Honda Forza 300 vs Kawasaki j300

[bountybuddy]

It looks like the Honda Forza is going to have some very stiff competition from the Kawasaki j300. I've read the j300 will cruise two up at 80 MPH all day. It has a little bit larger motor. Looks like gas mileage is about the same. J300 0 to 60 is 5.5 seconds. Top speed for the j300 is either 100 MPH or 80 MPH, I've read both. Most people that tested it raved about the j300. The only negative thing I read about it was that the rider could not stretch their legs out. I'm not sure if there is a fix for this. I'm going to test ride the j300 when I get back to the states. I don't think Honda will let me test ride the Forza. I tried to last year and they said no, not even around the parking lot. Do any of you have any thoughts on the new Kawasaki j300? Check it out. I think you will be impressed. Ride safe my friends.

[willajabir]

I read that it was the Kymco Downtown 300i rebranded by Kawasaki.

[gn2]

The J300 is indeed a slightly modified Downtown.
Other than the obvious cosmetics, the engine and CVT have been tweaked, peak power is slightly down and torque is slightly up.

J300 minus points:

Short service intervals
Smaller underseat storage will not accept two helmets
Poor quality flimsy glovebox lid not lockable
ABS not available in all markets
Speedo in KPH with tiny inner MPH scale almost unreadable

The Downtown burns more fuel than a Forza, time will tell about the J300 but I doubt it will be as economical as a Forza.

[bountybuddy]

Thank you for your reply. The j300 is starting to not look so good to me. Looks like the Forza would be the way to go. I like Kawasaki products. One of the most fun motorcycles I ever owned was a Ninja 650. I'm surprised Kawasaki did not design there own scooter and build it from the ground up. Maybe they will do this in the future. Needless to say, I also like Honda products. They are both very successful. Ride safe my friend.

[gn2]

The J300 isn't a bad scooter, but imo the Forza is superior.
More modern advanced design, offset crank, twin pivot rear suspension, forked roller rockers with under bucket shims, combined ABS, much better tyres, much better storage, less vibration etc.

[you you]

The J300 isn't a bad scooter, but imo the Forza is superior.
More modern advanced design, offset crank, twin pivot rear suspension, forked roller rockers with under bucket shims, combined ABS, much better tyres, much better storage, less vibration etc.

But can you get it in Kawasaki green?

I suspect the Forza is for an older market.

[willajabir]

I suspect the Forza is for an older market.

I resemble that remark!!!

[you you]

I suspect the Forza is for an older market.

I resemble that remark!!!

And a bear.

What do Winnie the Pooh and Rupert the Bear have in common?

[gn2]

I suspect the Forza is for an older market.

Older usually means wiser so you could have something there.

[willajabir]

<snip>
What do Winnie the Pooh and Rupert the Bear have in common?

I'm unaware. Please share your knowledge.

[you you]

<snip>
What do Winnie the Pooh and Rupert the Bear have in common?

I'm unaware. Please share your knowledge.

Their middle names.

[willajabir]

and neither capitalize it. Surely a sign of back woods edumacation.

[V4 TRV]

The j300 isn't a Kawasaki though

I saw it up close at our bike show and yes it is a cheap ass Kymco with green stickers and a Kwak badge but it sure ain't no ZX10!

Forza exudes the quality of the Honda brand so definitely don't write it off.

[MichRocks]

I suspect the Forza is for an older market.

An OLDER market??...I, ...ah,...
Well, .., ah,...
...forgot what I was going to say...

[Mgalutia88]

An older market that's not ready to ride a silver wing. They are just too big and bulky. Not to mention expensive.

[WhiteNoise]

I suspect the Forza is for an older market.

An OLDER market??...I, ...ah,...
Well, .., ah,...
...forgot what I was going to say...

Cheers to the Lot of Us!

[bountybuddy]

Thanks to all of you for setting me straight on the Kawasaki j300.

[Mel46]

I just read the scoop on the J300 and one thing I noticed was that it was a joint venture, though everything but the styling was Kymco....and the paint was definitely Kawasaki.