We don’t always have to complicate what is simple, and this is a rule that we can apply many times when riding a scooter. The Joyride 300 is the most affordable scooter above 125 cc from SYM, but does it lose in many aspects to the rest of the range and to the competition? It’s time to try to find out!
Therefore, this is a very easy and practical scooter, as all automatics should be. In fact, SYM is a Taiwanese brand known for its price-quality ratio, so this model has a similar price to several 125s! Since it entered our market, SYM has immediately gained many new users among the two wheels, mainly with its low-displacement scooters, well-equipped and affordable. The GTS 125 sold like hotcakes, but nowadays there are many proposals from the brand, for all tastes and budgets.
Above 125 cc, this Joyride 300 is the cheapest or less premium automatic, but that doesn’t mean it’s less interesting. In terms of engine, it is equipped with a liquid-cooled single-cylinder that delivers 25.8 horsepower. It doesn’t seem like much, but the 10 hp it has more than the most powerful 125s in the market makes all the difference when starting and when overtaking.
EASE
One of the peculiarities of this scooter is the fact that it has a flat floor in the foot area. This greatly helps when getting on and off the vehicle, and also allows for the placement of a backpack or bag next to the legs, which is not always possible on a scooter. The only thing missing is a support hook in this area. Under the seat, the space is good, as we can store a full-face helmet and still have plenty of space left.
In terms of performance, the engine has the traditional characteristics in the segment, the same happening with the chassis, where we find a conventional fork at the front, with the particularity of being covered by rubber bellows. At the rear, we find a double shock absorber with preload adjustment, and there is a disc brake on each axle, with 15 and 14-inch wheels at the front and rear respectively.
The braking performs its task well in terms of power and lever feel, even if they do not have adjustment and are slightly far from the grips, which can hinder less experienced or those with smaller hands. The seat is placed in an accessible position and the riding position is good, in a narrow set with good aerodynamic protection, where only the shoulders are somewhat exposed to the wind. As for the passenger, they ride comfortably, thanks to a good seat and a good leg position.
THE BEST Legroom, price, accelerations TO IMPROVE Suspension on rough roads, aesthetics
Regarding the equipment, the ignition is keyless and works well, the lighting is full LED, and the front windshield is adjustable with a tool. There is also a USB port and the instrumentation is attractive but quite simple and does not have a trip computer. Simplicity is almost always the order of the day with this scooter, even in terms of construction and finishes.
DYNAMIC BEHAVIOR
Dynamically, everything works quite well on this SYM. As we have already mentioned, it is a very practical scooter to use, and the fact that it has a flat floorboard will benefit even female riders who want to ride in a skirt or dress. The engine offers strong accelerations, with slight vibrations when starting that then disappear, and it is only from 100 km/h onwards that the engine’s response becomes less lively, still ensuring a maximum speed of around 140 km/h, or a little more downhill.
The average fuel consumption, measured at the pump (as the Joyride does not have a trip computer), was around 3.6 liters per 100 km, and in terms of dynamics, the only complaints are about the behavior of the rear shocks on rough roads, making the scooter very bouncy. On good asphalt, everything works well, and the fact that we have a flat floorboard does not compromise stability, with good rigidity and CST tires that, at least in dry conditions, offer good grip.
The front and rear headlights, with LED technology, are beautiful and provide good lighting, and while it is true that in aesthetic terms this Joyride is not exciting, in practice it is a good scooter and has all the characteristics that we like to appreciate in a vehicle of this segment.
With a price of 125 cc and five years of warranty, this Joyride 300 is not a premium scooter but it has good quality and the dynamics do not disappoint. It is a well-adjusted scooter for those who want a very practical and affordable vehicle, and with its performance it already allows for some weekend trips.
SYM JOYRIDE 300
ENGINE single-cylinder, liquid-cooled
DISPLACEMENT 278.3 cc
POWER 25.84 hp (19 kW) @ 8,000 rpm
TORQUE n.d.
TRANSMISSION automatic CVT
FRAME steel tubular
FUEL TANK 11.5 liters
FRONT SUSPENSION telescopic fork, n.d. travel
REAR SUSPENSION double shock absorber, n.d. travel
FRONT BRAKE 260 mm disc, ABS
REAR BRAKE 240 mm disc, ABS
FRONT TIRE 120/70-15
REAR TIRE 140/70-14
WHEELBASE n.d.
SEAT HEIGHT n.d.
WEIGHT 192 kg
MSRP (from) €5,299
