I have been riding motorcycles of one type or another since 1969! In 1971 I had my first real reliable bike to take and pass my motorcycle test. in the early years the instruments were only a nuetral light, some indicator repeaters and a high beam light, a speedo and a tacho and a trip mileometer and an odometer ... that's it. ... oh we had a choke as well back in those days and a fuel tap we had to turn on manually! You zero'd your tacho when you filled up and if you got your sums wrong you had a reserve position on the tap to get you a few more miles. Now in all those years I've been riding without illuminated controls and only last year I bought a KTM 890 that has illuminated switches. The left one has the joy pad and the indicators... the light switch is on the front of the switch body so its behind the switch body, so its pointless being illuminated. the right hand switch body is also back lit I dont know why, its basically just a starter kill switch. Not something you are constantly reaching for in the dark ! Anyhoo I cant see the real advantage of having so many idiot lights facing towards you and having back-lights is just unnecessary. You get a good feel for your controls... What next? lights for foot cotrols ! Back lit switches are nice but totally un-necessary. I have a BMW GS1200 Adv as well and it doesn't have any... it has loads of other widgets. Another thing I think is totally unnecessary on a motorcycle is keyless entry! Progress huh! ;) you have to laugh!
Hi Phil, I too have been riding since I was seventeen and am now 68. Yea I get your point totally . Yea when I was riding in complete darkness, it was actually pitch black no moon light nothing. In the good old days there were only one or two switches but on the Forza as is the case on my new bike the NC 750X, (which incidentally I'm going down to Barmouth today to a review on. If you watch my channel I'll be telling you why I have gone down there today to do just that). I was just highlighting how many switches they have on the left hand handlebar. I solved the problem after the first car came past me by leaving my thumb on the dipped lights. Anyway it was just a fun video really for me to make. The trouble is Phil I've already had a comment about my fitness to ride or even stay on the road. I did answer the guy and he got very upset. I did tell him I'm an advanced rider, also I used to be a bus instructor coupled to the fact and I don't like saying the because it's tempting fate. I have not had a blame worthy accident for well over 30 years. I was driving buses for 33 years as well. Anyway I digress. The old days were great you could fix the points at the side of the road change spark plugs anything really within reason. I used to love the reserve leaver on the fuel line and I felt naked when they did away with the kick start! 🤪😂😂😂 Anyway Phil great to talk to you mucka. I'm off to Barmouth in a min 👍🏍️==}}} Take care Phil all the very best to you mate 👍
Honda ADV 350 got the TFT screen and the better? Forks and rear shocks, wider handle bars. The Forza 350 got the adjustable electric screen and the indicator/mirror stems.
The "sister" bike to the Forza 350 is the ADV 350 on the same platform and it has a TFT screen instead of the "clocks". A bit less weather protection but better suspension supporting the "adventure" intention. But alas no backlit switchgear.
Hi mate, thanks for the comment. I must say I did get a bit of stick for the comments but it was only an observation I made when I rode in complete darkness whilst up in the Scottish Borders. Seats, I have always had a problem with. Funny enough I get loads of comments from other riders on the subject of seats. I'm off to the N.E.C bike show soon and I've had salesmen from the motorbike manufacturers that they suffer as well. Just shows you I'm not on my own. Great to hear from you. All the very best Baz 👍
@@bostinbrummie I had the first version of the Honda XADV (750) and loved it. I sold it when Honda announced the update version and thought I would trade up. The pandemic hit and due to supply chain woes I waited a year and it never came. Honda then released the NT1100 and lo and behold I I miraculously got one of those. I'm happy with it. But,,, I still yearn for a mid size scooter for general use as the NT1100 is a bit unwieldy for that. I narrowed it down the the Honda 350 "sisters". The Forza more long distance or westher comfort, the ADV a bit more flexible with its suspension upgrades. I feel like a kid trying to choose which candy to buy! Decision, decisions,,,, 😎
@@sunrisejak2709 well I myself would have upgraded my Forza 350 to the 750 version. The 750 being the better bike for me BUT! the price difference in this country the UK between my present bike the Honda 750 X DCT and the 750 Forza was about £4000 so it was a no brainer for me to get the 750 X. I would have loved it if the 750 Forza was the same price then obviously I would have gone for the Forza 👍
Headlamp adjuster is under the headlamp above the front mudguard. Section on it in the owners handbook. Picture is very poor but it is there. My own Forza headlamp is great!
Many thanks Peter, I'll have a look at the manual. I haven't time to look at it yet been busy doing jobs around the house. I do love my Forza and am having a blast with it. The things I pointed out in the video were only my observations to make a great Scooter even better. Great to hear from you Peter and again many thanks for the information. Baz 👍🛵==}}}
I have a blue Forza 350 since May (4500 kms done) and I could not be more in agreement with your observations. I'd put together two more things that the Zontes 310 has and are missing in the Forza 350. A complimentary light under the seat and the indication of the tire pressure on the screen. I did a test drive with Zontes even before buying the Honda and liked it a lot. One of the disadvantages is to have only room for a helmet under the seat. In the other, it's a shiny scooter. I often see your videos and i really appreciate the landscapes of the English countryside and the good accompanying music. I hope it continues. Thank you.
Thank you so much for those kind words Mario. It would help if the Forza had those features on them, but I still love my Forza. I'm glad you like my video's of the UK countryside, More to come. Take care and great to hear from you Mario 👍🛵==}}}
Pas de problème camarade. I've just got that off Google translate. I hope it was ok Danny Van. Thanks very much for the reply Danny Van very much appreciated 👍. P. S love Belgium, many happy memories there. Take care mate 👍
Just watched your latest video. After seeing you eyeing almost every scooter at the NEC last November I'd assumed you were thinking of jumping ship but am pleased to see that,overall, you're pleased with the Forza now that you've sorted the seat ( and rear suspension). As I said when we spoke I left the seat of my SYM Joymax 300 with P & P for remodeling AND gel pads cos it was like badly shaped concrete and am happy to say they appear to have done good job. You're right to let Big H know they've " missed the boat " because the Chinese competitors are certainly nipping at their heels 👠. Please keep the vids coming and maybe when the snow and salt are gone we could even meet up on a maxi-scooter-only trip out. Cheers, Tony.
Great to hear from you Tony, I've just replied to Peter just to say I'm having a blast with my Forza. If I had the money Tony I might jump ship but at the end of the day, the Honda is a great Scooter but it does fall short in some areas. I didn't think about the back light switches on the handle bars until the situation arouse when I was coming back from my cousin house. I found it very difficult to find the appropriate switch on the left hand side of the scooter in complete darkness! When I saw the Zonte, I thought what a cracking idea! Hence the video Tony. I hope you are well mate and hopefully we'll meet up soon. All the very best to you Baz 👍🛵 ==}}
@@bostinbrummie I’ve always thought Zontes made great looking machines with plenty of innovative ideas too. That said I took a GK350 out for a test ride last year and returned early to the dealers as it was horrible to ride. I know it’s not much to base an opinion on but if I decide to change I’ll get a test ride first. Presently VERY happy with the SYM so no immediate danger of wallet stress!
@@tonykehoe703 absolutely Right Tony. If something is right for you why change it. I just wonder about honda, why they decided not to upgrade the Forza this year? I love the fact you can see the controls in the dark. And the electrical fuel lid and the TFT. I'm happy with mine now Tony. Now that I've made the changes. I think it's stupid of Honda they have missed the boat for potential new buyer's.Take care Tony 👍
I personally like a nice big analogue Speedo and Rev counter. But you're right about the illuminated switches on the Zontes. They ought to be standard. How much can it cost for a dozen small, white LEDs? Pennies, surely? It might be a nice little project to set up a few low powered LEDs just near the controls, coming off the handlebars so you can see everything. Difficult to make look good, but possibly a fun idea.
I had a really bad reply on that particular video I'd done. He was a right keyboard warrior. At the time I was riding in the Scottish borders with my Forza. I was riding back to my digs coming from my relatives house who lives in Kelso Scotland. When I rode back to my digs, most of the ride was on unlit roads out in the country. You can imagine what it was like? It was a real black out, I mean complete and utter darkness. Anyway it was just a little video some liked and some obviously didn't. Take care buddy nice to hear from you 👍
Hi, great to hear from you. The dipped lights are ok in the city but when going out in complete darkness I would suggest you should adjust the headlight just up a bit. According to one of my subscribers you can do this. I will investigate to see if this is right. Many thanks for the reply 👍
I am very interested in your comments on the Forza. I quite like the old fashioned dials but i certainly take your point with the backlit buttons. Other reviews have mentioned poor suspension on this model but i don’t hear you mention it here. Subscribed.
The screen is as is to stop you trying to use it while driving .. after driving for 4000 miles you should know all the switches by now without the need to look day or night.. in saying that no maxi scooter out there is perfect sadly.. however honda does need to work on the seats for all the newer bikes... I'm thinking of a bike again and I have looked at everything from this to deauville.. the Forza looks to have the best of everything for me.. so hopefully one day I will have a 350.. good luck and be safe
Hi Don, thanks for the reply mate. Well to answer your comment on the switch gear. It was in the heat of the moment I switched my screen, Let me explain. Yes I know where all the switches were but when the speeding car came to me around a bend at speed, I just grabbed for my switch in an instant. It was a bit of a panic to try and get my lights dimmed before the speeding car came to me, hence I got the wrong switch. As far as the backlight switches that I was on about. It would have been so much easier if the switches had lights behind them. Having said that, I have traded in my Forza. I have now got another Honda, the DCT 750X which is more or less like my old Forza. I could have gone for the Forza 750 but the NC 750X was cheaper and more comfortable than the Forza. I'm off to Scotland on it, in the summer for a tour with my mates. Thanks so much for your comments, take care Don, all the very best to you mate 👍
Hi Kenny I've still got my old one from GIVI. I'm selling it along with my rear Shocks on eBay. To answer your question Kenny, the mpg went down by 20 m.p.g. From 80 odd to 60's. Mind you I was not hanging about Kenny. My average speed was about 70-73 mph. Hope this helps mate👍
I'd love to know if you've actually rode the zontes 310m scooter and if so, do you prefer it over the forza? Honest opinion as I'm looking to get one or the other. 🤙👍
Honestly Buddy of the two, get the Honda. The reason is, you have a good UK network with parts and servicing. If you ever broke down with the Zonte, where are the service centres? are they miles away? Are you going to wait ages for parts if it ever broke down? Honda has got it stitched up in that department, parts as well as service centres. As for the Forza seat was hard for me, so I had a gel insert put into the main seat. After that it was great. As far as the other short comings of the Honda like a TFT screen and so forth. It would have been great to have those things on it, like I was saying in the video. The trouble is every bike is built to a price point. So I guess Honda wanted to stick with the norm. If I were you, I would go to the N.E.C bike show if you can and have a good look at all the scooters to see what scooters you really fancy. Ask them, what the network of shops and service centres they have and are the parts easy to get and so forth. Check out their answers online for yourself and check up if they are telling you porkies. Check out the new Yamaha Xmax, as well it's a great scooter. Also the new 400 Peugeot looks Fantastic. Hope this helps, all the best to you buddy. I hope you find your dream Scooter. P.S. I did take the Forza over to France, it never skipped a beat.
@@IrelandRider Brilliant mate. You've chosen a great scooter👍 have fun. When your riding it run it in good. It's handles really well mind you, you can improve the handling on it like I did but that's for later mate Enjoy 👍
@@bostinbrummie I was watching your vids and you said you was an ex bus driver? I used to be based at Birmingham Central, I did it for 2.5 years and left in 2000. I'll try and keep to 50mph for the 1st 600 miles, only try though 😉 😅
I have done 3000 miles on mine now and am very pleased with it. The headlight seems good on mine better than my car . So adjustment needed on yours? Hopefully meet up with you this summer and share experience. Cheers Andrew
Mike for me, I had to get a Gel insert in it. It's hard and uncomfortable for me after about 50 miles. The Xmax I tried seemed better Mike. They also had a comfort seat as an option. I think the new Xmax is better Mike. Hope this helps👍
Hiya Daniel, I had a look at a KTM 390 they have got lights on the switches but I am going to keep my present bike my Honda 750 X DCT. It's such a great bike but I've got to make a few changes on it to make it even better than it is at the moment ( future video). Great to hear from you buddy. Take care out there 👍
02:20 - how hungry must you be to do a 11 minutes video and not be able to wait with eating until the end of the video just joking 😜. I bought the 2023 model in red color. I will get it in about 2 weeks. Have a SH125 at the moment and wanted something more weatherproof and comfortable. The adjustable windshield is great. No lights on the buttons: well this never was a problem for me, normally, you will know the location of the important buttons without having to look at them, otherwise it will also be dangerous during daylight if you need to look at the buttons each time.
Great stuff mucka, I've got a new bike at the mo. I'm running it in! It's a, NC 750 X. I was going for the Forza 750 but that was 11 Grand where as this is only 7.500 or there abouts. Love the Forza but I miss my bikes. I was only going up to my local Honda dealership to look at the 500X because my mate was raving about it! I sat on it, it was like sitting on a plank of wood! Blimey I said to the guy this is hard! Haven't you got anything a little softer. He directed me to the NC 750X. Tell you the truth I completely forgot about that bike the automatic version. I sat on it and said WOW! I like this. Had a test ride on it and I was smitten! I'm off on it to Barmouth this week to get my 600 mile service in. Then I'm off to Scotland for two days. After the 600 miles. I'll do a proper review on it. Not have for an hour and tell you what it's like, like some channels, the good and the bad!. I've already made some changes on it to suit me. Anyway still hasn't got any back light controls on it!! 🤪😂😂 Great message mucka take care and watch this space if you want to see my review on the NC 👍🏍️=}}}
Hi Greg, I just thought it would be a good idea to have them. Actually there is a scooter that does have illuminated controls. It's a Chinese Scooter called the Zontes 310m. At the time I was riding in complete blackout in the Scottish Borders, coming back from my Cousin's house to my digs. No street lamps no light from the sky nothing. It was like when you switch out the lights when you go to bed it takes a few moments to get used to the darkness. I hadn't rode in those conditions for many a year. Many thanks for the reply mate. Have a great new year 👍
@@user-up4cd6gs1j Hi Mark, I wasn't actually at the time looking at my controls. I was looking at the road ahead. I tried to flick the right switch but alas since it was pitch black I inadvertently flicked the wrong switch. I was just thinking it might help in those situations when you ride in pitch black with no light anywhere. Anyway it was just a thought, I thought it might make a good video. I have loads of negative comments some were just outright rude. I just deleted those ones anyway. I belong to a group of riders that are all about my age. I frequently ride up to my relatives in Scotland or I ride out to the coast when I've got time. I will be riding over to France again to see my relatives grave. I do not have my scooter anymore. I now have a Honda 750 X DCT. I hope this message finds you well mate. Happy New year Mark, all the very best to you buddy 👍
@@bostinbrummieThanks for a good video. Totally understand your point 100% about the switch controls with no backlight, and hard to find the right switch in pitch black night-time with big gloves on as well. It's a very good point. Much love from Scotland, ❤ X ...
Thanks mate, I've had some great comments from that video. Many thanks for yours. The reason I was up in Scotland was to take mom's ashes up and put them with my Dad's ashes up at a place called St Mary's Loch. Most of my relatives are buried up in Galashiels. I regard it as my spiritual home. Although I was born in Birmingham we as a family were always up there any chance we could. I'm a Brummie, but my heart is in Scotland as it will always be. Take care and it's great to hear from you. Barry 👍
If you have to have the handlebar controls backlit to ride the bike, perhaps you shouldn't be riding a motorcycle. But I agree with you totally about the "comfort" seat nonsense.
Hi Steve, I was riding in complete darkness at the time in the Scottish Borders, with absolutely no lights from anywhere. It was a complete black out. It was in a place called Kelso where my cousin lives. I was riding back to my digs which was about 5 miles away but there were no street lights, no lights from the sky at all. It was like when you turn the lights out when going to bed and you can't see anything and you struggle to see anything until you eyes get accustomed to the darkness. I did get used to the complete black out eventually but in the meantime I had to rest my thumb on the high and low beam switch because I had thick gloves on at the time and I pressed the wrong switch as I recall. I no longer have the Forza I've got a DCT Honda 750 now. Anyway I was just having a laugh about it really. I haven't rode in complete darkness like that for some time mate. It was really pitch black. Anyway nice to hear from you Steve take care Buddy 👍
@@bostinbrummie You too. I was brought up with bikes that had about three switches - think MZ250 - and there was no difference between high and low beam. The lights on my Jaguar are so bright that the reflection from road signs blinds me now.
Good evening, I’ve watched and enjoyed all of your videos on this little Honda. I’ve been in the market for a new bike for work and back for a while now. I’ve finally decided on the Forza 350 with a lot of help form your channel. I pick up the new bike up Saturday. I’ve got a questions, it’s keyless start is there some kind of isolator on this bike as there is no key to pull out? Thanks again for all the reviews on this bike it’s been a big help.
Hi Keith, great to hear from you mate. There is an anti- immobilizer on it, It has a keyless start. You just have to be in range of the scooter with your key fob to activate the scooter and turn off the immobiliser. Do yourself a favour as well Keith get a monimoto I'll leave a link to it mate. It's peace of mind, you get a phone call if it's being stolen. You have a GPS tracker with it. The unit itself is really portable. You get the first 30 days free and after that it's about £30 a year to subscribe. It's portable and you can hide it anywhere you like on the scooter no need to wire it up it's a stand alone unit. It's so small, I used to hide mine at the back of the tools underneath the seat. Can't tell you how good it is mate well worth the money and piece of mind as well. I loved my Forza but I've got another automatic bike now. It's the NC750X DCT. I was going for the Honda Forza 750 but that was a lot dearer than the NC. I hope you get on with it Keith. I did take mine to France, never skipped a beat. Incidentally if you ever want an upgrade to the rear shocks I've still got mine. They are up for sale mate. I am going to put them on eBay. They do not invalidate your warranty as well. Here is the link mate, all the very best to you. Baz 👍. monimoto.com/uk/motorcycle-anti-theft-solution/?gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwib2mBhDWARIsAPZUn_mtOIBh4UCYREQg0ICNkgy4Ugzizt66hmUflYN9JmZ8_7Da7UwkVl0aAo52EALw_wcB
@@keithwhitewood9342 tell you what I'll do Keith, I'll leave it for about six months, if I haven't heard off you mate I'll bung them up on eBay.👍 They do make a hell of a difference, take care mate all the best Baz 👍
I am confused. You love the bike but hate it too! No such thing as a perfect bike, built to a price....TFT screen you must be joking, the dials are beautiful. I agree with the comfort seat criticism but hey this is coming across as a Zonte, Peugeot et al ad rather than a Forza one. It boils down to personal and therefore subjective choice. Re backlight - come on Ive had many bikes and scooters over the years and never needed or had backlight. The dashboard gives you headlight, indicator etc info..... maybe we could all design our bikes differently but in the real world?
Thanks for the comment Steve. I don't actually have the scooter any longer. I did enjoy it and my journey to try and make it better for me. All those things I pointed out were just my take on things really mate, just personal preference really. It's a great all round scooter though. The thing I wasn't so happy about was the suspension. I changed the back and that made all the difference to the handling and the comfort. The one thing I really did not like at all was the front suspension. I thought it was really hard over bumps and dangerous in certain situations like deep pot holes. I went over one of these pot holes in my car which I couldn't avoid because it was on a bend. The pot hole was on the riding line and there was another car coming from the opposite direction so I couldn't adjust my line in the car. I had no choice I had to go over it. I said to my wife, if I would have been on my scooter and that happened I would have definitely come off. The front suspension on the Forza should be looked at. I saw another guy who rode his Forza all winter and he said the same thing. So he was on the look out for another bike. Anyway as I said great scooter and I enjoyed my time on it. I've got a Honda 750 X DCT at the moment and am enjoying it tremendously. Thanks for the comment mate. Will get back soon to riding when my health is a bit better mate. All the very best to you 👍 Baz
I have been riding motorcycles of one type or another since 1969!
In 1971 I had my first real reliable bike to take and pass my motorcycle test. in the early years the instruments were only a nuetral light, some indicator repeaters and a high beam light, a speedo and a tacho and a trip mileometer and an odometer ... that's it. ... oh we had a choke as well back in those days and a fuel tap we had to turn on manually!
You zero'd your tacho when you filled up and if you got your sums wrong you had a reserve position on the tap to get you a few more miles.
Now in all those years I've been riding without illuminated controls and only last year I bought a KTM 890 that has illuminated switches. The left one has the joy pad and the indicators... the light switch is on the front of the switch body so its behind the switch body, so its pointless being illuminated. the right hand switch body is also back lit I dont know why, its basically just a starter kill switch. Not something you are constantly reaching for in the dark !
Anyhoo I cant see the real advantage of having so many idiot lights facing towards you and having back-lights is just unnecessary. You get a good feel for your controls...
What next? lights for foot cotrols !
Back lit switches are nice but totally un-necessary. I have a BMW GS1200 Adv as well and it doesn't have any... it has loads of other widgets.
Another thing I think is totally unnecessary on a motorcycle is keyless entry!
Progress huh! ;) you have to laugh!
Hi Phil, I too have been riding since I was seventeen and am now 68. Yea I get your point totally . Yea when I was riding in complete darkness, it was actually pitch black no moon light nothing. In the good old days there were only one or two switches but on the Forza as is the case on my new bike the NC 750X, (which incidentally I'm going down to Barmouth today to a review on. If you watch my channel I'll be telling you why I have gone down there today to do just that). I was just highlighting how many switches they have on the left hand handlebar. I solved the problem after the first car came past me by leaving my thumb on the dipped lights. Anyway it was just a fun video really for me to make. The trouble is Phil I've already had a comment about my fitness to ride or even stay on the road. I did answer the guy and he got very upset. I did tell him I'm an advanced rider, also I used to be a bus instructor coupled to the fact and I don't like saying the because it's tempting fate. I have not had a blame worthy accident for well over 30 years. I was driving buses for 33 years as well. Anyway I digress. The old days were great you could fix the points at the side of the road change spark plugs anything really within reason. I used to love the reserve leaver on the fuel line and I felt naked when they did away with the kick start! 🤪😂😂😂 Anyway Phil great to talk to you mucka. I'm off to Barmouth in a min 👍🏍️==}}} Take care Phil all the very best to you mate 👍
Honda ADV 350 got the TFT screen and the better? Forks and rear shocks, wider handle bars. The Forza 350 got the adjustable electric screen and the indicator/mirror stems.
The "sister" bike to the Forza 350 is the ADV 350 on the same platform and it has a TFT screen instead of the "clocks". A bit less weather protection but better suspension supporting the "adventure" intention. But alas no backlit switchgear.
Hi mate, thanks for the comment. I must say I did get a bit of stick for the comments but it was only an observation I made when I rode in complete darkness whilst up in the Scottish Borders. Seats, I have always had a problem with. Funny enough I get loads of comments from other riders on the subject of seats. I'm off to the N.E.C bike show soon and I've had salesmen from the motorbike manufacturers that they suffer as well. Just shows you I'm not on my own. Great to hear from you. All the very best Baz 👍
@@bostinbrummie I had the first version of the Honda XADV (750) and loved it. I sold it when Honda announced the update version and thought I would trade up. The pandemic hit and due to supply chain woes I waited a year and it never came. Honda then released the NT1100 and lo and behold I I miraculously got one of those. I'm happy with it. But,,, I still yearn for a mid size scooter for general use as the NT1100 is a bit unwieldy for that. I narrowed it down the the Honda 350 "sisters". The Forza more long distance or westher comfort, the ADV a bit more flexible with its suspension upgrades. I feel like a kid trying to choose which candy to buy! Decision, decisions,,,, 😎
@@sunrisejak2709 well I myself would have upgraded my Forza 350 to the 750 version. The 750 being the better bike for me BUT! the price difference in this country the UK between my present bike the Honda 750 X DCT and the 750 Forza was about £4000 so it was a no brainer for me to get the 750 X. I would have loved it if the 750 Forza was the same price then obviously I would have gone for the Forza 👍
Headlamp adjuster is under the headlamp above the front mudguard.
Section on it in the owners handbook. Picture is very poor but it is there.
My own Forza headlamp is great!
Many thanks Peter, I'll have a look at the manual. I haven't time to look at it yet been busy doing jobs around the house. I do love my Forza and am having a blast with it. The things I pointed out in the video were only my observations to make a great Scooter even better. Great to hear from you Peter and again many thanks for the information. Baz 👍🛵==}}}
I have a blue Forza 350 since May (4500 kms done) and I could not be more in agreement with your observations. I'd put together two more things that the Zontes 310 has and are missing in the Forza 350. A complimentary light under the seat and the indication of the tire pressure on the screen.
I did a test drive with Zontes even before buying the Honda and liked it a lot. One of the disadvantages is to have only room for a helmet under the seat. In the other, it's a shiny scooter.
I often see your videos and i really appreciate the landscapes of the English countryside and the good accompanying music. I hope it continues. Thank you.
Thank you so much for those kind words Mario. It would help if the Forza had those features on them, but I still love my Forza. I'm glad you like my video's of the UK countryside, More to come. Take care and great to hear from you Mario 👍🛵==}}}
hi barry manny thanks for dis good revieuw . grts from belgium from danny
Pas de problème camarade. I've just got that off Google translate. I hope it was ok Danny Van. Thanks very much for the reply Danny Van very much appreciated 👍. P. S love Belgium, many happy memories there. Take care mate 👍
Just watched your latest video. After seeing you eyeing almost every scooter at the NEC last November I'd assumed you were thinking of jumping ship but am pleased to see that,overall, you're pleased with the Forza now that you've sorted the seat ( and rear suspension). As I said when we spoke I left the seat of my SYM Joymax 300 with P & P for remodeling AND gel pads cos it was like badly shaped concrete and am happy to say they appear to have done good job. You're right to let Big H know they've " missed the boat " because the Chinese competitors are certainly nipping at their heels 👠. Please keep the vids coming and maybe when the snow and salt are gone we could even meet up on a maxi-scooter-only trip out. Cheers, Tony.
Great to hear from you Tony, I've just replied to Peter just to say I'm having a blast with my Forza. If I had the money Tony I might jump ship but at the end of the day, the Honda is a great Scooter but it does fall short in some areas. I didn't think about the back light switches on the handle bars until the situation arouse when I was coming back from my cousin house. I found it very difficult to find the appropriate switch on the left hand side of the scooter in complete darkness! When I saw the Zonte, I thought what a cracking idea! Hence the video Tony. I hope you are well mate and hopefully we'll meet up soon. All the very best to you Baz 👍🛵 ==}}
@@bostinbrummie I’ve always thought Zontes made great looking machines with plenty of innovative ideas too. That said I took a GK350 out for a test ride last year and returned early to the dealers as it was horrible to ride. I know it’s not much to base an opinion on but if I decide to change I’ll get a test ride first. Presently VERY happy with the SYM so no immediate danger of wallet stress!
@@tonykehoe703 absolutely Right Tony. If something is right for you why change it. I just wonder about honda, why they decided not to upgrade the Forza this year? I love the fact you can see the controls in the dark. And the electrical fuel lid and the TFT. I'm happy with mine now Tony. Now that I've made the changes. I think it's stupid of Honda they have missed the boat for potential new buyer's.Take care Tony 👍
Ps... I have got a Forza 350 arriving Friday next week and i can't wait. The excitement is real 😁😁😁
Great stuff, I loved mine! Went to France on it👍
I personally like a nice big analogue Speedo and Rev counter. But you're right about the illuminated switches on the Zontes. They ought to be standard. How much can it cost for a dozen small, white LEDs? Pennies, surely?
It might be a nice little project to set up a few low powered LEDs just near the controls, coming off the handlebars so you can see everything. Difficult to make look good, but possibly a fun idea.
I had a really bad reply on that particular video I'd done. He was a right keyboard warrior. At the time I was riding in the Scottish borders with my Forza. I was riding back to my digs coming from my relatives house who lives in Kelso Scotland. When I rode back to my digs, most of the ride was on unlit roads out in the country. You can imagine what it was like? It was a real black out, I mean complete and utter darkness. Anyway it was just a little video some liked and some obviously didn't. Take care buddy nice to hear from you 👍
Hi can you tell me please are the dipped headlights any good at night with other traffic coming towards you? Thank you.
Hi, great to hear from you. The dipped lights are ok in the city but when going out in complete darkness I would suggest you should adjust the headlight just up a bit. According to one of my subscribers you can do this. I will investigate to see if this is right. Many thanks for the reply 👍
I am very interested in your comments on the Forza. I quite like the old fashioned dials but i certainly take your point with the backlit buttons. Other reviews have mentioned poor suspension on this model but i don’t hear you mention it here. Subscribed.
Hi Jonathan I've still got my upgraded suspension going to sell them. Once set up they make a hell of a difference mate. They are YSS Back Shocks.
@@bostinbrummie thanks for the reply Baz. YSS shocks get great reviews from folks who fitted them to other bikes ie Enfields and NC’s.
dear barry ,I live in the flamisch part of belgium , the nord , thanks for the translation , hope to see you soon ,on another revieuw grts danny
So sorry Danny Van, I should have known. Take care out there, all the very best Barry 👍
The screen is as is to stop you trying to use it while driving .. after driving for 4000 miles you should know all the switches by now without the need to look day or night.. in saying that no maxi scooter out there is perfect sadly.. however honda does need to work on the seats for all the newer bikes... I'm thinking of a bike again and I have looked at everything from this to deauville.. the Forza looks to have the best of everything for me.. so hopefully one day I will have a 350.. good luck and be safe
Hi Don, thanks for the reply mate. Well to answer your comment on the switch gear. It was in the heat of the moment I switched my screen, Let me explain. Yes I know where all the switches were but when the speeding car came to me around a bend at speed, I just grabbed for my switch in an instant. It was a bit of a panic to try and get my lights dimmed before the speeding car came to me, hence I got the wrong switch. As far as the backlight switches that I was on about. It would have been so much easier if the switches had lights behind them. Having said that, I have traded in my Forza. I have now got another Honda, the DCT 750X which is more or less like my old Forza. I could have gone for the Forza 750 but the NC 750X was cheaper and more comfortable than the Forza. I'm off to Scotland on it, in the summer for a tour with my mates. Thanks so much for your comments, take care Don, all the very best to you mate 👍
You, you mentioned that you mpg went down when you fitted the bigger screen. Any idea by how much?
Hi Kenny I've still got my old one from GIVI. I'm selling it along with my rear Shocks on eBay. To answer your question Kenny, the mpg went down by 20 m.p.g. From 80 odd to 60's. Mind you I was not hanging about Kenny. My average speed was about 70-73 mph. Hope this helps mate👍
what topbox are you using on your Forza? Looks great!
It was fitted by Honda when I bought the bike 👍
I'd love to know if you've actually rode the zontes 310m scooter and if so, do you prefer it over the forza? Honest opinion as I'm looking to get one or the other. 🤙👍
Honestly Buddy of the two, get the Honda. The reason is, you have a good UK network with parts and servicing. If you ever broke down with the Zonte, where are the service centres? are they miles away? Are you going to wait ages for parts if it ever broke down? Honda has got it stitched up in that department, parts as well as service centres. As for the Forza seat was hard for me, so I had a gel insert put into the main seat. After that it was great. As far as the other short comings of the Honda like a TFT screen and so forth. It would have been great to have those things on it, like I was saying in the video. The trouble is every bike is built to a price point. So I guess Honda wanted to stick with the norm. If I were you, I would go to the N.E.C bike show if you can and have a good look at all the scooters to see what scooters you really fancy. Ask them, what the network of shops and service centres they have and are the parts easy to get and so forth. Check out their answers online for yourself and check up if they are telling you porkies. Check out the new Yamaha Xmax, as well it's a great scooter. Also the new 400 Peugeot looks Fantastic. Hope this helps, all the best to you buddy. I hope you find your dream Scooter. P.S. I did take the Forza over to France, it never skipped a beat.
@@bostinbrummie I went with your recommendation, honda even knocked £300 off a brand new one for me, it'll be delivered in the next few days 😀 🙌
@@IrelandRider Brilliant mate. You've chosen a great scooter👍 have fun. When your riding it run it in good. It's handles really well mind you, you can improve the handling on it like I did but that's for later mate Enjoy 👍
@@bostinbrummie I was watching your vids and you said you was an ex bus driver? I used to be based at Birmingham Central, I did it for 2.5 years and left in 2000.
I'll try and keep to 50mph for the 1st 600 miles, only try though 😉 😅
@@IrelandRider 👍
I have done 3000 miles on mine now and am very pleased with it. The headlight seems good on mine better than my car . So adjustment needed on yours? Hopefully meet up with you this summer and share experience. Cheers Andrew
Hi Andi, great to hear from you mate. Yea great to meet up with some of the guys👍 Take care
Finish your lunch first !
So the seat is uncomforable. Do you think the xmax is better?
Mike for me, I had to get a Gel insert in it. It's hard and uncomfortable for me after about 50 miles. The Xmax I tried seemed better Mike. They also had a comfort seat as an option. I think the new Xmax is better Mike. Hope this helps👍
Buy a Ducati if you want handle bar grip lights
Hiya Daniel,
I had a look at a KTM 390 they have got lights on the switches but I am going to keep my present bike my Honda 750 X DCT. It's such a great bike but I've got to make a few changes on it to make it even better than it is at the moment ( future video). Great to hear from you buddy. Take care out there 👍
02:20 - how hungry must you be to do a 11 minutes video and not be able to wait with eating until the end of the video just joking 😜. I bought the 2023 model in red color. I will get it in about 2 weeks. Have a SH125 at the moment and wanted something more weatherproof and comfortable. The adjustable windshield is great. No lights on the buttons: well this never was a problem for me, normally, you will know the location of the important buttons without having to look at them, otherwise it will also be dangerous during daylight if you need to look at the buttons each time.
Great stuff mucka, I've got a new bike at the mo. I'm running it in! It's a, NC 750 X. I was going for the Forza 750 but that was 11 Grand where as this is only 7.500 or there abouts. Love the Forza but I miss my bikes. I was only going up to my local Honda dealership to look at the 500X because my mate was raving about it! I sat on it, it was like sitting on a plank of wood! Blimey I said to the guy this is hard! Haven't you got anything a little softer. He directed me to the NC 750X. Tell you the truth I completely forgot about that bike the automatic version. I sat on it and said WOW! I like this. Had a test ride on it and I was smitten! I'm off on it to Barmouth this week to get my 600 mile service in. Then I'm off to Scotland for two days. After the 600 miles. I'll do a proper review on it. Not have for an hour and tell you what it's like, like some channels, the good and the bad!. I've already made some changes on it to suit me. Anyway still hasn't got any back light controls on it!! 🤪😂😂 Great message mucka take care and watch this space if you want to see my review on the NC 👍🏍️=}}}
Hmmmmm, after riding bikes for over 50 years, I have never, ever, seen a bike with illuminated controls..
Hi Greg, I just thought it would be a good idea to have them. Actually there is a scooter that does have illuminated controls. It's a Chinese Scooter called the Zontes 310m. At the time I was riding in complete blackout in the Scottish Borders, coming back from my Cousin's house to my digs. No street lamps no light from the sky nothing. It was like when you switch out the lights when you go to bed it takes a few moments to get used to the darkness. I hadn't rode in those conditions for many a year. Many thanks for the reply mate. Have a great new year 👍
If you are looking down at your switchgear, I would respectfully suggest you are looking in the wrong place.
@@user-up4cd6gs1j Hi Mark, I wasn't actually at the time looking at my controls. I was looking at the road ahead. I tried to flick the right switch but alas since it was pitch black I inadvertently flicked the wrong switch. I was just thinking it might help in those situations when you ride in pitch black with no light anywhere. Anyway it was just a thought, I thought it might make a good video. I have loads of negative comments some were just outright rude. I just deleted those ones anyway. I belong to a group of riders that are all about my age. I frequently ride up to my relatives in Scotland or I ride out to the coast when I've got time. I will be riding over to France again to see my relatives grave. I do not have my scooter anymore. I now have a Honda 750 X DCT. I hope this message finds you well mate. Happy New year Mark, all the very best to you buddy 👍
@@bostinbrummieThanks for a good video. Totally understand your point 100% about the switch controls with no backlight, and hard to find the right switch in pitch black night-time with big gloves on as well. It's a very good point. Much love from Scotland, ❤ X ...
Thanks mate, I've had some great comments from that video. Many thanks for yours. The reason I was up in Scotland was to take mom's ashes up and put them with my Dad's ashes up at a place called St Mary's Loch. Most of my relatives are buried up in Galashiels. I regard it as my spiritual home. Although I was born in Birmingham we as a family were always up there any chance we could. I'm a Brummie, but my heart is in Scotland as it will always be. Take care and it's great to hear from you. Barry 👍
If you have to have the handlebar controls backlit to ride the bike, perhaps you shouldn't be riding a motorcycle. But I agree with you totally about the "comfort" seat nonsense.
Hi Steve, I was riding in complete darkness at the time in the Scottish Borders, with absolutely no lights from anywhere. It was a complete black out. It was in a place called Kelso where my cousin lives. I was riding back to my digs which was about 5 miles away but there were no street lights, no lights from the sky at all. It was like when you turn the lights out when going to bed and you can't see anything and you struggle to see anything until you eyes get accustomed to the darkness. I did get used to the complete black out eventually but in the meantime I had to rest my thumb on the high and low beam switch because I had thick gloves on at the time and I pressed the wrong switch as I recall. I no longer have the Forza I've got a DCT Honda 750 now. Anyway I was just having a laugh about it really. I haven't rode in complete darkness like that for some time mate. It was really pitch black. Anyway nice to hear from you Steve take care Buddy 👍
@@bostinbrummie You too. I was brought up with bikes that had about three switches - think MZ250 - and there was no difference between high and low beam. The lights on my Jaguar are so bright that the reflection from road signs blinds me now.
Good evening, I’ve watched and enjoyed all of your videos on this little Honda. I’ve been in the market for a new bike for work and back for a while now. I’ve finally decided on the Forza 350 with a lot of help form your channel. I pick up the new bike up Saturday.
I’ve got a questions, it’s keyless start is there some kind of isolator on this bike as there is no key to pull out?
Thanks again for all the reviews on this bike it’s been a big help.
Hi Keith, great to hear from you mate. There is an anti- immobilizer on it, It has a keyless start. You just have to be in range of the scooter with your key fob to activate the scooter and turn off the immobiliser. Do yourself a favour as well Keith get a monimoto I'll leave a link to it mate. It's peace of mind, you get a phone call if it's being stolen. You have a GPS tracker with it. The unit itself is really portable. You get the first 30 days free and after that it's about £30 a year to subscribe. It's portable and you can hide it anywhere you like on the scooter no need to wire it up it's a stand alone unit. It's so small, I used to hide mine at the back of the tools underneath the seat. Can't tell you how good it is mate well worth the money and piece of mind as well. I loved my Forza but I've got another automatic bike now. It's the NC750X DCT. I was going for the Honda Forza 750 but that was a lot dearer than the NC. I hope you get on with it Keith. I did take mine to France, never skipped a beat. Incidentally if you ever want an upgrade to the rear shocks I've still got mine. They are up for sale mate. I am going to put them on eBay. They do not invalidate your warranty as well. Here is the link mate, all the very best to you. Baz 👍.
monimoto.com/uk/motorcycle-anti-theft-solution/?gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwib2mBhDWARIsAPZUn_mtOIBh4UCYREQg0ICNkgy4Ugzizt66hmUflYN9JmZ8_7Da7UwkVl0aAo52EALw_wcB
Thanks for the reply Baz that’s a good idea I’ll definitely look into that. As for the shocks I’ll give it a ride then be in touch. Thanks again mate.
@@keithwhitewood9342 tell you what I'll do Keith, I'll leave it for about six months, if I haven't heard off you mate I'll bung them up on eBay.👍 They do make a hell of a difference, take care mate all the best Baz 👍
I am confused. You love the bike but hate it too! No such thing as a perfect bike, built to a price....TFT screen you must be joking, the dials are beautiful. I agree with the comfort seat criticism but hey this is coming across as a Zonte, Peugeot et al ad rather than a Forza one. It boils down to personal and therefore subjective choice. Re backlight - come on Ive had many bikes and scooters over the years and never needed or had backlight. The dashboard gives you headlight, indicator etc info..... maybe we could all design our bikes differently but in the real world?
Thanks for the comment Steve. I don't actually have the scooter any longer. I did enjoy it and my journey to try and make it better for me. All those things I pointed out were just my take on things really mate, just personal preference really. It's a great all round scooter though. The thing I wasn't so happy about was the suspension. I changed the back and that made all the difference to the handling and the comfort. The one thing I really did not like at all was the front suspension. I thought it was really hard over bumps and dangerous in certain situations like deep pot holes. I went over one of these pot holes in my car which I couldn't avoid because it was on a bend. The pot hole was on the riding line and there was another car coming from the opposite direction so I couldn't adjust my line in the car. I had no choice I had to go over it. I said to my wife, if I would have been on my scooter and that happened I would have definitely come off. The front suspension on the Forza should be looked at. I saw another guy who rode his Forza all winter and he said the same thing. So he was on the look out for another bike. Anyway as I said great scooter and I enjoyed my time on it. I've got a Honda 750 X DCT at the moment and am enjoying it tremendously. Thanks for the comment mate. Will get back soon to riding when my health is a bit better mate. All the very best to you 👍 Baz