Modern Vespa

http://www.scooterlab.uk/modern-sluk/

That's a decision Americans don't get to make.

From what I've seen, the SH is fantastic.

I absolutely loved my SH300i, until I sold it and bought a beautiful black GTS.

Sadly, the 300cc version of SH is not sold here anymore, only a 125cc.

It always won comparison tests around here, but the scooter market, other than 50cc and a bit of 125cc is just too small & SH300 is a bit too much "Toyota" in this small market - superior in many ways, but a bit boring.

A confession to be made: I would have bought a SH300i rather than the Sprint, but it was not awailable anymore. Now that I have the Sprint, I'm perfectly happy with it and actually saved some money too... I just have a history with Hondas and I absolutely love their build quality.

Oddly enough just bought a SH300 last night.

Less than 3,000 miles on the clock and it makes bike number 9 I currently have, really should probably sell a couple

Hopefully scooter lab can compare the sh 300 with the bv 350. Bar Hondas reliability image the bv has a lot going for it.

The Beverly 350 seems to have coolant leak problems
I wonder if the Honda leaves little puddles under engine

I've heard of coolant hose clamp problems that would create leaks. Is this what you're referring to?
I bought a BV 350 last week at least partially because we don't have the SH300 here. I remember seeing the SH300 in Spain in '07 and being attracted to how good it looked and how it seemed "right" in size and displacement with modern technology.
However, the BV is terrific with great power and handling quality. My fingers are crossed for good build quality as well.

So, the BV350 you don't have leaks coolant (courtesy of Bill's original thread on BVs people don't have)? The BV I did have never leaked coolant in 4 years of ownership. Yes, if you had a 2013, you should have checked the hose clamps to be sure they were snug. In my experience the BV is a very reliable and low maintenance scooter - as well as a real performer.

The reviewer was impressed with the sh's power. The bv ups the stakes and with the 15" 14" wheel combination you get more underneath storage too.

A big plus point for me is parts availability for the Honda. It can be a PITA waiting 5-10 working days for an item coming from Italy.

Is availability of Honda scooter parts from the dealer better in the UK than in the US? Here Honda motorcycle dealers stock very few scooter parts and virtually everything must be ordered.

The Honda Sh300i has always out performed it's two main competitors BV 350 and Kymcom GT300i (even though it has less hp) as an all around bike. Design and looks are of course subjective and since it's made by Honda in their Italy factory that could explain the price vs other Honda scooters like the Forza (same engine) that are made in Asia with lower production costs...

On paper, and on the road, the SH300i should easily win any comparison but sadly it just looks like a motorised shopping trolley and so immediately drops to the bottom of my wish list.
and, with those looks, the fact that it will probably last forever might be seen as a disadvantage

The 2013 Beverly 350 that I owned from new for 3 years leaked from 3 different hoses and the core plug near the exhaust manifold