If you're looking for truly zippy scoot with big wheel handling, you could do a lot worse than the HD200, from Taiwanese manufacturer Sym.
It's 'big wheel' format and 171.2cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine add up to a package that offers surprisingly good performance, and all at a price which shouldn't break the bank.
There's all the standard scooter fare here, such as an automatic CVT tranny, a shopping hook and enough underseat storage to swallow most full face lids, but if you splash out on the optional 10.5lt topbox (worth around $200), you've got a great budget runabout that will happily accommodate a pillion too.
The suspension, although really quite basic, does a thoroughly adequate job of soaking up the bumps, while its engine offers plenty of poke off the line to keep you ahead of the traffic from a red light, with enough go everywhere else to mean you need never feel vulnerable on the open road. Even with two people and a bit of luggage it can still manage a very respectable 110km/h on the freeway.
Ditch your pillion - politely and courteously, of course - and you'll find the HD200 handles more like a motorcycle, its decent chassis and healthy ground clearance allowing you to achieve lean angles you wouldn't normally associate with machines of this ilk. Don't get too carried away though - hitting a decent dip with the thing cranked right over definitely ISN'T advisable. It only weighs 135kg (dry), after all...
Fuel economy is good, with our test machine returning an average of 22.2km/L, which means fill ups occur roughly every 150km.
On the negative side, the rear drum brake is fairly weak (but the front disc is strong), there's no park brake (but there is a centrestand) and there's no trip meter.
Instrumentation is clean and clear and includes a digital clock and a fuel gauge. Its horn and light work well; it's got a nice finish and it's comfortable - even for my lanky 190cm.
At $5750 (plus ORC) Sym's HD200 is a good two grand under a prime Italian competitor like Aprilia's Scarabeo. The badge mightn't conjure up the same allure as an Italian scoot, but it'll do everything you need it to do, and probably more, for a very competitive price.
Specs: Sym HD200
Engine: 171cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, four-valve, single-cylinder
Fuel system: Carburettor
Power: 28.7bhp @ 8000rpm
Torque: 15.4Nm @ 6500rpm
Transmission: CVT automatic
Frame: Tubular steel
Front brake: Single 220mm disc with single-piston caliper
Rear brake: Single 130mm drum
Seat height: 800mm
Wheelbase: 1385mm
Claimed dry weight: 135kg
Fuel tank: 8.0L
Price: $5750 plus ORC
Colours: Gun Metal Grey, Dark Red or Silver
Warranty: 12 months/10,000 kilometres
Web: www.scoota.com.au
Protect your Sym. Call Shannons Insurance on 13 46 46 to get a quote today.
