Sym Maxsym 400I First 1000Km Review

[sgunn65]

My first 1000kms on the Sym Maxsym 400i

Setting the scene

I need to first give some background to my decision to buy the 400i in order for you to understand my reasoning.

I had been riding a Kawasaki Vulcan 900cc Classic for pleasure and a Suzuki Step 125cc for nipping around Pattaya. Both bikes are excellent for these purposes and I had no reason to think about changing. Then two things happened that changed that. First I started working again after taking a year off. Then I had a nasty accident on the Step which resulted in a minor scratch for the bike and 60 stitches for me!!!I had a month where, due to my injuries, I was unable to ride. During this time I seriously considered giving up bikes for good and went so far as to order a car.

But I live near Pattaya and having a car here, though a lot safer, is, in my opinion, a waste of time due to the traffic and parking. So I got back on the bike.

In the course of my work I do 2 100km round trips and a 60km round trip a week, which I used the Vulcan for. The rest of the time I used the step (at a much slower pace!!). Where the Vulcan had given me a great deal of pleasure it was now a chore especially at night so I started thinking about something easier to ride which offered a bit more safety (even if that was psychological).

I looked first at the PCX 150which would do the longer journeys (just about) and would be ideal for around town. I went to Mityon Pattaya on Pattaya Klang to have a look and there I saw the Sym 300. I immediately liked the look but was a little concerned as I had never heard of them and had heard horror stories about Chinese bikes. So I went away and started researching Sym. I was relieved to find out that, not only were they not Chinese but that they were the biggest manufacturers of scooters in the world.

I then went to Mityon on Pattaya South where they had the 400i. It looked beautiful and with an extra 135cc over the 300 (which is 263cc) as well as being a newly designed model it won me over. Still I went away and did more research on the 400i and was convinced by a review in Australia which scored the bike an 82%. This included marks for off road and racing ability where it scored quite low obviously.

So I went back paid my money and took delivery. As anyone who read the other thread will know Mityon delivered it without coolant which I had to get sorted the next day. But apart from that it looked fantastic and I was very pleased with my new toy.

So to the bike:

Price: Lots of posts have said that 209K is too much and I agree it seems a lot for a scooter. However the only real direct competition is the T max which is 515K although it is 500cc. Compared to a PCX at 80K it does seem expensive but it is almost 3 times the cc. What I would say is that I wanted 2 bikes in one. A town scooter and a tourer. The best tourer that I have seen is the Versys at around 260K and then add another 50K for a scooter and you are 100K over. There is not a big dealer network but I live near Pattaya where there is dealer support and a growing group of Sym owners so I feel fairly safe with that.

Looks: It looks like a PCX on steroids, although in reality it is very similar to the T max which is 500cc but also 515,000 baht. It has a dashboard like a car with tachometer and coolant meter. Very easy to read in bright sunlight and nicely lit at night.

There is a nice retro look to the wing mirrors which are well spaced so you don't see your arms instead of what is behind you.

I get stared at a lot and have had several positive remarks from people at lights including a T max owner. My friend however did say it looked like a cross between a jet ski and a fridge!!!

Size: It is a big bike but, surprisingly only 4 inches wider than the PCX. It is longer though ,which is why it looks so big. The seat is big, wide and well padded with back rests for both passenger and rider. The riders back rest is adjustable. When riding in town you will be surprised at how easy it is to follow all the clicks and mio's through the gaps in traffic. Granted there are gaps you won't be able to get through but they are few.

It is 200kg but you would not notice it as the length and low centre of gravity make it feel half the weight.

Riding: The first thing that struck me about riding the 400i was the low speed stability. It feels that you could stop and not have to put your feet down. This gives you real confidence and maneuverability in traffic. Open the throttle and the bike pulls away quickly and smoothly. Because of the automatic gearing the engine uses the optimum revs and therefore you don't have the noise of gear changes which can be deceptive with your speed. Suddenly you are doing 120kph without realising it!

On the open road cruising at the speed limit is comfortable and very stable with no real effort. If you are a naughty boy then 150+ is easily achievable. Cornering is just like a bike but on very sharp right hand turns it behaves like a scooter with a much tighter turning circle than my Kawasaki.

The thing I have noticed, especially at night, is how safe I feel on it. High speed stability coupled with linked braking on 3 disc brakes (2 at the front) make stopping stress free. Also the lights are great I can actually see more than 10 feet in front of me!

Fuel Economy: I have not got accurate figures but somewhere around 23-25kpl seems to be about right at the moment.

Storage: Under the seat I have had a full face helmet a normal helmet, wet weather gear, a jacket and the gf's huge bag with room to spare. There are also three compartments for sunglasses etc so loads of storage space though you cant fit 10 carrier bags that you can with a step through.

Overall Conclusions: It doesn't have the lovely sound of the chopper or the shopping bag carrying ability of the Step. It is harder to park than the step too. That said I LOVE IT!!!! I would buy it again in a heartbeat.

For what I need it is the perfect machine, an excellent tourer and a good town bike rolled into one. Whether it is the bike for you will depend on your needs. But if you want to get through the city traffic with ease and take the occasional long run in the country for the weekend and have room under the seat for a weekend bag then it maybe what you need.

[nikster]

+1 nice review, sounds like a winner.

[guzzi850m2]

+1 nice review, sounds like a winner.

+2, thanks for the very good review its sound like a very versatile scooter. I see more and more of them in Pattaya and they are much better on the open road than a PCX because of the extra power that can get you out of a dangerous situation.

If they start make a 249cc model which one poster mention in another topic (Richard-BKK, I think) that would likely be quite cheap.

[wantan]

Very nice, thanks for taking the time telling us your experiences with the MAXSYM.

Seems like Maxi-Scooters are the contemporary version of the chopper style bike. Good for relaxed cruising. And instead having saddle bags you have the underseat storage. But a Maxi Scooter is much easier to navigate in todays city traffic.

The MAXSYM looks like a T-Max but is less than half the price. But the T-Myx has a 499cc Parallel-Twin engine which is one reason for its higher price.

Safety is another good point for a Maxi-Scooter. I understand your thoughts in this. Hope you have a lot nice rides on your MAXSYM.

[joeed]

Thanks for sharing your experience with MAXSYM with us.

I have to say that when I noticed it for the first time in the Mityon Pattaya Tai shop a few weeks ago I was a bit jealous as it looks nice but I had just bought the new PCX 150 when it came out...

The dashboard looks great and my only concern are the mirrors which, in my opinion, look much better on the 300i model. I really don't like those small silver style mirrors but I guess they can be replaced later on.

Despite their small size, are the mirrors good enough? Compared to the ones on the PCX for instance?

Does it have a start/stop function like the PCX?

I read somewhere that the tank is around 14 liters so that gives a good range if it can do around 25k/l as you mentioned.

One last question, I have only ever ridden small motorbikes here in Thailand for 4 years (the biggest being my current PCX 150); would it be reasonable based on my limited experience to make the jump to a 400cc?

Thanks and congratulations for your new bike.

Edited July 2, 2012 by joeed

[mcgriffith]

Great review!

Any possibility of posting a photo of your bike?

[Siriam]

Thanks for your review which I fully agreed with.

You almost convinced me not to sell mine http://classifieds.thaivisa.com/automotives-vehicles/motorcycles/maxi-scooter-maxsym400i-202839.html which I'm going to sell in order to buy a Honda Shadow ACE or similar ... hearing this from someone who was riding the vulcan 900 is enlightening!

[JeffreyMcCollum]

+3 Thanks for the post and do give us updates

[sgunn65]

I have posted 6 months on the Sym 400i here

[TramsRepus]

I have posted 6 months on the Sym 400i here

Where?

EDIT: Found it

Edited June 20, 2013 by TramsRepus

[TramsRepus]

According to a Jeffery here http://www.motorcycle.in.th/forum/viewtopic.php?showtopic=5585&mode=&show=10&page=2

the Maxsym 400i now cost only 168k and the 300i 130k. Has any ones else seen these prices?

Does anyone know if there were any upgrades between 2012 ans 2013?

Edited June 20, 2013 by TramsRepus

[Alwayssunny]

The 400i price is 229k in Phuket, looks a great bike and so much more comfortable than the Forza!

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[wantan]

The 400i price is 229k in Phuket, looks a great bike and so much more comfortable than the Forza!

Does it have ABS now?

[ll2]

The 400i price is 229k in Phuket, looks a great bike and so much more comfortable than the Forza!

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I remember it was less than 200 k new. Possibly phuket dealer charge more.

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[Alwayssunny]

Yes has Bosch ABS, looks very good build quality, in fact looks a great bike!

There will be a top case bracket available in the near future from Givi, there is not as much under seat storage as the Forza so the top case is a must(for me anyway, 12v outlet is factory fitted another must for me, I'm certainly thinking about getting one!

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Edited May 6, 2014 by Alwayssunny

[Alwayssunny]

.

Latest picture!

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[BSJ]

It is pretty hard to see a comparison with either a PCX150 or a Forza! And one could be forgiven for thinking a T-Max would run ring around it! But I am sure it fills a niche for those of us who aren't well heeled enough for a T-Max.

PS: Or for the likes of me....being d@mn sure I will not be paying double what it's worth for a T-max because of the ridiculous tax.

Edited May 6, 2014 by BSJ

[Alwayssunny]

It is pretty hard to see a comparison with either a PCX150 or a Forza! And one could be forgiven for thinking a T-Max would run ring around it! But I am sure it fills a niche for those of us who aren't well heeled enough for a T-Max.

PS: Or for the likes of me....being d@mn sure I will not be paying double what it's worth for a T-max because of the ridiculous tax.

I could afford a T Max no problem but the servicing on the T Max is very expensive, oil change over 2300 bht oil change for the sym 300 bht, T Max price over 500k price for sym 229k yes the T Max has more power but 400cc is plenty in this country!

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Edited May 6, 2014 by Alwayssunny

[sendbaht]

Kind of wish they had the SYM 600 here to choose from also. I like Yamaha's and the T-max i bet is great but I bet the SYM 600 would cast less the the T-max. Just guessing.

I want to purcase a new bike. Have a 135cc yamaha now. So, a Fonza sounds perfect but temped to get a SYM 400...

So, I know this is an old thread but did not want to start a new one. Fonza 300 costs say B170...Sym 400 B219/B229....besides the 100cc what does one get for the extra B50/B60k? A extra 100cc for B60k is worth it enough but there might be more..Thanks for helping me choose.

Edited May 10, 2014 by sendbaht

[Alwayssunny]

You get 130 extra cc as the Forza is 270cc, the sym seat is far superior and there is more room on the bike, 12v socket and USB for phone, not sure what headlights they are but certainly look better, rear lights are LED, indicators in the wing mirrors, bike comes with a tall screen, not sure what other features are different as the brochure is in Thai, certainly looks better than the Forza!

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[Alwayssunny]

I am undecided about the sym because of the fact there is only one dealer in Phuket, the service facilities ate poor, no bike lift just a small area on the side for servicing, it doesent give you confidence!!

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[sendbaht]

Well, 130cc is huge for the extra price. Plus all the other stuff mentioned. I like the look of the Fonza but seems everyone likes the look of the SYM the better. I know like I have before bought something only to wish I would have stepped up to the plate a little bit more. Well check ou the service department of the SYM shop soon.

[Alwayssunny]

Well, 130cc is huge for the extra price. Plus all the other stuff mentioned. I like the look of the Fonza but seems everyone likes the look of the SYM the better. I know like I have before bought something only to wish I would have stepped up to the plate a little bit more. Well check ou the service department of the SYM shop soon.

Im going to take my gf to the sym dealer and get her to question them about servicing etc I just want to know if there staff have been trained to service the sym, they sell other bike makes aswell!

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[Alwayssunny]

Everyone I have met who owns the Forza complains about the seat, you wont complain with the sym!

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Edited May 10, 2014 by Alwayssunny

[YipYipYa123]

Everyone I have met who owns the Forza complains about the seat, you wont complain with the sym!

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I have no complaints about the forza seat, it's like riding around on my couch, I usually lay back and ride it like a cruiser

[sendbaht]

I still have not been to our SYM dealer. Want to check it out. Next week I hope.

[Alwayssunny]

Been looking at the maxsym 400i and the Honda Forza, really like the sym but the dealer and service support is next to nil, only one dealer in Phuket, the staff at sym could not tell me where other service centers were other than to say "Bangkok"

The Forza is extremely well supported all over Thailand, yes it's only 270cc but that's plenty for me, I think it will be the Forza! it's a shame because the sym looks a very good bike!

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Edited May 16, 2014 by Alwayssunny

[Richard-BKK]

Been looking at the maxsym 400i and the Honda Forza, really like the sym but the dealer and service support is next to nil, only one dealer in Phuket, the staff at sym could not tell me where other service centers were other than to say "Bangkok"

The Forza is extremely well supported all over Thailand, yes it's only 270cc but that's plenty for me, I think it will be the Forza! it's a shame because the sym looks a very good bike!

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Asking a Sym dealer, where are the Sym service centers is basically asking where are the other Sym dealers... I can understand the “we don't know attitude”... You can expect that also from independent Honda dealers...

If you have a question concerning service you maybe better call Sym Thailand direct, also not all Honda dealers do service on the Forza 300 for that you best call Honda Thailand.

The Sym Thailand the telefoon is 02-613-9727, for Honda Thailand the hotline is 02-725-4000

[Alwayssunny]

Been looking at the maxsym 400i and the Honda Forza, really like the sym but the dealer and service support is next to nil, only one dealer in Phuket, the staff at sym could not tell me where other service centers were other than to say "Bangkok"

The Forza is extremely well supported all over Thailand, yes it's only 270cc but that's plenty for me, I think it will be the Forza! it's a shame because the sym looks a very good bike!

Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Asking a Sym dealer, where are the Sym service centers is basically asking where are the other Sym dealers... I can understand the “we don't know attitude”... You can expect that also from independent Honda dealers...

If you have a question concerning service you maybe better call Sym Thailand direct, also not all Honda dealers do service on the Forza 300 for that you best call Honda Thailand.

The Sym Thailand the telefoon is 02-613-9727, for Honda Thailand the hotline is 02-725-4000

Okay I guess I can understand that, maybe I'm over worrying regarding needing to find help should a problem occur, Honda seem to have dealers everywhere and should you need help with a Forza problem they would I am sure be able to sort it, sym on the the other hand don't have the dealer network anywhere near as many as Honda, maybe I'm wrong and there are more sym dealers!

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[wantan]

The SYM maxiscooters are the better bikes compared to Forza. But i visited a SYM shop in BKK two years ago (one of the few official ones that only sell SYM) and was shocked seeing their service area. It was basically looking the same as every somchai shop at the corner. Tools laying on the ground, no bike lift, mechanics sleeping somewhere. Hope this has changed now, but i wouldn't rely on it. Seems the typical thai way of starting a business. Hard to understand for westeners.