Disadvantages of the model
- The quality of plastic parts is lower than that of competitors.
- The seat is quite hard.
- Maneuverability in corners is reduced due to its impressive size.
- Shifting the center of gravity towards the steering wheel means that some effort must be made to keep the steering wheel at low speed.
Sym gts 300i evo is a pretty good budget option. The scooter is quite stable on straight sections of the road. The speed is picking up slowly. The seating position is quite comfortable, but when covering long distances it feels stiff.
Urban benchmark - SYM GTS 300i
In the July issue, MotoExpert magazine presents an independent test drive of the SYM GTS 300i maxi-scooter.
Expert Nikolai Ermolaev comprehensively tested the most popular Maxik this year and gave it the following rating: “GTS is one of the best city scooters in its price category.”
SYM GTS 300i EVO
263.7 cm³, 23.5 l. s., 184 kg, 122 km/h, 173'000 rub.
The class of medium-sized scooters is rapidly gaining popularity not only in prudent Europe, but also in incomprehensible Russia. Every year there are more and more 250–300 cc vehicles on the roads of our cities, which is noticeable even to the naked eye.
The popularity of this class is not surprising. Firstly, the dimensions of the scooters have not yet reached those gigantic values that the Burgmans and Silverwings flaunt. Of course, this only has a positive effect on the “cork-stitching” properties. At the same time, few people will be able to confuse representatives of this class with “fifty dollars” and mowing under them. Secondly, the engine, of course, does not boast of solid power, but provides dynamics that are sufficient in almost any road situation.
It is precisely from this tribe that the SYM GTS300i EVO came out. Painted in elegant white, it sports slanted headlights with built-in LED eyelashes. On the sides there are fog (!) lights, which come as standard. Only premium motorcycles can boast of this option, and even then not in every configuration. The fog lights are turned on by a button located under the steering wheel on the front panel. The alarm button is also located nearby - in fact, not the best location. And if with additional headlights it “rolls”, then in order to quickly turn on the emergency lights, you have to be distracted. The remaining buttons are located in their usual places and do not require getting used to. The only thing that stands out is the yellow button near the left remote control. She is responsible for opening the underseat glove compartment (which can also be opened with the key). It is also not located in the best place - I accidentally touched it a couple of times.
The instrument panel is simple, concise and reflects all the necessary parameters. As expected, when the ignition is turned on, all arrows, lights and the liquid crystal display undergo self-diagnosis.
Otherwise, the ergonomics of the scooter are very well made. The moderately soft and wide seat does not force you to stop and warm up even after several hours of driving. The driver's seat support can be adjusted to suit your height, and the passenger's backrest is already located in a good place. There's plenty of legroom too. You can put them not only on the floor, but also on the lower part of the front shield, thereby stretching them out a little. For the passenger, motorcycle-type footpegs “shoot out” from hidden niches.
It’s not only the footpegs that “shoot out” on the scooter, but also the gas tank flap. Moreover, one gets the feeling that he is about to completely “shoot back” and kill someone standing next to him. The hatch opens from the ignition switch, the cylinder of which can be closed with a special “curtain”.
At first the steering wheel seemed too narrow. But this may be due to the fact that the day before the test I spent the whole day on a hard enduro, scaring away wild forest animals. I forgot about the “narrowness” of the steering wheel five minutes after the start, enjoying how the GTS300 “like a herring” seeps through any city traffic jams. This is also helped by the mirrors, which fold like a motorcycle. At the same time, you remember about them only when you want to look at them. During the test, no one was able to catch up or overtake me in traffic. On the contrary, seeing that they were in the way, they let themselves go ahead.
The SYM is fine with useful luggage volume. On the front panel to the right of the steering wheel there is a small, unlockable glove compartment that can fit a pack of cigarettes or napkins. A little lower, in the usual place, there is a glove compartment that can be locked with a key. True, its left half is occupied by the battery. The central tunnel also has a small glove compartment, inspired by car cup holders. The main volume is traditionally located under the seat. Not to say that it has enormous dimensions, but you can put a lot in it. Moreover, some long objects will fit there, for example, a tripod for a camera. True, it was not possible to push the integral in, but a couple of three-quarter helmets should fit. Inside there is an elastic insert that completely follows the shape of the glove compartment and acts as a mat. When the seat, which is supported by a pneumatic strut, is raised, the light in the glove compartment lights up.
The Taiwanese engineers made a very successful motor. It’s enough to not only not be late for work, but also not to run into having your driver’s license revoked for speeding. Of course, when there is a passenger, it noticeably withers, but you still don’t feel offended or insulted. According to the speedometer, the engine accelerated the scooter to a decent 135 km/h, which corresponds to an “honest” 121 km/h measured by the GPS navigator.
The GTS handles quite well. Partly due to the short wheelbase, partly due to the low weight, partly due to good suspension. All this together makes operating the scooter simple and intuitive. It can easily be pushed down to the plastic or stand at junctions, and there will never be a feeling of loss of control. However, you shouldn’t get carried away with racing around the city - Taiwanese Maxxis is far from a branded sports tire, and you can expect any surprises from it.
The only thing that was a little disappointing were the brakes. Despite the powerful calipers and reinforced hoses, emergency deceleration, even from “one hundred”, does not cause a storm of enthusiasm for efficiency. The SYM uses a combined brake system, which has been known since the old “400” Burgman. When you press the right lever, only two of the four pistons in the front caliper work. But if you press the left lever, then the other two pistons, paired with the rear brake caliper, participate in braking. And just like the Burgman, the SYM GTS300i EVO has a primary lever on the left and a secondary lever on the right. But even using all the available levers and pistons, the deceleration leaves much to be desired and clearly does not correspond to the capabilities of the scooter. I am sure that the main reason is the original pads used. Replacing with Brembo or Nissin should improve the situation.
In my opinion, the GTS is one of the best city scooters in its price range. There is no shame in wearing it in a formal suit and an open helmet to a business meeting or in textile gear to another get-together.
text: Nikolay Ermolaev, photo: Mark Kozhura
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GTS 300
Owners of the SYM GTS 300i agree that this device is distinguished by its convenient and well-thought-out design and may only need some “finishing with a file.” The advantages of the SYM GTS 300i include: - a large “toilet bowl” with lighting and opening with a button; — fog lights and lights; — adjustable driver's backrest; — gas tank flap, opened with a key; — gasoline consumption (about 3l/100km).
A comfortable speed of movement also depends on the subjective perception of the pilot, but on average it turns out to be about 90-110 km/h according to the speedometer. For the SYM GTS 300i, motor oils recommended by the manufacturer are used, but it is permissible to mix oils of similar viscosity. Flushing oils for light engines are not used due to the more frequent renewal of the working lubricant caused by its operating conditions. One of the users gives the following advice: “Little trick. Before changing oils, add a little (8-12% by volume) white spirit (kerosene) to the crankcase and gearbox. After driving for 3-5 minutes, drain the hot oils. White spirit (purified kerosene) has high penetrating ability, softens and washes away deposits in hard-to-reach places. When heated, its residues will quickly evaporate.” However, others find this advice controversial and even “barbaric” - and inapplicable to the SYM GTS 300i and a number of similar equipment.
SYM GTS 300i pilots note that when changing the oil, you should very carefully tighten the drain and fill bolts, especially in the transmission. If you twist them crookedly or too hard, the threads will “stick together”, because there is silumin, and the bolt is made of iron. The SE version differs from the GTS 300 I EVO in matte black paint, red stitching on the seat, and black wheels.
Technical characteristics of the SYM GTS 300 scooter: | ||
Model | SYM GTS 300i EVO | SYM GTS 300i EVO SE |
Power | 23 hp | 23 hp |
Maximum speed | 140 km/h. | 140 km/h. |
Engine capacity | 263.7cc | 263.7cc |
Fuel mixture | Injector | Injector |
Cooling type | Liquid | Liquid |
Gasoline consumption l/100km. | 3 | 3 |
Gasoline type | AI-92 | AI-92 |
Standard | EURO-3 | EURO-3 |
Engine | 4 stroke | 4 stroke |
Rear wheel | 130/70-13R | 130/70-13R |
Front wheel | 110/90-13R | 110/90-13R |
Front brake | Disc, 240 mm. | Disc, 240 mm. |
Rear brake | Disc 220 mm. | Disc 220 mm. |
Head lighting | — | 12V 55W/55W |
Tank capacity | 12 l. | 12 l. |
Weight | 190 kg. | 184 kg. |
Dimensions (mm) | 2165x870x1380 | 2165x870x1380 |
Vehicle category | A | A |
Approximate price | 183900 rubles | 175990 rubles |
It so happened that before buying a scooter there was a break of three years and, frankly speaking, I was afraid to get on a powerful piece of equipment, although I made all sorts of attempts, but were nipped in the bud by my wife. The result of a compromise in the garage was SIM. The first exit from the salon almost ended in trouble, because I attempted to squeeze the clutch (after all, the habit remained in the subcortex of the brain), but fortunately everything worked out. I got used to the welder literally the next day and away I went. Over the course of a couple of days, I got used to the dimensions and manners of the SIM, fortunately the run-in prescribes loyal handling of the trigger. Having made 300!!! km visited the official service center for maintenance - people, I was shocked!!! Immediately a picture arose: the owner of some brand new, still smelling of paint, monster, Elteh or Gold drives into Uncle Vasya’s garage... and the action begins... In short, culture shock made me think that I don’t want to give away my hard-earned money for THIS - everything is quite possible do it yourself. Next, I had to show up for maintenance after reaching 1000 km, which I decided to do at the second official service - things were better there, but the sediment still remained. In general, I exchanged it for 2-something KRUR. oil and tested the injector, unscrewed it. It’s very good, I’ll tell you. I compare it with the Burgman 400, which generally refused to ride from the bottom, but here it is a confident pick-up. Overall I was pleased. This summer I had to periodically ride near Mozhaisk, where my family was based among the bushes and trees, absorbing the bright air of the castle. And here the main drawback of the stool was revealed, although I understand that it is wrong to demand at least classic dynamics from it. But still: after 120 km/h the speedometer begins to show melancholy, mixed with pity for the engine. No, the speedometer needle can reach up to 140 km/h, but two nuances arise here: firstly, this speed is feasible in the red zone and it’s simply a pity to drive for a long time, secondly, this is the ceiling and there’s no way to speed up, but sometimes you really want to :))). But, in fairness and in all honesty, I will say that the stool is still very good and I would recommend it as an urban pepelats with little tourist potential. Now the odometer shows 5000 km, during this time a lot of banknotes have been saved on gasoline (a tank of 92 is enough for 1.5-2 weeks if you don’t burn it), and the muffler was almost lost (one of the bolts was unscrewed due to vibrations during the next conquest of the traffic jam to Mozhaisk fastening the can, after which the place where it transitions into the pipe turned into a gap), which made me the owner of a direct-flow stool for a couple of days.
So this is the apparatus I have now. I’ll write something else later if you have any questions or if something interesting and worthy of attention happens.