2019 HONDA SH300

Honda’s SH300i – the ultimate twist-and-go urban tool – gains Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) for its engine plus Smart Key control of the optional top box.

Contents:

1 Introduction

2 Model overview

3 Key features

4 Technical specifications

1. Introduction

Look around Europe’s capitals and two letters will be constantly, obviously on the move: SH. Over a million SH scooters have been sold in Europe over the last 34 years, earning the SH tag the status of a premium brand-within-a-brand, underpinned by Honda’s famed build quality and reliability.

The SH300i, with its compact, flat-floored step-through design and 16-inch front and rear wheels carries all of the SH signature touches and packs something extra – a powerful engine delivering maximum response for both city and highway use.

Capable of slicing through jammed streets, or cruising at highway speeds for the longer-range out-of-town commute, the SH300i has long been regarded as the perfect all-round scooter.

It became the first Honda to gain EURO4 compliance back in 2015; at the same time its engine got a boost in torque output and fuel efficiency. Its look, too was made more muscular while the chassis received revisions to expand storage space and maintain its razor-sharp handling. Two-channel ABS, full LED lighting and a Honda Smart Key were the finishing touches.

For 2019 the SH300i’s proven package remains essentially unchanged, but is equipped with two new features that enhance both the owning and riding experience.

2. Model Overview

The first addition to the 2019 SH300i is to its Smart Key, which now also controls locking of the (optional) 35L top box, as well as the ignition. And Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) now maintains rear wheel traction on wet or slippery surfaces.

Everything else remains the same, and as ready as ever for the battle of moving around in a big city. The SH300i’s body style packs practicality into its good looks, plus ease of use while compact dimensions make parking easier. Its chassis delivers agility with confidence, and the engine provides strong torque for fast acceleration and power for highway speed.

With a host of Genuine Honda accessories available to tailor the SH300i for an owner’s preference – plus six contemporary colour options to choose from – its standing as the urban all-rounder rolls on, as it should. It’s the ultimate SH.

3. Key Features

3.1 Styling & Equipment

• Unmistakeable SH design signature; compact and flat-floored
• Now with Smart Key control for optional top box
• Underseat storage for a full-face helmet

The SH300i is a scooter that defines its presence on the road, marking out its premium SH lineage with a compact, sinuous and practical design plus full LED lighting.

An addition for 2019, and adding to the convenience of a busy life on the move with the SH300i is its Smart Key which – as well as controlling the main ignition switch knob and compartment locking – now also manages the optional 35L top box. With the Smart Key in the rider’s pocket the box is unlocked, and automatically locks when the rider walks away. It can also be locked from the key.

There’s room for a full-face helmet under the seat, and the seat height itself an easy-to-manage 805mm (just 5mm more than the SH125/150) and the standard SH flat floor (435mm wide) makes loads easy to carry as well as aiding the rider step on and off.

The riding position suits a wide range of rider sizes and delivers a relaxed, upright stance and great all-round vision. Total machine length is 2131mm, with width of 728mm and height of 1193mm. Minimum ground clearance is 130mm.

The 2019 SH300i will be available in six colours: 

Matt Cynos Grey Metallic

Pearl Cool White

Pearl Nightstar Black

Lucent Silver Metallic

Matt Ruthenium Silver Metallic

Pearl Splendor Red

A range of Genuine Honda accessories are ready for the SH300i owner to create their perfect long-range commuting partner, including windshield, knuckle deflectors, heated grips, alarm and U-lock.

3.2 Engine

• Strong performance in and out of town
• Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) now standard equipment
• Can be turned ON-OFF from a switch on the left handlebar

Breathing through a SOHC 4-valve head, the SH300i’s liquid-cooled 279cc engine is both a strong and frugal performer. Peak power of 18.5kW arrives at 7,500rpm, with peak torque of 25.5Nm delivered at 5,000rpm.

A new addition for 2019 is Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). HSTC detects any difference between the front and rear wheel speeds in slippery conditions, calculates the slip ratio and then controls engine torque via the fuel injection to regain rear wheel traction. HSTC can be switched ON-OFF via a switch on the left handlebar. A ‘T’ indicator in the digital display flashes when the system is working to manage grip.

Bore and stroke are set at 72 x 68.5mm, with compression ratio of 10.5:1. Fuel efficiency of 33.3 km/l (WMTC mode) means a range of 300km is possible from the 9L fuel tank.

The SH300i’s engine is well-proven and engineered to last – a roller type rocker arm, plain journal crank bearings and sealed crankcases deliver long-term reliability; oil capacity is 1.7-litres and a 5mm offset cylinder reduces internal friction. An automatic centrifugal clutch works a V-Matic transmission and belt final drive.

3.3 Chassis

• Steel underbone frame delivers nimble handling with confidence
• 16-inch wheels front and rear for stability
• Front and rear discs plus ABS control

The SH300i’s chassis is unchanged for 2019 and designed to deliver agility and composure in all riding situations. It features a steel underbone frame, 35mm telescopic forks, twin rear shock absorbers, cast aluminium swingarm and an Oleo link system mounted underneath the engine to assist handling feel and bump absorption. Wet weight is 169kg.

Rake and trail are set at 27°30’/98mm with wheelbase of 1438mm and the handlebars feature a 45° turn radius from centre. The front 110/70-16 tyre is matched with a 130/70R16 rear and the two-channel ABS operates 256mm single disc brakes front and rear.

4. Technical Specifications