SYM HD2 200i

[pgohctoon]

Have not been writing as I am away. Spent a few days in Rome and like Paris, there were a lot of scooters. Surprisingly, it was not dominated by Piaggio or Vespas. The dominant scooters were TMax, XMax, XCity (Yamahas), Suzuki Burgmans 200 and 400 with a few 650s, some Kymcos. The one that rules the cobble roads of Rome were Honda SH 150 and 300s. They SH1500 looks very similar to the Sym HD2i. I wonder whether Sym had licensed the design from Honda. The Sym HD2i is better in having rear disc and metal protected brake hoses. the Honda SH150 has an original top box (looks like a 32 liter).

Seems like all their scooters are mounted with high screens. I guess it's necessary for the cutting out the cold winter, spring and autumn air.

Quite a number also have the leg cover canvas wrap. I guess it's to keep the cold air out or trap the warm air from the radiator for warmth.

The SH has a large radiator fan ( looks larger than the one on the Sym HD).

The SH also has a single headlight whilst the Sym HD has two.

I guess the 16" wheel size of the SH (same as on the Sym HD) gives a better ride on the stone roads of Rome as the surface is extremely uneven and it's difficult even for walking.

Italian riders and drivers do give way to pedestrians if you put your hand out to indicate your intention.

Have not seen any rider trying to turn the roads and lanes as race tracks.

[yuze90]

any pix of your HD2 to share? what colour is it?you did any modification to it?

[pgohctoon]

Edited June 20, 2013 by pgohctoon

[pgohctoon]

Just posted some pics. The meter pic shows the voltage when switch is on, after 10 secs, it will show the clock (left LCD).

Brake hoses (I was told by a seasoned biker) are steel braided. It means it wont expand during high pressure braking so you get full pressure to the brake pads.

The front brake pad housing is black for this model. Earlier model was spray red.

(Apologies - forgot to turn the pics before loading)

Edited June 20, 2013 by pgohctoon

[pgohctoon]

[pgohctoon]

Rear exhaust cover is plastic. It is hot but will not give you a burn mark if you accidentally land your lower leg against it.

Rear pillion foot peg folds backwards when not in use (my previous Vespa LX150 did not have it, so pillion's feet occasionally slip off).

Log on the side panels.

[pgohctoon]

Couldn't remove the earlier pics.

[yeokh]

On Lim Chu Kang, the straight and triple lane stretch really tempts one to go above 80 although engine not run in yet...

 

I don't normally like to ride fast, but on the first day I got my SYM Joyride, I pushed it to nearly 100 km/h. Manufacturers may advise a gradual running in for safety reasons more than anything else. It is not necessarily good for the bike. I did the hard running in, and after 18 months, my bike is still running well.

 

Reference -- http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

[pgohctoon]

I don't normally like to ride fast, but on the first day I got my SYM Joyride, I pushed it to nearly 100 km/h. Manufacturers may advise a gradual running in for safety reasons more than anything else. It is not necessarily good for the bike. I did the hard running in, and after 18 months, my bike is still running well.

 

Reference -- http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

Wow, this is an eye opener for me.

Hopefully, my long 1st ride whenI took delivery helped somewhat.

[pgohctoon]

any pix of your HD2 to share? what colour is it?you did any modification to it?

Hi Yuze90, no mods done. Pics have been posted.

[pgohctoon]

King of the Road in Rome.

Its so very similar to the Sym HD2i 200.

[pgohctoon]

Mileage now is just passed 1800.

Recent FC recordings are 33.09 (more city and neighbourhood riding), 36.76 & 39.12, the last two with majority on expressways.

I used Esso 95 (red color nozzle).

[jasperchc]

what is the top speed for this bike?

[pgohctoon]

what is the top speed for this bike?

 

Hi Jasperchc,

Road test in US says it's 75 mph (that's about 120.7 kph).

It can easily cruise at 100 kph and there is still some way more to turn the throttle before it hits its max.

So far have not tried going beyond 105 kph.

[pgohctoon]

Hi Jasperchc,

Road test in US says it's 75 mph (that's about 120.7 kph).

It can easily cruise at 100 kph and there is still some way more to turn the throttle before it hits its max.

So far have not tried going beyond 105 kph.

 

http://www.justgottascoot.com/symhd200.htm

 

The US model has different lights and blinkers (signal lights), probably because of their traffic regulations.

[pgohctoon]

I am also thinking of installing windshield.

http://www.givi.it/My-motorcycle/?ma=SYM&mo=HD2-125-200-11--12

Any comments on advantages and disadvantages are welcome.

[pgohctoon]

Took a long route to office this morning (living in East and office in the East) ....ECP, AYE, PIE, KJE, BKE, PIE -> Tampines.

Wind /air resistance on the body was significant after 95 kph.

I think the cowl on the head lights does not help to deflect wind from hitting the body above 90 kph. It's too low.

Now seriously thinking of fitting a Givi windshield.

That will help reduce the pain of having sand hitting your neck (really ouch ) when one is behind a rather dirty big truck or one carrying mud/sand.

Only worry is when riding in wet conditions, the windshield gets misted up and it's difficult to see ahead.

I guess it makes no difference as I should be riding slow in those conditions.

Edited August 25, 2013 by pgohctoon

[Sonic]

Hi fellow sym owners.

I ride the maxsym with a tall givi windshield.

Pros.

Great wind and rain protection. Stay dry in light rain.

No wind blast and buffeting.

Queiter ride.

 

Cons.

Fc and top speed may be a little worse.

Need to wipe clean regularly.

Can get a little hot in our weather.

 

To reduce rain affecting your vision. Best to apply something that repels water. Regular waxing actually works. And helps to reduce yellowing. I also apply sealant for longer lasting.

 

Hope these helps. Cheers.

[pgohctoon]

Hi fellow sym owners.

I ride the maxsym with a tall givi windshield.

Pros.

Great wind and rain protection. Stay dry in light rain.

No wind blast and buffeting.

Queiter ride.

 

Cons.

Fc and top speed may be a little worse.

Need to wipe clean regularly.

Can get a little hot in our weather.

 

To reduce rain affecting your vision. Best to apply something that repels water. Regular waxing actually works. And helps to reduce yellowing. I also apply sealant for longer lasting.

 

Hope these helps. Cheers.

 

Hi Sonic,

 

Thanks very much for feedback.

Very much appreciated.

I also did suspect that it will be a little bit hotter with the windshield.

Your advise on applying something to the windshield to help repel water is great.

Maybe something like RainX might help but not sure whether it is sold these days in Singapore.

Regards

[pgohctoon]

Hi fellow sym owners.

I ride the maxsym with a tall givi windshield.

Pros.

Great wind and rain protection. Stay dry in light rain.

No wind blast and buffeting.

Queiter ride.

 

Cons.

Fc and top speed may be a little worse.

Need to wipe clean regularly.

Can get a little hot in our weather.

 

To reduce rain affecting your vision. Best to apply something that repels water. Regular waxing actually works. And helps to reduce yellowing. I also apply sealant for longer lasting.

 

Hope these helps. Cheers.

 

Hi Sonic,

 

Just curious why you change to a Givi screen. The Maxsym comes with a screen. Was it too low and you experienced wind buffeting? Above what speed did you experience it?

Regards

[Sonic]

It wasn't tall enough. Wind slapping on helmet at above 90km/h.

[pgohctoon]

It wasn't tall enough. Wind slapping on helmet at above 90km/h.

 

Thanks , Sonic.

[Sonic]

One more thing.

Have you try searching for your windscreen on ebay. I got mine from an italian seller. Took 2 weeks to arrive and saved me $80

[pgohctoon]

One more thing.

Have you try searching for your windscreen on ebay. I got mine from an italian seller. Took 2 weeks to arrive and saved me $80

 

Hi Sonic,

No I didn't. I got the pricing for the Givi windshield from Mah Motors.

About $255 and $280 for the 66 cm and 74 cm height respectively.

Mah says it takes 2 months to arrive.

I also have to put down a deposit (50%).

Have not done it yet.

2 weeks is very fast and $80 savings as well.

I am not sure whether I can mount it myself because I saw the diagram showing the mounting - 2 big screws below the handle.

But when I checked my HD2i, there was only 1 hole available for the screw.

Not sure whether it needs an additional bracket to hold the 2 screws.

Regards

[pgohctoon]

Went to order the Givi windshield from Mah early this week. Selected the 66 cm long (the other choice was 74 cm).

The sales person, Ian, was kind enough to get a measuring tape and helped estimate where the top of the windshield will be when I am seated on my scoot.

Shipment will probably arrive near end August.

Had the chance to check with the sale person who sold me my HD2i.

He was riding the same scoot and he said he could reach 130kph max. I guess his small jockey size frame and not having a top box behind (mine is a large 45 liter) might have something to do with the difference .

He just changed his ride to a pre-owned Sym Citycomm 300.

Looks like a cross bred between a HD2i and GTS, 262cc engine, storage below seat can hold 2 helmets, same 16" wheels but with larger disc brakes.

Edited August 25, 2013 by pgohctoon