Best scooter for NYC?
This is exactly your bike. It parks anywhere, costs little to run, and the big wheels shrug off rough city streets. Just confirm ABS is fitted on the one you buy.
Made for Austin · Los Angeles · Miami Beach / Miami
2011–2014 · Scooter · Buyer's Guide
SH300i (NF 02-2)
City Traffic's Best Friend
The Machine's Character
The SH300i is Honda's answer to a very specific problem: how to cut through dense traffic every single day without it ever feeling like a chore. The recipe is a 279 cc liquid-cooled single making 27 hp and 19 lb-ft, a twist-and-go CVT with belt final drive, and a steel tube frame on 16-inch wheels at both ends. Those big wheels are the defining trait. They give this scooter a planted, motorcycle-like steadiness that small-wheeled rivals in the class simply can't match, while the upright stance keeps the whole package compact and easy to place in a gap.
On the road it is light, willing and completely unfussy. At 373 lb (169 kg) wet with a 30.9 in (785 mm) seat, most riders will feel at home within a block, and this generation has earned a reputation for simply running year after year on modest running costs. It suits the rider who commutes daily and wants a tool, not a project. The honest caveats: ABS was an option, not standard, and the front fork offers no adjustment, so heavier riders or those carrying a passenger have only the rear preload to work with. The 2.4 gal (9.1 L) tank also means regular fuel stops on longer days.
Hard Numbers
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
Show full specs & equipment Hide specs & equipment
| Power | 27 hp (20 kW) @ 8,250 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 19 lb-ft (26 Nm) @ 6,000 rpm |
| Displacement | 279 cc |
| Engine | Single-cylinder |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 1-speed |
| Final drive | Belt |
| Front tire | 110/70-16 |
| Rear tire | 130/70-16 |
| Seat height | 30.9 in (785 mm) |
| Wet weight | 373 lb (169 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 2.4 gal (9.1 L) |
Equipment check
Chassis
- Rear Suspension Adjustable Standard
Comfort
- Heated Grips Optional
Safety
- ABS Optional
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
Known issues
-
Intermittent stalling when approaching idle
Several owners report the engine cutting out when coming to a stop or at idle, often traced to a corroded HT coil connector or a throttle body issue. Cleaning or replacing the affected component usually resolves it.
-
Oil pressure switch intermittent fault
Corrosion on the oil pressure switch connector can cause an intermittent warning light or ECU error, though the engine itself remains healthy. Cleaning the contacts often fixes the problem.
The Expert Benchmark
Where this Honda SH300i 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
Head-to-head: Honda SH300i vs. its rivals
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Seat height
The 'Should I Buy It?' Score
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the SH300i is actually built for.
Best motorcycle for Bay Area?
For the weekday run through San Francisco it's superb. On Skyline at the weekend it's light and fun at a relaxed pace, but 27 hp means you'll be enjoying the view, not leading the group.
Made for Bay Area Ridge Roads · San Francisco / Bay Area · Skyline Boulevard / Alice's Restaurant
What's new versus the previous generation
If you're cross-shopping the older generation, here's what changed.
Previous generation · 2007–2010
Honda SH300i (NF 02)
Motorcycle Character, Scooter Convenience
Compare to the previous model →Alternatives to the Honda SH300i
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
