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Post by Kiwiscoot on Jul 14, 2009 16:29:27 GMT -5
On the Citycom everything moves with the handlebars too. It would feel weird for me as the Xingyue was the same. It helps when one it stationary and you want to see something behind you to just move the handlebars and check the mirrors. Some feel chassis mounted screen and mirrors are more stable in cross winds. I don't know as all my scoots had them handle bar mounted. I guess in a few weeks time it will be "normal" for you. Us humans are pretty good at adapting to our changing environment. Sym miles of fun and smiles to you  |
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Post by Gary on Jul 15, 2009 9:46:09 GMT -5
Well, while it is nice to own and ride a higher-end scoot I am learning there is a price to be paid. Parts are not cheap. I just ordered a rear rack for the SYM to hold a top case - $120 -Ouch! The equivalent rack for the Bali is $20. And the quoted price for a taller windshield - $280! Totally outrageous. Cee Bailey told me they'd make a custom one-off windshield for $180. If they go into production, the price would be even less. I'm also looking for a passenger back rest - don't know the price yet but expect it too will be near $100.
And of course all of this has to go through the dealer. Perhaps in a few years there will be after market alternatives, but ight now, I'm kind of at SYM's mercy.
Gary
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Post by Gary on Jul 15, 2009 10:43:28 GMT -5
I do continue to be amazed with this scoot. This morning, on my commute to work, I was cruising in the slow lane at about 60 to 65 mph. Traffic in front of me started to slow. With Ole Yeller, I would have just slowed down too. However with the SYM, I took a look to my left, saw the lane was clear, goosed the throttle a bit, changed lanes, and was instantly up to 70 to 75 mph with plenty of throttle left. All speeds are indicated values, but from the speed of the traffic around me, and the force of the wind blast, I think are not far off. And even at speeds of 75 mph or so, the scoot is perfectly stable and smooth-riding. This machine is completely comfortable at Freeway speeds.
Cheers,
Gary
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Post by Kiwiscoot on Jul 15, 2009 20:01:38 GMT -5
Gary - did you get the RV250 factory workshop manual? If not I could help you.
I would suggest you change the coolant ASAP to stop any corrosion as the scoot is a 2007 model. The bit I wrote on my Citycom 300i review could be of help as the engines are basically the same, mine is just a 250 with a "big barrel kit" :> on. You may need to check the hose clamp and change it's position like I did on mine. Pretty close to the exhaust.
I guess the oils will be changed shortly too knowing you. Give the foam CVT dust filter a wash too, you'll be amazed at the amount of muck that gets trapped in it. I washed mine after I vacuumed it and was amazed.
Have fun exploring the scoot and be impressed with the quality like I am every time I look at mine.
Pity the US is so far away, else I could've helped you with the Givi screen. I guess it will be around the same price (NZ$170) as the Citycoms. The postage and exchange costs will make it very expensive I guess.
bye for now
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Post by harrywr2 on Jul 15, 2009 21:18:02 GMT -5
I was cruising in the slow lane at about 60 to 65 mph. Traffic in front of me started to slow. With Ole Yeller, I would have just slowed down too. However with the SYM, I took a look to my left, saw the lane was clear, goosed the throttle a bit, changed lanes, and was instantly up to 70 to 75 mph with plenty of throttle left. Gear Head!!! |
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Post by Gary on Jul 17, 2009 10:43:01 GMT -5
Refilled the tank for the first time. Went about 165 miles on 2.7 gallons - a very respectable 61mpg. This for a combination of mostly freeway driving at 65 to 70 [with the occasional goose to about 80 just for fun:)], plus some around town trips to the store etc.
I'm also impressed with the fuel gage - its reasonably linear. Nothing like the full/empty switch of the Bali...
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Post by jim63 on Jul 17, 2009 16:03:47 GMT -5
Your mileage is alittle better than mine, I am getting about 56-57mpg at 65-70mph cruising. The gas gauge that is actually accurate like you said is nice. When I hit the reserve bar on guage I have about 1/2 gallon left. Am now at almost 9000 miles, got my new Michelin Gold Standards on (replaced as a set). The Metzlers are good tires (what it came with) and am pleased I got 9k out of the rear tire, front could have gone another couple thousand miles easy. Also replaced the belt, but it looked good still, saved it as a backup along with front tire. Same size as the 250B front tire, if I ever get that scooter squared away it may go on that. Still no issues, love this scooter. Hope yours gives you as much pleasure as mine does for me. You are gonna love that windscreen, makes a big difference.
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Post by Gary on Jul 17, 2009 16:27:11 GMT -5
Awesome Jim. Thanks for your help. Its great to know the tires will go that long. Hope you get ole smokey on the road again....
Gary
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Post by Gary on Jul 22, 2009 10:19:04 GMT -5
The larger windscreen arrived. It's huge. I'm sure it will be great in winter, but for summer I'd like to have something smaller, somewher in between the stock shield and the big one. I know, pickey, pickey. I might send them both off to Cee Bailey to see what they can do. Seems to me there'd be a big demand for an intermediate size windscreen for the SYM. Probably also for the Hyosung, btw.
The scoot continues to run perfectly. It is an amazing machine. Plenty of power for the freeway. Very stable at speed. Can't throw it around town as easily as the Bali, but not bad either. I'm glad I bought the Bali - learned so much from the experience - but I'm also super happy with the upgrade. Don't see that I'll want anything bigger for a long time, maybe when I'm retired and can do some long road trips. Even then, the SYM might be good enough.
Gary
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Post by Kiwiscoot on Jul 22, 2009 16:19:24 GMT -5
You've joined the ranks of satisfied SYM owners.
Miles of smiles to you.
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Post by claude on Jul 22, 2009 17:04:08 GMT -5
My 2007 RV250 was $2881 after I traded in a Bali 150 for $610 last October. I know what you mean about expensive add-ons. The larger SYM windshield came to $283 installed and the rack and BIG Shad box were another $224! But, I love it and have found that Poweer Sports World at 334 735-9761 is the place to go for good service, fast service and more accesible than the Carter Groujp in the same state. Thanks for reminding me--keep the rubber side down.
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Post by Gary on Jul 22, 2009 17:23:52 GMT -5
Yes, the parts are pricey. In addition to the wind screen, I ordered a rear rack and a passenger back rest. I hope to install all of these myself.
The windscreen came with installation instuctions written in Italian ......
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Post by ootscoot on Jul 22, 2009 17:48:44 GMT -5
Congradulations Gary - and welcome to SYM world! I am expecting a Citycom 300i, but am getting so attached to the RV250...it is currently my ride of choice. I have the '08, not sure if they changed windscreens, but I find mine to work just fine...also the '08s came with the passenger backrest. The parts on the SYM are not too pricey, but the accessories are.
Although the specs say that the HD200 has a higher top speed, I find that my 250 has more...I use the 200 for around town, the 250 for longer freeway trips, and now gotta figure out where to ride the 300i - what a problem!
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Post by Gary on Jul 23, 2009 11:00:09 GMT -5
Oot, you must have a big garage! That is quite the collection of scooters you have. I'd love to hear how your cCitycom compares to the 200 and the 250. I've read that the Citycom is geared more for acceleration, and may have a lower top end than the RV. I kinda find that hard to believe, so your first hand comparison will be interesting. As far as where to ride the 300, well a trip up to Solvang would be pretty nice. I'll bet you've already done that with the RV.
Maybe they did change the windshield in '08. The '07 OEM windscreen directs a blast of air directly at my face and chest. Feels like a firehose hitting me. I have sort of become used to it and kinda like it now, except that the air buffeting my helmet is very noisy. A full helmet and ear plugs would take care of that, but I only have a 3/4.
I installed the larger "Italian" windscreen yesterday. It is much taller and wider than the OEM screen. It blocks the wind completely - I can wear my open face helmet with no problem. The new sheild is too tall though, so I have to look through the screen. The wind stream is maybe 6" above my head. So I may cut down the new shield a few inches, if I can do it in a way that looks nice. The large screen also flexed a lot; I solved that by putting a piece of large clear vinyl tubing between the screen and the back of the dash. This worked pretty well - the screen is quite stable now.
The back rest and rear rack arrived at the dealer. Will pick them up tonight.
In round numbers the prices have been:
large windscreen - $200
rear rack - $100
back rest - $60
Certainly more than Chinascoot parts! These are one-time costs, so I don't mid too much.
Gary
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Post by scosgt on Jul 23, 2009 11:13:59 GMT -5
Did you use the Givi screen or is it something else?
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Post by Gary on Jul 23, 2009 12:33:54 GMT -5
I used the SYM "Italy Style" tall screen ordered through a SYM dealer, Power Sports World (334 735-9761). Didn't know Givi made a screen for the RV-250.
As I mentioned above, Cee Bailey may be interested in making windscreens for the RV-250. I'm very impressed with the screen they made for my Bali - sturdy, clear, really well crafted. I may try to see if I can't get Cee Bailey to make an intermediate-size windscreen for the RV. I'm sure it would be really nice. Like their Bali screen, it would be available in various heights to accommodate different size riders.
Gary
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Post by yarddogbbq on Jul 23, 2009 13:11:12 GMT -5
nice bike,
ride ride ride.
yarddog
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Post by Kiwiscoot on Jul 23, 2009 20:01:19 GMT -5
Still wondering if Gary got a service manual??  |
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Post by Gary on Jul 23, 2009 22:09:04 GMT -5
Service manual.... Why would I ever need one??? This scoot is bullet proof....
Seriously Kiwi, if you have a link, I'd be happy to have it.
Thanks,
Gary
PS: My shield looks kida like yours now.
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Post by Gary on Jul 24, 2009 9:46:27 GMT -5
Picked up the passenger back rest and the rear rack. Man, the rack is beefy - it must weigh ten pounds. One could transport an elephant on that thing. Will install these in the next few days.
My second tank of gas gave 59 mpg. Guess I did a little more zoom zoom than with the first tank:) The bigger wind screen was only on for a day or two with this tank. I'm sure the bigger shield will cause a further drop in mileage. We'll see. I'm going to look around for a shop that can cut the shield down a bit. I would do it myself but I'm sure it would look like a hatchet job.
Gary
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Post by Kiwiscoot on Jul 25, 2009 5:48:21 GMT -5
Service manual.... Why would I ever need one??? This scoot is bullet proof.... Seriously Kiwi, if you have a link, I'd be happy to have it. Thanks, Gary PS: My shield looks kida like yours now. Here is a link to the manual Enjoy. I believe you can download the USA parts list from Carter Brothers. I used to have a copy, but it is of no use to me as the part numbers differ from the Australasia one. www.4shared.com/account/dir/15412986/3c778837/sharing.html?rnd=61You may notice your MPG will be down. Mine is, but I did three things which could've had an effect. 1.) Changed the SYM factory air cleaner for an foam one. Not good, acceleration down and it feels like it chokes at speed. Played in the mountains an at 1000m/3000ft I had it WOT to do 50kph, where I was sure it used to accelerate previously. If the RV250 is like the Citycom then my advice is stay with the factory air cleaner. When I ordered a new one yesterday the shop owner said that their experience with the RV250/250GTS is that they need changing at 9000 to 12000 kms. 2.) Bigger shield - brilliant. I could ride today at 103 kph/ 65 mph (GPS verified - 115kph on speedo) with my visor open and no noise and wind in my face. That I'm not going to change. 3.) lower octane fuel only 91/92 RON. When I run with 95/96 RON then I get better fuel consumption and performance. It will be interesting to know if the RV250 behaves the same. Well you have fun. I had an awesome run today up the mountains and the snow was beautiful. SYM Miles of SYM smiles. Kiwiscoot PS SYM = Smile Your Miles ;D ;D I see you want to cut your shield down. The Italians like their shields tall and look thru them. Thats why they have no distortions. Why do you want to cut it down - is it a problem to look thru it? |
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Post by Gary on Jul 25, 2009 9:44:14 GMT -5
Thanks Kiwi!
The big wind scree is distortion free so looking though it is not a problem. I can however feel the scoot labor a bit to push the big wall of a screen through the wind. Also there is some buffeting with the bigger screen. Not bad but some. (The screen actually came with a sticker warning about buffeting at speeds up to 100 km/hr. I think they meant above 100 km/hr). Since it is summer here it would also be nice to have some air flow on my helmet. Right now the air stream is about six inches above me.
I'm going to ride with the big screen for a while before I mess with it. I may send the small screen to Cee Bailey to see if they can make a mid-size one. The bottom of the SYM shield is surprisingly complex - much more than the Bali shield which is just a simple curve with three mounting holes. I'm not sure if they could revese engineer this.
Anyway, have fun with the Citycom, and stay warm!
Gary
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Post by jim63 on Jul 25, 2009 13:38:23 GMT -5
My wife looks through her windscreen, only complaint I get from her is when it gets dirty. Other than this she loves it, stress free ride for her. The smaller one was alot of wind resistance for her, and gave her some fatigue on longer rides. She uses a 3/4 helmet and I use a 1/2 helmet in summer so heat build up not to bad so far. If I use my Nolan 102 my head bakes in it, but great in cooler weather. With me being taller the large one is perfect height. My mileage and performance took a hit with it, was at 60mpg consistantly, now 55-57mpg when I ride alone at 65-70mph. It is a trade-off I will accept for the smooth ride, I really got the wind beat down with the original windscreen. For shorter rides having the wind on you is nice, and I still get the cross winds at times. Personal preferance is what it comes to. I know guys who say windscreens take away from the riding experience. My experience says the exact opposite. My garage queen 250B has a larger windscreen from Cee Bailey made that a better overall ride also.
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donkin
New Puppy Dawg
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Post by donkin on Jul 26, 2009 21:14:57 GMT -5
Well, while it is nice to own and ride a higher-end scoot I am learning there is a price to be paid. Parts are not cheap. I just ordered a rear rack for the SYM to hold a top case - $120 -Ouch! The equivalent rack for the Bali is $20. And the quoted price for a taller windshield - $280! Totally outrageous. Cee Bailey told me they'd make a custom one-off windshield for $180. If they go into production, the price would be even less. I'm also looking for a passenger back rest - don't know the price yet but expect it too will be near $100. And of course all of this has to go through the dealer. Perhaps in a few years there will be after market alternatives, but ight now, I'm kind of at SYM's mercy. Gary I don't have a local SYM dealer. Some dealers will ship. I'm waiting for delivery of the taller shield. $190 + shipping. Also Good info about Cee Bailey. - Don |
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Post by Gary on Aug 7, 2009 9:31:46 GMT -5
Rode the SYM at night for the first time last evening ... Wow, the lighting is fantastic!! The low beam casts a nice white arrow-shaped pattern in front of you and the high beam gives this piercing strong beam way out in front. Really, really nice.
I also had the seat cut down - lost a little cush for my tush, but can almost flat foot now. Before I was pretty much on my tippy toes which really wasn't too stable.
At 3,000 miles now, with an oil change coming up this weekend. The scoot runs like an absolute dream.
Cheers,
Gary
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Post by oldlazydog on Aug 8, 2009 13:20:14 GMT -5
Mrs's used to make stained glass windows for rich folk..been promising to make me a new windshield. You will have to post pics when she is finished and you have mounted it to the scoot. That is something I really have to see. "Stained glass windshield" hahahaha |
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Post by robcarb on Aug 9, 2009 1:47:55 GMT -5
Gary your a sick man. You look for trouble when none exist. You should have stuck with china motor if you wanted to find problems needed replacing. Now it just seems you are on a witch hunt. Just finding problems (not really problems) you want to upgrade. Have you considered engineering school? You are very capable, but fixing made up problems on a sym scooter? Upgrading the working? Go back to china, these make believe problems ans solutions make you look foolish.
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Post by Kiwiscoot on Aug 9, 2009 20:48:01 GMT -5
Gary your a sick man. You look for trouble when none exist. You should have stuck with china motor if you wanted to find problems needed replacing. Now it just seems you are on a witch hunt. Just finding problems (not really problems) you want to upgrade. Have you considered engineering school? You are very capable, but fixing made up problems on a sym scooter? Upgrading the working? Go back to china, these make believe problems ans solutions make you look foolish. robcarb - Gary bought a SYM and now his hobby - scoot fixing - is gone. He's really done it this time! ;D ;D Well I guess he can still take Ol' Yella apart every now and then when the urge to do some wrenching gets to him.  |
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Post by Gary on Aug 10, 2009 13:52:10 GMT -5
Changed the engine oil over the weekend. Drained the oil using the plug for the oil filter which is on the bottom of the engine block as I couldn't find a separate dedicated drain plug.
The crankcase holds 1.2 liters, about double what the Bali holds. That's a good thing I'm sure.
Cheers,
Gary
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Post by scosgt on Aug 10, 2009 14:17:48 GMT -5
The HD 200 has a 17mm drain plug on the opposite (left) side. Yours probably has the same. It was hard to find, even with the service manual. but I think that if drained on the side stand more oil will come out.
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