French · 7 years on Samui
French motorcycle tour guide living on Koh Samui for 7 years. Marc leads group rides across southern Thailand and knows every road on the island.
Updated: June 2026
I rode the Forza 350 and the XMAX 300 back-to-back along the Samui ring road because they are the two premium maxi-scooters renters most often weigh against each other. Both are comfortable, fast, and built for touring, so neither is a wrong choice. The differences are matters of emphasis - refinement versus sportiness, screen versus tank. After a full day swapping between them, I had a clear picture of which rider each one suits best.
Pulling onto the bypass on each, I found the Forza 350's 330cc engine a touch stronger than the XMAX 300's 292cc, with slightly more relaxed cruising. The XMAX answers with a marginally sportier, more eager character that keen riders enjoy. In real Samui conditions both have ample power for overtakes and hills, so the gap is small. The Forza feels the more effortless tourer; the XMAX the more playful. Your taste in engine character decides this round.
Raising the screen against an afternoon headwind, I gave the comfort edge to the Forza 350. Its electric windscreen and enclosed front shelter the rider better than the XMAX's manually set screen, and the Honda's seat feels a shade plusher over long hours. The XMAX is far from uncomfortable, but the Forza's adjustable protection is a real touring advantage. For riders who prize all-day comfort and weather defence, the Forza takes this category clearly.
Loading gear at Bophut, I noticed the trade-off in practicality. The Forza 350 counters with its Smart Key and deep storage, while the XMAX 300's larger 13.2-litre tank stretches even further between fills than the Forza's 11.7 litres. Both swallow a couple of helmets under the seat. If maximum range matters most, the XMAX edges ahead; if keyless convenience and refinement matter more, the Forza does. It is a genuinely close, priority-driven split.
Comparing daily rates around Chaweng, I find the two priced closely, with availability often the real deciding factor. Both hold their value as premium rentals, and the small price differences shift with season and shop. I tell renters not to agonise over a hundred baht: whichever of the two is available and ready on the day you want it will serve you superbly. On value, they are effectively level pegging across the island's rental lots.
After the back-to-back, my verdict is that both are excellent and the choice is about emphasis. I steer comfort-and-convenience riders to the Forza 350 for its electric screen, plush seat, and Smart Key, and range-and-sportiness riders to the XMAX 300 for its bigger tank and eager feel. Neither will disappoint on a Samui touring day. Pick the one whose strengths match your priorities - and if it is on the lot ready to ride, take it.
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