It's a long story but I ended up buying a 2016 Yamaha SMAX. I actually got it out the door for $4300 which was okay. So far so good.....very easy and fun to ride. Not bulky or clunky......seems quick enough for my needs but as I'm breaking it in I don't know its fully capability. I will say the Honda PCX150 motor is much smother than the SMAX (though that could change after break-in) but the SMAX has superior brakes.
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I have a 2014 Forza with 2500 miles i bought new in October 2013. I probably overpaid, but what else is new. I don't know anything about reliability issues, never had a problem. It is a bit big and heavy for me (5'9" and not going to disclose my weight!), and since my wife rides a PCX150, I got one too, loving it so far! So the Forza is gathering dust right now. But I do like it. It is technically for sale but I won't be disappointed if nobody is interested in it! When I need a freeway capable scoot, the Forza measures up!
Pat & Patty Anderson
Birch Bay, WA
Red 2014 Forza 300 ABS (scoot is FOR SALE!)
White 2015 PCX150 (Pat's scoot)
Red 2013 PCX150 (Patty's scoot)
Never driven a Forza, did own a Burman 650, but I think the PCX is really a keen agile bike for sporting around. Definitely not heavy enough to handle windy highway conditions but quick and agile fun toy.. The Burgman was a nice cruiser but handled like a truck in my view.. The Yamaha SMAX (?) cliff like seat looks to be too far forward and your knees will be tight inward I think.Don't know how that will work ..matter of getting used to it I suppose
Had a chance to ride the Burgman 200 today. Really enjoyed the bike. In comparsion to the Forza I thought the Burgman had better handling due to lower center of gravity feel and also lighter. The little 200cc does indeed GO!. You don't feel any power at first throttle than it thrusts you foward. I think its a very overlooked scooter and now I have a new target for a freeway capable bike. I don't think its as fun as the PCX cause the PCX is a toy with its handling but will certainly fill in for the days you desire a freeway scooter. Seriously impressed.
I have a 2014 Forza with 4200 miles on it, and am very pleased with it. The only thing that needs to be changed is the rear shocks. On rough road you get a rough ride. I have been reading about brake problems so I guess I will check them this winter. My tires still look great. Got my recall today so I will get that fixed as soon as possible. Just my opinion great bike.
I can not comment on the Forza other than to say that I didn't like it. I can comment on the Burgmans. They are nice bikes all the way around. They are dependable and comfortable. I was disappointed with the high tail of the 200, but the controls are about the same as those on my 400. If I could have two bikes I would have the pcx for around for intown use and a Burgman for highway travel, probably the 400. The Burgman 200 is suppose to be the compromise to allow around town travel without as much effort as it takes for the 400. I think it is quite nice but not as nice as my pcx. However, in europe they have the executive version and it is suppose to be really nice. I would love to test one of them.
Currently own:
Red 2013 Honda PCX150 Givi tall windshield & tailbox - Lots of extra lights Custom seat from Thailand - Bad Boy Airhorn Takegawa Lowering Shocks - Michelin City Grip Tires Headlight assy upgraded to LEDs w/HS5 main bulbs NCY variator, drive face, and rollers
The odd thing about the Burgman 200 is the seating position is low but the dash and bars are high. Should be a match like the PCX, bars are low dash is low makes for a more connected feel. I wish Honda would stick a 175cc to 200cc in the PCX, man it would be holy terror out there as a fun scooter.
I have the 2015 Forza with about 3900 miles on it. Totally happy with no reliability issues.
Thinking of selling it in the spring for something larger.
I'm in southwest Illinois -- I'd make someone a heck of a good deal if they came with cash in hand.