Sym Citycom 300i Review Uk

Sym Citycom 300i CBS (2009- current): An honest - homogeneous proposal

Engine: The single cylinder 268,2 c.c. engine delivers 24 bhp/7500 rpm and 2.4 Kgm/5500 rpm torque, claimed values.
Under full throttle acceleration the scooter reaches really fast the speed of 40 Km/h, very fast 60 Km/h, fast 80 Km/h, adequately 100 Km/h, moderately 120 Km/h. Top speed is 140 Km/h, which is not really affected by minor inclinations of the road.

Actually acceleration provided is smooth, which enhances the user friendly characteristics of the scooter. Initially rider could assume that the speedometer is not operating properly, due to this kind of sweet performance.

At the start up of the engine a check is performed by the scooter, which is noticed at the dials. An engine temperature indication is provided as well as an rpm meter which, the latter, is not necessary to a scooter.

Riding position: The height of the seat is relatively low, although due to the saddle width, short riders will not step a confident foot on the ground. However the saddle is roomy for rider and pillion, providing a back support for the rider�s back.

The dimensions of the scooter are average for the 300 c.c. category standards, the width of the scooter is relatively increased. The scooter feels rather heavy, 182 Kgs nominal dry. Due to the fuel reservoir being low, centre of gravity is also low, while the storage space under the saddle is quite large.
Rider is placed in and over the scooter, riding position is neutral.

On the road: The firmness of the fork feels average, while the two shocks at the rear feel soft. It should be mentioned that spring preload at the twin shocks was left at the softest increment.
The dimension of the Maxxis tyres fitted were 110/70-16 at the front and 140/70-16 at the rear. These tyres are considered a moderate choice which does not benefit the handling of the scooter. On low-average friction factor roads, they should be replaced.

On urban rides Citycom provides neutral commuting, within the standards of the 300 c.c. scooter category. Stability is increased.

The scooters dimensions and weight are not an advantage on downtown commuting. A smaller engine capacity scooter would be better under these circumstances.

Despite these, Citycom has one and a half aces up its sleeve. The first is the superb steering lock, which makes manoeuvring a very simple procedure. The second half is filtering. Filtering is good, since the height of the handlebar and mirrors is greater than cars� and SUVs� mirrors. Of course the scooter�s width doesn�t help filtering.
Conclusively Citycom will puzzle the rider only on heavy traffic congestion, which is not far from the 300 c.c. scooter category standards.

Urban streets imperfections damping is quite good. Apparently small road imperfections are absorbed very efficiently, the larger ones relatively good. An advantage is indicated over the competition on bumpy roads.

On B-roads, stability is really good, handling is neutral and predictable. This scooter is not the most agile one, its truly homogeneous though.

At the fast pace, the comments of the previous paragraph are valid, combined with poor feedback to the rider. Actually confidence to the rider will soon be lost at such a pace, mainly due to the tyres.

On the highway the Citycom is robust and comfortable at the same time. The saddle will still be amble for short journeys.

Concerning the CBS (combined) brakes, 260 mm rotorsand two pots callipers are equipped front and rear.

The front brake is quite powerful, providing moderate initial bite and average feedback to the rider.

The rear is very powerful, it will force down the tail of the scooter, providing average feedback though.

The CBS is activated applying the rear brake, not the front. Despite the CBS, the rear wheel may lock on slippery streets in case of emergency braking.

On decent roads, common braking does not require CBS.

Conclusively the powerful brakes will require decent tyres and high friction factor roads in order to provide superb stopping power.

     Comments: The storage space under the seat is adequate for a medium size full face helmet, while there is more free space around it. It�s a definite advantage of the Citycom, given the wheels dimension and the engine capacity.

     A 12V socket, kick and centre stand, inner anti theft kill switch are standard equipment. Lifting the scooter on the centre stand is easier than expected, nothing to do with a 125 c.c. scooter of course. The feet floor is not flat. Actually the rack is not provided as a standard equipment. It is sold as optional factory equipment, it will cost around 50 Euros. There is an acoustic signal for the indicators, sounding like a music metronome.

     From 2009 onwards that the Citycom was introduced, its getting discreetly improved year by year. A sporty version is also available, featuring a small screen and a pillion back rest support.

Price: 3795 Euros