Honda SH 300

[Barnone]

Originally Posted by paul thompson

Just got back from a 300 mile run around Wales. Mpg seems to have improved, could be the engine is getting loose. Saw about 90mpg on a steady run.
Weird thing is, i do this run regularly. i've done it on Hayabusa's, RT's, GS's and the like, and i have arrived home in about the same time. Makes me wonder exactly how much horsepower a rider really needs...

Hey Paul,
You do some very good posts and I enjoy readig them.
I just got my first scooter (2008 SYM HD200) after 50+ years of just motorcycles and am having a blast with it.
I do a regular run of about 150-200 miles here in the mountains of Western North Carolina and I swear I can make it in better time with my scooter than than with my more powerful motorcycles. I am not a knee dragger by any means but the scooter seems to handle the tight turns better.
The Honda 300 sounds like a ideal size. Maybe it will make the USA. The other one I might look at in the future is the Yamaha Tmax . The Burgman 650 is a good scooter but it's as big as Goldwing and I have already been there.

[Paulvt1]

Nice one mate! I really hope that at some time you guys stateside get to sample the 300 - and at the right price. It really is a great package. Light cheap to run and comfy. Good fun too..
All the best with the Sym.

[Paulvt1]

Shame really. Hondas' loss is Kymco's gain.
Saying that though, the SH is bloody expensive over here. I can't imagine they would be able to sell it in the US for a competitive price.
It's odd really, as i wanted Kymcos' new Downtown 300 - but that wasn't imported here due to pricing.

[ElusivePedro]

I would add that little unit in a heartbeat. I've read reams of crap about it - and it sounds like the perfect blend.

[ElusivePedro]

I think that those 300s would gain as much traction as the 500s. The 500s aren't lithe enough for comparison.

It sucks to only read about them...

[Coopdway]

+1 on the above 7 posts

I had a tire replaced on the Helix in AR and was admiring the SH150 while waiting, then commented to one of the salesmen that I'd sure like a 300. He only smiled and responded, "maybe someday".

PS Kudos to Bentonville Honda and their service, flexibility and efforts.

[Paulvt1]

Here is a shot of the scoot with it's new Givi windscreen. Certainly looks more elegant than the Honda one. Will report back on it's performance when i get chance to give it a run.

[Dimitrii]

Originally Posted by paul thompson

Here is a shot of the scoot with it's new Givi windscreen. Certainly looks more elegant than the Honda one. Will report back on it's performance when i get chance to give it a run.

With it running through the windscreen how is he going to squeeze that right . . . Oh. It is just clean!

[Paulvt1]

It works a treat. Had it up to about 60 mph. No buffeting - minimal noise. Money well spent.

[KorkyKat]

Hi to you all. My first post.

I came across this site while doing some research into the SH300i. I was quite impressed with Paul's comments but here is the spooky thing. I have also traded down my 919/900c.c. bike for the SH300i.

I've rode large bikes for most of my life and have recently toured Europe. I reached the conclusion that I didn't need 120bhp on Britain's roads. There are few places where you can exceed the speed limit without getting a ticket. Age also told me that my bike was too heavy to move around - especially getting it on the centre stand. It also drank petrol as if I owned an oil field! And then there's all that changing gears and getting wet in bad weather. Time for a change thought I. Sadly there were few bikes that were both light and comfortable in the 300-600cc range. An all out sports bike would be of no use to me.

I have had the SH300 for three days and am delighted. It does everything I want it to do and I love the flickability with the large 16" wheels. I am currently running it in so can't say too much about the top speed or acceleration until the engine is bedded in. I am impressed with the brakes - incredible! I also like the way the engine slows the scooter down when cruising up to traffic lights.

It will be good to share notes with Paul on ride experiences. It is to be hoped that the bike club I usually attend doesn't come out with the age old prejudices about scooters. Seems like some folk can't understand that if we are on two wheels we are all as one.

Be Good - Take Care

[Barnone]

KorkyKat,
Like you, I just bought a scooter after many years of motorcycle only ownership. I went up he displacement ladder to Goldwings and Hogs but now am back down at the bottom with my SYM HD200.

I wave to a lot of motorcycles who start to wave back but withdraw the wave when they realize I am on a scooter. I'm at the age where it doesn't bother me.
Happy scooting

[KorkyKat]

Cheers BarNone.

Gripe #1

I had a good look through the owners manual last night and couldn't find a single thing about how to remove the wheels. Nor find anything about the torque settings for the wheel nuts. And thus the question is: What happens when you need to change the tyres? Surely one can not be restricted to visiting a Honda dealer?

I find this odd given my previous Honda bike had all the instructions and torque settings.

Despite searching hundreds of sites and all the Italian and Spanish sites (known as the Scoopy) I couldn't find a thing.

Any ideas folks?

[Paulvt1]

Nice one Korky. Welcome to the Scoopy club. You'll love it mate.
The wheel thing is odd. Not even a mention in the service manual. Will try to get some more info off my dealer.
All the best.
Paul.

[DPE]

Can I ask how you are getting on with the sh300i Paul, I am also from Wolverhampton and have just sold my SV650 because I started to struggle in the traffic.

What is mid range like? Do you struggle on A roads 60mph ish or is there still a fair bit left?

Sorry for bumping an old thread but I am considering one of these and they are not cheap and would like an honest opinion from someone who has ridden motorcycles.

Thanks in advance

Darren

[rhys]

I've decided this is the PERFECT scooter (for me),
but if the SH150 (here in the States) is fetching over $5,000 otd,

I can only IMAGINE how much they would be asking for na SH300 if sold state-side!

(In other words, not QUITE perfect for me.....)