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Photo: Honda’s SH300i

02/02/2007 - Honda’s new SH300i

Honda’s SH300i is now available in the shops! The SH300i is the latest in a long line of SH-series scooters that can trace its way back to the first SH50 of 1984. Since that machine, more than 350,00 SH models have been produced, making it one of the most popular scooters in Europe.

The latest addition to the family is the SH300i and freelance motorcycle journalist Bertie Simmonds had this to say about it.

The SH300i is a remarkable little scooter that combines all the manoeuvrability of a small-capacity scooter but with the stability, power and presence of a big-bore machine.

Lookswise, the SH300 is very ‘SH-like’, it’s most definitely a family member of the SH125 and 150. That means it’s stylish, but without the bulk of something like a SilverWing 400. This lack of weight (it’s only 162 kilos dry) allied to a fantastic little motor, means that it’s surprising just how quick and punchy this thing is. The motor is a fuel-injected 279.1cc motor, which shares some aspects of technology from the CRF four-stroke off-road family. What this adds up to is a motor, which is very good off the line at traffic lights and also one that matches this with an impressive top-end performance. Overtaking traffic on winding Sicilian roads was as easy as leaving cars standing at the lights. That’s an impressive double whammy and it really feels more like a 350 or 400cc unit. Top speed was about 100mph and even at this speed the large, 16-inch-wheels meant that the bike was rock-solid stable. The lack of sheer physical size compared to something like a SilverWing also meant that the scoot was very at home winding its way through small Sicilian towns.

The only downside of this lack of physical size is that there’s not a lot of storage space under the seat. You can only squeeze an open-face lid under there, but – when added to the glove box and the optional 35-litre top-box – you’d have a very respectable carrying capacity.

Besides, as Honda says, the SH isn’t an executive scooter, it’s a more traditional get-on-and-go scooter. That traditional look even extends to the footboards. Other scooters in this class have obtrusive ‘tunnels’ where the chassis or frame members are, which help neither comfort, nor carrying capacity. The SH’s more traditional look means you can hang a bag on the hook and support the load between your legs. Handling isn’t compromised either, with the suspension soaking up everything from motorway blemishes to Sicilian village cobblestones. As Honda says, this could well be your perfect commuting partner.

  • Price: £ (est)
  • Performance: 100mph (est)
  • Power: 28bhp
  • Dry weight: 162kg
  • Available: February 2007