Being a high-end product, the Maxsym is very stylish and
provides the best fit and finish level in the SYM range. Compared to other
offerings, the riding position is more relaxed, with the handlebar raised to a
higher position.
Starting with the MY2013, the Maxsym 600 brand is split into two variants –
touring and sport. The difference between the scooters are defined by their
mirrors, balances, handlebars, seat stitching and upholstery, and body graphics.
The overall size and the architecture of the 600i is the same as the Maxsym
400i, and its just the engine size that is expanded from 399cc to 565cc by
increasing the bore size and stroke length.
The 600i variants’ 565cc engine puts out 45 hp @ 7,000 rpm (11 hp more than the
400i), with a peak torque output of 47 Nm @ 6,500 rpm. The 600i is 19 kg heavier
than the 400i.
On arriving at the dealer my guilt soon turned to lust when I
caught sight of my 600 for the first time. I had gone for the sports option
which is basically matt grey paint work, red stitching on the seat, and red
wheel rims. What can I say I thought it looked stunning.
Since I was one of the first purchases SYM had included a
removable lockable 45 Lt top box and a huge security chain and lock. I am not a
great lover of top boxes but somehow it seemed to work even if it did mean
loosing the passenger backrest. Also the extra carrying capacity means I can
hopefully reach my goal of using this as my main transport. The other points of
note were that the linked brakes had been replaced by the new Bosch 9 ABS
system, the retro chrome mirrors were now a contemporary design and colour
coordinated and finally the huge round cylinder of an exhaust now resembled a
laser cannon from a starship. Other changes I am told include a redesigned
clutch and air box and the inclusion of a low fuel light to the fuel gauge. The
Maxsym have a bike like feel the are taller and slimmer that Burgman which that
are the most similar too, and have twin bike like folks.
SYM have included some nice little touches, there is a notch
in the door of the battery housing to allow a charging cable to be fitted, a
hole in the roof of the glove box near the two power outlets so that cables can
be passed up through the handle bars (great for sat nav) and a heater vent in
the front floor.. The under seat storage is slightly smaller that the 400 but it
is still possible to get one full face and one half face helmet in and SYM
helpfully print a diagram on the inside wall of the storage compartment to show
you how to do this. It as the same triple security system, manual immobilizer
under seat, ignition unit shutter and steering lock.
The 600 is a little heavier than the 400 but not noticeably
and in fact it may be my imagination but I thought the 600 was easier to get on
the centre stand. I had got them to prepare the bike to my specifications, i.e.
screen on the tallest setting, drivers seat back on the far setting and the
leavers one notch in. Therefore when I sat on it I felt instantly at home and
enjoyed the comfort of the large drivers seat. So turning the key the smart blue
dashboard runs through all its checks, there are warning lights for just about
everything including one to remind you its time to get the bike serviced.
Talking on which the service intervals have been increased on these new models
but still not up there with the best of other brands.
Then it was time to hit the starter button, a pleasant rumble
exuded from the laser cannon and then there was nothing. Yes the big this big
600 single thumper produced virtually no vibration, not through the seat and not
through the bars in fact I have to check the rev counter to make sure I had not
stalled. So to the open road, this is a bike that is born to be wild, there is
no throttle lag power delivery is smooth and precise, it was not reaching an
open field and taking a dog off the lead this bike wanted to run. I was of
course aware that the brakes and the tyres had not bedded in (11 miles on the
clock) and as is typically for me it had started to rain.. The 600 took the
country lanes and the bends in its stride, it was like being a young biker
again, in fact at one stage I thought I could feel my knee going down (at my age
can you imagine) and all the time being accompanied but a pleasant rumble from
the shapely exhust.
I hit the country town of Lewes at rush hour and suddenly my
beast became a gentle lamb, having no problem remaining as smooth as silk in
heavy slow moving traffic. Then it was onto the duel carriageway A27, and once
again the 600 could feel the wind in its lights and was away again. I arrived
home with a large grin and my mind taken off just how rough I was feeling.
So what are the negatives , well the same ones from the 400,
the dash board indicators can not be seen in bright sunlight, but they are also
audible. The main speedo is in KPH with the secondary ring in MPH. The clock
shows the date in the American format month/day (and its not even sold in the
US). The fuel filler is under a flap in the floor and it can be difficult to see
when you have reached the top. With this bike SYM have taken all good points of
the 400 up to the next level and as such I think they have a winner, and it is
interesting to note that all the first shipment is now sold.
SYM make much about the price and in fact according to the
French it even undercuts the Kymco 700 by €400 whilst the performance is the
same. With its build quality, features and three year warranty a question would
have to be asked if you could justify the extra £3000 for the Suzuki or £4000
for the BMW.
Review: "Spaceprobe"
Any corrections or more information on these motorcycles will be kindly appreciated.