slowscootin07 Great Big Guru Dawg Donor member is offline
----The Fire Drake---- SYM HD200
Joined: Aug 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 1,270 Location: Chicago Suburbs
SYM HD200-extensive review & upgrades part 10 « Thread Started on Jun 1, 2008, 1:07pm »
Well, I picked up my new scooter a week ago Saturday and it’s sweet to say the least. It’s a 2008 SYM HD200 in a mid-shade red and I bought it from Scooterworks in Chicago. They’re a true B&M dealer that does not do Internet sales. The shop was quite busy and they specialize in higher end scooters like Kymco, SYM, Genuine and Vespa even though they'll work on anything that is on two wheels. PS They still do have one Blur 150 left. Sorry, a Scoot Dawg scooped it up
Here’s a write-up/review that I’m going to append in time. Most notable were several things that aren’t on the SYM website or in dealer listings and descriptions of this scooter. I’m not sure why these things aren’t described better since they are a few things that would make great selling points. There are two versions of this HD, one for the US and one for overseas. The one I have and am reviewing is the US model for obvious reasons. I'm going to be as honest and forthright as possible with this review. I'm not being paid for this nor asked in anyway to do it and you can bet I'll be picky since I coughed up four G’s out the door.
Body panels: I must admit I’m not really a fan of the color red, but the finish is quite beautiful and crisp and not a fire engine red, nor a burgundy; it’s kind of in the middle and depending on the lighting looks brighter or darker. It’s not like a chameleon paint job, but it does have three distinct colors that seem to correlate to the sun’s brightness. The body panels are painted in a semi-metallic and finished off with a thick clear coat. They’re thick, fit tightly and without mismatches or rattles (yet). When idling on the side stand, the front fender shakes a tiny bit even though all the bolts are tightened. When it’s off the stand the shake is gone and there’s no problem on the center stand. (NOTE: I don’t suggest running any scooter unattended on either stand especially the side one.) I bungee cord the brakes shut if I have to do so.
The gas cap is key locked and uses the ignition key and the fill is on the rear left side beside the seat. One thing that I don’t like is the rear rack. It’s made of thick, reinforced plastic and is solid, but the capacity is 5KG’s (about 11 pounds in quick math.) A few trunks designed for the HD series are available and I would’ve hoped they came with a new bracket, otherwise a trunk and a helmet is a little over ½ the weight capacity. I’m not impressed with the storage space under the seat for sure and it’s shaped for a full-face helmet. BTW my size M full-face helmet will barely fit under the seat and that’s about it. A large size or different shaped helmet won't fit but you may be able to squish two half helmets in there.
It does have two locking helmet hooks, which are functional at best and my helmet's hook isn't long enough to use it but it can be strapped through. There's also a folding grocery bag hook that actually works quite well. At least with the lack of storage it has a two-gallon gas tank. There are access panels all over the place and nothing is so hidden that it would take hours just to get to. All tune-up/maintenance and adjustments are easily gotten to. This also includes some of the usually hard to reach things like the plug, carburetor adjustments, valves, fuel filter, water pump, oil pump etc… There is a sight glass for the coolant reserve tank, but it's a pain in the arse to get to it and the inside fairing panel has to be removed first. I have come up with a better plan and can use a flexible fill tube and a squirt bottle to get it in the reserve tank without removing the panels. This is done by going under the front of the fairing. The radiator is a different story and to fill it, the rear panel has to come off. This is also what you have to do to change the headlights and driving lights.
Instrument cluster: First off, the speedometer is in MPH and not KPH with the odometer in miles and not kilometers. There’s a mechanical service oil indicator that operates off the odometer that changes from green to red when it’s time for an oil change. You have to push to reset button with the ignition key to change it back so there's no way to accidentally reset it. This is preset to a 1000ish kilometers interval according to the manual but since the odometer is in miles, I don't know when it'll turn red---yet.
The lighting of the gauges is clear and bright with lit indicators for the hi-beams, left and right turn signals. There’s a temperature gauge, but no idiot light for it. There’s also a fuel gauge but I haven’t tested its accuracy yet. Each gauge in the cluster has it’s own bulb too. At night, everything is clearly visible. A dimmer would’ve been nice as it is a bit too bright in real darkness. City/suburb lit roads are of no bother though. It does have a LCD backlight clock that shows 24hr. time but doesn't have a timer or seconds option.
External Lighting: The turn signals have a very loud clicker that is audible at 60mph. Pushing it left or right activates the turn signal switch. To turn it off, you press it in the middle. It has a couple of weaker driving lights beside the headlight and I foresee LED’s in the near future for those. They’re not very bright, but do increase the front lighting footprint.
The headlight assembly has two adjusters for up/down and left/right changes and both adjusters are within easy access. The switch has the normal high and low beam positions and a momentary push passing option, which illuminates both filaments. The rear taillight is quite bright and the brake light bulb is 21watts. I have a modulator that I’m going to hook up to it, but I’m not going to do a headlight one. The headlight itself is a 55/60watt H4 halogen bulb and is damn bright with real nice distance at night. This scooter is lacking is a hazard flasher option, or at least I haven’t figured it out yet as the manual doesn’t mention anything of it.
Speaking of the manual, it’s pretty much inadequate, but at least the “Chinglish” is about 85% accurate. I called Carter Brothers and a real service/parts manual is being mailed to me for free. Another thing that differentiates the US model from the overseas model is absence of the all off/daylight-dim/all on switch for lighting control. That is because this one is considered a LH18W Daylight series for the US. This means that it lacks the switch to turn off the lights, as it’s mandatory to have lights on at all times in the US for two-wheeled vehicles. The turn signals are on slug "eye stalks" on the front and back for the US model and I no likely. I did find out a little secret as explained below.
There are also body-mounted turn signals that have dummy bulbs in them. The rear signals are next to the tail/brake light and are easy to replace. The front ones are inside the handlebars and the dash cluster cover has to be removed to replace them. Looking at any picture of this scooter shows that those are the turn signals. The only pictures I’ve seen of the US model are those from a few reviews and I guess I didn’t notice since they’re there anyway. When I picked it up, I thought what the heck are these eyestalks doing on here??? I later found out that the US models have them exclusively. The body-mounted (non-US model) sockets are live and tested and I want to remove the stalks and use those instead. Here's the kicker though, I can't find any amber bulbs to mount in them since the lenses are clear. They're nothing fancy, just simple bayonet mount 10 watt 12 volt bulbs, but I can't find them in amber. I've contacted the distributor in the UK since Carter Brothers (US distributor) says they can’t get them. In only a few hours, a representative of SYM UK emailed me back with a phone number of a dealer that ships parts here. This could be my portal to get the bulbs and perhaps the rear disk parts too if I want to convert it over. I’ll have to look again, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the wiring for the on/dim/off switch was wired and waiting for it.
Stands: I found that the side stand is annoying regarding the lack of being able to keep it locked into the down position. It is sprung and if it’s let go before the scoot rests on it, it’ll snap back. I have a plan of sorts to remedy that and I’ll work on that later. The center stand is a piece of cake to put it onto thanks to a strong lever fulcrum. I can do it with one foot and not even having to touch the scooter itself, if only to balance it. As with most scooters, one of the brakes has to be depressed to start but it will start with either stand being used. Both the center stand and the side stand have dual springs and are quite sturdy.
Suspension: It has five position adjustable dual rear shocks and they're adjusted in seconds. The ride is phenomenal and smooth as silk at all speeds but was a little stiff for me at the highest setting. At the lowest setting I found it to be a bit mushy. Take into account that I'm 165# armored up. Mrs. Slowscootin and I went for a quick ride to test the two up handling and it would need a quick notch up on the shocks to level four or five. The factory default is three and I think I’m going to try it on level 2 see if it makes for a smoother ride--it does:) Two up is handled quite nicely and the retractable foot pegs are well placed. Acceleration suffered very little and was only real noticeable when fully stopped, then taking off. Lynn said the seat was quite comfortable for her and I found that either by myself or with her, the seating was excellent with plenty of room. Bumps are handled quite well and cornering is nice and easily controlled through leaning or upright turns.
Engine and Performance: This machine is anything but slow and it's not even broken in yet. At full throttle I was up to 60 indicated in no time. I haven’t hooked up a GPS to it yet to test the accuracy of the speedometer, but it's in the near future. I didn’t try to go faster than 60, but I know it would’ve and it didn’t seem to mind doing so as the needle was still climbing. I’ve done a battery of 0-30, 0-60 20-40, etcetera tests and have come up with an average of them. The tests are identical being done on the same road. Acceleration while cruising is quick and without lag time and the engine brake is quite effective.
Here are the results of my time trials so far. It’s obvious that I’m breaking it in hard but take into granted that these numbers may decrease once I’ve done so. So far I have about 38 miles on it and all of them have been doing so. I’m changing both the main and the gear oils and will continue to do the break in until 50 miles are reached, then and I’ll change them again. After that its business like usual.
This scooter has an electric start only and fires right up in less than of a second with the Yuasa 8ah AGM battery. The idle was a bit rough at first, but has smoothed out after these runs. I'm quite impressed with the quality of the hoses and constant tension clamps on this engine; even the front brake line is an encased stainless steel braided hose. All of the wiring is cleanly routed, bundled and crimped with weatherproof connectors. Even where the harness is routed, there are vinyl covered metal wraps mounted directly on the frame to secure them in place. There is definitely no haphazard last minute wiring attempts and I have yet to find a plastic zip tie anywhere. Everything is clean and placed intelligently instead of throwing in stuff where it fits. The carburetor is on the top and behind the engine. It’s a CVK style made by Keihin and the "K" is designated for Kawasaki according to their website. I do not yet know the bore, as I haven't gotten that deep yet. The air filter is large and is a paper element type mounted in the air box above the CVT housing. As you can see in the picture, it’s almost as big as the CVT cover too. I haven't taken it off yet, but supposedly it already has a Dr Pulley variator and clutch.
As this is a water-cooled engine, it has a radiator and cooling fan assembly. The radiator is positioned behind the headlight and has a large intake vent and two ducted exhaust vents. The temp. gauge stays by the mark just above the cool line and eventually rises to the mid-mark. It takes it about 15 minutes from cold start before the gauge gets to the ½ way mark whether you’re idling or riding, then the fan kicks on. About 2 minutes later it's back by the cool mark and the fan turns off. The fan motor itself is a metal, sealed can-type motor and it feels like it has ball bearings, but I can't confirm it one way or another. It's very quiet and unless your listening for it, you'll never even know the fan is on. The plug is an NGK cr8-e, which is a good ole fashioned $4.00 resistor plug. As stated in the body panel section, it's accessed in less than 1 minute.
Brakes: The front brake is a disc and is quite powerful, I didn't want to totally test the brakes on it as I like my new scooter and myself in one piece, but I had no choice and did give it quite the testing. It’s powerful enough to lock up if you're not careful, but it's smooth and easily controlled otherwise. I do find that I particularly like the absence of the “ABS” regulator. The rear brake is a drum on the US models while the rest of the world gets a rear disc. How nucking futs is that? Just because it is a drum doesn't mean it’s weak.
I was NOT able to lock it up at any speed on dry pavement but at full grab it does slightly drag and roll as you can hear it but it won’t lock up. Some people may think that that is a bad thing, but to me it isn’t. I would prefer a rear disk but this one is adequate. One great overlooked advantage about drum brakes is that they are easily adjusted for adverse road conditions. Let’s just say it’s rained, all you have to do is to back off the adjuster to compensate for the conditions. Your handle will seem soft, but an emergency braking will give you the maximum effort it can give without locking up. Call it manual ABS if you will. A panic stop using the full rear drum and front makes for a fast controlled stop. I tested all kinds of speed stops and honestly, some of them scared the schnitz out of me. I was wearing full body armor and a helmet but I still had a sense I was doing something stupid by testing emergency braking. Well, I’m still alive and I’d rather find out what it can do now instead of finding out when it was too late. Of course disk brakes are better, but drum brakes don’t fade out like their counterparts when they get hot.
Phew, I think this will be a good first installment. Please feel free to ask questions. The bottom line is that even though it has a few quirks, I’m quite impressed and this is a sweet machine. I have named it Fire Drake.
So I don’t hog up bandwidth or space here, I’ve posted the pictures on my site. I’ll be adding more there when I take them. Meanwhile enjoy because I sure am.
If it smacks you like a bug & tastes like a bug, then it probably was a bug. Don't smile & ride www.jeffs-hotsauces.com/firedrakehome.htm SYM HD200 30mm OKO CVK carb, MRP no-limit CDI, Bando hi-perf coil, Emgo 48mm free-flow, MRP GY6 Type 2 stainless steel exhaust & muffler, Full LED conversion & markers, ENM tach and 100 watt amp/speakers
Joined: Jul 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 749 Location: Buena Vista Va
Re: My new SYM HD200-an extensive review « Reply #1 on Jun 1, 2008, 1:21pm »
sweet ride!
Ducati had trouble with those self retracting kickstands too, the prob wasnt the kickstand it was that Americans arent used to them! lol. after owning the Duc for a while it was a no biggie.
i wish they couldve used the HD125 engine in the Vogue (the one im after) i think the lack of zip will be my only real complaint.
kaintuckdave Great Big Guru Dawg Keeper of the 2-Stroke Forum member is offline
SYM DD 50
Joined: Apr 2008 Gender: Male Posts: 307 Location: Kentucky USA
Re: My new SYM HD200-an extensive review « Reply #2 on Jun 1, 2008, 1:43pm »
Hey slowscootin07, excellent review!
My little bitty SYM has that same blinker dilemma. I've found a larger rear rack, but the stem blinkers are mounted on my little useless rack (just a handle really) so I'd like to at least get the rear tail light blinks working. Haven't taken them apart to see if mine are hot yet. Also my front end has these huge useless eyeballs with the stem lights doing all the work. Doesn't look like there are light bulb sockets in them so I've thought about taking them apart and maybe spraying some shapeable material metal flake blue to match my front end and filling them with that to kind of make them disappear.
Joined: Jul 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 749 Location: Buena Vista Va
Re: My new SYM HD200-an extensive review « Reply #3 on Jun 1, 2008, 1:52pm »
the stalk lights are an odd issue, not only on scoots but MCs as well. im really surprised that they allow the chinascoots on the road but make the "legit" brands conform. glad you found some bulbs.
Re: My new SYM HD200-an extensive review « Reply #7 on Jun 1, 2008, 9:21pm »
That is a really nice review slowscootin.
Sounds like a nice scoot too. They seem to have tried hard to equip it well. What kind of tires did they put on it? And if the speedo turns out to be at all accurate then the 9 sec 0-60 is really impressive.
As far as the luggage rack goes, after seeing pictures of how scooters are loaded in Asia I think the actual capacity of your rack is supposed to be two tractor tires and a large chicken coop. That 5kg max may just refer to how many girls you can have as passengers in Korea or something.
slowscootin07 Great Big Guru Dawg Donor member is offline
----The Fire Drake---- SYM HD200
Joined: Aug 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 1,270 Location: Chicago Suburbs
Re: My new SYM HD200-an extensive review « Reply #9 on Jun 2, 2008, 12:38pm »
I only have 38 miles on it and I'm not going to casually ride it around until I reach the 100 mile mark with my break in procedures. I really couldn't tell you what the gas mileage is yet as I haven't even bothered with it. I'm really stomping on it so when I find out the MPG at the 100 mile mark, I'll post it. As the engine breaks in, the MPG will be better and also I won't be full-throttle all time from a stop. As I yet don't know the accuracy of the gauge, I can say it was full and now at just below ¾ full with 38 miles on it. If the gauge it exactly accurate, then I would guess around 60-70 MPG. Again- that is only a guess
I'm working on the second installation of this review and it should be posted soon along with some of the questions that have been asked above.
If it smacks you like a bug & tastes like a bug, then it probably was a bug. Don't smile & ride www.jeffs-hotsauces.com/firedrakehome.htm SYM HD200 30mm OKO CVK carb, MRP no-limit CDI, Bando hi-perf coil, Emgo 48mm free-flow, MRP GY6 Type 2 stainless steel exhaust & muffler, Full LED conversion & markers, ENM tach and 100 watt amp/speakers
I'm working on the second installation of this review and it should be posted soon along with some of the questions that have been asked above.
Just a request to post future related contributions in this thread (if that was not your intention). Multiple threads on the same topic get separated and resequenced, and really make following the continuity of the information more difficult. Very nice review.
I'm working on the second installation of this review and it should be posted soon along with some of the questions that have been asked above.
Just a request to post future related contributions in this thread (if that was not your intention). Multiple threads on the same topic get separated and resequenced, and really make following the continuity of the information more difficult. Very nice review.
Thank you Officer Tortoise for letting me know where to place the next installment.
Considering that I posted it in the general board and it was supposed to be transferred to the review board, but ended up in the 125 board, but performance wise should be in the 250 board, I'm guess that I'm really confused on where I'm supposed to append my next installment.
Of course it'll be here and I'll even change the original post title to say v 2.0 or something. That is if it's OK with you? OOPS, I guess I just sounded like a smart arse didn't I? Sorry, no insult intended for sure. In fact if you read it, then I guess I have to apologize--- I'm sorry Tortoise and +1 karma to you
Now to a few other topics:
Voodoo- Sorry, but the side stand has to go unless my evil, genius plan for a lock works.
I've seen that video before and it a new 08 Non-US fuel injected model and I'm sorry, but it's the ugliest color I've seen on a scooter. Sorry, but white??? It's a pearl white, but yuk... I bet it does great in a good ole London fog night would be good though.
kaintuckdave- I can almost guarantee that they're live, It's hard to see the front dummy bulbs because they're painted silver but the rear ones should stick out lick a sore thumb.
Warstein: I'm pretty sure you're right and it is DOT oriented. It's also why the on/dim/off light control is absent. I guess their punishment is to add a drum rear instead of the disk
If it smacks you like a bug & tastes like a bug, then it probably was a bug. Don't smile & ride www.jeffs-hotsauces.com/firedrakehome.htm SYM HD200 30mm OKO CVK carb, MRP no-limit CDI, Bando hi-perf coil, Emgo 48mm free-flow, MRP GY6 Type 2 stainless steel exhaust & muffler, Full LED conversion & markers, ENM tach and 100 watt amp/speakers
Re: My new SYM HD200-an extensive review « Reply #13 on Jun 3, 2008, 2:46pm »
Hey, nice review!
My HD200 has 300 miles on it and the engine is either starting to loosen up or it really loves Premium grade gas.
Currently I can cruise at 50mph with 1/3 of the throttle open on a flat. Based on two full tank fill ups I calculate gas mileage at 75mpg.
Don't know top speed yet. I never need to go past 60mph, but there is more left in there scoot at that point. Most of my commute is in 40 to 50mph zones.
I did my own oil changes at 200 miles because the dealer takes about three weeks to schedule you.
Topping off the coolant liquid is not as bad as people make it sound on the web. It took me five minutes to remove the front light assembly top off and put it back. For sure a little access door would have been handy.
There is Yahoo Group called TheSymGang if you are interested joining.
Re: My new SYM HD200-an extensive review « Reply #14 on Jun 5, 2008, 1:19am »
Nice review, scooterworks is a great place it's where i bought my blur. It was the last 07 they had left. Still breaking mine in, but i have read reviews on the HD200 that had GPS verified top speed of over 70mph (i think 74). Where in Chicago are you? I'm on the way NW Side near Park Ridge.
kaintuckdave Great Big Guru Dawg Keeper of the 2-Stroke Forum member is offline
SYM DD 50
Joined: Apr 2008 Gender: Male Posts: 307 Location: Kentucky USA
Re: My new SYM HD200-an extensive review « Reply #15 on Jun 8, 2008, 1:09pm »
Hey slowscootin07, finally found your thread again. I don't know if the big SYM motors are anything like the smaller ones, but I got terrible gas mileage on my first two tank fulls. Also, mine was a new 2006 model so I figured it might have been tested at the factory and then sat for two years with gas in the carb. I put Seafoam in my third fill up and got 83 MPG. I can already tell this fourth tank full is gonna be better still.
FWIW, my odometer is perfect as I went on a one mile bike race course (four blocks of Central Ave and Main Street in my town) and it went exactly 1.6 kilos which is one mile. My fuel gauge is as smooth in it's indicating as my Toyota. I haven't checked it yet but these facts lead me to believe my speedometer is accurate as well.
slowscootin07 Great Big Guru Dawg Donor member is offline
----The Fire Drake---- SYM HD200
Joined: Aug 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 1,270 Location: Chicago Suburbs
Re: My new SYM HD200-an extensive review « Reply #16 on Jun 10, 2008, 12:52am »
I envy you pannonia as I have really enjoyed a cruise yet-of sorts;) you should use premium in yours since they need 90 octane.
Jim--I sat on your blur before it was yours-hehe I'm in Naperville btw.
Dave-- I haven't even bothered with mileage right now and I guess a good reviewer should, but i will once I reach the 100 mile mark and break in finale.
Ok here’s installment two. For starts, I’ll mention some of the things in detail that I’ve done, but didn’t state before.
The crankcase oil is regular 10w-30 and was a little metallic at the 20-mile change. The gear oil was still devoid of the metal flakes but at the 50-mile change showed some evidence of it. At the 50-mile change, the crankcase oil was a lot cleaner, but still had some residue. Replacing the rear gear oil was a breeze and uses dino-oil 85w-140 hypoid gear oil. The main oil change was messy as it drains right onto the center stand. I've made a funnel/director that will make it less messy in the future and it’ll catch the plug screen and spring that fly down at you. The plug and strainer/filter looks like the one found on the GY6 engines. I have yet to see anything stuck in the filter/strainer.
I should’ve definitely reached the 75-mile mark this weekend with the break in, but it rained a lot. I did take it a little in the rain to see handling and to test the Duro tire’s grip and they and the scooter handled quite well when wet. I seriously can’t wait to ride this and just simply cruise around and it’s torturing me, but I have to wait until the 100 mile mark--how sad
Turn Signal addendum: When I previously said the signal clicker was audible at 60 mph, I forgot to mention that it was with a full-face helmet on. I've found the amber bulbs from several scooter supply stores for the turn signals online including Stan's Oregon Vintage but they're $6.50 each anywhere. Stan has a flat rate shipping of $9.00 and everywhere else is the same. It'll be $35.00 for four bulbs regardless of where I get them--OUCH!!!
I had a better idea and I tried to stain the clear bulbs yellow. I went to a craft store and bought some Krylon yellow stained glass spray paint. Total cost is less than $10.00 for the four bulbs and I'll have enough paint for many, many more of them. It sounds crazy, doesn’t it?
Guess what? It worked and I’ll tell you what’s crazy. Crazy is paying $6.50 for a 59 cent bulb that is dipped to make it amber. I’m not cheap, but I’m not stupid. The bulbs in question that can be bought aren’t even a true amber glass, but dipped in “paint.” Why can’t I do the same? I don’t know if I’d recommend this for marker lights, but then I guess the bench tests have shown that for turn signals, they're fine. (Later bench test results) I hooked up a bulb to an electronic flasher and set it for 5 flashes per second. After two hours of flashing the bulbs were still at 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the stain was neither soft, cracked nor affected by the heat in any way. In other words SUCCESS and you can take your $6.50 each bulbs and stuff them. At five flashes per second, it was as if they were almost solid on. At 3 flashes per second, the bulbs heated to only 70 degrees. At constant on, I tested them for several hours and the core heat was anywhere from 120-180 degrees. The bulbs are still coated and in fact, the burn-in process made them a little deeper amber.
CVT/Clutch: I did take the CVT cover off today just to examine the belt and to see if it is a Dr. Pulley variator and/or clutch. I couldn’t tell one way or another without taking it apart as they weren’t marked as such. I did notice that both had matching numbers and a production date of 1-08. The variator fan matches the same dimensions and shape of a GY6 motor. The cover was easy to take off with the exception of one bolt behind the body panel. The CVT cover itself is vented and has several director airways including a waterway vent. The front one is directed to the variator itself and vents to the clutch then out. The intake has a large good quality foam filter in it and I’m going to keep it there. I didn't have to take the panels off to remove it, but had to use a gearless ratchet to reach up and under the frame. I'm considering drilling an access hole to get to it through the body panel, then using a cap-plug to cover it. If I drilled the hole, it would save 10 minutes with the R&R of that bolt. The body panel removal method would take about the same time so most likely I’ll be drilling it. I did have to take one air box screw out, but didn't have to remove the filter housing itself or the cover. The CVT belt is a Bando with the SYM name on it also. I really didn’t notice the first time around, but the hoses, relays, lenses and more have the name SYM on them. That leads me to think that all of the parts that I’ve found so far are made for SYM and all have been marked “Made in Taiwan.”
Horn: I did forget to mention the horn and it is loud for sure. I don’t have the measuring equipment needed to rate the decibels, but let’s just say that today on a break-in run, I encountered the dreaded squirrel in the middle of the road trick. I beeped it at about 50 yards away, and it scattered to the woods. The rating of it is 93-112 decibels and is a single horn.
Engine Performance addendum: I may have been mistaken by saying that this was a maxed out 150. Instead I’ve found that this is the same engine as the HD125. The main differences are that on the 125 and 200 are the bore and stroke. The 200 has a bigger carb, but everything else is the same. The cylinder is a one-piece cast unit and not split like the GY6’s, so I’d guess that the 200 is simply a big-bore kit of the 125. Would I be wrong by saying this? Look at the specs and see for yourself.
Here are a few performance specs. of the two motors and their differences. These are the ratings in the factory manual provided by SYM.
HD125 (124.5cc’s) Horse power 12.33@ 8500 rpm’s Torque 8.03 ft. lbs. of torque @ 6500 rpm Bore 57mm stroke 48.8 mm 24mm CVK039 carb. 105 main jet
HD200 (171.4cc’s) Horse power 15.28 @ 8000 rpm’s Torque 11.28 ft. lbs. of torque @ 6500 rpm’s Bore 61 mm stroke 58.6mm 25mm CVK066carb. 108 main jet
It seems that the only differences between the 125 and the 200 are the 200 has a bigger cylinder bore, a shorter rod and a bigger carburetor/main jet. Other than that, the engine is identical in its 4 valve configuration. I have the service and parts manual that is a combo 125/200 manual and the engines are the same block, cam, crank, etc... I'm pretty sure I can safely say that the 200 is in fact a big bore kit from the factory. Judging by this, I really doubt any more performance can be squeezed out of this motor without a major rebuild. Perhaps I'm mistaken????
There is a high performance exhaust kit for it at the tune of $400.00, but I really don't think there's much that can be done to increase power myself. Opinions anyone on performance upgrades???
Installment three will include more performance results and time trials, the turn signal swap videos and finally some good cruising around reports. I must admit I did sneak it for a quick little 3-mile jaunt for lunch-hehe.
If it smacks you like a bug & tastes like a bug, then it probably was a bug. Don't smile & ride www.jeffs-hotsauces.com/firedrakehome.htm SYM HD200 30mm OKO CVK carb, MRP no-limit CDI, Bando hi-perf coil, Emgo 48mm free-flow, MRP GY6 Type 2 stainless steel exhaust & muffler, Full LED conversion & markers, ENM tach and 100 watt amp/speakers
Joined: May 2008 Gender: Male Posts: 416 Location: Bristol, PA
Re: SYM HD200-an extensive review part 2 « Reply #17 on Jun 11, 2008, 8:51am »
Great review, Slow. I don't want to threadjack here, so if any of you who want to answer want to do it as a PM, that would be great. I do have a question, and it may be a stupid one:
The specs list the seat height for the HD200 as 31", but I saw a pic of a girl/woman who was listed as 5'6 and she was seated and flatfooted on the ground. Is the seat height actually less than 31"?? I'm about 5'9" (give or take 1/2") and about 155-160 with a 30-31" inseam (depending on the pants). How tall are you HD200 owners and do you have any tiptoe problems (for lack of a better term)?
Joined: Apr 2008 Gender: Male Posts: 90 Location: Wyoming
Re: SYM HD200-an extensive review part 2 « Reply #18 on Jun 11, 2008, 10:22am »
Ty, I'm just under 6ft even and have a 32 inch inseam but the HD200 I test drove allowed me to stand flat footed on both sides without issue. The bike felt like a perfect fit to me.
There is a high performance exhaust kit for it at the tune of $400.00, but I really don't think there's much that can be done to increase power myself. Opinions anyone on performance upgrades???
I would save the $400 and invest it. When you need your next scooter or a bigger one you will have some cash to start with. I don't see the point of performance upgrades on this scooter. I really enjoy not having to deal with tuning. I love the ride and hate the mucking around. Just jump on it and ride every time, and it runs like swiss clockwork.
Most low cost 250cc (Bali, etc.) scooters don't make more power than the HD200. Even on the higher end, I have test ridden both the Kymco People S250 and the HD200, TWICE EACH, and the SYM has better acceleration than the Kymco with a single rider. Top speed and two-up riding favors the S250 though.
As you pile on the miles it will start breaking in. You may not get full power until 1000 miles anyhow. My Malaguti F-18 with the Kymco 150 LC engine kept pulling stronger all the way until it hit around 1500 miles.
I would not trade this scooter for anything, except, perhaps, a Citycom 300.
The specs list the seat height for the HD200 as 31", but I saw a pic of a girl/woman who was listed as 5'6 and she was seated and flatfooted on the ground. Is the seat height actually less than 31"?? I'm about 5'9" (give or take 1/2") and about 155-160 with a 30-31" inseam (depending on the pants). How tall are you HD200 owners and do you have any tiptoe problems (for lack of a better term)?
I am 5' 7" with inseam of barely 30", more like 29". Usually, with one foot my heel is not touching the ground, but the other foot touches the ground completely. The rear shocks are adjustable so you can play with that. It does not bother me, but I know some people feel really uncomfortable unless both feet are flat on the ground.
Take my karma and stuff it where the sun don't shine.
slowscootin07 Great Big Guru Dawg Donor member is offline
----The Fire Drake---- SYM HD200
Joined: Aug 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 1,270 Location: Chicago Suburbs
Re: SYM HD200-an extensive review part 2 « Reply #21 on Jun 11, 2008, 3:08pm »
ty-- I did get your pm, but I may as well address it here. I too am 5'9 and 155-160 and I can do almost flatfoot with the shocks on level 1, but I ride with them on level 2 and can put both feet down on the ball, but not totally flat. Two up on shock level 4, I can put both feet flat. BTW, that's with shoes on too and usually my leather work boots. Even by myself and on shock level 5, I can still do almost flat foot and definately no tippy toes. I have a 32 inch inseam and I actually think the seat height is a little lower than they say.
If it smacks you like a bug & tastes like a bug, then it probably was a bug. Don't smile & ride www.jeffs-hotsauces.com/firedrakehome.htm SYM HD200 30mm OKO CVK carb, MRP no-limit CDI, Bando hi-perf coil, Emgo 48mm free-flow, MRP GY6 Type 2 stainless steel exhaust & muffler, Full LED conversion & markers, ENM tach and 100 watt amp/speakers
Re: SYM HD200-an extensive review part 2 « Reply #22 on Jun 16, 2008, 7:16pm »
Great review. I too just got a HD 200. Great acceleration, and top speed. Definately beware of the kickstand. I set it and it snapped back, the bike almost fell. I will only use the stand now. I must say it cruises great and very smooth. One question. Do they make any kind of large windshield for it? Thanks,
Re: SYM HD200-an extensive review part 2 « Reply #25 on Jun 16, 2008, 8:43pm »
I will be taking it back as soon as I have a chance. Other than those 2 minor things I do love it. I've put 45 miles on it and am just above 1/2 tank. The only annoying thing is that I have to answer so many questions everywhere I go!
Great review. I too just got a HD 200. Great acceleration, and top speed. Definately beware of the kickstand. I set it and it snapped back, the bike almost fell. I will only use the stand now. I must say it cruises great and very smooth. One question. Do they make any kind of large windshield for it? Thanks,
berk
Universal ones are available and the mounting on the HD is strong enough to hold one. I've been thinking of a smaller one myself. The one that came with it is OK when wearing a full face helmet. I'm working on a solution to the snap back side stand issue, but I'll post it under the tips and tricks section when I figure a good one out. I already have made a simple one, but it's not automatic. I won't use my side stand until I get this problem fixed.
I have a SYM HD200. It has just hit 150 miles and is idling rough. My gas cap also leaks. Anyone else having these issues?
Welcome to the pound In all honesty I've never heard of a gas cap leaking on any scooter. Are you sure it's on tight? It's a locking cap and underneath the seat and on top of the as tank is a fuel recirculator that put excess gas from the fuel pump back into the tank. I still don't see how it could leak, but anything is possible. Why not take it in to the dealer you bought it from and have them at it? It is still under warranty right? Your idle might need to be raised and the access is under the seat and peel back the circular access panel. You don't have to take the seat off to get to it.
I'm almost finished with the third installment and will have it ready in a few days.
If it smacks you like a bug & tastes like a bug, then it probably was a bug. Don't smile & ride www.jeffs-hotsauces.com/firedrakehome.htm SYM HD200 30mm OKO CVK carb, MRP no-limit CDI, Bando hi-perf coil, Emgo 48mm free-flow, MRP GY6 Type 2 stainless steel exhaust & muffler, Full LED conversion & markers, ENM tach and 100 watt amp/speakers
MPG, adjusting carb and suspension q « Reply #28 on Jun 19, 2008, 11:12am »
Hi All - First post here and wanted to reiterate others in praising what a very nice review of the SYM! Makes me realize how little I know or understand about my favorite scooter.
I've put about 800 miles on my SYM HD200 since late March and am averaging close to 80 mpg. My riding habits aren't exactly extreme, however, I live in the mountains so I'm going up and down some pretty steep hills and driving a bunch on dirt roads. I'm not exactly light so I'm often accelerating up to ~50mph with the throttle close to wide open.
Which leads to my questions. What tool do I need to adjust the suspension? I hear its easy to do - and I'd like to tweak it some and test on our washboard - pot holed infested roads.
And, are there any altitude adjustments that can be made? The dealer is at 5400 feet so its been adjusted for that elevation; I live at 8300' and most of my riding is at 8000 - 9500'. A while back someone noted that the new carbs are semi-self adjusting - you seem to know much more about the mechanics of the SYM - is this a load of hooey?
Thanks again for writing and continuing to write this detailed account of the SYM - It is a wonderful scooter!
slowscootin07 Great Big Guru Dawg Donor member is offline
----The Fire Drake---- SYM HD200
Joined: Aug 2007 Gender: Male Posts: 1,270 Location: Chicago Suburbs
Re: SYM HD200-an extensive review part 2 « Reply #29 on Jun 19, 2008, 12:48pm »
Welcome to the pound Shell. I should have installment 3 up tonight or tomorrow. An allen wrench shaped like an "L" is the best thing to adjust the shocks with, but be REALLLLL careful around the passenger (right) side shock as the 3rd installment will explain--OUCHIE!!!
As for the carb, you'll most likely have to either put in a smaller jet, or adjust the air/fuel ratio more lean to compensate for the thinner air. Pull the spark plug out and "read" what it says. My guess is that it'll read pretty rich. There are pictures and descriptions in the tips and tricks section, I believe, on how to read a plug.
If it smacks you like a bug & tastes like a bug, then it probably was a bug. Don't smile & ride www.jeffs-hotsauces.com/firedrakehome.htm SYM HD200 30mm OKO CVK carb, MRP no-limit CDI, Bando hi-perf coil, Emgo 48mm free-flow, MRP GY6 Type 2 stainless steel exhaust & muffler, Full LED conversion & markers, ENM tach and 100 watt amp/speakers
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That 5kg max may just refer to how many girls you can have as passengers in Korea or something.
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