Since writing resources have been tight lately I’m going for a reprint of James’ work from Retro Thing and hope he doesn’t come after me with a pair of sheep scissors. James wrote this like a true scooterist and it fits so perfectly into our format… Here goes:
The Honda SH series is the best selling line of scooters in Europe. A quick glance at the 2007 SH300i is enough to know why. This 279 cc mid-displacement machine seems to be the offspring of a torrid love affair between a vintage Vespa and a sleek sportbike. Didn’t I warn you not to rent out part of the garage to those strange kids across the road?!The SH300i offers enough power to entertain while serving as year-round transportation, assuming you don’t live in the snow belt. Power comes from a liquid-cooled SOHC 4-stroke engine and there’s plently of stopping power thanks to a pair of 256 mm disc brakes in the front and rear. You’ll also find ample underseat storage for a couple of helmets or perhaps even a messenger bag while you’re on the road, and you’re assured a smooth ride by the 16-inch 6-spoke aluminum wheels. I sincerely hope this vehicle makes its way to North America soon so I can take one for a (long) spin.
HEAR HEAR! Honda! We’re on the verge of begging here. We don’t get the Cub (or any of your ‘cub’ style scoots), we don’t get the SH series, we don’t get the Eterno, the Lead, the Dylan, the “@”, the PS series, the Pantheon, the Foresight, who knows what else. Why don’t you keep the HondaJet and give us some more scoots instead?
Please visit Retro Thing and click on all of their sponsor links. I didn’t plan on having any more kids, but at my OWN digression. Sheep scissors are scary! See more pictures here from our Japanese friends at italscooter.net.
***UPDATE***
See more pictures of the SH300i here.
(A SH300i with the daily commuter / touring package)
18. October 2006 at 5:05 pm
Steve, I only use the sheep scissors on bloggers who don’t credit their original source. :)
My little 2-stroke scoot is parked right now because it snowed this week. Hopefully, I get a few more days of decent riding weather before winter takes hold.
18. October 2006 at 8:04 pm
Whew. Saved by the credit.
Too bad about the snow up there. It’s 94 degrees here in Austin and I wouldn’t mind trading out some of our hot for some of your cold.
Whatcha ridin’ these days James?
19. October 2006 at 2:54 pm
This new Honda looks almost exactly like the new Kymco People S series, specifically the People S 250. Amazing. Little details are different, but really small ones.
19. October 2006 at 3:23 pm
Shears, Steve, they are called sheep shears.
The new Honda SH300i looks similar to the Kymco S200 and nothing at all like the S250 – according to pics on the Kymco USA web site. The biggest difference between the S200 and the SH300i – 116cc’s of engine.
19. October 2006 at 3:55 pm
Haha Dave! Either way, I don’t want a pair near me, thanks.
I’d say this SH300i reminds me more of a higher powered SYM HD200 or CF Moto Charm / QLINK Peagasus.
BTW – We’ll be offering some coverage on this elusive big-wheelers (specifically the SYM and QLINK) in the very near future. Heck! Maybe even TODAY!
20. October 2006 at 12:45 am
At last–a Japanese scooter that I would buy! I’ve been holding out for 16″ wheels, a decent displacement, and a more European style to the body. Now, if only we could get it here in the US. Begging is not beneath me. Who do I contact?
12. November 2006 at 7:28 pm
Hey Steve, my current scoot is a 2005 Yamaha BWs that’s only been on the road for a couple of months. I bought it because it’s the last of the 2-strokes (more fun to pimp) and because it was sitting sadly at the back of a performance bike shop. They were happy to get rid of it for $1500 and I only had to endure a few embarassing stares from the crotch rocket customers to get it out of the shop.