There are not many truly sporty scooters that we can find for sale in the national market. However, the ones that exist are very good, and only a few road motorcycles can offer the refined dynamics of these medium-displacement automatics. One of the proposals is this SYM Maxsym TL 508, which has been renewed and is now more powerful but also with a higher level of equipment.
The segment of sporty scooters is small and exclusive, but it offers interesting sales numbers, even without mentioning countries like Italy and France where the Yamaha TMAX has always been a sales champion. This is undoubtedly the most famous model in the premium sporty automatic segment, where we also find the Kymco AK 550 Premium and where some models from other brands have also passed through. Honda, for example, also has proposals in this category, but with a DCT gearbox, which is different from all the others that are continuously accelerating automatics.
APPEARANCE
A SYM, a Taiwanese brand known for the good price-quality ratio of its products, surprised in 2019 when it came out with a new model for this segment, immediately seen as a sports vehicle, both in aesthetics and construction. They drew inspiration from the segment’s best seller and launched the TL, with a twin-cylinder engine and a CVT automatic gearbox with final chain drive. The weight distribution was equal on both axles, aided by the central mounting of the engine, it had a tubular steel frame and a well-designed lateral mono-shock absorber, as well as an aluminum swingarm. In other words, right from its first generation, the TL proved to be a very sporty scooter, despite maintaining details of a maxi-scooter such as high aerodynamic protection.
Under the seat, there was enough space to store a helmet and some other items, it had a glove compartment in the front and the colorful digital instrumentation was quite “lively,” so to speak. For 2023, the main characteristics of this TL remained the same, including 15-inch wheels with sport tires, an inverted fork at the front, and a braking system with radial calipers and perforated discs. Other key features are the central mounting of the engine and the lateral positioning of the rear mono-shock absorber, both designed to offer impeccable dynamic behavior.
SECOND GENERATION
In this renewal the aesthetics remained the same but the new parallel twin engine has a larger displacement, power and torque. It has 508 cc that deliver 45.5 hp at 6,750 rpm, which is an increase of 11% compared to the previous engine. This SYM is also more equipped, now offering a traction control system and even a keyless ignition system for a much more comfortable general use.
THE BEST Suspension behavior, overall solidity, driving pleasure TO IMPROVE Foot space, rough engine feel at low speeds, overly high windshield
But there’s no way around it. The main characteristic of this scooter is its very fun and safe driving, even at speeds that are not normally practiced with an automatic. The suspension, in particular, is of enormous quality, especially the rear one, and we have to go to much higher ranges of motorcycles to find the same effectiveness as this model. But so far there are no news, as the previous model was already like this, while the braking remains of quality, in the feel of the levers and in the power that the calipers exert on the discs. The biggest difference now is in the twin-cylinder engine, smooth but more powerful and with a longer reach, capable of easily surpassing 165 km/h now, with an average consumption of around 4.6 liters per 100 km. Agile, very stable, with a high ground clearance and Maxxis tires with good grip, this Maxsym continues to be one of the most effective scooters in the segment, now faster and with a good keyless ignition system. As for the traction control, it is an added value, more so in the city and in low grip conditions than in sporty driving.
Regarding what we liked the least, the foot space is somewhat limited and they are in a slightly forward position, while the throttle is a bit sensitive at low speeds. What we mean by this is that, although the engine is very smooth, the feel at low speeds is always a bit abrupt, so we need some practice in the city, especially because the engine brake is quite noticeable in these situations. Also in the city, we would like the windshield to be lower (it is adjustable with a tool but always remains elevated), for better visibility and some wind hitting our face during the warmer days. And by the way, if the handlebar was slightly higher, the riding position would be even better.Regarding instrumentation, despite so many visualization options to choose from, it already deserved an update, in the panel’s aesthetics and also in the information, because even with so much data, we are missing something as important as the average consumption (ours was measured at the pump), and the model’s autonomy. On the other hand, if you don’t pay much attention to details and want a sporty scooter at a good price, then this will be your choice! As for the colors, this blue from the test is no longer available for sale. For the other two decorations, nardo gray and matte black come with 5 years of warranty and a price of €10,449, interesting numbers for a scooter that remains versatile, like any other, but in this case, it is very sporty (and fun). It remains to be seen to what extent it will be able to compete in sales with the most famous sporty scooter in the world, long considered the benchmark in its class.
SYM MAXSYM TL 508
ENGINE parallel twin, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled
DISPLACEMENT 508 cc
POWER 45.5 hp @6,750 rpm
TORQUE 49.9 Nm @5,250 rpm
TRANSMISSION automatic – CVT
FRAME steel tubular
TANK 12.5 liters
FRONT SUSPENSION inverted telescopic fork of 41 mm, travel n.d.
REAR SUSPENSION lateral single shock absorber, travel n.d.
FRONT BRAKE two 275 mm discs, 4-piston radial calipers
REAR BRAKE 275 mm disc
FRONT TIRE 120/70-15
REAR TIRE 160/60-15
WHEELBASE 1,543 mm
SEAT HEIGHT 795 mm
WEIGHT 227 kg
MSRP from 10,499 €
