MCN Show, Excel 2014 scooter roundup

[Fizzy Rascal]

Saw the scruffy one from Top Gear over by the classic bikes - I think some of them were his.

Yeah, they were - and some (Fizzies) were mine.

[Steve_D]

Thought the Fizzies could have been yours - saw them at Birmingham last November. They're still nice!

[Fizzy Rascal]

Thought the Fizzies could have been yours - saw them at Birmingham last November. They're still nice!

Thanks

[Globs]

The X10
If Piaggio get their parts distribution act together (there are signs that they are) it could be unbeatable, unlike SYM - amazing machines but without any effective backup and therefore now irrelevant. .

Sorry Globs but i think you are being a little unkind about SYM UK, they seem to have got their act together very well.

SYM UK are basically MotoGB. You can find out yourself how dealers view them by simply asking around. They also distribute Enfield now. As I say - have some chats and see what you think. I hope they improve, if they do (or if SYM changes distributor) I'll be back looking at SYM. The fact is however that I'm not now because all the dealers who used to stock them said to me that they gave up due to problems with the distributor, so even seeing the new Joymax for me would be a long trek and if they can't be bothered to attend the shows (a small stand (Joymax+600 etc.) without sales on the day is not that much) then I'll never get to see them. If I can't see one I'm certainly not going to buy it.

BTW MotoGB did have a big stand at the 2014 MCN show, filled with a few Enfields. There was _LOADS_ of space for SYM etc on there too, the Enfield's made a sparse looking display.

At least with Piaggio I can see the bike in most places and there are loads of dealers. Piaggio parts availability has been poor recently too yes, it's a worry, but I know they are actively working on that so it's a gamble I'll take. The X10 itself IMO is worth the gamble too with ABS etc so I'm giving it a chance. It's a lovely bit of kit.

BTW I have never knocked SYM, quality is top notch, but the secretive attitude to technical manuals and the total lack of online parts availability (and dealers) has gotten to me. You need to remember I did buy two brand new SYMs and am only leaving the brand because of the lack of backup, not the product. I enjoy riding my SYM GTS300 every day, it's a fantastic bike, the inability to upgrade to a Joymax is not my choice.

I'm glad you are getting good service from your dealer and sincerely hope that you will be saying the same in 6 months after the dealer/MotoGB honeymoon is over.

[gn2]

You can download workshop manuals in a jiffy... e.g. https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BwmYWlz ... view?pli=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Apparently parts can be sourced from Greece.

[SkuTorr]

On our RETARDED side of the pond, the SYM offerings top-out at the CityCom300i, an actually GREAT little bike. IF you can find one. We don't have, and apparently never WILL get, the MaxSym 400i/600i. We basically have a CRAP SYM distribution system of fly-by-night strip mall storefronts run by a low-end importer of Cheap Chinese Scooters...

(The previous SYM distributor TORCHED his parts warehouse in an insurance scam...)

YOUR SYM Distributor is state-of-the-art in comparison. Quit Bitching!!!

[mac65]

I have to agree with Gobs. I am very keen on upgrading my GTS Evo to a Joymax, but trying to get a reply from motoGB is terrible. I emailed and asked a few questions about the new Joymax. No answer. So a week later I emailed again, saying that their service was very poor, and that I had emailed Kymco regarding the new Xciting 400 and recieved a reply the very next day. Surprise surprise, motoGB replied next day and said that the new Joymax was selling quickly and most of the new batch coming in to the country in March was sold. So I re emailed and asked them the questions that I had originally sent them, and once again, no reply. Why do they put a contact option on there website if they have to intent in being contacted. I emailed my local dealer, who even admitted that motoGB were very hard to get in touch with. Not a very good service at all. Looks like Spaceprobe has been very lucky.

[spaceprobe]

Mac have you have you emailed them via the SYM site and marked it for the attention of Steve (SYM UK from here), I always get a reply for return. I think there are problems with all manufactures. These links do not make good reading.
http://maxi-scoots.com/scoot/index.php?topic=4159.0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.visordown.com/reviews/motorc ... /6239.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Globs]

Yes, SYM really seem to pick 'em - the US was terrible.
SYM France seems rather more in control but maybe that's because the french market is more important.
They have no excuse - Kymco manage well, it starts at the top in SYM, Kymco obviously take support more seriously.

Europeans have realised that £4-6k on a useful scooter that keeps their luggage, feet and wallet safe and dry is better than the UK preference for a thirsty tourer costing 3x as much . I was reading the review of the Z1000SX in Ride this morning. 45mph, £140 tyres, 140mile range, poor pillion seating and no topbox when the panniers are on.

I went onto scooters for fun and a convenience thing but for any job now I'm having a hard time finding reasons to pay more to change gear, get wet and lose comfort

Looking forward to my X10

[maxiscoot nz]

who cares sounds likje they wont be a factor