2015–2020 · Scooter · Buyer's Guide
City Commuter, Dialed In
The Forza 125 JF 60 is Honda's answer to a simple question: how much scooter can you build around 125 cc? Quite a lot. A liquid-cooled single with 14 hp and 9 lb-ft drives the rear wheel by belt, and it sits in an underbone frame at 357 lb (162 kg) wet. Around it, Honda packs equipment you'd expect a class higher: ABS, a keyless system, an LED headlight and a windscreen that adjusts electrically through 4.7 in (120 mm). Under the seat there's room for two full-face helmets. In the 125 class, that's the fully loaded end of the range. Small engine, big scooter!
Read the spec sheet and the purpose is clear: this hardware is built for the daily grind in town. A 30.7 in (780 mm) seat, a 15-inch front wheel and a 14-inch rear point to easy low-speed work, while 99 mpg from a 3.0 gal (11.5 L) tank keeps fuel stops rare and running costs low. The limits are just as plain on paper. Top speed is 67 mph (108 km/h), so fast highway stretches aren't its territory. The fork isn't adjustable, and the rear shock takes preload. If your riding is city streets and short hops, it fits. Pure pragmatism, done properly.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 14 hp (11 kW) @ 8,750 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 9 lb-ft (12 Nm) @ 8,250 rpm |
| Displacement | 125 cc |
| Engine | Single-cylinder |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Final drive | Belt |
| Fork | Telescopic |
| Front brake | 256 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-15 |
| Rear tire | 140/70-14 |
| Seat height | 30.7 in (780 mm) |
| Wet weight | 357 lb (162 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 3.0 gal (11.5 L) |
| Top speed | 67 mph (108 km/h) |
| Fuel economy | 99 mpg (US) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Comfort
Connectivity
Lighting
Safety
For years I've listened to what riders tell me about their bikes: in the paddock, at club nights, in owner chats and in the emails and messages they send me directly. For the Forza 125 JF 60, the pattern is clear: plenty of praise for how it rides and carries, and one recurring complaint about what it costs to buy.
The point riders bring up most is the engine: it pulls briskly from a standstill and responds eagerly in the midrange, and owners count it among the quickest scooters in city traffic. Comfort comes next. Riders describe a plush, sofa-like seat, generous legroom that suits taller people, and compliant suspension that keeps long commutes from wearing you out. Despite its size, they say it feels light, agile and stable through bends. Owners also call it a real load-lugger, and some mention fit, finish and switchgear feel above the usual scooter standard. A long list of praise.
The recurring gripe is the money up front. Riders consistently describe the Forza as one of the most expensive scooters on the market when new, and they report that used values stay strong too. It's the one complaint that keeps coming back.
Where this Honda Forza 125 pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Top speed
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the Forza 125 is actually built for.
For short city trips, tight parking and low fuel bills, this is your best fit here: 99 mpg, a keyless system, ABS and underseat room for two full-face helmets. It's built for your commute.
Made for New York City · Austin · Los Angeles
It covers the city half of your week, with keyless and LED equipment you'll like. For weekend ridge roads, 14 hp and a 67 mph (108 km/h) top speed set clear limits. A decent match, not a perfect one.
Made for Bay Area Ridge Roads · San Francisco / Bay Area · Skyline Boulevard / Alice's Restaurant
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
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