Sym New GTS 300i F4 (JOYMAX) (2012-current): A midi mega-scooter!
Engine: The single cylinder liquid cooled 278 c.c. engine delivers 29 bhp/8000 rpm and 2.82 Kgm/6500 rpm torque (20.4 lbs ft/6500 rpm), claimed figures.
Actually, acceleration is smooth and user friendly. Power provided is adequate, the speed of 100 km/h (62 mph) is achieved relatively fast, the speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) easily, acceleration is moderated from that figure upwards. Top indicated speed is just greater than 150 km/h, (93 mph), which remains about the same in case of minor road inclinations.
Under full throttle acceleration at traffic lights, the scooter accelerates powerfully up to 30 km/h, (19 mph). Above that figure acceleration becomes normal again. On everyday riding conditions such a non-linearity is not noticed.
Compared to the ex GTS EVO 300i, the acceleration feels about the same. The top speed has been obviously increased though. An indicative average fuel consumption figure is 4 l/100 km (71 mpg Imperial).
Riding position: The seat height is comparatively low, 760mm, (29.92 in). The width of the saddle is large though, thus it will be satisfying to average stature riders or higher, in order to step a confident foot on the ground. At the rear of the rider¢s area on the seat an adjustable stop for the body is designed.
Rider is placed mostly in the scooter, riding position is neutral, the handlebar is comparatively high and narrow.
The seat for the pillion is tall and spacious, providing a …throne for the passenger. The pillion back protection is superb, the knees form a very natural angle. Consequently it will be very rare, rather suspicious, if a pillion refuses a ride or a journey!
The length of the scooter is increased, the width and the height of the scooter are typical for the 250-300 c.c. scooter category standards.
The weight of the scooter is increased, 184 kg ( lbs) nominal dry. In theory its just 2 kg heavier than the ex GTS. However it feels quite more than that. The weight is 192 kg ( 423 lbs ) nominal dry according to Sym¢s international website, which is certainly closer to the feeling that a rider gets. Eventually, it could be a lighter scooter.
On the road: The 37 mm fork feels rather soft. There are twin shocks at the rear, providing average stiffness, they are adjustable to spring preload.
Tires fitted are Maxxis Pro, with dimensions 120/70-14 at the front and 140/60-13 at the rear. They are considered an average choice especially on low friction factor roads.
On town rides the GTS is a satisfying scooter. There are no compromises asked, a multi-task character will be revealed. Riding combines stability mostly, with some doses of agility.
On downtown rides, the increased weight of the GTS is not really helpful. Thus the GTS is not as good as the EVO was on such environment, especially concerning short riders, who don¢t step a really confident foot on the ground.
Steering lock is very good, it will help the rider manoeuvring the scooter around cars.
Filtering is relatively good, rider will not face any particular problem, due to the normal width of the scooter. As a matter of fact, the handlebar or the mirrors of the scooter are as high as car mirrors. There isn¢t any problem concerning filtering through SUVs.
Street imperfections are absorbed quite well. Compared to the ex GTS, comfort to the rider has been improved. Rider will no longer be reminded that she/he is riding a small wheeled scooter every other bump. This is due to the larger front wheel and the increased rear suspension travel compared with the GTS EVO.
On B-roads, stability is increased compared to the agility provided. The feeling that the GTS was a low and long scooter has been diminished. It¢s a greatly neutral scooter, in comparison with the scooter class standards.
At the fast pace, the stability of the GTS is really good. The most obvious improvement concerning the previous model is the confidence inspired to the rider.
It will be satisfying to any rider, except from the individuals who constantly use a lap timer, having marked the spots on every bend to begin braking, cornering, applying the throttle and hit the corner apex! On such conditions tires fitted do not provide adequate feedback. Additionally in case of road imperfections during the bend, the GTS becomes edgy. Some flexibility may be noticed at the limit of riding.
Eventually, rider will not really slow down at the fast pace, while a tire change to a better compound will benefit even more rider¢s confidence.
On the highway, travelling speed will be as high as 140 km/h (87 mph). Rider feels comfortably then, stretching the feet at the front, relaxing on the highway. The air pressure is felt on the helmet and shoulders.
In order to avoid the air pressure on the helmet, rider has to incline steeply to the front. In other words despite the height of the factory screen, it¢s aimed mainly in everyday use, instead of travelling. Riders interested in trips on the GTS should replace the screen.
A single 275 mm (10.83 in) rotor is equipped at the front brake, together with a four piston caliper. It provides average feedback to the rider, average initial bite, comparatively good stopping power. The unique advantage of the front brake is being user-friendly.
A 240 mm (9.79 in) rotor is equipped at the rear together with a two piston calliper. Steel brake lines are used, front and rear. Applying the rear brake the front is actuated together, that means that brakes are combined, providing powerful stopping power. Thus the rear brake is powerful providing comparatively good feedback to the rider and average initial bite.
Eventually brakes are relatively powerful, user friendly, providing average feedback to the rider. An ABS would be welcomed on low friction factor roads.
Model history/versions/optional/reliability/build quality: The GTS was initially introduced with a 250 c.c. engine. The engine capacity was increased slightly in 2009, which marginally improved performance. Additionally the design of the scooter¢s front area was upgraded, specifically at the headlamp area. In 2012 the major improvements concern the engine and the frame, while a bigger (by one inch) front wheel was introduced. In Australia the scooter is called Firenze instead of GTS or Joymax.
There are three engine options available, 125, 250, 300 c.c., depending on the importing country requirements.
At the storage compartment at the right side of the leg shield, two pairs of summer gloves may be stored indicatively, two plugs 12 V – USB are provided. The storage space under the seat will easily accommodate two full face helmets, leaving some additional free space. The GTS owners should be careful with the friendship requests in Facebook, there could be just a person moving a house, searching for a friend riding a vehicle with great carrying capacity!
The view to the rear is adjusted pressing the glass of the mirrors. The LED daytime running lights at the front, the LED indicators, the LED tail light, the blue light on the clocks and the illuminated clock needles elevate the status symbol of the GTS.
The lights are turned on automatically whenever the brightness of the environment is decreased, e.g. in case of darkening after the sunset or entering a tunnel. There are also some adjustable hot air outlets, warming up rider¢s feet in winter time.
The large storage space provided under the seat, the fuel cap and the seat which are opened remotely by switches, the detailed dash indications, will fulfil the expectations of any car driver thinking about commuting on a scooter like the GTS.
The familiar yellow switch is also accommodated under the seat, a shock absorber supporting the seat when opened, internal storage compartment light and fog lights. The mechanism opening and closing the pillion pegs feels really qualitative.
There are not any specific issues reported concerning reliability. Build quality is superb.
Comments: A shift in attitude may be noticed concerning the character of the new GTS. The GTS EVO was committed to anything between commuting and short trips. The new GTS F4 aims between general town use and longer trips.
Concerning usability, the downtown use and ease of use to short riders are degraded.
The engine which got more powerful, the riding which got more confident, the smarter design and the improved comfort are the undisputable advantages compared to the GTS EVO.
Price: 4295 Euros
+ Build quality
+ Storage space under the seat
+ Price
- Weight
- Feedback to the rider when braking - absence of ABS.
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