Honda Forza 125

From a press release issued by Honda:

Honda’s Forza 125 was designed specifically for discerning European customers who demand the very most out of their scooter in every respect. And straight out of the crate the Forza 125 hit the ground rolling, proving an instant sales hit thanks to its comprehensive mix of sporty and ‘GT’ elements wrapped up in a distinctive design package. Evolving over the years in response to owner feedback, through September 2023 it has now sold over 115,000 units to date.

The reasons for its enduring popularity are several: a lively four-valve version of Honda’s eSP (‘enhanced Smart Power’) engine, compact dimensions, sports-oriented attitude and handling ability provides traffic-busting agility around town, while its sit-in comfort, wind protection and strong top end power make easy work of longer-range highway commuting. Add in plenty of storage, premium features front to back, a sharp-edged design aesthetic and Honda build quality, and the overall package is truly compelling.

Fittingly, it’s never stood still. In 18YM – maintaining a steep development curve – the Forza 125 received a complete, sporty re-style and rider-focused upgrades including full LED lighting and electric screen. 21YM brought cosmetic and aerodynamic updates, 40mm extra screen travel and a USB-C socket instead of ACC charging point. 23YM saw the Forza 125 move on again with a sleek new redesign.

Manufactured at Honda Italia Industriale, 25YM brings some practical updates that owners will appreciate, brand-new contemporary colours and a new Special Edition paint scheme cementing the Forza 125’s position as the sports GT scooter.

Model Overview
Led by chiselled dual LED headlights the Forza 125 takes its styling cues directly from the range-topping Forza 750, adopting an elegantly sophisticated look. The defined, shapely fairing is topped by an electric screen that adjusts through 180mm travel to maximise freedom or wind protection.

For 25YM, a new five-inch TFT screen offers intuitive control, clarity in bright light and easy Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity through simplified switchgear on the lefthand bar. Practicality comes in the form of a USB-C socket in the glovebox, which provides convenient charging, whilst the now illuminated under-seat storage compartment has room for two full­face helmets.

The sure-footed chassis – comprising tubular steel frame, 33mm telescopic forks, twin rear shock absorbers and 15/14-inch front/rear wheel combination – delivers nimble handling with confidence.
Developing 10.7kW and 12.3Nm, the eSP+ 125cc engine is a lively performer. It’s now also Euro 5+ compliant with new ECU settings, muffler internals and SO2 sensor. Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) maintains rear tyre grip.

The 25YM Forza 125 will be available in the following colour options:
-Mat Cynos Gray Metallic
-Pearl Falcon Gray
-Mat Pearl Pacific Blue - NEW
-Mat Pearl Cool White - NEW

The 25YM Forza 125 Special Edition will be available in the following colour option:
-Mat Cynos Gray Metallic with Bronze wheels & exclusive graphics - NEW

Key Features
Styling & Equipment
- Electric screen adjusts through 180mm
- New five-inch TFT screen with Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity and easy-to-use switchgear
- Smart Key operation of ignition, seat, fuel cap cover and (optional) 45­litre Smart Top box
- Emergency Stop Signal function (ESS) warns other road users of sudden braking

Sculpted for both style and aerodynamic efficiency – with design influence direct from the family flagship Forza 750 – the Forza 125’s elegant, front fairing creates an impression of energetic sportiness and premium desirability. The LED headlights, also inspired by those on the Forza 750, form a major part of the unmistakable Forza face with clean and simple design lines underlining the premium appeal.

Handlebar width is 750mm with mirror height of 1125mm; the perfect dimensions for slipping through congested city streets. Seat height is set at 780mm; there’s plenty of room for two and the riding position cups securely.

The electric screen (controlled by a switch on the left handlebar) adjusts through 180mm. It’s designed to provide wind protection, with airflow directed around and over the rider’s head, and reduce wind noise. Stability and comfort at higher speeds – and long distances – can be instantly exchanged for a greater sense of freedom around town, by lowering the screen. For comfort at higher speeds a larger front air duct manages negative pressure in front of the rider, reducing the natural effect of the wind pushing the rider back.

The new five-inch full colour TFT screen uses optical bonding to improve visibility in bright sunlight. By sealing the gap between the cover glass and TFT screen with resin, glare is reduced, and backlight transmittance improved. The IOS/Android smartphone connectivity of Honda RoadSync is also an upgrade.

This feature – operated through the simplified, easy-to-use, backlit four-way toggle-switch on the left handlebar – allows straightforward, on-screen turn-by-turn navigation as well as the option (via a Bluetooth helmet headset) for the rider to make calls or listen to music. All an owner has to do is download the Honda RoadSync app from either the Play Store or the App Store, connect to the Forza 125, and go.

Two full-face helmets can be stored in the now illuminated under seat area, which can be partitioned to house a helmet and rain gear or A4-sized bags. The front left inner fairing pocket is lockable, and its internal space can be arranged for the rider’s convenience to hold a phone and water bottle, for instance, and integrates a USB-C socket.

The Forza 125’s Smart Key – as well as controlling the main ignition switch knob and compartment locking – also manages the optional 45L Smart top box. With the Smart Key in the rider’s pocket the box is unlocked, and automatically locks when the rider walks away. It can also be locked from the key. To maintain the internal volume of the box the actuator mechanism is locates in the rear body of the machine.

Engine
- 125cc engine produces 10.7kW peak power with 12.3Nm torque
- The fuel-efficient unit uses Honda’s eSP technologies, plus Idling Stop
- New ECU settings, revised exhaust muffler and SO2 sensor
- 41.7km/l gives range of nearly 500km between fill-ups

Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) increases rider confidence

The enhanced Smart Power+ (eSP+) four-valve, water-cooled SOHC powerplant delivers 10.7kW @ 8,750rpm, with peak torque of 12.3Nm @ 6,500rpm. Bore and stroke is set at 53.5 x 55.5mm with compression ratio of 11.5:1.

From a standing start the Forza 125 accelerates rapidly (0-200m covered in just 13.3s) while sharp mid-range makes for responsive roll-on performance in the typical 40-60km/h around-town speed range. It will cruise happily around 90km/h and V-max is 108km/h.

Honda’s eSP+ low-friction technologies are found throughout the engine. A compact combustion chamber and PGM-FI fuel injection – fed by 4.7-litre airbox and 26mm diameter inlet duct – optimise combustion velocity and cooling performance. Clever packaging of items like the oil pump (which is built into the crankcase) help to further heighten the efficiency.

An offset cylinder reduces friction caused by contact between piston and bore, efficiently transmitting combustion energy to the crankshaft. A ‘spiny’ cast-iron sleeve – with tiny surface extensions – keeps in check any distortion of the inner bore diameter. This design lowers tension in the piston ring, reducing friction.

A high-efficiency radiator – integrated into the exterior of the right-side crankcase – employs a small, light fan that reduces frictional losses and lowers drag. Rolling resistance within the transmission unit is reduced by the use of three low-friction main bearings, all designed to deal with the loads they individually receive. The drive pulley features a fin design that lowers air resistance, and the follower pulley reduces pressure on the drive belt, cutting transmission losses.

The electronically controlled, brushless ACG starter is an integrated component mounted directly on the end of the crankshaft, serving as starter motor and alternator. It spins the engine directly, eliminating any noise from gear engagement or meshing.

Idling Stop automatically stops the engine running after three seconds at idle when the Forza is stationary, and the brakes applied and re-starts it instantly when the throttle grip is twisted. It’s seamless in use thanks to ACG and the swing-back system that returns the crank to its position before air intake, and a decompression mechanism that negates cranking resistance from compression. It has the functionality to ‘read’ the battery charge and turns itself off to avoid excessive drain.
One of the original aims of the Forza 125 is that the trip to the fuel station should happen just once a week for the average user, and a near 500km tank range is possible thanks to the engine’s fuel efficiency of approximately 41.7km/l (WMTC mode) and 11.7litre tank.

Alongside updated ECU settings the muffler’s internal structure has been revised and an SO2 sensor added to ensure Euro 5+ compliance.

Chassis
- Tubular steel frame, 33mm telescopic forks and preload adjustable twin shocks
- Wet weight of just 164kg aids agility and ease of use
- Cast aluminium wheels, front and rear disc brakes, ABS fitted as standard

The tubular steel frame that underpins the Forza 125’s chassis provides the necessary rigidity and strength for the broad variety of riding conditions it will face. Sturdy 33mm telescopic forks are matched by twin rear shock absorbers – adjustable through five-stage spring preload – working through a one-piece aluminium swingarm.

The Forza 125’s light weight, just 164kg, makes it easy to manage at walking speeds, and easy to park. A wheelbase of 1,505mm provides stability; the steering geometry – 26.5° rake and 89mm trail – delivers nimble steering.

The cast aluminium 15-inch front wheel is fitted with a 120/70-15 tyre while the 14-inch rear wears a 140/70-14 tyre, offering maximum traction and ride comfort. A large 256mm single disc performs stopping duties up front, mated to a 240mm rear, with the benefit of ABS for extra braking control on slippery surfaces.

Accessories
A range of Genuine Honda Accessories are available for the Forza 125 either individually or in customer focused packs for added convenience:
The Style Pack is a stylish collection of parts designed to enhance the sporty yet luxurious appearance of the Forza, while adding comfort to both pillion and rider:
Floor Panel
Comfort Seat
Passenger Backrest
The Urban Pack increases daily commuting practicality and peace of mind by adding:
Heated Grips
Security Buzzer
Also available:
45L Smart Top Box
35L Top Box
Top Box Inner Bag
Rear Carrier