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Post by angel on Feb 1, 2010 16:48:41 GMT -5
sorry explanation only in German Attachments:
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Post by Kiwiscoot on Feb 1, 2010 19:23:18 GMT -5
Hi Angel could you give me the URL for this info, then I can get google to translate it for me.
Pity the Youtube video is not in English, thanks for the link anyway.
I want a tyre that give reasonable long life, but give me good grip in city riding and is suitable for longer journeys. I want a tyre that will give an OK ride on the odd gravel road. The Maxxis are really only for tarmac use.
thanks - kiwiscoot
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Post by angel on Feb 2, 2010 2:18:48 GMT -5
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Post by hualalai on Feb 9, 2010 18:14:39 GMT -5
I bought a used (and superbly maintained) SYM CityCom 300i (at ~2800 miles). My opinions after more miles and mods are:
1. This is THE scooter for riders over 6 ft./182cm. Plenty of legroom, no knee pain from a low seat.
2. Power is good, but upgrading to 19g Dr. Pulley sliders improves acceleration. It's faster than nearly any car to 40 mph.
3. Excellent on both the freeway (Portland to Seattle at 70 mph) and around town. The suspension is impressive... handling drops in freeway pavement after bridges on I-5, in the rain, just as well as my sports touring motorcycles. Credit not only the 16" wheels, but excellent fork and shocks. SYM does not skimp on components.
4. Paying the price premium is worth the increase in quality vs. the Chinese mid-scooters.
5. I actually like the CityCom better than the TMax, SWing, and Big Burger... for long distances I use my ST motos, so the size of the maxi-scooters has no benefit for me, and is a penalty around town. The CityCom is just as well built as the Big Burger, and that is saying alot.
6. The CityCom is THE best in its class, and drove Kymco to develop the Downtown 300i, which may surpass the CityCom, at least in horsepower. However, I don't understand why Kymco put 14"/13" wheels on the Downtown, when the the People series (150/200/250) has 16" wheels. If you ride on the slab, IMO 16" wheels are critical for safety on a mid-scooter (think turbulence from trucks). Does Kymco really see the Downtown as a "big Yager" for traffic light drag races in Taipei? Maybe Kymco is trying to preserve the market for the Xciting 700i (should it go into production). Anyway, Kymco's mistake means the CityCom will be easily distinguished from the Downtown for freeway use.
7. The Carter Bros. "promotion" items, w/s and top case, are not Givi's top quality, but are still OK. The rear mount is excellent. When your top case latch jams, push the top half rearwards from the hinge area to free the open (but jammed) latch. Also, lube the opening mechanism... it reduces jamming from frequent to occasional.
The only gripe I have is not specific to my SYM, but to Chinglish manuals. I have worked (and ridden) in Taipei, so I know that they omit important steps, e.g., removing the windscreen (turn the handlebars to reveal L and R bolt access UNDERNEATH the handlebars, remove bolts, then push ONLY the black front trim panel down, remove panel, remove w/s bolts. Do NOT put any force on any body parts.).
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Post by Kiwiscoot on Feb 10, 2010 1:20:11 GMT -5
Glad your enjoying yours. Good to hear about your experiences. Seems like most Citycom owners wander in here, chat a bit and we never hear from them again. Guess that's the way when you just turn the key and it's go.
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Post by hualalai on Feb 10, 2010 14:07:19 GMT -5
Kiwiscoot, this thread and your comments are the primary reason I waited for a cherry (do Kiwis use that idiom?) CityCom. Mahalo nui loa.
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Post by Kiwiscoot on Feb 10, 2010 14:29:50 GMT -5
Well I hope it will be a "cherry" for you. Miles of smiles to you  |
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Post by hualalai on Feb 10, 2010 22:54:24 GMT -5
I discovered that SYM engineers provided a solution to the "gas splash-back" problem when fueling a Citycom, but the solution is not in the manual  . Insert the gas pump nozzle into the nozzle hole in the fill pipe inlet bracket (US models have this bracket). The inlet bracket nozzle hole is about 3" below the fill pipe lip. If the nozzle is not inserted into the inlet bracket hole, the gas splashes out. I can use full nozzle pressure for the first 1.5 gallons, then ease off and the nozzle auto-shutoff works fine. |
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Post by Kiwiscoot on Feb 11, 2010 3:09:59 GMT -5
That is a bit of a bother. I found if I hold the pump handle and direct the fuel right at the hole in the the bottom then I can fill it quite quick. I think the vent system has very small pipes. Directing the fuel at the whole help air to escape around the fuel. I still have to wipe the odd fuel splashes off about 50% of the time tho. My best efforts take 5 minutes plus to get 2 gallons in, so your doing good.
Enjoy your ride and post some photos please. We would like to see the baby. Guess yours is the later model with more floor board space and the nice mirrors.
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Post by hualalai on Feb 11, 2010 3:17:45 GMT -5
mooted.
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Post by hualalai on Feb 13, 2010 15:32:35 GMT -5
Does anyone know of a performance exhaust for the Citycom 300i? The 300i is not yet sold in Taiwan (a no show on the SYM TW site's "scooters on offer"), so there's no aftermarket exhaust system from TW (based on Ruten.tw and Yahoo.com.tw searches). This article cites the Italian market as the target of the Citycom, and reports the 300i design to be the work of Italian designer Pierangelo Andreani. The article predicts that SYM will increase the displacement to 298cc, or that there will be aftermarket kits for 298cc. It cites an Italian test report that was very impressed with the suspension and performance in the mountains (a result of EFI). I have to agree. LeoVince makes systems for the TMax and the Big Burger, so we might see a LeoVince system in the future, but for now, it looks to be roll your own for exhaust system mods. |
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Post by Kiwiscoot on Feb 14, 2010 4:32:51 GMT -5
MRP from the USA seems to have performance parts for the Citycom, but their video is very feeble on the technical side. I think changing the heavy factory exhaust to a lighter one will improve the ride performance. I see the Hyosung MS3-250 seems to have the same exhaust as the Citycom, at least it looks like that on the photos. Perhaps an after-market exhaust for a Hyosung may fit.
I see in the SYM forum you're going to make a "anti-splash" collar. Please post some pictures once you have perfected it.
Enjoy your scoot.
PS this week I'm getting a set of Pirelli GTS23/GTS24 tires for the scoot. The Maxxis has done 15000+kms and their grip (especially the back) is not good in the wet. I found 32psi at the back and 28-29psi at the front seems to be the best combination. They were very surprised that I got the mileage out of the tires at the scooter shop here. They commented that that must be the right pressure for the tires not to overheat and wear fast. I must say I'm very keen to feel the Pirelli's ride. I am going to fit the tires myself.
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Post by rick360 on Feb 15, 2010 16:54:29 GMT -5
Howdy,
First post. A local dealer is blowing out his Citcoms and HD200s well below cost. My only concern is braking on both bikes, especially the Citicom with it's single front and rear discs. How is the Citcom's braking? Please be honest.
Rick360
PS: One reads such good things about SYM; I'm interested in getting one soon.
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Post by hualalai on Feb 15, 2010 20:46:55 GMT -5
The 300i braking is average with OE pads, but is excellent, one-up, with aftermarket pads. Two-up, I suggest a twin front rotor scoot, like the MS3-250 (more power, but worse mpg, than the Citycom). BTW, this thread is the most authoratative source of info on the CityCom I have found. There's nothing close, even in Chinese, since the CityCom is a "Western market" product. The EU market has both the SYM CityCom 300i and the SYM GTS EVO 300i (same engine, slightly different body, but 13" wheels), but they don't have the Dawg. The www.maxi-muppets.co.uk/WPInt/ site is worth a look, though. Of course, you could always wait for the SYM MAXSYM 400 or 600, which will have not only dual front discs, but dual cylinders.  |
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Post by Kiwiscoot on Feb 18, 2010 23:05:27 GMT -5
The 300i braking is average with OE pads, but is excellent, one-up, with aftermarket pads. Two-up, I suggest a twin front rotor scoot, like the MS3-250 (more power, but worse mpg, than the Citycom). BTW, this thread is the most authoratative source of info on the CityCom I have found. There's nothing close, even in Chinese, since the CityCom is a "Western market" product. The EU market has both the SYM CityCom 300i and the SYM GTS EVO 300i (same engine, slightly different body, but 13" wheels), but they don't have the Dawg. The www.maxi-muppets.co.uk/WPInt/ site is worth a look, though. Of course, you could always wait for the SYM MAXSYM 400 or 600, which will have not only dual front discs, but dual cylinders. As far a brakes go - yes the OEM pads give alright braking, but nothing outstanding. With the SBS aftermarket pads I have had no problems one or two up for the last 8000kms. They last better than the OEM ones too. I can't comment on a twin brake rotor scoot as I have no experience with them, but in the 15000+kms I done on the Citycom I have never felt I needed more braking power on the front. Not in the city nor on the open road at 100+kph. On the occasions when I've had to do an emergency brake, it had enough grip for the front tire to slip or for me to go over the top I'm sure. Both do not make for good emergency braking tho  Even coming down the mountains (930m/3000+ft) I never experienced any fade even tho I was a lot on the brakes as it was too steep for engine braking. IMHO if double rotors give so much more braking power then I would've been over the top of the screen or I would've laid the scoot down. Twin rotor front braking makes sense on sports bikes and is more a marketing thing on these scoots. I do agree they look good on the scoot, nice symmetrical. If the 400 & 600 are like the 300i then they would be awesome machines. enjoy your riding kiwiscoot from NZ where we have the perfect riding day |
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Post by hualalai on Feb 19, 2010 13:48:35 GMT -5
I deleted the reference to the "true 300cc" Citycom... bad translation on my part from a Chinese site.
Another "wait for" possibility is the TMax 750 triple.
Kiwiscoot... why not change the thread title to:
SYM Citycom 300i: Reviews and Maintenance
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Post by hualalai on Feb 27, 2010 13:55:05 GMT -5
When changing the spark plug on the Citycom, IGNORE the service manual, which instructs you to remove the luggage box and access the spark plug from above. Utter nonsense, if not impossible. Instead, remove the "left side garnish" (with the fake airscoop) to access the plug. To remove the l.s. garnish, remove one screw toward the rear, then with needlenose pliers, squeeze the rear, molded "forked tab" along the bottom of the l.s. garnish and if you have another set of hands, squeeze the front, molded tab along the bottom of the l.s. garnish, to release the bottom edge of the l.s. garnish. The top edge of the l.s. garnish is held in place with "elbow tabs" (inaccessible and non-squeezable) which allow the l.s. garnish to drop down about 7mm out of matching holes. The front, bottom squeezeable tab requires angled needle nose pliers to reach, so there's a chance of breaking off the front top tab, since when the rear bottom tab releases with applied "persuasion", the energy causes the l.s. garnish to spring laterally off the scoot. The l.s. garnish fits perfectly without the front-most top elbow tab.
The chabudo way (sort of like the Tao of Taiwan street mechanics) is to advise removing the luggage box to avoid explaining that you will break off the front, top tab, if not during the first plug check, then certainly in the next check or replacement.
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Post by Kiwiscoot on Feb 28, 2010 4:25:13 GMT -5
Good suggestion. You'll notice I changed the title. OK so you've found the easy way. Sorry I should've made a show & tell with photos of doing the spark plug.  But perhaps I should not spoil others "fun" by showing everything. Did you change it to an iridium spark plug.? I may change the tires this week, so could do an article on that. The job will be removing front and back tires. I have a new belt too, but I need to use a pneumatic rattle-gun to get it off. I tried by hand but it in too tight. I'll check the clutch assembly then too. enjoy your scooting. |
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Post by hualalai on Feb 28, 2010 14:14:54 GMT -5
Yes, an NGK CR8EIX from Amazon, USD 7.40. The local car parts place quoted USD 15.00 and 10 days wait. Amazon will got it here (Oahu) faster, no shipping charge (I ordered Iridium plugs for all my motos and the SYM), at half the price.
You're mounting Pirelli GTS23/GTS24 tires?
Is there a dual compound tire in 16"? I am very impressed by Conti Road Attack tires on my Stroms. The tire crown is long wearing and the tire shoulders are sticky.
If there's no dual compound 16" tire, I plan to change to Metzler Feel Free. The stock Maxxis tires don't like road paint, even when dry.
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Post by Kiwiscoot on Feb 28, 2010 14:43:56 GMT -5
Boy that's cheap. I paid NZ$30 for the spark plug. No the shop did not order the GTS's when I asked them. When they did go back and ordered them the front tire was out of stock and GTS's are discontinued. I went for Pirelli Michelin Gold Standards now. They get very good reviews and radiuswoodguy on this forum does 10 000miles per year on his Citycom with the Golds on and is very happy. Did you consider Diablo's? Feelfree Or Diablo is my first choice. They are not available in the sizes I want in New Zealand. Here is someone's post on the Diablo's www.maxi-scoots.com/postnuke/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=8460 Where is Oahu?? happy scooting |
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Post by hualalai on Feb 28, 2010 15:02:05 GMT -5
Oahu is the island on which Honolulu sits. Second worst commuting traffic in the U.S. (Santa Monica Freeway, in L.A., is the worst.) My Maxxis only have 3200 miles on them, so the change is not urgent. Aren't Gold Standards a Michelin product? Of general interest, comparison of the MS3-250 and Citycom. The reviewer thinks that the Citycom build quality is below that of JP and EU scoots, :(but above KR. |
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Post by Kiwiscoot on Mar 1, 2010 4:23:06 GMT -5
You should get heaps os k's/miles on those Maxxis. I have almost 16000kms on them now and I would say the back would do another 2000km before the tread in the middle would be worn away. You live in a warm climate which should suite the Maxxis more, but then you may not get the same life out of them because of the heat.
My mistake, typed to fast without thinking. I corrected my previous post.
I did read that review. I can't comment on his MS3-250 review as I've never seen it in the flesh, but as far as the Citycom: what does he want?? Mine has done almost 16000kms, was used almost everyday for the last 17 months in all weather and looks almost new. A few stone chips on the front, but appart from that the paintwork still shines like new, no oil leaks with the engine still sparkling clean, wheels look like new, windscreen has only two light scratches where I was stupid enough to put my gloves behind the screen on the dash. The gloves has zips on the back which scratched the screen very lightly.
I don't know what he wants more from a scoot, I think he's just to biased towards Jap and EU makes to think outside that square.
This scoot is great value for money with only one negative. It's depreciation is very high because riding it is addictive, therefor one puts to much mileage on it in a very short time. But who wants to sell anyway!
Let's put some more kms on it - the weather is warm here ;D
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Post by hualalai on Mar 1, 2010 13:20:09 GMT -5
Yes, that reviewer needs to do a 10,000 km update. The Citycom has the same or better build quality of the best EU and JP scoots and motos. SYM and Kymco are forcing the JP and EU scoot makers upmarket, like JP cars did in the 70s to US and EU makers. In reality, Honda and Yamaha are the only JP makers left in the <400cc scooter market, and the domestic market for scooters in JP is smaller every year, so their focus is on Europe, esp. Italy. This trend is what makes the MAXSYM and the Exciting 700i so interesting. The new models separates Kymco and SYM from the Chinese even more and will put pressure on the JP maxi makers to respond. IMO, Yamaha's TMax 750 will be competitive, but Honda's DN-01 is an Edsel; will they be worth a 25% or more premium to Western buyers?
BTW, since the TMax is an import to Taiwan, they are very rare there, as are all maxis. >250cc scooter production in Taiwan is all about export, which is why the Citycom isn't sold there. I have seen Exciting 250s, but have never seen an Exciting 500 there.
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Post by Gary on Mar 1, 2010 17:00:48 GMT -5
Kiwi -
I put Michelin Gold Standards on my RV-250 and am very happy with them. Handling and braking are superb.
Gary
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Post by Kiwiscoot on Mar 3, 2010 17:22:53 GMT -5
Gary - good to hear as I was a bit disapointed not getting the Pirelli GTS's (I liked their look). I know that the Gold Standards will be way better than the Maxxis. Hope they give 15000+ kms too like the Maxxis.
Took the wheels off yesterday evening and the wheels are at the dealer to fit the tires today. Can't get over how easy this scoot is to work on. Can't wait to try them tomorrow, only down side is the scoot will be out of action tomorrow and the weather is just perfect for a long cruise. Haven't had one for more than a month - withdrawal symptomes. ;D
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Post by Kiwiscoot on Mar 5, 2010 5:49:41 GMT -5
Gary - took a ride on the new Gold Standards and they are fantastic. The scoot feels like it is on rails and the ride is smoother. I know your roads are smoother than ours (ours has coarse 10mm/0.5inch stone chip) but how many miles do you have on yours and how much wear??
Smile Your Miles mate!
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Post by ootscoot on Mar 6, 2010 17:39:06 GMT -5
Finally got my arm out of the cast after crashing my Citycom...5 weeks of no riding. The brakes saved me from more serious injury - the center-mounted rear disc worked well. I rear ended the fellow who skidded to a stop in front of me, I went from 35mph to 5+ mph in just 3 car lengths, low speed collision w/ minor damage except to my arm/wrist.
Took the bike out the other day and got my smile back. At first my wife said - no more Citycom cruising, but after a month of moping around the house, she was happy to se me grin again..
4000 miles on the bike now and cruising smooth, like new.
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Post by Kiwiscoot on Mar 7, 2010 0:09:13 GMT -5
Ootscoot - Congrats enjoy your rides. Everyday is a grin. This week putting a Givi detachable topbox on. That wil give my wife more security what something is behind her when we ride two-up.
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Post by skritikos on Mar 13, 2010 19:12:40 GMT -5
Ootscoot - Congrats enjoy your rides. Everyday is a grin. This week putting a Givi detachable topbox on. That wil give my wife more security what something is behind her when we ride two-up. Kiwiscoot, your review and posts regarding the Citycom was the catalyst for me to buy it ;D It will be my daily commuter, leaving the big orange brother for the weekends (KTM Adventure 990). One slight issue; can someone tell me where the @#%@ is the adjustment bolt/screw for the headlight?? It is very low as it came from the factory (just 5-6 feet away!!) Thanks, Stamatis |
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Post by hualalai on Mar 13, 2010 22:42:49 GMT -5
mooted
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Even coming down the mountains (930m/3000+ft) I never experienced any fade even tho I was a lot on the brakes as it was too steep for engine braking. 
But perhaps I should not spoil others "fun" by showing everything. Did you change it to an iridium spark plug.?
