2008 SYM HD 125
User Reviews
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Not bad for the money
By (I am an Owner) on Jul 10, 2009Rather heavy, the 125cc engine is adequate for Ho Chi Minh City driving, which generally moves at about 15 KPH. The scooter has adequate acceleration when needed, but it bottoms out on bumps when loaded with about 180 KG of passengers.
The seat is two level, and if you're a large American ... you find yourself sitting on the part where the rise begins, rather uncomfortable for long trips in heavy traffic--the norm here in HCMC. We had the seat raised (more padding) and made more level, and that really helped.
Storage is adequate and my large helmet (required here) fits into the space under the seat. There is only one hook for hanging grocery bags and it is under the front part of the seat. I would prefer it on the front panel but the material there probably won't support a substantial weight if the hook was positioned there.
The scooter came with two large rearview mirrors, which I like but which are superfluous here. The traffic is so heavy that you don't need to look anywhere but forward--there is always another vehicle on every side of you or passing, and it is much more important to see someone driving directly at you, which happens much too often. Most driving is done with inches between handlebars--one or two inches--and that is one reason for the slow speeds.
We have had one knockdown accident and the bike and we the passengers seemed to be reasonably well protected. We fell off and left some skin on the pavement, but nothing on either the scooter or us was broken.
I would probably buy the same scooter again, but will consider a very small car when I get tired of the life risking motorbike riding.
Bill
Rating breakdown