For the 2008 model year, Taiwanese motorcycle and scooter manufacturer SYM Sanyang Industry Co., Ltd. released two version of its SYM Fiddle II scooter. The lower-end model, the Fiddle II 50, came with a manufacturer""s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $1,999. The higher-end Fiddle II 125 had an MSRP of $2,598.
Each of the two models that comprise the 2008 SYM Fiddle II is named after the displacement of its engine, which is a four-stroke air-cooled single-cylinder. The displacement of the SYM Fiddle II 50 engine is 49.5 cubic centimeters (cc), while that of the Fiddle II 125 is larger, at 124.6 cc. Also, the Fiddle II 125 engine – which generates 8.4 horsepower at 8,000 revolutions per minute (RPM) and 6.1 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque at 6,500 RPM – is the more powerful engine; the one on the Fiddle II 50 produces 3.15 horsepower at 8,500 RPM and 2.15 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 RPM.
Each engine on the 2008 SYM Fiddle II has two intake valves and is fueled by a carburetor. It is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission, which is designed to increase engine efficiency and consequently fuel efficiency via shifting through an infinite number of gear ratios. The scooter has a gas tank with a peak capacity of 1.3 gallons (5 liters). However, the Fiddle II 50 is the more fuel efficient of the two models, with a combined fuel economy of 118 miles per gallon (mpg); that of the Fiddle II 125 is 109 mpg.
For its braking ability, the 2008 SYM Fiddle II relies on a front-disc-brake and rear-drum-brake layout. The suspension of the scooter comprises a telescopic fork at the front and a twin-sided swing arm with shock absorber at the back. The 2008 SYM Fiddle II rides on 12-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in tubed tires.
Made of steel for a solid build, the 2008 SYM Fiddle II has the customary fenders in addition to fork guards, exhaust guard and belt guard. For digital instrumentation, the scooter has a speedometer and fuel level warning gauge. Also included on the ""08 Fiddle II are a rear rack, halogen headlight and side mirrors.
Each 2008 SYM Fiddle II has a length of 73.6 inches (1,868.4 millimeters), width of 27.5 inches (698.5 mm), height of 44.9 inches (1,140.5 mm) and wheelbase of 52.2 inches (1,325.9 mm). Also, the scooter can accommodate up to 242.5 lbs. (110 kilograms). However, while the Fiddle II 50 has a dry weight of 240.3 lbs. (109 kg), the Fiddle II 125 is lighter, at 218.3 lbs. (99 kg).
For the price, the 2008 SYM Fiddle II is a great bargain. It is relatively lightweight, has considerable engine power and handles well. Performance-oriented riders might want to go for the Fiddle II 125 model, while more fuel economy-conscious ones are advised to choose the Fiddle II 50 instead.