Help me choose a scooter...

[RaysFan]

I can get a new SYM 300i Joymax, a slightly used Forza and a slightly used SYM 400i (all less than 3000 km) for the same price right now. I want to buy this weekend. What should I get???? I was dead set on the 400i, but then I started researching the new 300i and completely forgot about the 400i.... Until I found this one on sale. Im throwing in the Honda because, well, this is Thailand, and Honda is king here.

Pros for the 400i---- Its big, I'm 6'4, it looks good, it can easily do highway speeds and long road trips, it can get around town fine.

Cons---- Maybe too big? Its almost 2 feet longer than both the 300s. It uses almost double the fuel but only 100cc more, I dont know when the new model will be out, SYM already replaced this model in the 300 line up.

Pros for the 300i--- Its NEW, like just started selling in July new. It has a lot of power, great fuel mileage, looks good.

Cons---- Not as good on the highway or long trips? I have never seen one or sat on one in real life, Im very tall and have very long legs. The only way to see one in Chiang Mai is to buy one and have it delivered here.

Pros for the Forza- Its Honda. It gets good gas mileage. Resale value.

Cons----- Seems to be out performed (specification wise) by both the SYM bikes. Only reason I see to buy this bike is because were in Thailand and its Honda.

What would you guys do? I require a big scooter, I like to go on rides, I will be riding up Doi Sutep, riding to Mai Sai, riding to BKK on occasion, but it will mostly be used in the city.... I just really like the though of having something I can ride for 5 hours at a time cruising comfortably. Would the 300cc bikes be good for this? Like I said, I was dead set on the 400 but couldnt find one for the right price, so I stopped looking a while ago, and lost interest completely in it... Today one just fell into my lap....

[wantan]

If money doesn't matter i would take the MaxSYM 400i. Most power, nice bike

Rational would be taking the Forza with ABS and many dealers/service and cheap(?) spares.

How much is the new SYM 300i Joymax?

Btw, why do you not continue one of your other threads with this topic?

[RaysFan]

Haha, I know Ive started a lot of threads lately, but this will be the last about scooter advice (at least for a while). I'm very close to buying, just need to make a choice!

I'm looking at a 400i with 3000 km for 155000, a Forza with 2000km for 145000, and the new (extremely new) Joymax for 155000.

My wants for the 400i are just dreams of long trips I think. The 300i, with much better fuel econemy and 2 feet shorter seems more logical.... But seems like I can get much more bike for the same price (new 400i is 209,000).

How will the 300i do on long trips? Say 4 to 5 hours riding without stopping at 120 kph?

[899cc]

Haha, I know Ive started a lot of threads lately, but this will be the last about scooter advice (at least for a while). I'm very close to buying, just need to make a choice!

I'm looking at a 400i with 3000 km for 155000, a Forza with 2000km for 145000, and the new (extremely new) Joymax for 155000.

My wants for the 400i are just dreams of long trips I think. The 300i, with much better fuel econemy and 2 feet shorter seems more logical.... But seems like I can get much more bike for the same price (new 400i is 209,000).

How will the 300i do on long trips? Say 4 to 5 hours riding without stopping at 120 kph?

You will never do 4 to 5 hour's without stopping because you'll be out of fuel, is there anywhere near you that hire's these bikes so you can test before purchase??

[RaysFan]

Yea, I can rent a Forza easily... I can test ride the 400i at a dealer, but there isnt a even 1 300i in CM yet. I went to 2 dealers today and they both told me I would be the first person in this city to buy one. And to get one here I have to make a non refundable deposit... So if I go with the 300i there will be no test rid or even seeing it in real life. Just youtube vids and internet reviews, which all say its an amazing bike.

[lemoncake]

Haha, I know Ive started a lot of threads lately, but this will be the last about scooter advice (at least for a while). I'm very close to buying, just need to make a choice!

I'm looking at a 400i with 3000 km for 155000, a Forza with 2000km for 145000, and the new (extremely new) Joymax for 155000.

My wants for the 400i are just dreams of long trips I think. The 300i, with much better fuel econemy and 2 feet shorter seems more logical.... But seems like I can get much more bike for the same price (new 400i is 209,000).

How will the 300i do on long trips? Say 4 to 5 hours riding without stopping at 120 kph?

You have just answered your own question.

Look at Sym from 209 down to 155 (26% drop and i think its same guy who has been trying to sell for past 3-6 months)

Look at Honda 159 down to 145(8% drop)

You will be the first one to buy 300i, so what shop knows how to do the service?, what shop stocks the parts? even a flat tire

How long to get parts in if needed?

Edited July 25, 2013 by lemoncake

[poanoi]

I would test them all and pay careful attention to how comfortable they are,

if it was a chopper i would also test drive in shorts and flip flops, since quite a few of them

are plain poor engineering where it is possible to burn leg/foot while driving normally,

harley is so infamous about this so burn marks are referred to as 'harely tatoo'.

More specifically if the exhaust from the cylinder is to the side, rather than back and front,

it's a really good sign its a faulty design.

If the exhaust also run an inch from the foot peg, then its not just a sign, but a proof

that the design is messed up, dont bother testing if you see a wrap around a pipe,

the seller found out the hard way

Edited July 25, 2013 by poanoi

[Issangeorge]

I've never seen an SYM in Isaan, if you want a bike to travel with buy the Honda. Otherwise you will end up I Nakhon Nowhere with no dealer or anyone else who knows how to fix the bike in sight and no parts. You will be afraid to go any farther than 100 km from the nearest dealer, if that far.

Sent from my i-mobile IQ 6 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[lemoncake]

I've never seen an SYM in Isaan, if you want a bike to travel with buy the Honda. Otherwise you will end up I Nakhon Nowhere with no dealer or anyone else who knows how to fix the bike in sight and no parts. You will be afraid to go any farther than 100 km from the nearest dealer, if that far.

Sent from my i-mobile IQ 6 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Not only parts but just a flat tire. These are not your average tires and are not stocked by most stores. Even Mityon in Pattaya needs to order it, even for Forza

[handSumMan]

the honda crf 250 motard !

[handSumMan]

the honda crf 250 motard !

you can trick out the 250super motard so it gets better mpg and a big sproket for long rides+rear rack for bungy cording your load

[handSumMan]

the honda crf 250 motard !

you can trick out the 250super motard so it gets better mpg and a big sproket for long rides+rear rack for bungy cording your load

remember these hondas are super customizeable in thailand with TONS of support parts and shops with honda specialists EVERY where in isaan

[lemoncake]

the honda crf 250 motard !

you can trick out the 250super motard so it gets better mpg and a big sproket for long rides+rear rack for bungy cording your load

remember these hondas are super customizeable in thailand with TONS of support parts and shops with honda specialists EVERY where in isaan

why are you quoting yourself and replying to yourself?

[macknife]

The Honda. It's unlikely you'll ever regret it. The Sym may be a better bike overall but if you start having problems down the line, you could be in for some major headaches.

[wantan]

I've never seen an SYM in Isaan, if you want a bike to travel with buy the Honda. Otherwise you will end up I Nakhon Nowhere with no dealer or anyone else who knows how to fix the bike in sight and no parts. You will be afraid to go any farther than 100 km from the nearest dealer, if that far.

Sent from my i-mobile IQ 6 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Not only parts but just a flat tire. These are not your average tires and are not stocked by most stores. Even Mityon in Pattaya needs to order it, even for Forza

If even Mityon has to order tires, so what? I doubt the Honda dealers in Nakhon Nowhere have parts for Forza in stock. Maybe oil and oil filter, if you are lucky. So they have to order parts too.

If stranded in the Pampa its the best you can help yourself. Or take a hotel and get your parts per post. Just look at the CBR500. Some parts not available for months. I doubt it could be more worse with a SYM

[RaysFan]

Interesting points to consider....

SYM is growing their presence in Thailand, right? This should mean better dealer support soon I suppose... But this is all worth considering when purchasing any new model, correct?.

Is it save to assume all points made against the SYM models are the same points you can make about the Forza?

[VocalNeal]

Has the Forza you are looking at done the rear wheel recall thing? Will Honda honour the recall for a used bike?

Rider weight has a huge impact on performance.

I'm barmy enough I would get the train down to Bangkok to sit on a SYM300i if you think the 400 is too big. SYM head office is quite near Hualampong main railway station.

How bad is traffic up there anyway? There are Yamaha T-Max in Bangklok and Pattaya they can't be much smaller.

As for parts/service network the problem is similar to say BMW riders or Harley riders or Ducati riders or....They all seem to manage.

Found this on-line not the Joymax/GTS but engine is the same as a 2009 Joymax/GTS!

I have an 09 Citycom 300i. I'm over 6 four and 240. I'm on the West Coast, near the mountains and the 300i hauls my butt just fine. In fact, it would be fair to say this thing flat motors.

Once the clutch is engaged (about 10-15 mph) the bike is quite quick up to 50 mph or so and has no trouble cruising along at 65, 70 mph without strain.

I have no trouble keeping ahead of the local traffic. I call it my Q-Ship brcause people see scooter and they automaticly think slow and the Com is anything but. The looks on peoples faces when I zip past from a light is priceless.LOL

Now that my bike is well broken in; I'm thrilled with the performance as well as the outstanding handling. It corners remarkably well and is great fun on backroad twisties.

I will be upgrading the front tire to a Diablo when it is worn out as well as upgrading the front brake pads for higher grip and a firmer feel, but stock is safe enough.

For a city commuter the seat is fine but the bike can easily handle all day runs and after a hundred miles or so, butt burn sets in. An AirHawk solves that problem for the long runs.

To sum up: For this 40 year plus rider, the Citycom is an outstanding small motorcycle. This torque monster DL1000 V-Strom pilot is thrilled with my scooters performance. You will notice the short travel suspension; but the bike is quick, handles and is serious fun.

Don't want to be avant-garde get the 47hp 400 and don't use the extra. Often?

Edited July 25, 2013 by VocalNeal

[lemoncake]

I've never seen an SYM in Isaan, if you want a bike to travel with buy the Honda. Otherwise you will end up I Nakhon Nowhere with no dealer or anyone else who knows how to fix the bike in sight and no parts. You will be afraid to go any farther than 100 km from the nearest dealer, if that far.

Sent from my i-mobile IQ 6 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

Not only parts but just a flat tire. These are not your average tires and are not stocked by most stores. Even Mityon in Pattaya needs to order it, even for Forza

If even Mityon has to order tires, so what? I doubt the Honda dealers in Nakhon Nowhere have parts for Forza in stock. Maybe oil and oil filter, if you are lucky. So they have to order parts too.

If stranded in the Pampa its the best you can help yourself. Or take a hotel and get your parts per post. Just look at the CBR500. Some parts not available for months. I doubt it could be more worse with a SYM

Point is that if the biggest dealer in Pattaya do not have the stocks, what are the chances of just a shop having anything at all?

Then how many shops know anything about Sym? and are capable of fixing it?

[lemoncake]

OP, check out this advert, still on red plate http://classifieds.thaivisa.com/automotives-vehicles/motorcycles/for-sale-big-scooter-sym-evo-gts-300i-233910.html

[RaysFan]

Yes, that is the old model, they just started selling the new model here in Thailand beginning of July. The new model has a HP/torque boost, better fuel economy, among other things.

[ktm jeff]

After having such a poor job done on my girlfriends honda , that could have killed us the next day , by a ("trained honda mechanic" at a main honda dealer from which the bike was brought new six months ago)that i corrected myself the next day , i advise staying away from faceless dealers . if its quality and resale you want then have a go an the Yamaha T-MAX - better build quality, better fuel consumption, better spec ,and i presume safe quality work from their mechanics People are looking at the alternatives to honda, THEY ARE OUT THERE ,and making their own buying decisions on value and service nowadays,not blindly buying a honda "cause this is Thailand "

[iluvbeaches]

Buy the Honda. You're in Thailand so it's the best for resale and repairs. Long trips on a scooter are deadly in any case, don't do it. Better take a train or fly and use it locally.

I don't even ride bikes anymore but have been in enough accidents with idiots in Thailand to know to stay away from long treks.

[bislinder]

Buy the Honda. You're in Thailand so it's the best for resale and repairs. Long trips on a scooter are deadly in any case, don't do it. Better take a train or fly and use it locally.

I don't even ride bikes anymore but have been in enough accidents with idiots in Thailand to know to stay away from long treks.

Yeah, the big scoots have come on a bit...

[stoli]

Buy the Honda. You're in Thailand so it's the best for resale and repairs. Long trips on a scooter are deadly in any case, don't do it. Better take a train or fly and use it locally.

I don't even ride bikes anymore but have been in enough accidents with idiots in Thailand to know to stay away from long treks.

Yes and no. Life is all about risks, but if you protect yourself too much, you miss a lot of life. I just spent 10 days going over 1500 kilometers from Pattaya to Koh Chang to Phnom Penh, to Battambang, to Chantaburi, and back to Pattaya. All on a 115cc Yamaha. Had a ball. On the other side of the story though, I would not recommend this to anyone else. Through Cambodia I realized that I had sometimes gone 100 kilometers without seeing a place to get a flat tire repaired, and one time a 9 hour ride without seeing a room to rent. I would have hated to have to spend the night sleeping on the ground under a banana tree. No problem with traffic nor possible accidents, it was just that services could be hard to find.

[lemoncake]

After having such a poor job done on my girlfriends honda , that could have killed us the next day , by a ("trained honda mechanic" at a main honda dealer from which the bike was brought new six months ago)that i corrected myself the next day , i advise staying away from faceless dealers . if its quality and resale you want then have a go an the Yamaha T-MAX - better build quality, better fuel consumption, better spec ,and i presume safe quality work from their mechanics People are looking at the alternatives to honda, THEY ARE OUT THERE ,and making their own buying decisions on value and service nowadays,not blindly buying a honda "cause this is Thailand "

Not really sure why you think Yamaha mechanics are any better .

Tmax is a pain to sell and it does have a few mechanical issues, according to a friend who has bike repair shop.

[jpinx]

Honda PCX ?

[RaysFan]

Haha, PCX is what I first started looking at, but Ive moved on. Its just not big enough for me and I cant picture riding around in the mountains with it like a motorcycle. I really want a twist and go motorcycle hahaha. Color me lazy?

[Sigurris]

I have owned the Sym 400i for 13 months now and still love it. I drive mainly in Pattaya but do a rare long trip. The length is not a problem except when parking you need a bit more width to get the angle. The width is only 4 inches wider than the PCX and, combined with the low centre of gravity, allows the bike to manuovere at low speeds in traffic like a small bike.

Overall it looks great, goes great and does everything you would want it to.

Also remember the 400 is 398cc but the 300 is 264cc so is a full third bigger.

[jpinx]

Looks like a little guys seating arrangement. I'd need to replace that

[RaysFan]

@Sigurris--- Have you run into any problems with it at all? What about regular maintenance, any problems? How is your fuel economy?