Whether you use it for commuting, running errands around town or hitting the open road just to have fun, the 2015 Honda Forza is a do-it-all scooter with a motorcycle feel that pretty much anyone can enjoy. You should check it out along with the KYMCO Downtown 300i, Piaggio BV350, and of course the Vespa GTS 300.

Photo: Honda

Deceptively nimble
While bigger and heavier than many at 194kg, the 2015 Honda Forza is one of the best-handling scooters on the market thanks in part to the stout tubular steel frame and stiff, double-sided aluminum swingarm working in harmony with beefy 35mm telescopic forks.

In keeping with its sport-touring mandate, the 2015 Honda Forza rides on high-grip tires that offer excellent wear characteristics. Powerful front and rear disc brakes provide instant stopping power while Honda's famous Combined Braking System with ABS (the rear brake lever also operates the front brake) serves to enhance control and peace of mind in fast-stop and low-traction situations.

The 2015 Honda Forza's smooth-running, 279cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder engine is designed to deliver strong mid-range performance and is mated to a fully automatic V-matic transmission that was specifically tuned to target two key areas: quick response off the line, and a laid-back feel on the highway.

Liquid cooling and a low-stress engine design means the 2015 Honda Forza allows all-day highway cruising without worrying about "hurting" the engine, whether you're travelling two-up or solo. Electronic fuel injection, advanced combustion control, and a number of low-friction engine technologies ensure maximum fuel economy.

Accessible and convenient
Making up for its non-step-through design, the 2015 Honda Forza's low-slung profile contributes to an exceptionally low seat height of 716mm despite the oversized aluminum wheels (14” front, 13” rear). Speaking of which, both the rider and passenger enjoy ergonomically shaped seats, not to mention adequate protection against the elements thanks to the sleek, aerodynamic fairing.

In terms of storage, Honda continues to insist that the vast under-seat compartment can swallow two full-face helmets with room to spare, but good luck with that. There are two easy-to-reach pockets in front of the rider (the left one is huge, lockable, and houses a 12V power outlet for charging a device). If you need more cargo capacity, a top box is available from the Genuine Honda Accessories catalogue.

Available in two sharp colour schemes (Red, Seal Silver Metallic), the 2015 Honda Forza starts at $6,399. Since there were no modifications to last year's model, we invite you to read our 2014 Honda Forza review for more information.