Test: SYM MAXSYM 400i ABS

Content

Basic data
Technical information

Sim is no longer new to the world of maxi scooters. Over the past decade, the company has deservedly established itself as a reputable scooter manufacturer and has built a good service network in the European and domestic southern European market, and therefore its market share is not negligible even in countries that are extremely scooter-friendly, such as Italy, France and Spain. ... But all this especially applies to scooters with a working volume of 50 to 250 cubic centimeters. It appeared at the training ground where larger and more powerful scooters compete just two years ago, and for us this test was the first real contact with a maxi scooter that is not a product of one of the most prestigious manufacturers.

For Maxsym with a 400 cubic meter engine (a more powerful 600 cubic meter engine is installed in the same frame), our dealers demand a little less than six thousand, which is about a thousand euros less than similar competitors. But since this is a lot of money, you can not feel sorry for him, so Maxsym had to convince him of the opposite on the test.

And it is. Especially in terms of drive technology and driving performance. With an engine power of 33 "horsepower", it is fully equivalent to Japanese and Italian premium competitors. Not only on paper, but also on the road. It accelerates to 150 km / h without any problems, accelerates sharply and, with significant acceleration, consumes a good four liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. Among direct competitors, almost no one turns out to be significantly better.

Even on a trip, Maxsym cuts well. This is mainly due to the fact that the more powerful engine is installed in almost the same package of frame, suspension and brakes. So the whole package is combined with a 400 cc engine. See has a lot of parts, but still more than convincing. The cycling, stability and lightness of this scooter convinces both in sharp city maneuvers and at high speeds. The scooter descends calmly and evenly on deeper slopes, and even at high speeds there is no shaking, as we are used to with scooters of a similar design. The braking system is the least convincing. Not that it is not powerful enough, the criticism goes to the address of ABS, which interferes with the grip with the brake pads too much, but its essence is that the scooter remains on wheels in critical situations, which, of course, it succeeds.

Ergonomically, the designers have adapted this scooter to the wishes of the European buyer. The steering wheel and shifters fit comfortably in your hands, the feet are low enough on the stairs so that the knees do not suffer even after long trips, the brake levers have the ability to adjust the distance from the steering wheel, and the windshield successfully removes wind from the driver. The only downside is the adjustable backrest for the rider, who would have to slide a finger or two back to please everyone else.

Test: SYM MAXSYM 400i ABS

Maxsym is also one of the best in terms of usability. It has three useful drawers in front of the driver, convenient storage for small items under the fuel filler flap, ample space under the seat, 12V socket with USB connection, parking brake, safety switch to prevent the engine from starting under the seat. and side and center stand. The shape of the space under the seat (unlocked with a button on the steering wheel) is quite square and with the right procedure can store two helmets. However, we believe that in practice, a shallower and more rectangular shape of the space under the seat is more comfortable, but this depends on the opinion and needs of the person.

And if the scooter is really that good, then where did the manufacturer and dealers find the price difference indicated at the beginning? The answer is classically simple: in (un) disturbing details. The rest of the materials are good and, at least in appearance and feel, are completely comparable to competitors. There are also no serious flaws in the design, and the instrument panel is very attractive and pleases with its white-red-blue illumination. But what if the direction indicators are hard to see in daylight and the sound indicator is very quiet. Unfortunately, the data shown in the center display was also selected at the factory.

Instead of data on the date of conversion of the distance traveled in miles and the voltage of the battery, in our opinion, information on the air temperature, fuel consumption and coolant temperature would be more appropriate. And if Taiwanese engineers knew how to get an ingenious patent to open and fold the paws for a passenger, then why not devote some time to a side stand that loves to slide on asphalt because of its location. And this plastic muffler cover doesn't quite match the beautiful, modern and prestigious look of the whole scooter. But all these are actually whims, and they are not dangerous to the life of a person who knows how to appreciate those qualities that really matter in everyday use.

Apart from the difference in price, which translates into maintenance and basic registration costs over several years, there are many other reasons to buy the Symo maxi. You just need to get rid of prejudices.

Text: Matthias Tomazic

Basic data
Sales: Špan doo
Base model price: 5.899 €
Test model cost: 5.899 €
Technical information
engine: 399 cm3, single cylinder, four stroke, water cooled
Power: 24,5 kW (33,3 km) at 7.000 rpm
Torque: 34,5 Nm at 5.500 rpm
Energy transfer: automatic stepless variator
Frame: steel pipe
brakes: front 2 discs 275 mm, rear 1 disc 275 mm, ABS
Suspension: front telescopic fork, 41 mm, rear shock absorber with preload adjustment
Tires: before 120/70 R15, rear 160/60 R14
Fuel tank: 14,2 liters