First off, sorry to all the folks in N.America. You guys need this scoot. Just completed about 100 miles. It's quick, smooth and wonderfully made. Got about 75 mpg so far. Will pull all the way to 80. Motor still feels tight, and i reckon there is more to come! Hard to believe it's a 300. Brakes are excellent, handling is solid and easy. Feels different to my Vespa, more like a "conventional" small motorcycle. In the U.K, it comes with ABS and the 34lt topbox. Traded a 900cc motorbike for this little beast. Once i have the factory screen and handguards fitted, i won't miss the big bike.
Based on my experience with both bigger and smaller machines, the 300 'class' would be my choice as golden, the perfect bridge between Small and Capable.
You lucky stiff , I love that Scoot! I visited Italy last yr. and they were everywhere.. we finally got the Honda SH150 and should be in showrooms anyday now. I'm seriously thinking of trading my Suzuki Burgman 400 for it. I would have preferred the 300 but its not going to happen at least not this year.... I liked the Vespa to Honda pic comparison.. the Vespa looks dated and looks like it has a big fat rear end.... congradulations again.. Hp
I read a scooter website that had tested about 30 different scooters and had that on rated number one IIRC. I like it.
I will say that there is next to no carriage space with the SH. A set of waterproofs, o.e toolkit and puncture repair kit and thats it. That's why the U.K bikes come with the topbox as standard. I do like the fact that there is a 12v socket in the small glove compartment. Should be getting the screen / handguard kit in the next few days. As an aside, Honda US really needs to bring this scoot to your shores. Mind you - you get the Fury... Sorry.
That is the sticky wicket with all the large-wheel scoots: lack of sizable underseat storage. If all I used a scoot for was urban commuting, a small-wheel Vespa may be just the ticket in view of the storage and maneuverability. But I would not want to take it on the freeway; I prefer large wheels for that.
Um, it's not all large wheel scoots, just most. My Kymco P250 has 16 inch wheels and a huge amount of space under the seat. Alot more than the Vespas had even.
How interesting. I have always been bummed that my 2004 Aprilia Scarabeo 500 has no underseat storage. But it does have a 4 gallon fuel tank and a large displacement engine, so I suppose tradeoffs must be made on a finite amount of space on the frame.
Fitted the screen and handguards. have cut the screen down to a more reasonable level. Noise levels have increased over the "Tall" version, so earplugs are a must.
So,how reliable is the Vespa and how comfortable is the seat after a couple hours of riding. I would be interested in the Honda if we got it over here. I tested a GTS 250 and liked it,dealer expects a 300 in June. Thanks!
My Vespa has nearly 3000 miles on it so far. No problems at all. I did see one last week that had been used through winter, and the exhaust looked appalling. Many people replace them with after market. One guy on the Modern Vespa forum had his ceramic coated. Looked great. As for comfort, the Vespa is good. I have done 250 miles and felt none the worse after. Got to get out on it as the Honda is having the most of my time at the moment. Hope this helps.
Wow that's a great scoot! I would love for us to get them here... I love my Elite but wow... what a sweet scoot! Congrats and good luck with it!
Thanks for the comment. I reckon you guy's will get the 300 soon. Saying that, they are rare on U.K roads. I still love the look on car drivers faces when i rocket away from them on a little scoot!!
Hey Paul, I'm on an SH300 in London and agree it's a wonderful little rocket. I was thinking about cutting down my windscreen just like yours--how'd you do it? The OEM windscreen is nice in the winter but unless it's freshly cleaned it just reduces visibility. thanks
I have cut mine down to just below "eye level". Much better for visibility, but significantly louder. Ear plugs are now a must. I just taped the area with masking tape and drew a new profile and hacked away with a jigsaw. Cleaned the edge up with some wet and dry. Glad you are enjoying the SH!
Did a short run without the screen. Felt more stable and a lot quieter, but wind blast was too much. Put the scoot back to normal and repeated. Much better. Just have to live with the noise. Another shot.