Best of both worlds? Honda’s new Forza 750 really rocks
Scooter practicality with bike performance? Honda’s new Forza 750 genuinely delivers
‘It has an easy-toread TFT dash and voice control. Yes, really…’
Imagine a motorcycle with space to securely stash a full-face helmet. One that offers ace weather protection without being full-on tourer huge, that’s a doddle to ride, changes gear for you, has voice-controlled connectivity, and even a glovebox for, erm, gloves.
Yet still sounds, feels and performs pretty much like a regular bike. Say g’day to the Honda Forza 750. It’s pitched as a maxi-scoot to rival the likes of Yamaha’s big-selling
TMAX but is something more than the usual giant rev-and-go – think more like a bike with scooter practicality bolted on. Honda have tried this master-of-all-trades angle before with discontinued Integra, but where that predecessor failed this new £9999 Forza actually delivers.
Unexpected engagement
Honda based the previous Integra on the NC700/750 platform, but it suffered for not being enough motorcycle or enough scooter. It felt nowt nor summat. Instead, the Forza is derived from the updated X-ADV, the pleasing off-the-wall adventurescoot that looks like the lovechild of a Super Cub and a Land Rover. Changes for the Forza 750 include different suspension with less travel, a reduced ride height, cast wheels rather than spoked, larger front discs and pure road tyres. It’s wrapped in new protective plastic based on the smaller Forza’s styling.
And it really works. That upsidedown Showa SFF-BP front end is like the one used on the CB1000R supernaked, and with a 17in front wheel, four-piston radial brake calipers and pukka Pirelli tyres the Forza’s handling is decidedly un-scooter. It stops and turns accurately and keenly, has plenty of feel, and provides a ride that’s miles away from springy commuter preconceptions. Yes, it’s like a bike. Ushering the 750 smartly down a B-road is entertaining, the 15in rear wheel having zero ill effects on the handling.
The Forza does require some getting used to, though. The handlebars are quite narrow and while at a pleasingly bike-like height, the seating position is decidedly scooter in its nature. It takes a while to get used to leaning over; it’s ages before you stop trying to slide your feet further back while attacking corners.
Focusing on clean lines is made easier by the engine’s relaxed output. It’s the 745cc parallel twin used in the X-ADV and NC models, and while 58bhp is hardly exciting it’s delivered before 7000rpm. With peak torque arriving a couple of thousand revs earlier still, the Forza makes up for absent zip with flexibility and effortless pace. With the easy-riding nature of the chassis, it’s easy to find your expected 60mph is actually well beyond 80. The engine’s efficient too, easily returning 70mpg in normal brisk use, and there’s a deep burbling exhaust note.
The 750 uses DCT (dual clutch transmission) so can shift its six ratios for you. It’s not the thrashy variable drive of a scooter, but a proper gearbox that’s managed by the bike – so there’s a connection between your hand and the rear wheel. Different modes alter how keenly the DCT goes up and down the gears, as well as giving different power, engine braking and traction control settings. Or, for a dash of extra involvement, you can select manual and flick about the ratios using well-placed buttons on the left switchgear.
Properly practical
Despite this bike-like stuff the Forza still overflows with usefulness and practicality. Comfort is good. There are plenty of foot placement options on the boards, the broad seat is supportive (proper pillion seat and handles, too) and the large screen is extremely effective. Sheltered knees, too. The seat hinges up on a hydraulic strut to reveal a 21-litre space that swallows a helmet, and there’s a compartment in the fairing for extra bits and bobs. Brilliant mirrors, self-cancelling indicators, centrestand, a USB charger and keyless ignition as well, plus emergency stop warning – brake hard and the hazards come on.
The Forza also has an easyto-read colour TFT dash with phone connectivity and voice control. Yes, voice. Download an app to your Android phone, connect an intercom, and you can answer and make phone calls, control turn-byturn navigation on the dash, and select music. The system will even read out messages received on SMS, Facebook or WhatsApp, and you can speak your replies.
Wonders will never.