Sym Citycom 300i Review + Maintenance

[kutch]

Hellfire, I like your idea better than what he had. Don't have it yet (next weekend hopefully), but it was one of the u-bolt things that went around the left hand grip. It took a little real estate from the grip but not overly much. If, for some odd reason, the hole is too big on that ram mount you picked out can always put couple washers in there to cover the hole.

With the arm he had, we roughly mounted it and even with mount on the grip, gps looked like it would be mostly behind the windshield, still protecting it from the wind/rain, etc.

demigh - congrats on your new ride! From my very limited experience (one fill-up) mine does not flash until it gets down low, almost like an idiot light (think has one of those too). At least on mine the gauge is solid most of the time (until last bar). Not sure what other suggestions people might have, but maybe try disconnecting the battery for a minute and reconnecting it. That should remove anything that is stuck in the "on" position.

[farkdanarc]

just linked to the GPS mount again, one last question, did anyone try putting that round suction cup section somewhere on the body of the scooter to suction cup it to? I have one that sits on my dash in my car and i just stucion to that instead of the windshield. started thing i may be able to use that on the scoot as well.

just bouncing ideas anyways.

i know it was mentioned of the vibrations on the windshield and such, thought maybe on the body, near where Kiwi stuck his, or even higher would allow the suction to work on the cup piece that comes with those.

[kutch]

fark, I haven't tried it on anyplace other than the windshield, but am doubtful of success only due to the vibrations.

And, question to anyone, just changed the oil on my sym and put in 15w40. Took a 150+ mile ride yesterday with no problems. Started off on a ride this morning with it and the oil light comes on after about 10 miles. Check oil and nothing on stick so put a quart in and go slow on the way home, oil light continously on, which doesn't bode well.

Just drained the oil, and know put the mesh filter in, but don't see it now (mesh filter was in there, just had to pull on it a little. Engine oil light still on.... any ideas? Could have sworn put it back same order I took it off, but apparently some mishap happened. Excellent ride yesterday (71.7 mpg).

Edit: Looked at manual (3-2 pg 40) and prognosis doesn't look good. Full oil, so check that off the list, the other is bad oil pump or something clogged. Is there a good way of testing to see if it's at least pumping oil?

Am using Shell Rotela T 15w40 mineral oil, and that looks to be within the range for scoot. Will drain (and reuse) oil again tomorrow after get carb cleaner spray to clean out the strainer, just in case it is clogged. The strainer looked clean so hopefully it's something that simple.

[Kiwiscoot]

The oil light is just an oil service light which comes on every 3000kms to remind you to change the oil. Press the left button on the instrument panel for about 2-3s and it will go off. It has nothing to do with oil pressure, etc.

Strange that you saw no oil on dip stick?? Any oil leaks out the bottom of the engine?? Never over-tighten the bottom sump plug as it has a rubber O-ring. You will notice the torque value 1.3-1.7 kgf.m (not much at all) on Page 2-3 of the service manual. Over tightening it will deform the O-ring or even worst crack the plug. Mine's is still the same factory o-ring with no leaks after about 20 oil changes. I tighten the plug by hand as much as I can and then tweak it about an 1/8th of a turn.
I use a 1 liter oil container that has a transparent window marked in 100ml intervals. I just fill that to the 900ml mark and tip the lot into the scoot. That way I'm sure I have filled it full enough. I have the scoot level on it's main stand when I fill it with oil.
If you air filter is very dirty the engine can suck it's own oil thru the head breather tube. You will notice oil inside the air filter housing then.

[Kiwiscoot]

Coming back last night in the dark from my 400km trip with the GPS mounted . I must admit your guys mounting is better. It did not give me confidence in the dark to have to look down at the GPS. In the day time seems fine but not on a dark night when one wants to concentrate on the road. I would not recommend it for city riding either. I may look at doing something up on the mirror stalk too.

[kutch]

May 2, 2011 3:03:56 GMT -5 Kiwiscoot said:

TPress the left button on the instrument panel for about 2-3s and it will go off.

Strange that you saw no oil on dip stick??

Should have read the users manual, but figure that lights only go on if something is wrong.. So, in a slight panic pulled into nearest gas station and checked the oil while engine was still hot. It might have just been that the oil still didn't settle on the bottom. Added oil (and overfilled it by mistake (ooops)) without waiting for engine to cool down.

No oil leaks or anything like that, so it was me not thinking clearly (worst thoughts going through head) . Probably did put a little more pressure on the plug initially, but this time just put it a tad more than snug. Started scoot up this morning and pressed the left button for 1/2 second and light went off.

Now, with the kymco, have really had engine problems so kinda know what a blown engine sounds like, and it wasn't exhibiting any of those symptoms but played it semi-safe.

In the next week or so am going to be ordering some pieces for the ram mount. Really like suggestion for the mirror, and since have two scoots need to order parts anyways.. ;D

Thanks kiwi!

[Kiwiscoot]

My pleasure - always ready to help a fellow Citycommer.

[demigh]

Hey ...thanks to Kutch for the info on the fuel gage flashing. I think the dealer has ordered a new instrument cluster for me to fix that issue. I am still in the break-in period with my new SYM Citycom 300i so I am still taking it a bit easy until I can change the oil at 500 miles, but I must say again how pleased I am with it ...it really "scoots"! The weather is improving here this week and I intend to get out and ride some of the back roads that we have here in the country.
I have ordered a passenger backrest from Givi which should arrive this week ...my girlfriend is much smaller than myself and I want her to feel comfortable riding with me. I have seen a picture of the Cc 300i with the backrest installed and it looks great... I don't think I like the looks of it with the "top box" installed though. Any suggestions?
I find your posts about the GPS mount install interesting, but I would find it difficult looking down at it for any length of time. Heck, I have a hard enough time keeping an eye on the speedometer!

[dimjim]

Hey all, just thought I'd throw a few pics of my universal gps/cell mount up since I just mounted it last week.

I had a universal "ratcheting" type mount laying around and remembered that it had four tabs on the back to slide on to either a car vent (clip) mount or a 3m adhesive mount. So I found the 3m adhesive mount that I had and found a good spot for it on the citycom. It rotates up and down a bit. There are probably 3 or 4 notches that it will stay at. Haven't taken it over super bumpy terain so I'm not sure if vibration might jar it loose from the highest position to the lowest. The adhesive isn't going to let go anytime soon. It's very strong, as is the way the mount slides onto the adhesive mount.

Even at the lowest position, it's still clearly visible and I don't have to look down too much to see it. Got a bluetooth to 3.5mm battery operated box on the way and I hope I can mount it inside my helmet for truly un-tethered audio from my cell/gps/mp3.

Side view:


Highest notched setting:


Lowest notched setting:



Free to me, but those RAM mounts look awesome. Could ditch the "hair ties,", too

[kutch]

Excellent GPS mount!!

Here are the parts am thinking of ordering. Unscrewed the mirror a little bit, just far enough to measure the inner bolt that holds it on, and came up with a rough measurement of 7.6mm. With that, went to the RAM website and found that they have a mount with a 9mm hole, so will get that and try.

Here are the part numbers. Going with a universal mount for cell phone (put bag over in wet weather) and it will be behind the windshield so only real wetness it will get is at a stop.
RAM-B-272U RAM BASE W/9MM HOLE AND 1" BALL
RAM-B-238U UNPKD RAM 2 7/16" X 1 5/16" BASE W/ BALL
RAM-HOL-UN4U UNPKD RAM UNIVERSAL PLASTIC ATV HOLDER

With those 3 (plus have an arm courtesy of guy bought scooter from) should be able to get it working, assuming that can fit it on the mirror.

Regarding the mount he gave me, all that was included were two u-bolts, one with washers and nuts, the other with plastic screw-on bumper type things. Can't figure it out with those parts so am assuming there was another part that he didn't give me, but not pressing the issue.
RAM-B-235U RAM DBL U-BOLT BASE W/ 1" BALL almost looks like that the u-bolts are for, but not sure...

Enjoy!

[otley]

Hi everyone, just got scoot for couple of weeks, what a blast!powerful, smooth, pleasure to ride, never thought that scoot will ever excite so much.it seems they build it for taller lads, considering size and hight of it, im 6foot and find that seat is pushing u too much forward, so had to do some surgery to make it flatter, so I can move a bit further back.
Now where's I need some advice:scoot came with Givi screen, but seems that its been cut on the top about 7cm, its creates such a wind noise at any speed, like someone hammering u in a head. Scoot shop reckons that taller screen won't do much difference and suggesting defuser on existing screen (price pretty much the same as new screen).has anyone done it?does it help?
Ive tried to ride without screen- no noise at all, just a bit of wind in a body, but still comfortable to ride.so Im considering to cat it half way...My other small scoots Ive had and big bikes never had such a problems despite having a much smaller screen, so Im a bit bumped about it.Ive never had a chance to compare with original one...anyone experience about it would be highly appreciated, cheers
Stay safe on ur scoot!

[wr125]

I just got mine back after replacing a wasted rear brake line that was rubbing the rear wheel and wore through.

I got it back and had to finish bleeding the brakes which hit the grip on my first highway application. It's fine now.

Had it not broke when the mechanic was riding it I'd have never left it there.

Anyway, I took off the huge Carter Bros windshield and replaced it with the stocker.

There is much more wind noise and pressure but I did gain 5mph on top end .....was 77 now 82mph indicated.

I'll leave the little one on for the summer.

It is a smooth fast and comfy machine for sure.

All I need now is for the dealer to get the plate.

[farkdanarc]

its official, at around 11:30 am yesterday i rode my bike off the lot. its now got 150km on it and got back from a scooter club ride about an hour ago.

will being the first oil change hopefully before i roll over the 200/250 marks. (didnt get to break in as i had hoped).

so far its running perfect. no issues, no complaints and have gotten multiple compliments on it!!!

thanks for the great review, it sold me on a great machine. im sure i will have miles of smiles.

[kutch]

Congratulations fark on a new adventure in your riding career!!

I have finally taken pictures of my scoot, and the ram mount which just installed. Think might upgrade to an enclosure for my cell phone as it is typically rainy in Washington State.

Without much further ado, here is a link to my Google album picasaweb.google.com/kutch2001/Scooters?feat=directlink (hope it works)

Of particular interest is the ram mount. Part that actually attached to the base of the mirror is RAM-B-272U RAM BASE W/9MM HOLE AND 1" BALL. Talked about my plans in post 523 scootdawg.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=200cc&thread=16772&page=18#376077


And everything mounted, without cell phone as taking pictures with it.


The part which holds the GPS (cell phone in my case) is totally dependent on what type you have, and the arm is too short for my tastes, would rather have had it closer to the middle, but it works.. Had the arm already so just had to buy the base and the holder.

The RAM mounting systems are generally overpriced (IMHO) but they work so can't complain too much I guess. Not sure if there are other alternatives to RAM.


Side View
The reflective markers are actually LED lights the person I bought it from had installed. Will try and take a picture around twilight so can see them in action.


Front View


Rear View
**Notice additional LED lights below license plate and the additional brake light between license plate and rear brake light.

[farkdanarc]

thanks Kutch!!

nice pics! love the red! great placing on the mount too. I think im going to get the mount and follow your lead on this one. i managed to make the GPS work by suction cupping to the dash, and just put it in the bottom left corner, over lapping the first 5k RPM. at least i can see where i am when im hitting higher speeds or accel.

what length Ram arm is that?

[kutch]

It is Product # RAM-B-201U, which is the one that came with the scooter.

I did see a longer one on their website, not sure how that would work: RAM-B-201U-C

The mount kept my cell phone in place and it did not move at all, not even with the vibrations. Rode home in the rain last night and didn't mount phone, but pretty sure it would have stayed in there even though it was wet and miserable. While moving rain generally doesn't touch it, until stop. Might try and improvise a rain/sun shield to fit over the top, like what they have for the video monitors at baseball/football games for instant replays, but not quite that big.

As a note, the actual mount I got did not come with the ball mount, so keep an eye on that for whichever one you get, should say in the description. Had to order that seperately. Their shipping was somewhat slow. Am in Tacoma and took them 3 days to ship it, and got it on the 4th day (they're in the Seattle area too).

[Kiwiscoot]

The Citycom sure looks nice in red.

[wr125]

May 16, 2011 2:47:42 GMT -5 Kiwiscoot said:

The Citycom sure looks nice in red.

There is a Red one for sale right by me.

[farkdanarc]

took the scooter on the highway the other day....wow that speedo is off. said 130, was doing 105 (GPS), then said 135 and was doing 117 (GPS). it was all over the place depending on direction of the wind.

my gps is normally only about a km or 2 off in my car. any way to get that speedo lined up better, or need a full fledged replace?

[wr125]

My Speedo is pretty accurate....75 indicated is about 71.

[Kiwiscoot]

Mine is about 10 % over and the odometer is about 2% out.

One big downside to mounting the GPS where I mounted it - in wet weather it causes water to drip right into the petrol filler when you fill up - not good! I'm going to remove mine and consider one of the excellent ideas shown here.

10 days ago I had to do a 400km trip home in torrential rain - like in water flowing 5-10cm (2-4inches) over the road for about 200kms - things were wet. It was then that I noticed this annoying thing - water dripped right into the petrol filler from the wet mount. I had to hold a soggy glove under the mount when I filled, but 2-3 drops still went into the tank. As soon as I got home I put fuel stabilizer (absorbs water in fuel) in and will do it for the next refill again.
I must say I was impressed again with this scoot in those atrocious conditions. It just ran like clockwork with rivers of water streaming off it. Needless to say the rider was "slightly damp" even with riding gear and wet weather gear, 2 "waterproof mittens" over my gloves and riding boots. I was also very impressed with the Michelin Gold Standard tires, no aqua-planing and good grip - no slips. Only thing they don't like mud on tar-sealed surfaces.
Had a nasty incident when I hit a car brake caliper assembly (where from?) lying in the road in the dark. Luckily no damage, but sure was a rude wake-up.

[farkdanarc]

this scoot is the best thing ever!!! here's a video of the first good real ride ive had so far. There were about 18 of us total with a local scooter club i rode with as a guest on the 18th.

theres 15 in the video, as there were 3 more catching up!!!

[Kiwiscoot]

looks like you had a great time. Glad you're enjoying the scoot. Everyday I ride this thing I enjoy it.

[farkdanarc]

bad news. finished my scoot today, parked at friends house eat supper came out afterwards...speedo didnt work, the stalled on me at a stop sign. ran the rest of the way home but speedo is konked.....

stuck at km 738. lol.

no idea what to do for this one.

[farkdanarc]

Sept 21, 2009 16:16:26 GMT -5 Kiwiscoot said:

Sept 21, 2009 14:28:37 GMT -5 argirhs said:

yes friend i know what you mean about the oil weights and how thin is good for the engine at cold mornings,what i mean is that a thin oil can not stay on the parts like a thick one(its draining more easy)

The speedo must be a connector that came undone as when I weave from side to side when I ride it come on and go off. A job for this week-end.
Perhaps the mechanic thinks it is to soon to put synthetic oil in at 600kms. I only put in at around 2000-3000kms if I remember correctly. It gives the engine good time to wear in.
I know what you mean about the exhaust cover - a bad design in my book. I first scratched it and the cracked it when going thro barrier poles at the supermarket when I was parking. It should not stick out wider than the width of the scoot. I took it off and had a flat aluminium shield made, much better, but mine does not look nice. It is rectangular and looks a bit like a baking dish I think. Works well, but I want to change the front of it to look better.
You take care and have fun. ;D ;D

did you figure out the speedo issue? mine wont work at all right now. no idea where to start, been searching the web like an hour now....

[ez4u2say1]

my speedo cable had come unscrewed at the instrument cluster.

[farkdanarc]

May 23, 2011 7:00:06 GMT -5 ez4u2say1 said:

my speedo cable had come unscrewed at the instrument cluster.

oh man. i gotta remove panels.

thanks!!! i will check there for sure! thanks a bunch!

thank god Kiwi has posted the manual! lol.

[farkdanarc]

one more side question. my scooter seems to only go 105-115kph on its own with out drifting behind someone, which i can then get up to around 120-125.

does this seem normal? i have had a few 150s keep up no problem, and im like...wtf, im wot!

all stock!

[Kiwiscoot]

My speedo stopped working too and I know of someone else that had the issue too. look in page
scootdawg.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=200cc&action=display&thread=16772&page=5

post #134 of mine. You'll see the harness that broke in mine in the photos. Need advice with the panel removal?

I think this thread is getting to big and info get's buried among all the other stuff. Perhaps a website dedicated or something to collect all the technical info??

Your speed does not sound right. Did you test your speedo with a GPS? You should see 130 indicated (120kph GPS) easily.

[farkdanarc]

Oct 4, 2009 4:29:14 GMT -5 Kiwiscoot said:

Well the speedo stopped working about 10 days ago. First it started to be intermittent and the second day it would only go when I weaved the scoot from side to side. On inspection I found this would be the first assembly issue that I've had on the scoot. It may be good if others check their scoots too to stop this happening. The harness from the front-wheel speed-sensor is encased in a rubber sheath, which makes it inflexible. Just above the front wheel it terminates in a red connector. This connector is attached to the main front harness by a short little harness. This little harness takes all the flexing when the steering is turned.

On my scoot the assembly of this short harness was very tight, which caused it to pull very hard on the connector when the steering was on full left-hand lock. After 10 000 kms one of the wires to the connector broke off right at the connector. A real pain to fix as the screen and nose-cone needs to be removed. I had to cut all 3 wires off and splice another length of harness into it to fix the problem. If it is a problem on your scoot , you should be able to buy the male and female connectors and make an extension harness to plug in line with your current set-up.

This is what the front of the scoot looks like with the nose-cone off. The arrow indicates the speedo harness connector.
I did a service, changed oil and checked the valve clearances too and at 10 000kms they were still spot on. Quite a job tho to take all the "tupperware" off, especially the floor-board. A liberal coat of silicon spray helps things to slide and clip in place with the re-assembly. Should be good for another 10 000kms now.

Well all for now - Miles of smiles to you. ;D ;D ;D

youre a hero Kiwi. i found this in the manual you had posted, but now after seeing this again, totally easier.

youre right though, this post has gotten huge and there is information being buried. i hunted this for about 30 minutes clearly missing it as i was scanning fast to see if it was in any of the 18 pages.

may have to break it all up one day.