Sym HD 125 Evo (2009-2010) : Do it, like your big brother

     Sym HD 125 Evo scooter is virtually the same with the HD 200 Evo model, except from the engine which is smaller. Actually only the cylinder, piston and head are different.
     Additionally due to the similarities between Sym HD 200 Evo and Peugeot LXR 200i, the reviews of Peugeot LXR200i and Sym HD 125 Evo, resemble to each other.
     Their differences are focused on brakes and smaller engine capacity.

     Engine: The liquid-cooled, fed by injection, 124.5 cc engine delivers 13.5 bhp / 8500 rpm and 1.11 kg m / 6500 rpm of torque, nominal values. Engine meets Euro III emissions standards.
     Actually this scooter accelerates very-very quickly to 20 km / h, is quick up to 40 km / h, easily reaches 60 km / h and moderately 80 km / h. It is slow accelerating from 80 Km/h to 100 km / h, while it will take some additional time for the top speed of 110 km / h.
     A very slight vibration is produced by the engine at idle which could be felt on the scooter.

     Riding position: The seat height is relatively high. Average height riders or higher than that, will step a firm foot on the ground. Lower riders will need to be seated at the very front of the saddle. It is not recommended though.
     The dimensions of the scooter are average for the category standards, that is relatively small. The scooter provides a relatively heavy feeling, due to the 135 nominal dry Kg, although centre of gravity feels low. The difference in weight between the 125 and 200 c.c. versions is negligible.
     Rider is placed clearly in the scooter, riding position is neutral.

On the road: The firmness of the suspension is moderate, it cannot be considered to be soft. A telescopic 33 mm fork is used at the front. At the rear there are two shock absorbers which are adjustable to the spring preload.
The tyres are Duro brand, dimensions are 100-80/16 at the front and 120-80/16 at the rear. They are an average choice, especially on moderate friction factor roads.

     City rides are neutral, agility is excellent. It is a very flickable scooter that will accomplish rider’s commuting expectations.
     During filtering, the height of the handlebar is the same or slightly higher than car mirrors. However due to the relatively small width of the scooter, there will not be any filtering problems for the rider.
     Steering lock is top class. The HD 125 Evo will easily take advantage of minor traffic gaps.
     Comfort provided to the rider during urban rides, is average for the 16 inch wheeled scooters class standards.

On Β – roads, the ΗD 125 Evo is a very agile scooter. At the same time it’s very stable.

At the fast pace, feedback to the rider is average. Confidence to the rider is not proportionally decreased though. This is due to the tyres fitted. On high friction tarmac streets, feedback to the rider is good for the standards of the category.

On dirt roads, the HD is relatively comfortable. If suspension was softer, dirt rides would be more comfortable.

     Single 220 mm disc brakes, twin piston calipers and steel brake lines are used front and rear. The front disc brake provides strong initial bite, as well as decent feedback to the rider. It is relatively powerful.
     The rear disc brake is powerful, providing good feedback to the rider. It will easily lock the rear wheel entering the bend, if rider wishes to!
     The combination of the front and rear brake provides decent braking power. On low friction tarmac streets, low speed emergency braking requires some caution. If decent tyres are fitted, braking should be superb.

Comments: Τhe actual size and weight of the scooter place it between the 125 and 300 cc scooter category, while the engine is a 125 c.c. one. It should be perceived as a weak 200 c.c. scooter, which is her big brother.

     The red brake calipers combined with the red stitching on the saddle, amplify the sporty character of the HD.
     Under the seat there is the exact space for just a full face Shoei helmet, which is very positive for a 16 inch wheeled scooter. The seat may be opened by a switch located at the left side of the handlebar.
     There are two practical hooks at the front side of the seat where two helmets may be locked.

     A step through design is used. Combined with the hook for shopping bags, the relatively large storage space under the seat, and a robust luggage rack, the HD 125 Evo will allow carrying of many objects.
     The petrol cap at the left side of the tail may be opened manually. At the top left of the leg shield an indication for the level of the cooling liquid is provided through the semi transparent container. The luggage rack which serves also as a handle is very handy for placing the scooter to the centre stand. A side stand is also provided. Quality built is very good.

The HD2 125 which is the 2011 model replacing the HD 125 Evo, is equipped with a new engine and design.

Price: 2470 €

+ Engine Performance

+ Brakes

+ Quality built

- 200 c.c. dimensions-weight

-Tyres fitted on low friction streets

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