600 on its way

[wozza]

Globs, it's a pity Piaggio weren't so keen to help quite a number of the early 460cc Master engine owners, who's engines packed up due to the petrol in the engine oil syndrome. Neither did they issue a recall, or instruct any dealers to change the thermostats on these engines as a matter of course. Owners were left to sort out a known problem themselves.
I agree the situation with SYM and spares has never been ideal in this country, but over all I would still say they SYM have a better reliability record than Piaggio. They are generally extremely reliable machines.

[Globs]

Globs, it's a pity Piaggio weren't so keen to help quite a number of the early 460cc Master engine owners, who's engines packed up due to the petrol in the engine oil syndrome. Neither did they issue a recall, or instruct any dealers to change the thermostats on these engines as a matter of course. Owners were left to sort out a known problem themselves.
I agree the situation with SYM and spares has never been ideal in this country, but over all I would still say they SYM have a better reliability record than Piaggio. They are generally extremely reliable machines.

Piaggio have been pretty shocking in the past yes, I'm hoping their new distribution network will be Ok, and I want to have the fun of an X10. However I have already found manuals, parts diagrams, online spares etc for it. Plus I have a dealer nearby. 3-0 to Piaggio before I take delivery.
If it ends up badly then I'll join the queue for the Xciting 400 and change over next year .
http://drpulley.info/forum/board1-hier- ... ting-400i/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

SYMUK is as far as I can discern a lovely man called Steve and some clueless variable minions. While Steve is undoubtably a fine customer oriented chap (perhaps he joined from Moore and Large?!) one decent person is not enough to keep everyone happy and run the company on a professional basis, hence I will be de-SYMing and avoiding any other brand they get near. Additionally it's quite simple, with dealers in the south being rarer than hens teeth, no online access to parts diagrams, manuals or spares I can't run the scooters, no matter how I try. My Joyride has had a flashing engine light for about 18 months now, no one can seem to fix it. I suspect the O2 sensor but can I get one? No chance. My warranty is therefore worthless and the future of the scooter uncertain.

Maybe instead of selling it for peanuts I should part it out - with the current spares situation I should have all the components snapped right up!

BTW it's not fair to say that SYM/MotoGB support is bad in the UK, only in the south, live next to a Bennetts and I think you would be fine.

[wozza]

Yes I think Steve, was formerly at Moorelarge the previous importer, and they were definitely quite upset when SYM pulled the rug out from beneath their feet.
At one point I use to have a reasonable rapport with Neil (Manager of the motors section)from Moorelarge. He even invited me down to Derby to have a preview on the new 600 Maxsym which was originally planned to arrive before the 400. Unfortunately as we all know the 600 didn't arrive and Moorelarge lost the franchise.

[ollie]

i was somewhat disenchanted with my SYM Joyride did not like it as much as the previous model and also that there is so little information available on them. So I went looking for an alternative and with retirement looming decided to upsize as I expect to use the scoot more. Had several test rides including the Honda Silverwing which I liked, the day after the Silverwing ride I got on my scoot and it spluttered on start up, result was the engine was running roughly and the engine light was flashing. Fortunately the engine light only flashed when the ignition was turned on not when the engine was running, I phoned the dealer one bus, one train, one ferry and one walk away and he said bring it in. The problem was diagnosed as a faulty ecu/throttle body the verdict was "you will have your bike back by the end of next week" on this basis I contacted the Honda dealer and told him the situation and he was happy so we did a deal and I paid a deposit collecting the new bike on the 27th March. The SYM parts arrived were fitted i collected the bike, the engine ran ok but on start up the light then started to flash again, the dealer said take it out for a long run let the ecu adjust and see if the light still flashes, it did. Back to the dealers, no fault showing on diagnostics but the light flashing code indicated the engine light circuit was at fault. So this entailed a new dash assembly, it has already been replaced fora noisy dash fan.These are £300 a time so not many available but thanks to the dealer and Rob at MotoGB one arrived the following Friday fitted on the Monday with three days to trade in, only problem was that it now flashed up a different code. At this stage I contacted the Honda dealer to say the deal might well be delayed, however thanks to the SYM dealer who insisted it was the replacement ecu/throttle body that was faulty and to Rob at SYM UK who immediately dispatched the replacement part my bike was back on the road the next day with one day to spare before my purchase. Yes there were occasions when I rang SYM UK and got misinformation and you do get the impression that it is under resourced but this was corrected by Rob, and of course the dealer. I do not regret the decision to change brands as the Silverwing gives me what I want at this time there is also a wealth of information available on the product which is in my view sadly lacking from SYM. However I cannot deny that SYM UK/ MOTOGB delivered the goods when I needed them but yes you have to chase them up.

[Globs]

So this entailed a new dash assembly, it has already been replaced fora noisy dash fan.These are £300 a time so not many available but thanks to the dealer and Rob at MotoGB one arrived the following Friday

Or £107 now
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Sym-Joyride-200- ... 3a8bdfac56" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I may buy a new one for mine, frankly it's probably cheaper and easier than spending my time battling MotoGB for one.
Of course I don't know how to fit it as I haven't got the manual to tell me how to take the bodywork apart to change it out...

[wozza]

I'm really looking forward to hearing about your new 600 when it finally arrives - and plenty of piccies as well of course.

[spaceprobe]

I'm really looking forward to hearing about your new 600 when it finally arrives - and plenty of piccies as well of course.

Dont worry camera is at the ready I will do a nice introduction review after my 25 mile ride home from the dealer, I am promise to also list any negative points I find

[wozza]

Excellent stuff.. I've always like SYM and my late father had several over the years. His last few scoots were all SYM, after previously having Hondas and a Piaggio. They were all 50cc machines...lol. I had a SYM Attila 125 for 3 or 4 years until some kids stole it and set fire to it.

[Globs]

my 25 mile ride home from the dealer

If you get the dealer to put mineral oil (i.e. non synthetic) in it at the dealers and give you a spare oil filter you could do the Motoman run-in on the trip home! Careful on the new tyres though.

I used the Motoman method and have no oil consumption and loads of power and economy on both my new SYMs.

[jamie]

i ran all mine in according to the book and they use no oil either ...... why on earth anyone would take whats written on the net as gospel and wring the arse of a brand new engine is beyond on me ...... then again some prefer witch doctors to actual qualified doctors