Loved the Hondas, especially the Forza 750. I almost liked it better than the Africa Twin. That DCT transmission is so addictive. Was surprised how spunky the Forza felt, while the Africa Twin seemed but does not feel bulky with its high up 24Liter tank, and the banana seat did not suit me particularly well although I probably could live with it. I am not a big fan of vehicles with digital dashes, but either Honda I could be happy with it especially the one on the Africa Twin with its electronic suspension control, wheelie control, load factor (1 up, 2 up, with or without luggage), Apple Carplay and Android Auto all at the touch of a button.
Dealer wouldn't let me ride the Niken since he wants to keep the mileage at zero until someone signs on the dotted line, and he was only willing to take 4% off the full list price on this particular 2 year old bike while these bikes are so unpopular you can find them with huge discounts. The Niken fits me the best, BUT read reviews that most people only get a shade over 200 clicks out of its 18Liter tank which is disappointing as is its rather old looking black and white big block LCD dash. Made me think of another 3 wheeler with a outdated dash
, although the Niken's looks more up to date than the MP3. If the Niken's dash looks like something out of the late 2000s, then the MP3's dash is definitely stuck in the 80s. Service is a doddle on the Niken, since it is a more of a naked bike. And guess what, sealed headstock bearings. Anybody home Piaggio, or are you too busy filing lawsuits???
If Honda adds cruise control to the Forza 750, I am buying one. That is the only thing missing for me. I was pleasantly surprised at the frugal fuel economy. Factory boasts 3.6L/100km, which seemed overly optimistic to me, but I got 3.9L using it through a variety of a situations. That makes it a 300km range machine.
The MP3 is a gas guzzler in comparison, on par with the Africa Twin which has a 1100cc motor and 2.5 times the power.
All 3 bikes use a chain, so I'd have to add a engine driven automatic chain oiler (such as a Scottoiler) to any one of them.
For now, I think I will use up my stock of MP3 consumables like the 2 full sets of tires I have sitting in the garage and hopefully Honda adds cruise control and a bit more storage space in the meantime.
Considering a brand new MP3 500 Advanced and Forza 750 are very close to each other on the price, the Forza beats it on all fronts except underseat storage.