is provided by a pair of pockets in the fairing, one of which contains a 12-volt power outlet for powering cell phones or electronic accessories.

The 35mm telescopic fork offers 3.7 inches of travel while twin rear socks offer 3.8 inches travel. The braking system consists of a 256mm disc up front and a 240mm disc at the rear. Both are gripped by twin-piston calipers with Honda’s Combined Braking System, with Combined ABS available as an option.

European model pictured here.

Other features include a multi-function display with analog speedometer and tachometer, stepped seating, a 28.2-inch seat height and a (claimed) curb weight of 422 pounds.

The 2014 Honda Forza will be available in the U.S. in Pearl Red for $5,599, with the ABS version priced at $6,099. Look for it in showrooms in July.

[Source: Honda]

By Dennis Chung