The SYM CityCom scooter has been produced by Taiwan-based SYM since 2008 and is the largest in its class in every respect. Reaching highway speeds with no problem, this scooter is made for all driving options.
The exterior style is all sharp curves, with a plastic body coming in two color choices: red or black, with gray brushed aluminum-style trim, all sitting on a sturdy steel frame. With a curb weight just shy of 406 pounds--plus the weight of the 2.64 gallons of gas, oil, and the radiator coolant--this scooter isn’t for sissies.
Standing 57 inches tall, with a seat height of 33.1 inches, the CityCom is not for short folks either. However, given its step-through design, the seat height should not really be a deterrent. The CityCom has a double vinyl seat, with grab handles, and the 16-cubic-inch engine supports the additional weight with no loss of its 20.6 horsepower.
Under the seat is a fairly large storage compartment, just big enough for only one small helmet, lots of other smaller goodies, or a couple bags of groceries. The dash holds a small locking glove box with a standard lighter-type power dock conveniently located right next to it. This is only sized to fit a pair of gloves and your cell phone. The integrated instrument panel is nestled under a windshield in the combination handlebar/ instrumentation dash. The instrument panel is well equipped with a tachometer, speedometer, digital mileage counter, coolant temperature gauge, oil light and low fuel warning lamp. Even though the under-seat storage looks like it was made to hold a helmet, there is also a handy helmet hook on the dash--unfortunately, with no lock.
Driving the SYM CityCom scooter is a pleasure even at freeway speeds. Its top speed is listed at 80 miles per hour and it seems to have no problems reaching at least into the 70 miles per hour range. The seat is very comfortable, although some riders report that it’s tilted a little too far forward for a straight-up riding position. Passengers, too, are presented with a smooth, comfortable ride with well-placed passenger footrests.
The CityCom’s suspension helps with that great ride, using telescoping front forks with 3.4 inches of travel and a twin-sided swing arm, with adjustable rear shocks. Slowing and stopping is just as snappy as the acceleration with front and rear 10-inch disc brakes, combined with 4 piston calipers. Front and rear tires are matched 16s on an aluminum wheel, with the front tire a 110/70 and the rear being a slightly wider 140/70.
The transmission is a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a belt drive to the rear wheel. The 300cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine has plenty of power – more than any other scooter in its class, although many 250cc scooters have close to comparable power. With its 7.2-foot turning radius, this is perfect ride for both urban and country riding. Even though it’s a tall scooter, its low center of gravity makes turning and cornering smooth and pleasant. A respectable 96 miles per gallon finishes out the package nicely.