Essay – SYM ADX 125 – Asian adventure

Here at Motociclismo, we have had several SYM models pass through our hands, but we can say that this ADX 125 is the first model in the crossover segment. After the SUV trend in cars, it seems that this adventure philosophy is here to stay in scooters as well.

A few years ago, Honda made a big splash with the X-ADV. Trying to do something different in a segment filled with maxi-scooters designed to offer comfort and some sporty models thrown in, Honda was really successful, certainly much more than expected. In terms of power and features (due to having a DCT gearbox), the brand has not yet seen rival manufacturers try something similar, but in the 125 cc displacement, some interesting proposals from various manufacturers have emerged.

But beware, if you, the reader on the other side, are over 40 years old, you have probably already remembered other models from the past with similar characteristics. Gilera Typhoon, Aprilia Rally, and Yamaha BWS were some of the famous 50cc off-road-looking scooters in the ’90s, now possible to remember in various models, including this ADX 125.

MODERN AND WELL-EQUIPPED

The 125 cc scooter range from this Taiwanese brand is basically made up of city models, but then there is the Cruisym Alpha, which is undoubtedly the top of the line. This ADX is one of the newest additions and sits in the middle, with some city and maxi-scooter characteristics.

Being a crossover immediately catches the eye with the naked handlebars and the Kenda 13-inch mixed design tires, but there are several aspects to highlight. The lines are angular and sporty, somewhat radical even for what we usually see in the brand, and we find full LED lighting at the front and rear. Furthermore, in technological terms, there is a very practical keyless 2.0 ignition and a start & stop system so that the engine turns off whenever we make a stop of a few seconds, such as at traffic lights. There is also a traction control, which we are already seeing in several 125 cc models and which can be turned off, just like the aforementioned start & stop. The presence of a 5-inch color TFT instrumentation is also worth mentioning, quite attractive and with automatic brightness adjustment. We can even choose from 3 different backgrounds, but we would like to have some additional information, such as average consumption or autonomy. This absence is not serious, however, as we have a reliable fuel indicator and a fuel tank so large that if we fill it up, we almost forget that we have to refuel! This tank has a capacity of 15 liters, so the autonomy can reach 500 kilometers! **SMOOTH ENGINE, CORRECT HANDLING**In terms of engine, this ADX 125 mounts a single-cylinder engine with four valves and liquid cooling. It delivers about 12 horsepower, so it falls a little short of the 15 horsepower allowed by law for an engine of this capacity, but we can say that the performance is acceptable and expected. It offers friendly accelerations, reaches 110 km/h straight and even exceeds 120 km/h when well packed, but above all the response of the single-cylinder is always smooth, giving confidence to younger riders or those who ride this scooter with a car license.

THE BEST Level of equipment, aesthetics, braking power, autonomy

TO IMPROVE Brake levers without adjustment, underseat space poorly utilized

In terms of chassis, this ADX 125 shows good components. It has generously sized perforated disc brakes on both axles (260 mm at the front and 230 mm at the rear), and their power is high for quick stops. The only downside, as often happens, is that the levers are not adjustable and have a slightly stiff feel, being somewhat far from the grips, which may require some time for the rider of this SYM to get used to. Still in terms of chassis, the ADX mounts a traditional fork at the front and a side-mounted mono-shock at the rear (quite different from the traditional double shock absorber in this type of scooters), a system that SYM calls A.L.E.H. – Anti-Lift Engine Hanger – basically to prevent the typical oscillations when accelerating and decelerating. In practice, what we feel is that the shock absorber is robust and of higher quality than the traditional shock absorbers of city scooters, being just a bit stiff for a lighter rider. With this side-mounted mono-shock we also have a single-sided swingarm, so the rear wheel is fully visible, which is also not common in this segment.

PRACTICAL ASPECTS

Here we can talk about the front left glove compartment, quite deep, and the charging socket on the right, next to the keyless ignition. Under the seat, the space is interesting, but both the shape of it and the lower area of the seat make it not very easy to fit certain helmet models. Also, in terms of practicality, it should be noted that the central tunnel, where the fuel tank is located, is somewhat high, so this is not the most practical scooter to get on and off the seat, but still, it has its advantages compared to any conventional motorcycle. This model has a curb weight of 150 kg and the seat height is at 810 mm from the ground.

CONCLUSION

Featuring a pleasant riding position and easy and smooth handling, the ADX 125 is a very friendly scooter, capable of offering comfort and correct displacements in the city or on the road. Off-road, the 13” rims with mixed Kenda tires allow for small displacements – with the suspensions allowing such routes – and we can even have a little more fun if we turn off the traction control, but it is advisable not to overdo it, especially because the presence of ABS will not help stop on dirt. Another interesting proposal from a brand that continues to launch models at adjusted prices and with a 5-year warranty.

SYM ADX 125

SINGLE-cylinder SOHC engine, liquid cooling, 4 valves

DISPLACEMENT 125 cc

POWER 9 Kw (12.06 hp) @7,500 rpm

TORQUE n.d.

AUTOMATIC CVT gearbox

STEEL tubular frame

TANK 15 liters

FRONT SUSPENSION conventional telescopic fork, travel n.d.

REAR SUSPENSION mono-shock absorber, travel n.d.

FRONT BRAKE 260 mm disc

REAR BRAKE 230 mm disc

FRONT TIRE 120/70 – 13

REAR TIRE 130/70 – 13

WHEELBASE n.d.

SEAT HEIGHT 810 mm

WEIGHT 150 kg

MSRP (from) 3,899€