The Honda PCX / Forza / ADV150 / SH Forums

There is a good chance I will buy a new 2014 or 2015 Kymco Downtown 300i. I've considered the Forxa 300 but it weighs 50 more pounds and the DT300i gets better gas mileage. I sure hope I buy the right scooter for me. Thank you for your help. Ride safe my friends.

I like it a lot except that the seat doesn't fit my height at 5' 11". It was real tight. I test rode one twice including about a 20 mile ride the second time. A seat redo would be in order. I do find with my Forza I like having the extra weight on the interstate with the wind and gusts. It is a bit more stable at high speeds. I think in actual use the mileage is pretty close on both (67-70).

The difference in real world fuel economy numbers on Fuelly is so negligible I don't think that should sway your decision. I personally like the Downtown 300i's sporty style better but the Forza has a better riding position.

Intersting playing with http://cycle-ergo.com/ between the two. On my computer, the middle rolling wheel fades between choices, and makes the differences in riding position pretty apparent. Which is better, I can't tell you, but at least it could make you more aware when sitting on one or the other.

He said he is 5'9" so he should be fine on either. Actually, the Kymco might be better for him since you sit so low on the Forza.

bountybuddy wrote:There is a good chance I will buy a new 2014 or 2015 Kymco Downtown 300i. I've considered the Forxa 300 but it weighs 50 more pounds and the DT300i gets better gas mileage. I sure hope I buy the right scooter for me. Thank you for your help. Ride safe my friends.

The weight difference isn't 50lbs.
Kymco quotes dry weight, Honda quotes fully fuelled ready to go weight.
The actual difference is around 30lbs.

Fuel consumption depends on how you ride it.
Both scooters do roughly the same mileage, there's really nothing in it.
The Kymco needs more frequent maintenance but its much easier to do for the home mechanic, better access to the engine with screw and locknut valve adjusters as opposed to the Forza's shims.

The only thing you need to check before buying is that you actually fit them.
Don't commit to buy either without at least sitting on it first.

cannot comment on the Kymco but I think any extra weight is an advantage...as tbln says the Forza sits the road well due to being fairly heavy....before getting the Forza I was almost put off by reading negative comments re the weight...but am really glad I ignored that eventually...weight in my book is a good thing ...within reason .
I am 5ft 10 ins and would not want to be much taller on a Forza...so testing is important....but horses for courses...both bikes get good reviews....the comments on the Kymco being easier to home service may be a factor however.

I finally got to test ride a Silver Wing which adds over a hundred lbs on the Forza and and I decided the Forza is perfect on my Ozark mountain roads yet it does fine on the interstate for short to medium hops. Pushing them around stopped is another issue when you get above 500 lbs or so for some. Try them before you buy them.

Like others here I have found weight to be a benefit at speed and dealing with windage. Recently did a 450 mile trip with some heavy trade winds nailing both myself and buddy riding a Vstorm . We had similar experience with how the bikes handling was in windy conditions. I was glad for the extra weight.

Having owned a number of bikes over the years I have the following comments. Light is good at speeds 45 mph or less, the Forza is still just ok up to 55, although it will go much faster. The smaller ones feel like a leaf at higher speeds and a little twitchy for my liking. Heavy is best for 50 mph up and certainly best for freeway riding and long hauls. Kymco or Honda I don't know which is the best machine. Honda will probably have more resale value if that's important to you. I would recommend trying out a Yamaha Majesty or Suzuki Burgman before buying.