I passed my bike test 50 years ago this year (gulp!) and have owned a fair range of bikes down the years. Last year, though, problems with my left arm meant that using a clutch for more than a short ride became impossible so I had to sell my collection of bikes. Desperate to stay on two wheels, I bought a new SH300. It took a few days to adjust to the change (lack of a tank to press knees into on corners was a bit unnerving to start), but once I got used to it, I was hooked, and found the 16inch wheels and overall handling quality made cornering and roundabouts as much fun as any bike. Top speed is around 90 - 95, MPG is around 85. Comprehensive insurance for me is £79. Once I got used to taking the panels off, servicing was simple, and, like most bikes these days, there's plenty guides to maintenance on YouTube. Acceleration off the line is impressively brisk, and, to my surprise, side winds on motorways are no more of a problem than on a bike. The mirrors show the road, not my elbows, the brakes are excellent, and so too are the lights. Downsides? Not many: the indicator warning lights are difficult to see, the cigarette lighter socket is under the seat which is a nuisance when I'm wearing my heated waistcoat, the seat gets pretty hard after two hours' riding, and you're totally ignored by other bikers - no more nods, but that's about it for drawbacks. I'm delighted with it.

I have had bikes for twenty years, mostly big ones. I tried a scooter on holiday and decided, yes, I like this style of riding. So, I sold my Honda VTX 1300, and got the SH300i, used. Very happy indeed, it has alot of pep, yet, it is QUIET, easy to handle, and just so much fun to ride. With the big bike, I often did not take it out riding for small trips as it was unwieldly in the city. But the SH300i, just get on and go, it's so much fun! For those of you that mention rust, I assume almost everyone here is from the great Island nation, and of course that is the main factor. Here, in Central Europe, my ten year old SH300 shows no signs of rust at all. This is about the most fun I have had on a two wheeled motor vehicle ever, and, having just retired, I am so happy that the running costs are so low, I don't have to worry anymore.

I have just traded in my Honda SH300i (for a Honda NC700s) after 5 year of happy ownership. I purchased the bike in the spring of 2008 after doing a lot of research and would highly recommend the SH300i for anyone wanting a good all round commuter. The performance is good, with plenty of power for the size of the machine and a reasonable top speed of about 90 mph. The acceleration is swift, handling good and stopping excellent due to the Honda combined-ABS set up. The bike is good on fuel and does about 70 to 80 mpg with normal use, ride it like a moped and you could get a little more but at the cost of some fun at the pull away from the lights. Honda servicing is expensive but the bike is quite easy to maintain for the DIY owner. In my 5 years of ownership the only thing I had to replace was the battery (after 3 years). A couple of minor faults with the bike, the top box hinges are weak so check these if you are buying a used machine. The front forks silver paint starts to flake after a couple of years and the rear shocks are prone to rust. All in all a great bike!

done 5000 miles two up no trouble at all will run all day at 50 to 60 ideal for holidays with motorhome

Bought this scooter about two weeks ago for a 15 mile commute each way on a mixture of country roads , motorway and inner city . Great little bike . I'm 6 2" tall and don't have any problems at all with legroom but have just ordered a givi airflow sliding screen to help reduce the wind buffing once I hit 50mph. Got 160 mile from my first tank and it will get better . It's hard not to accelerate quickly on this little bike as it goes like a rocket from the lights leaving car drivers and other bikes very surprised . Mates slagged me a bit at me buying a scooter but I just love it as its fun to ride and costs buttons to run . Im now also using it for going to local shops and gym as well , top box easily takes kit and a few bits and pieces. Some mention it doesn't look cool ! Well there are nicer looking machines on the market but they won't do what the sh300 will .a 125 is too small for my commute and the bigger silverwing or Bergman can't deliver on the economy . That's why it's the most popular scooter in Italy . People have asked me why I didn't buy a motorbike instead of a scooter , it's simple ! I can't be bothered with gears it's a twist and go for me any day .

I wrote a glowing appreciation of my SH 300 last july when I had had the beastie for a couple of months and 2000 miles.Another 5000 miles have now been covered;so how have these gone bearing in mind many have been winter miles.Petrol consumption has ranged from 92 mpg-long trip,no luggage to 74 mpg also on a long trip but with luggage including throw over panniers into a 25mph headwind.The Honda gives its owner total faith that it will start and do what is required of it regardless of conditions-except ice.Even after 40 years I refuse to ride on ice;this may be why I am still riding after all these years. I did give the bike a spray of ACF 50 in the autumn and the finish is still excellent after a winter's riding.The bike is given a rinse of cold water after a salty ride-time consuming but vital to my mind.I focus on the wheels,brakes,shock absorbers and underside. The Honda has proved to be adept at doing the weekly shop but also as a tourer.I spent a month in Hampshire in late Feb to late March covering 1500 miles and the bike was excellent in this role.Whilst it was a little lacking on motorways but this was out weighed by luggage carrying ability and the lack of chain lubing etc required.The light (H4) proved to be fine at all speeds but this is not surprising as it is the same bulb fitted to much larger machines. Am I happy with my purchase? Absolutely; in fact I sold my Kawasaki VN 900 a couple of weeks ago and so the SH is my sole means of transport.I can think of no greater accolade.

This bike is fun! its fast! and f*** does it shift from the lights for a 300. Its also very eonomical too Ive done 300 miles with only £18.00 worth of petrol and still have a quarter of a tank left. Too be fare its ok on the motorway but a bit light at the front end around 70mph ish. I bought a brand new one and really love it, I also have a Fazer Fz6s and I much prefer my sh 300. For around town its second too none no gears nippy lithe so easy too filter and oh so amusing blasting off from the lights seeing the cagers facers as you smoke them on what they thought was a 125cc with a buttie box. The bike really does need a screen Im going to invest in a Givi adjustable as the honda effort is 8 ft high.If you are comfortable in your manliness and can get used to the real bikers cough not nodding thier apreciation then buy this bike and zip past them as they fill up again with expensive fuel.

Have just come back after picking up a 2010 Honda sh300i,i bought it from C J Balls of Norwich and i rode it home to Weymouth in Dorset.A distance of 330 miles,i used various type of roads on the way back so i could get the best idea of how the bike handled all situations.
1)motorway use is great,will sit at 75/80 mph all day long,the wind blast is ok but better if you stay below 65mph.did 96 miles on 6.4 litres of petrol at these speeds.
2)once off the motorway i came through about 30 miles of city traffic(London)was amazed at the way i could filter through traffic and when at lights could always beat the cars away up to 30 to 50mph,brakes are wonderfull,abs never cut in but will stop on a dime.
3)once out of London traffic i kept of the motorway and tried out some A and B roads,the handling was just great,you feel so conferdent with the bike you can lean it right over with no problem,the side/stand will touch down with out to much trouble.i pulled in to refill the tank and over 84 miles of town and a roads only got 5 litres in.
After doing 330 miles on the bike i have to admit my rear was a bit numb,but its a 300cc scooter not a tourer so i think it did really well,the space under the seat is fine for odds and sods but wont take a full face crash helmet,but you do get a top box that will so thats cool,the opening and closing of the top box is easy enough after a couple of times of use.the dash is clear in day and night the lights are bright for a scooter and light the road up well.
Overall its a brillant bike,just what is needed for my commute to work and back with fun and practality thrown in for good measure.i know its a bit on the pricey side but you get what you pay for.Hunt around as there is always a deal on somewhere.i bought mine from C J Balls of Norwich,its a year old had 603 miles on it and a years tax for 3 grand.

This little scooter is an absolute hoot to ride. Bought for commuting in traffic that would stall my touring bike, I love its nippiness and responsiveness. It will turn on a sixpence and is ideal for threading through dense traffic, where it averages 80+ mpg. I have added it to my bike insurance for £44 per year - result!
Now for a few negatives - the front brake alone is a little wooden but the rear brake lever that applies front and rear brake is fantastic. There is some vibration at 70 mph, but it's not too uncomfortable (and may affect just my bike).
This machine is a definite keeper so I have added a rider-to-pillion intercom with Pure Highway DAB radio. The Givi Airflow screen transforms the high-speed ride and a Givi E470 replaced the fiendishly-awkward-to-use Honda item (Honda have fixed this on the 2011 model). I also have the option of using an ancient and otherwise unwanted Sat-Nav and an old pair of electric gloves when it gets cold (I don't like handlebar muffs.
Now it's a mini-touring bike with all mod cons.

As a die hard biker since the late 70,s, and having owned more than 35 machines from 50cc to 1200cc, this is without a doubt one of the best bikes I have had the pleasure of riding. With a 40 mile commute each way to work, it performs flawlessly, 75 mpg average fuel consumption, very comfortable/ practical and reliable. I fitted a Givi adjustable screen which compliments the bike perfectly. Ok, you might lose a certain amount of "street cred", the styling is a little on the conservative side, but Honda did this for a reason.

I always come home from a ride with a smile on my face, knowing I have only used a thimble full of petrol, car drivers do get a shock when you give it some welly from the lights, and cannot catch you lol, the engine is a Honda masterpiece, developed from their CR250 Motocross bike.

Bad points - 1. Tank could be bigger, but not a real problem

2. Errrrrrrr...that,s it

Good points - Everything else

Highly recommended, ride one and see, you will not be dissapointed

bought it new in 07,great handling, plenty of power, no problems whatsoever.

excellent scooter although I never tried yamaha tmax.

20 000 miles trouble free. Twist and go.

I purchased my Honda SH300i two years ago and have been very pleased with it. The handling and preformance is great and the machine just sips petrol. I am getting around 85 mpg which for a machine that is able to reach 90 mph is a real result. This bike was developed by Honda ground up and they got most things spot on although they did not pay much attention to the machines looks thats why it's so ugly! Having said that this is commuter and not a fashion accessory.
I have fitted a screen which has been cut down by a couple of inches and is a real benefit in the winter although it does slow the bike down a little. There is a new screen available (from GIVI) which has a sliding part which may be a good improvement.
Room under the seat is limited and the glove box is also small. Honda do fit a colour cordinated top box as standard so this helps with the stowage problem.
I would recommend the SH300i as a great scooter but I think that the price tag of over 4 grand is steep, also the Honda servicing is very expensive. If you are prepared to part with that kind of money you'll be getting a multi purpose bike that 'does what it says on the tin', built to a high standard and will keep you smiling everytime you ride it.