Sym HD2 200i (2011-current): Urban use? Comfortably!
Sym HD2 200i is very similar with Peugeot LXR 200i.Engine: The liquid-cooled, fed by injection, 171.2 cc engine delivers 16.5 bhp and 1.5 kg m / 7000 rpm (10.85 lbs ft/7000 rpm) of torque, nominal figures.
This scooter accelerates very-very quickly to 20 km / h (12.5 mph), is very quick up to 40 km / h, (25 mph), very easily reaches 60 km / h (37 mph), easily 80 km / h (50 mph). It is rather slow accelerating from 80 Km/h to 100 km / h, (50 to 62 mph), while it will take some additional time for the top speed of 120 km / h (75 mph).
Transmission design favours the smooth acceleration up to 80 km / h (50 mph). There is no noticeable burst concerning performance.
A slight vibration is produced by the engine at idle which is felt on the scooter. This doesn¢t become annoying for the rider.
Engine temperature remains low even on traffic congested streets. An indicative fuel consumption figure is 3.8 l/100 Km (74 mpg Imperial).
Riding position: The seat height is average, 790 mm. (31.1 in). Average stature riders or higher than that will step a firm foot on the ground, due to the increased width of the saddle. Shorter riders will need to be seated at the very front of the saddle, which is not recommended. The surface of the saddle is non-slippery, for the pillion only!
The dimensions of the scooter are average for the category standards, that is relatively small. The weight of the scooter will not be an issue to the rider, 139 nominal dry Kg, (306 lbs).
The rider is placed in and over the scooter, riding position is upright.
On the road: Suspensions are relatively soft. A telescopic 33 mm fork is equipped at the front. At the rear there are two shock absorbers which are adjustable to the spring preload. At the scooter under test the shock preload was set to the softest increment.
The tyres are Maxxis brand, with dimensions 100-80/16 at the front and 120-80/16 at the rear. They are a moderate choice. In case of low friction factor streets use, they should be replaced.
Urban rides are neutral, agility is very good. It is a very agile scooter that will accomplish rider¢s commuting expectations.
Filtering is not a great issue, although the heights of the handlebar and mirrors are the same with car and SUV mirrors respectively. If the handlebar was narrower, filtering would be slightly easier though.
Steering lock is really good. The HD2 will easily take advantage of every traffic gap.
Comfort provided to the rider during urban rides, is very good, even compared with the 16 inch wheeled scooters class standards. Its almost a top class riding feature.
On  – roads, the HD2 is a very stable scooter. At the fast pace, feedback to the rider is average, mainly due to the tyres mounted. Suspensions are soft for a pace like that. On high friction factor tarmac streets, feedback to the rider is good for the standards of the category.
On the highway, the top speed of the scooter will be just adequate for some short rides. The HD2 is not recommended for travelling. This is the reason that air protection is not a really important feature.
On dirt roads the HD2 is quite comfortable.
Single disc brakes, 220 mm (8.9 in) at the front and 220 mm (8.66 in) at the rear are equipped. Twin piston callipers and steel braided lines are fitted front and rear.
The front disc brake is powerful, it provides strong initial bite, as well as decent feedback to the rider.
The rear disc brake is very powerful, providing stronger initial bite than the front. Feedback to the rider is good.
The combination of the front and rear brake provides superb braking power. On low friction tarmac streets, low speed emergency braking requires some caution, because brakes are more powerful than ideal. If decent tyres are fitted, braking should be superb.
Model history/reliability/quality build: Sym HD was introduced in 2009. A Keihin fuel injection and a lower seat were featured in 2011. Concerning the design, the front of the scooter was also changed at this HD2 version. There are no specific problems reported. Quality build is very good.
Comments: Both the engine capacity and the actual size of the scooter place it between the 125 and 300 cc scooter category.
Under the seat there is the exact space for just a full face Shoei medium size helmet, which is quite good for a 16 inch wheeled scooter. The notorious yellow switch is also located there. There are two practical hooks at the front side of the seat where two helmets may be locked.
The footrest is flat. Combined with the hook for shopping bags, the relatively large storage space under the seat, and a robust luggage rack, the HD2 boasts carrying potential.
The gloves compartment at the leg shield will be adequate for a …packet of cigarettes though. 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.
A lights on-off switch is there for the rider, who may choose among parking lights, riding lights and the headlamp! The Sym buzzer which sounds like a music metronome is combined with the indicators.
Mirrors are smart.
The luggage rack which serves also as a handle is very handy for placing the scooter to the centre stand, a very easy thing to do, actually. A side stand is also provided. In specific countries a top case is provided equipment as standard.
An 125 c.c. version fed by a carburettor is also available. The weight is the same though.
Price 125 c.c.: 2395 ¤
Price 200 c.c.: 2990 ¤
+ Comfort
+ Usability
+ Quality built
+ Brakes
- OE tyres on low friction streets
- Performance compared with the latest (would be) 200 c.c. engines
More, specifications
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