In the shadow of the Forza, which led to the scooter boom that culminated in 2005, the PS250 was a miraculous model that disappeared after only two generations.
Today, the PS250 is a popular model that commands high prices on the used market, but it was a concept that was the complete opposite of the gorgeous scooter boom of the time.
From a Motra truck to a pickup in PS250.
The PS250, released in 2004, was the fifth model created by the N Project, a young team that develops models that cater to the lifestyles of young people, and it was the last production model.
Developed under the keywords "rough," "tough," and "unruly," it was designed to thoroughly pursue functionality as a tool for play.
At the time, it was necessary to stimulate demand, especially among young people, to stem the decline in motorcycle sales, and the Zoomer, the first model in the N Project, was designed to facilitate the loading of skateboards under the seat. The PS250 was also an extension of this trend and was developed in a different direction from the Forza, which was thoroughly equipped with audio options, smart keys, and other luxury features.
The seat with the backrest that can be raised symbolizes this concept. Not only could it be used as a tandem seat for two passengers, but the tandem seat could also be raised to provide a vast cargo space when a large amount of luggage was to be loaded. Another revolutionary feature was the ability to adjust the seat position back and forth like a car.
And, like the Mottola, it also offers a frame-mounted cargo space above the headlight, equipment that would be very useful for camping tours today. However, even though the PS250 was launched in the midst of the scooter boom, it lasted only two generations, ending with the 2005 model.
PS250 (2004) [HONDA] Debuted at the same time as the second-generation Forza X/Z, the best-selling model of all time, but sales did not quite match it. The coloring and angular headlight were probably made with the motorsport in mind.
The tandem seat can be raised up like a car seat, which was a revolutionary feature. When raised, the seat can also be used as a backrest, contributing to improved comfort.
The equipment that slides back and forth like a car seat is unprecedented. It can be adjusted in 10 steps within a range of 90 mm.
When the tandem seat is raised, a large cargo space appears as shown here. This is the origin of the pickup scooter.
Tandem performance is also important for a model tailored to the lifestyle of young people.
An easy-to-grip grab bar was also provided to accommodate two riders.
A cargo bed is also provided in the front, although it does not have as much space as the motora.
There is no met-in function, but there is a small storage space with a lockable lid on the lower right side of the cargo bed for rainwear and other items.
The The meters are analog in pursuit of a rugged appearance. The speedometer on the left side follows the design of the Motra.
The 2005 model changed to round dual headlights and leveraged the Zuma style, but the planned sales volume was only 1,400 units compared to the Forza, which sold over 20,000 units in 2005.
Here are the sales trends of 126-250cc scooters since 2000. The PS250 was probably a special concept that was able to be launched because it was in the middle of the boom period circled in red.
Bulldog is also fantastic after 10 years in the N Project's sixth installment.
The last work of the N Project, which developed and launched five models from the Zoomer and Ape in 2001 to the PS250 in 2004, was literally the sixth model, the NP6-S and NP6-D, which were exhibited at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show. Unfortunately, this prototype 125cc scooter did not make it to the market.
The NP6 series was characterized by low and long style, and the NP6-D was designed to take advantage of its length to carry surfboards on the "big deck" under the seat. The unique style of the NP6-D, if it had been sold, would it have been as popular today as the PS250? If it had been sold, it would be as popular today as the PS250.
It is also worth mentioning the bulldog exhibited ten years later. This one was conceived as a tool for enjoying the outdoors, based on the concept of "a lovable traveling companion.
It also had a loading space next to the fuel tank, embodying a concept similar to that of the PS250, but this model, too, was never marketed.
NP6-D (2005) [HONDA] A 125cc scooter featuring a structure that held the seat from only one side. It was designed to carry long items such as surfboards.
NP6-S (2006) [HONDA] This is a street version, emphasizing low and long. The vertically arranged, oddly shaped headlights give it a unique style.
BULLDOG (2015) [HONDA] A modern version of the leisure bike conceived based on the 400X's parallel two-cylinder engine. It is full of playful features, such as a big tank-like accessory compartment that looks like a Paris-Dakar specification.
Bulldog's designers took a woman's perspective and reduced the wheel size to 15 inches front and rear to achieve a low seat height of 730 mm. They also targeted petite female riders.
Major Specifications of 2004 PS25
Overall Length x Overall Width x Overall Height: 2085 x 795 x 1090 mm
Wheelbase: 1455mm
Seat height: 725mm
Weight: 171 kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke single-cylinder SOHC 249cc
Maximum output: 19PS/7000rpm
Maximum torque: 2.1kg-m/5500rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 12 liters
Transmission: V-matic continuously variable
Brakes: F=disc, R=drum
Tires: F=110/90-12, R=130/70-12
Price at the time (approx.): 3635 USD (excluding tax)
