Honda NSS 300 Forza (MF12) — Scooter
Honda press archive

2013–2017 · Scooter · Buyer's Guide

NSS 300 Forza (MF12)

4.5 / 5 NastyNils Rating · against its class

The Two-Helmet Everyday Companion

The Machine's Character

The Forza 300 sits right in the middle of Honda's scooter thinking. It takes the flowing lines of the smaller PCX and gives them a bigger, more grown-up presence. At its heart is a 279 cc liquid-cooled single making 24 hp at 7,500 rpm and 19 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm, with a belt driving the rear wheel from an underbone frame. ABS comes standard alongside Honda CBS (Combined Brake System), and so do a center stand and an adjustable rear suspension. Heated grips are available as an option. That's a sensible, well-rounded kit list for a mid-size maxi-scooter. Typical Honda!

The hardware tells you clearly what this scooter is for. A 28.2 in (716 mm) seat height, a 60.9 in (1,546 mm) wheelbase and a 14-inch front with a 13-inch rear wheel point straight at city streets, tight parking spots and stop-and-go traffic. There's room under the seat for two full-face helmets, which covers the daily commute and the grocery run. With 67 mpg from a 3.0 gal (11.5 L) tank and a 90 mph top speed, it'll handle an occasional open-road stretch, but town is where it lives. At 428 lb (194 kg) wet, it's built for riders who want a scooter that makes everyday life easier. No drama, just utility.

Hard Numbers

Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.

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Key specifications
Power 24 hp (18 kW) @ 7,500 rpm
Torque 19 lb-ft (26 Nm) @ 5,000 rpm
Displacement 279 cc
Engine Single-cylinder
Cooling Liquid-cooled
Final drive Belt
Fork Telescopic
Front brake 256 mm
Front tire 120/70-14
Rear tire 140/70-13
Wheelbase 60.9 in (1546 mm)
Seat height 28.2 in (716 mm)
Wet weight 428 lb (194 kg)
Fuel capacity 3.0 gal (11.5 L)
Top speed 90 mph (145 km/h)
Fuel economy 67 mpg (US)

Equipment check

Chassis

  • Manually Adjustable Rear Suspension Standard

Comfort

Safety

  • ABS Standard

Signature Tech

The named systems that set this bike apart — and what each one does for you.

Braking

  • Honda CBS (Combined Brake System) Standard
    • Stronger consistent braking
    • High speed stability
Elevated aerial view of Seattle's downtown skyline looking toward the city core along a dense urban street canyon. A mix of glass-and-steel skyscrapers and mid-rise residential towers fills the frame. A construction crane is active on the left. The street below carries light vehicle traffic flanked by mature street trees.
Josh Hild / Pexels

The Truth on the Street

I've spent years listening to riders: in paddocks, at club nights, in owner chats and in the emails and messages that land in my inbox. For the Forza MF10 the picture is steady. Owners describe a comfortable, dependable scooter that goes a long way on a tank, and the complaints cluster around three points: power at highway speed, legroom for tall riders and the rear suspension.

Comfort, range and trouble-free miles

Riders consistently bring up comfort first: a wide, well-padded seat and supple suspension that soaks up poor surfaces on the commute. Just as often they mention range, with more than 200 miles (320 km) between fill-ups in real use. The single gets described as vibe-free and linear, with enough punch for an open-road pass, and most owners report trouble-free miles and build quality they trust. Typical Honda!

Breathless at speed, tight for tall

The most repeated gripe is the engine at sustained highway speed or on steep grades: it can feel breathless, especially with a passenger. Riders over 6 ft (183 cm) say the low seat and fixed floorboards push their knees too high on longer trips. Some owners add that the rear shocks bottom out on potholes, and they'd like firmer damping. Three gripes, all consistent.

Known issues

  • Fuel pump failures at low mileage

    fuel system common

    Early production models can suffer from fuel pump failure caused by internal impeller swelling, resulting in fuel starvation, sudden engine stalling, or a no-start condition that leaves riders stranded.

  • Brake line defect (2014 recall)

    brakes rare Recall

    2014 models were recalled due to a defective hydraulic brake line connection that could cause loss of brake pressure. Affected VINs had the front brake hose replaced at Honda dealerships.

  • Ignition system waterproofing defect

    electrics occasional

    Water ingress can cause ignition switch and wiring failure, potentially leading to engine fire or no‑start condition.

The Expert Benchmark

Where this Honda NSS 300 Forza pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.

What kind of bike this is — character vs. the class

This bike Class average

Head-to-head: Honda NSS 300 Forza vs. its rivals

The 'Should I Buy It?' Score

Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the NSS 300 Forza is actually built for.

Aerial photograph of downtown Austin, Texas, showing modern high-rise buildings against a clear blue sky. Urban infrastructure, highways, and parking structures visible in the foreground.
Thomas Balabaud / Pexels

Best scooter for NYC?

Of these riders, you're the best fit. A low seat, room for two helmets, a center stand and 67 mpg add up to cheap, easy daily miles and painless parking. It's built for your commute.

Made for New York City · Austin · Los Angeles

Best motorcycle for Bay Area?

It's a solid match for your weekday city riding, and the flowing styling looks the part. On weekend ridge roads, 24 hp and a 90 mph top speed keep things relaxed, not sporty.

Made for San Francisco Bay Area · Skyline Boulevard · Big Sur Coast Highway

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