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Post by Globs on Jan 28, 2012 14:02:32 GMT -5
...has now been ordered. Although I posted my trials of a used GTS300 in the wrong section (>125cc instead of >250cc) you may have read it. Well in the process of finding out of why I shouldn't buy that one I did find an awful lot of reasons to buy a new one, so much so that I did indeed visit a store with a brand new silvery one sitting there today... ... for the cheapest price in the UK (3.5k) on the road. Including delivery to my house. And free insurance. That compares extremely well to my Joyride - in fact it only works out about 0.5k more - making it the biggest steal this side of the law  So the pros of the GTS300 over the Joyride 200 are: 1. More luggage space 2. Tank 12 litres vs 7 3. Spot/driving lamps 4. Hazard lamp switch 5. Functional (switched) side/kick stand 6. Luggage area lamp 7. More power 8. More buttons on the dashboard 9. Front glove box 10. Spine cuddy box 11. Two front cuddy boxes 12. Led string eyebrows (like modern Audis) 13. Silver wheels and a brighter appearance (My pref!) 14. Built in 12V socket 15. Accessible fuse box 16. High-beam flasher switch 17. LED tail/brake lamp assy 18. Folding mirrors 19. Adjustable seat squab The cons are: -1. More lardy -2. Uses more fuel -3. No flat floor So awesome and stylish as the Joyride is, this GTS totally rocks. It should arrive at Globs Acres later in the week  BTW I did check into the Yamaha X-Max but it could not compare on any front - the GTS has it in all areas. |
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Post by inuyasha on Jan 28, 2012 14:09:33 GMT -5
Hi Outstanding Congratulations on the new scoot ;D Cant wait to see her  Take care and drive safely dear friend Yours Hank |
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Post by imnts2 on Jan 28, 2012 14:13:34 GMT -5
Sounds like a very good decision. I am sure you will never regret. A little more fuel, a lot more power so -BE CAREFULL. We like hearing from you.
Cheers
lefty2
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Post by spandi on Jan 28, 2012 14:19:02 GMT -5
You're really much better off this way than a questionable "deal" on ebay. Let us know how you scoots handles when you get it.
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Post by Globs on Jan 28, 2012 14:55:50 GMT -5
Cant wait to see her Thanks guys  It also has neat folding mirrors - the adjustment is like a power-free electric mirror - and they fold out to a detent for consistency. Useful in a garage I guess! |
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Post by spandi on Jan 28, 2012 15:17:47 GMT -5
Globs, that is one beau-ti-ful machine, and looks more than capable of handling anything from a country road to the freeway.
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Post by Globs on Jan 28, 2012 15:51:03 GMT -5
Globs, that is one beau-ti-ful machine, and looks more than capable of handling anything from a country road to the freeway. Yes it's impressive - more so in the metal, the Taiwanese have really got that design down. I was talking to another dealer earlier today (who'd sold his last GTS300 in the week) and he said he much preferred the GTS300 ride and handling to the Burgman 400, and that he was selling loads of GTS machines. He had a very crisp looking 125 in stock (bright silver - not the subdued silver of my pic above). He also mentioned he'd only sold one Joyride too - so I guess everyone (else) was choosing the GTS over that . I still think the Joyride is fantastic - few other scooters can touch in in practicality, ride and power - but the GTS is a definite step up in all areas. That tyre BTW is a Maxxis I think, my Joyride has them and they've been totally dependable even in appalling weather conditions. They are definitely motorbike width sizes, just the wheel is a little smaller (both 13") to allow the cavernous boot, fuel tank etc. BTW I found a review: www.motorcycle.in.th/article.php/Sym-GTS-Evo-300i_Affordable-Maxi-Scooter |
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Post by spandi on Jan 28, 2012 18:15:11 GMT -5
Just make sure your tires (tyres) has a high enough speed rating. If I remember correctly, mine only had an "S" rating (good up to 62mph) so I changed them out for Pirellis in the back and an Avon 110/90-12 in the front, both being "P" rated to 94 mph.
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Post by inuyasha on Jan 28, 2012 19:54:30 GMT -5
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Post by Globs on Jan 29, 2012 5:39:58 GMT -5
Thanks for the review Hank, I use Google Chrome so it translated it from Greek - there are some choice phrases it comes up with... "the space under the seat is an oasis for those carry things in their daily movements" Thanks for the note about the tyres Spandi - I'll check them and get them changed under warranty if the rating is too low. Here are a pic of the Joyride it will be replacing (for long journeys anyway - I'll still use it in town!):  (N.B. found postimage.org is good for sharing pictures as it keeps the .jpg extension - which allows the forum to display the image) |
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Post by imnts2 on Jan 29, 2012 8:46:55 GMT -5
I would not be surprised that you will gradually find you neglect to ride the joy even in town. I run a Majesty and at first I missed the light handling of my 150 but as time goes on, I have gotten to prefer the beast to run an errand a block or two.
Great scoot.
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Post by algears on Jan 29, 2012 9:06:16 GMT -5
In my experience (up to 1800 cc), once off of the side stand and over about 10 mph (where you spend most of the time), the weight of larger bikes becomes a non-issue. I rather enjoy the less tippy feeling once moving. Maneuvering heavier scoots or motorcycles at slow speeds does require practice, but once you develop the skills to do so, it almost like the joy of dancing...
And even if one does tip it over at slow speeds, there is a procedure which can be learned to pick them back up safely that anyone can accomplish.
I, for one, love the larger machines and have seen some amazing feats done with Goldwings that make them look light on their feet.
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Post by spandi on Jan 29, 2012 14:01:24 GMT -5
With all that extra horsepower can we expect to see you kickin' it down the M11?
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Post by Kiwiscoot on Jan 29, 2012 14:31:39 GMT -5
You will love it. I've done 41000kms on my SYM Citycom 300i since October 2008 and it surely give "Smile Your Miles" experiences. Just back from a 720km trip on Saturday. These scoots are value for money and quality. Mine had the Maxxis tires on too, did 12000kms with them. Only thing is to be careful of white lines in wet when it's cold (<5degC) with those tires. They can be slippery then.
Enjoy your scoot - she's a beaut!!
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Post by Globs on Jan 29, 2012 14:56:43 GMT -5
algears & imnts2, I think you are probably right - I'll get used to the extra size and want to use it for all trips... although the Joyride is up for motorways too - it goes on the M11 at least a couple of times a week spandi Kiwiscoot I have been following your maintenance and review threads with interest, never thought I'd get the same engine as you but here I am - woohoo!. I'd be interested in knowing the exact Dr Pulley sliders that you got for yours - I've read the threads but failed to recall the outcome in width/height/part-no. terms. I'll have to check mine first of course (my back wheel is 13") but if they match your OE size your choice of sliders will be spot on. As the Joyride was run in hard and the power is rather special for a 171cc engine I plan - like you - to run the 300 in hard too. For me that means removing the PDI oils on arrival (that was by far the dirtiest oil I got out from the JR) and after warmup spending the next 30km on and off the (full) power, then a new oil change for the remaining run-in (changing at the 300km interval) up to 2500km at which time I can switch to synthetic. I'm using API SJ 10-30 Honda oil in the Joyride as the run-in plain oil (it's cold out!). What oil did you run yours in on kiwiscoot? |
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Post by tinstar on Jan 29, 2012 16:31:30 GMT -5
Man, you made a very wise decision and that is a BEAUTIFUL scoot! You will want to ride that one all of the time. Be safe out there and enjoy that great bike!
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Post by Kiwiscoot on Jan 29, 2012 20:32:39 GMT -5
I can't remember which oil I used. Just any name brand (Castrol/Shell/Mobil/Valvolene) 10W30 will do. I probably used Shell or Castrol as that's what I seem to find cheap here. sliders = 25mm OD X 22 width X 19g check this link for my journey to slider discovery scootdawg.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=27109&page=1One thing I noticed with sliders is your rev's will creep up over 10 000kms. The sliding action compacts the dust which cause the sliders not to slide all the way out. Only about 0.5 - 1mm, but enough to see a 250rpm increase which brings it back to factory standard. Mines done about 29 000kms and still looks like when I put them in. Just put them in dry don't put anything on them. They are the best upgrade apart for changing the air filter to a foam one. All documented in my Citycom 300i thread. |
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Post by ootscoot on Jan 30, 2012 23:24:31 GMT -5
There are a few reviews of the GTS 300i on the Symforum.- all pretty good. The GTS is a little heavier than the Citycom - thus not the same zip, but the smooth power, excellent handling, and especially the comfort makes your bike one great open road cruiser! You may even be able to handle some trips as long as Kiwi's...
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Post by Kiwiscoot on Jan 31, 2012 4:56:47 GMT -5
Come ride with me......You will Smile Your Miles = SYM My moto - if you enjoy the trip why stop keep going. |
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Post by Globs on Feb 4, 2012 13:40:20 GMT -5
So the bike arrived yesterday but I had no time to look at it, then today it was too cold so I had a look around it in the garage, which was much warmer than outside as it was 1C in there.
It's an interesting comparison to the Joyride/Legrande.
The GTS is a more complex bike, with more nooks and crannies, build quality is equal between the two, although the simpler elegance of the Joyride makes it appear slightly neater.
Some basic things are quite different - the instrument panel, the battery location (GTS = left of glovebox, Joyride = battery box above silencer), the EFI (GTS = separate CPU, Joyride integrated on the throttle housing). The Joyride looks like a more developed package, the GTS like the better featured step up.
The lights are impressive on both but the foglight feature of the GTS is neat and the led array at the back is very bright! Tyres look about the same size (bar the rear wheel rim size), looking forward to getting it running in so I can see how it rides!. The shocks at the back look a better spec, and the footboards with rubber inserts, mirrors are a bit daft compared to the joyride as the rearward visibility is worse so I'll either add blindspot mirrors, bar end mirrors or take them off and fit Joyride style mirrors to the handlebars (the threaded holes are there).
Also on the Joyride adjusting the headlamps is done by hand in a second, on the GTS it's a screwdriver in the right place. I did think bulb replacement was difficult on the GTS but you can access the H7 bulbs from the wheel area - pushing past a rubber shield, so that's good.
The LCD on the GTS is a little clearer, the LCD on the Joyride (same as the Citycom IIRC) could be clearer but I'm tall so look down on it so the blacks fade a little from that angle. They both have clocks which is great, and the GTS side-stand is a dream.
The windshield on the GTS is a bit small and has no lip, so I may try to find a tall screen for it, the looks could handle a big screen IMO.
As it's due to snow this evening I'm wondering when I'll get a chance to ride it - one of the perils of winter purchases I guess - Doh!
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Post by spandi on Feb 4, 2012 19:58:08 GMT -5
So the bike arrived yesterday but I had no time to look at it, then today it was too cold so I had a look around it in the garage, which was much warmer than outside as it was 1C in there. It's an interesting comparison to the Joyride/Legrande. The GTS is a more complex bike, with more nooks and crannies, build quality is equal between the two, although the simpler elegance of the Joyride makes it appear slightly neater. Some basic things are quite different - the instrument panel, the battery location (GTS = left of glovebox, Joyride = battery box above silencer), the EFI (GTS = separate CPU, Joyride integrated on the throttle housing). The Joyride looks like a more developed package, the GTS like the better featured step up. The lights are impressive on both but the foglight feature of the GTS is neat and the led array at the back is very bright! Tyres look about the same size (bar the rear wheel rim size), looking forward to getting it running in so I can see how it rides!. The shocks at the back look a better spec, and the footboards with rubber inserts, mirrors are a bit daft compared to the joyride as the rearward visibility is worse so I'll either add blindspot mirrors, bar end mirrors or take them off and fit Joyride style mirrors to the handlebars (the threaded holes are there). Also on the Joyride adjusting the headlamps is done by hand in a second, on the GTS it's a screwdriver in the right place. I did think bulb replacement was difficult on the GTS but you can access the H7 bulbs from the wheel area - pushing past a rubber shield, so that's good. The LCD on the GTS is a little clearer, the LCD on the Joyride (same as the Citycom IIRC) could be clearer but I'm tall so look down on it so the blacks fade a little from that angle. They both have clocks which is great, and the GTS side-stand is a dream. The windshield on the GTS is a bit small and has no lip, so I may try to find a tall screen for it, the looks could handle a big screen IMO. As it's due to snow this evening I'm wondering when I'll get a chance to ride it - one of the perils of winter purchases I guess - Doh! Yeah, but look at it this way, you probably got a better deal price wise buying your scoot in winter. |
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Post by Globs on Feb 19, 2012 13:35:40 GMT -5
Finally got a dry day above freezing to run-in the engine, so it was in with the fresh engine oil (ditching the 7km PDI oil) - I used the Honda 10w30 SJ stuff I used on the Joyride. So started up and straight off for the warm-up, then a couple of roundabouts and a fairly empty motorway/highway were used for the full power and no power regime, for 40km. The bike was faultless (once I'd worked out to close the glovebox properly requires a good push on the latch), completely different character to the Joyride - most interesting. Hands got extremely cold though  . So it's a much heavier smoother bike to the Joyride, not so nippy off the line but the speed gain is impressive. Windage from the screen is about the same, mirrors seemed to work ok too which was a surprise! Going to have to ride it some more to get the gist of it, comfy seat on my 45min tour though. Already got the new gearbox and new engine oil in there, the 40km old engine oil came out quite dirty, so an early change is _highly_ recommended!! |
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Post by spandi on Feb 19, 2012 14:12:27 GMT -5
Finally got a dry day above freezing to run-in the engine, so it was in with the fresh engine oil (ditching the 7km PDI oil) - I used the Honda 10w30 SJ stuff I used on the Joyride. So started up and straight off for the warm-up, then a couple of roundabouts and a fairly empty motorway/highway were used for the full power and no power regime, for 40km. The bike was faultless (once I'd worked out to close the glovebox properly requires a good push on the latch), completely different character to the Joyride - most interesting. Hands got extremely cold though . So it's a much heavier smoother bike to the Joyride, not so nippy off the line but the speed gain is impressive. Windage from the screen is about the same, mirrors seemed to work ok too which was a surprise! Going to have to ride it some more to get the gist of it, comfy seat on my 45min tour though. Already got the new gearbox and new engine oil in there, the 40km old engine oil came out quite dirty, so an early change is _highly_ recommended!! Bet you can't wait for your first warm spring day. (you're gonna LOVE it!) BTW, get a pair of GLOVES not just for the cold but as general protection as well. |
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Post by tinstar on Feb 19, 2012 21:11:00 GMT -5
Glad you're enjoying your ride! It's snowing here right now, but come the middle of the week, it's going to be in the 60's! Oh yeah, I'll be getting out the old SYM RV250! Can you say..."Anticipation..."! : )
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Post by spandi on Feb 19, 2012 21:22:38 GMT -5
Glad you're enjoying your ride! It's snowing here right now, but come the middle of the week, it's going to be in the 60's! Oh yeah, I'll be getting out the old SYM RV250! Can you say..."Anticipation..."! : ) Yep, the catsup has to come out of the bottle sometime! |
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Post by Globs on Feb 25, 2012 16:54:48 GMT -5
Done about 100 miles now, so the initial run-in was done and the oil changed (quite dark after 40km!), and another few miles added on top! Interesting bike, not sure it's as well thought out as the Joyride TBH but the engine is very very smooth on a run, not a mass of power on take-off (sounds a bit high-geared at low revs with a slow clutch) but trogs right along! Much longer bike than the Joyride, but the bars are further forward. Found the adjustableremovable seat hump is Ok for one-up (but needs shifting 1" further back) and no use for two-up, so I'll make a wedge, cover it in vinyl and put that there instead. Not having a flat floor gives the odd impression of not having as much space as the Joyride too, but the frame is very stiff and the handling very good indeed, the smaller wheels do not notice at all on this. It's only about 15mph faster than the Joyride (which is going like a rocket at the moment) too, but far more relaxed cruising - the engine in a way is a bit 'big-single' thumpy at very low revs but on the way it's quiet and refined. Still tight of course so more power will appear as it frees up. Despite the small increase from 171cc to 263cc the characters of the engines are way different - this 300 engine is all torque low down! I also noticed that despite the huge underseat storage space, the seat is flatter than on the Joyride and therefore the space on the GTS is shallower - so where my helmet _just_ fits into the Joyride (I have an XL sized head), it really doesn't fit into the GTS. At all . So I'd say the GTS is a more relaxed cruiser and has much more of a big bike feel on the road, but isn't as well thought out a design as the Joyride. The screen on both needs to be a bit higher for me, but the GTS seat is a bit taller so the screen seems lower on that. Filling up is a pain too - the filler cap no the floor just doesn't cut it compared to the joyride on the front, which means you can fill up standing straight up. Which is just as well as the tank of the Joyride is 2/3rds the size of the GTS one.... So the next step is to get a few more miles on the bike, brakes are very good straight out of the box BTW, got to modify the seat first for two-up comfort and get the feel of it. Side-stand gets used all the time on this bike - must remember not to use it when filling up though as less goes in then |
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Post by inuyasha on Feb 25, 2012 17:11:14 GMT -5
Hi Outstanding Im so very happy for you ;D May she bring you endless joy in the years to come Take care and drive safely dearest friend Yours Hank |
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Post by spandi on Feb 26, 2012 2:18:38 GMT -5
Done about 100 miles now, so the initial run-in was done and the oil changed (quite dark after 40km!), and another few miles added on top! Interesting bike, not sure it's as well thought out as the Joyride TBH but the engine is very very smooth on a run, not a mass of power on take-off (sounds a bit high-geared at low revs with a slow clutch) but trogs right along! Much longer bike than the Joyride, but the bars are further forward. Found the adjustableremovable seat hump is Ok for one-up (but needs shifting 1" further back) and no use for two-up, so I'll make a wedge, cover it in vinyl and put that there instead. Not having a flat floor gives the odd impression of not having as much space as the Joyride too, but the frame is very stiff and the handling very good indeed, the smaller wheels do not notice at all on this. It's only about 15mph faster than the Joyride (which is going like a rocket at the moment) too, but far more relaxed cruising - the engine in a way is a bit 'big-single' thumpy at very low revs but on the way it's quiet and refined. Still tight of course so more power will appear as it frees up. Despite the small increase from 171cc to 263cc the characters of the engines are way different - this 300 engine is all torque low down! I also noticed that despite the huge underseat storage space, the seat is flatter than on the Joyride and therefore the space on the GTS is shallower - so where my helmet _just_ fits into the Joyride (I have an XL sized head), it really doesn't fit into the GTS. At all . So I'd say the GTS is a more relaxed cruiser and has much more of a big bike feel on the road, but isn't as well thought out a design as the Joyride. The screen on both needs to be a bit higher for me, but the GTS seat is a bit taller so the screen seems lower on that. Filling up is a pain too - the filler cap no the floor just doesn't cut it compared to the joyride on the front, which means you can fill up standing straight up. Which is just as well as the tank of the Joyride is 2/3rds the size of the GTS one.... So the next step is to get a few more miles on the bike, brakes are very good straight out of the box BTW, got to modify the seat first for two-up comfort and get the feel of it. Side-stand gets used all the time on this bike - must remember not to use it when filling up though as less goes in then Well just keep the joyride for around town and use the 300 where it works best, longer cruising trips on the open road. |
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Post by Kiwiscoot on Feb 26, 2012 4:45:36 GMT -5
Pity your helmet does not fit. Luckily I use a large helmet and that just fits under the Citycom's seat.You can always modify your seat like I did my Citycom's if you find you would like to move further back. That should enable you to fit the helmet I think. My helmet fits only one way under the sear and that's upright with the visor facing forward. Another option will be to fit a topbox - I have the smallest Givi and the helmet fits in there with room to spare. Larger topboxes are wider and catch the wind more and one can load to much stuff into a bigger box which can upset the balance of the scoot.
Yes you will find the "Bigger Single" feeling at idle. I actually love the feeling as it feels like it's alive. Sometimes some of the plastics can get a harmonic resonance which can be annoying, but a gloved hand push normally settles that.
These engines take ages to fully bed in. Around 10000-16000kms/10000miles you'll notice one day that it feels like the scoot has just got a second lease on life. So just be patient it will happen. others have noticed the same.
Dr Pulley sliders (www.unionmaterial.com) makes a huge difference to acceleration from standstill and lowers the cruising rev's. To me they and changing the air-cleaner to foam are the best improvements to these engines. Best is to measure your CVT rollers and look at Dr Pulleys site for the match. My guess yours will be the same as the GTS250/RV250/Evo250. They give the impression of your scoot being launched from a slingshot. No hesitation at all, it just goes.
Don't know what headlight wattage your scoot has. Citycom came with 35W/35W, which I changed to 55W/60W with no problems - 20 000kms ago. I did agonize about headlight temperatures at the start, but after some measurements realized all was pretty good.
I change mine's oil every 2000kms and changed to synthetic oil after I had about 2000-3000kms on the scoot. I also run 5W30 or 5W40 as it minimizes wear on start-up. As an indication of the lack of wear I only had to adjust the valves after 40 000kms. Even then they were pretty quiet, however it is hard to hear them on a single.
Apart from the above mentioned IMHO just ride & ride them.
Happy scooting and wish you some warmer weather to do it in.
Kiwiscoot
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Post by Globs on Feb 26, 2012 15:03:47 GMT -5
Thanks kiwiscoot, the 300km service is up soon so I'll get him to whip out the rollers then and measure & weigh them, then I can decide the best sliders to fit based on your experience. So the two main things that need correcting on the GTS300 are: 1) The seat. The pillion could sit higher up which would allow my helmet to fit (my wife's fits ok), and the adjustable backrest causes trouble. If you have the backrest in my knees are only 30mm from the key when riding, and the pillion cannot move forward so they are left isolated at the back. If you take the backrest out, the space left stops the pillions from moving too far forward and I have to sit quite far back - about 120mm space from leg to key and a bit of a stretch for the arms. It's also a bit high for the rider, 20mm lower would be better. 2) Mirrors. Frankly when sat back on the seat they are too far away and can't see round the elbows so well. Not dangerous, but compared to the natural ease of the Joyride mirrors, not acceptable! So the gearing should be an straightforward fix, looking forward to that as the engine has so much torque and smoothness that will be a real mile muncher. Needs a bigger intake trumpet for more bhp too one day but not an issue currently. The mirrors are a simple case of making suitable blanks and screwing in new mirrors (8mm threads I think). The seat is more complex. It really needs a whole new seat, if moulded properly it would be a magic combination of big storage and big comfy seating - we need the Joyride seat designer to make a new GTS one In an ideal world I'd make a plug and mold a carbon/glass fibre base for it, and then have it upholstered, I'll have to think about good ways to do that as it would be perfect then . I could probably sell a few too lol! I'm guessing I would unbolt the seat from the tub, mask up the surrounding bike, fill up the tub with the things that need to fit in and the mounting feet (for taking the weight of the riders), curve a bit of foam over the top and plastic sheet - and then glass over the top to get the internal shape and tub-top-fit. Then another layer of glass to get the overhangs in nicely, and that will be the plug that I can either use directly or create a mold out of and so make more than one. What do you think - how difficult could it be? |
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