Honda Forza 350 (2026 – ) review

Honda’s sporty Forza commuter has been its best-selling scooter since the early 2000s. This mid-size variant (there are also 125 and now 750 versions) has origins in the NSS250, grew to 300cc in 2014 then 330cc in 2021. In 2024 it got a facelift inspired by the 750 version along with a slick new TFT dash with accompanying features. The 2026 update doesn’t add much more than new colours but there wasn’t much wrong with it anyway. The powertrain is easy to get along with and powerful enough for motorway cruising, it looks great, has tons of storage and has all the slick features you could wish for. It’s even relatively affordable. In fact, it’s so sensible and effective it’s almost dull!

The classic sit-up-and-beg riding position is an ideal compromise between dinky 125 scoots, and heavyweight, OTT maxi ones. It’s sufficiently roomy and comfortable for three-hour motorway runs yet also light and manageable around town or for manhandling into your garage or front yard. The seat is large, broad and well-contoured, the riding boards allow you to ride with bended knee or legs almost straight out and the bars are perfectly positioned. One big bonus is the electrically adjustable screen, which at full height deflects virtually all the windblast and weather for even taller folk like your 6’ 3” tester. The pillion is big enough for most, too.

It’s hard to imagine a powered two-wheeler that’s more practical. There’s enough performance, weather protection and luggage space for it to be the perfect city commuter. Being a 350 it’s more than capable on A-roads and motorways. It’s also cheap to run, can happily take a pillion, two helmets (or equivalent) will fit under the seat, and extra luggage is possible via a top box. Yes, you could argue the more recent ADV350 version inspired by Honda’s oddball X-ADV 750 is even more versatile. But the style and token off-road ability bring practical compromises and additional expense. In fact, the only conceivable black mark against it is that, as a 350, you need a full licence, which is also the only reason it doesn’t outsell the Forza 125…

The enlarged 330cc four-stroke single was introduced in 2021 and produces peaks of 29 horsepower at 7,500rpm and 36Nm at 5,250rpm. That’s enough for a claimed top speed of 85mph, which makes brisk motorway cruising a doddle. Yet the delivery (via a typical scooter twist’n’go’ CVT transmission) is so soft and unintimidating it’s easy to use for anyone and sufficient for any type of commuting. It’s not exciting, granted, and overtakes take some planning, so if that’s a regular need you may wish for the bigger Forza 750 or a Yamaha TMAX 560. But it’s a compromise that works most of the time. Braking could also be construed as a little marginal if you ride hard, though. It’s taken care of by a single 255mm disc gripped by a Nissin two-piston caliper with a 240mm, single-piston item at the rear. We had a couple of instances where we were wishing for a bit more stopping power, even when using both at the same time. But, on the whole, they’re acceptable.

At the end of the day the Forza 350 is designed to be an affordable commuter scooter so it was never likely to have (or need) high-performance chassis components. Instead, as with the brakes, it has just enough for its designated task – but no more. Accordingly, the forks are basic, conventional 33mm items with no adjustment offered. At the rear are similarly basic twin shocks. Wheels are cast aluminium and in 15-inch front, 14-inch rear sizing for the best compromise between stability and agility, the tyres they wear also fairly rudimentary. None of that’s a problem. The Forza 350 is a doddle to ride, stability and steering are fine and it’s all very intuitive and easy to handle. The ride quality isn’t quite as impressive, feeling a little budget and unsophisticated, but it’s no less than you’d expect. Overall, it’s more than up to the job.

Two-wheeled transport doesn’t get much more affordable than this. Yes, the 125 version is even cheaper and more popular but that’s only because you don’t need a full licence and it can be ridden on L-plates. Nor does it have the long-distance or motorway cruising ability, though. Fuel consumption will be approaching 100mpg depending on use, tax and insurance should be negligible, and, given the modest power, hunger for consumables such as tyres and brake pads will likely be insignificant, too.

Although in some respects the Forza 350 is built down to a price it’s still a Honda, with all expectation for reliability that brings. The Forza 350 has also had a long life dating all the way back to early noughties, has been continuously updated, improved and refined and as a result is probably about as reliable and reassuring as mid-sized scooters get.

The Forza 350 comes with Honda’s standard two-year, unlimited mileage, manufacturer-backed warranty, extendable to six years through Honda's service-activated warranty program. This dictates main dealer servicing, which after the initial 600-mile check comes every 8,000 miles or annually. Between these milestones, an interim oil change and inspection is highly recommended every 4,000 miles.

Although built down to a price the Forza 350 still has premium build quality and features. These include a power screen with a huge 180mm adjustment range, a massive under-seat storage compartment, LED lighting and, since the last update, a 5.0-inch TFT dash. This is a familiar sight from others in the Honda range and includes smartphone connectivity and support from the RoadSync app. There’s also a USB-C charging socket, keyless operation and Emergency Stop Signal function (ESS) where the indicators flash under heavy braking to warn other road users. A 45-litre top box is also available as an optional extra.

Most powered two-wheelers you buy with your heart. The Forza 350 you undoubtedly buy with your head. As cost-effective transport it takes some beating. It’s convenient yet decently equipped with smartphone connectivity, keyless operation and the best possible blend of 125 accessibility and maxi scooter performance.