SYM Maxsym GT 400 Test: 20 years of SYM in Spain by Motos Bordoy.
The SYM brand from Taiwan and dependent on the Sanyang group is one of the brands with the largest offer of scooters in the Spanish market and around the world. Its importer in Spain is Motos Bordoy, which presents us with a new version of its flagship 400 cc GT scooter for 2024, the year in which the Sanyang group celebrates 70 years in operation and which coincides with the 20 years since the introduction of the SYM brand in the Spanish market.
During this time, Sanyan has not stopped evolving and is currently in the Top 10 of motorcycle manufacturers in the world, with annual production figures of more than 600,000 units. Of these, more than 300,000 are destined for the international market, not to mention that SYM has been ahead of its great rival KYMCO in the Taiwanese market for two consecutive years.
The good work of Motos Bordoy with SYM Spain is probably one of the best selling points for the brand’s products. Those who decide on this MAXSYM GT 400 will enjoy (along with the already 150,000 SYM customers in Spain) what is probably the widest range on the market and the management of a leader in proximity, with an extensive network of dealers and associated workshops that offer, among other services, 5 years of warranty and first year of insurance for all their vehicles.
SYM Maxsym GT 400 Test: This is the new MAXSYM GT 400
This SYM MAXSYM GT replaces the previous MAXSYM 400 and proposes important developments for this GT that has been improving since its appearance in 2011. Its first update was in 2017, while in 2021 it underwent its last complete renovation and this 2024 version represents a new upgrade of the important pillar of the SYM range for medium displacement.
What’s new about the SYM MAXSYM GT compared to the previous model? The main changes for 2024 include: a new design of the front and rear light clusters; it is more compact, more elegant, while retaining a stylized line; the instrumentation has changed with a new 6-inch LCD that has left us a bit cold and, to be honest, is not up to par with the rest of the bike.
The seat has also been lowered from 800 to 780 mm, making it a little more accessible for everyone. It also now complies with Euro 5+ regulations thanks to greater emissions efficiency. Here are the main changes, mainly aesthetic and evolution of components in general.
It still has dual-channel ABS and traction control (TCS), both of which have been developed at the factory. It once again has a four-piston radial brake caliper that grips a 288 mm front disc, and completing the set, we have a single-piston caliper and a 275 mm disc on the rear axle. It maintains the ABL (Advanced Brake Light) system that activates the brake lights in burst mode when braking hard from 70 km/h.
The suspensions are handled by a noble fork with 41 mm bars and a double rear shock absorber with adjustable preload in 5 positions, which despite being a simple configuration, hold the assembly very well.
The engine remains the same excellent equipment as its previous version, with some adjustments to improve efficiency and adapt to regulations. It is a 399 cc engine with 34 hp at 6,750 rpm and a great torque of 38 Nm at 5,250 rpm, which provides very good performance for motorway trips or excursions along fun mountain roads, while maintaining very low fuel consumption.
The MAXSYM GT offers good levels of comfort thanks to a multitude of details. It is equipped with a Keyless smart key system, which allows us to start the scooter without searching for the key when we approach it. There is a space under the seat with a capacity of 45 litres, which easily accommodates a full-face helmet and a jet helmet.
Depending on the model and size, it could hold up to two full-face helmets and in any case, there would be plenty of room for small items such as gloves or waterproof clothing.
The windscreen can be adjusted with a simple two-position manual system. There is also a (huge) double glove box without a lock and where a USB socket is located on the right side. The levers are adjustable and there is a parking brake on the side stand, which is a very good idea and offers many advantages.
SYM Maxsym GT 400 Test: Sensations on the road with the SYM MAXYM GT 400
Without a doubt, the best thing about this SYM MAXSYM GT is how dynamic it is. You can enjoy a road trip, long journeys or use it bordering on sporty without giving up safety thanks to the traction control and ABS.
At the presentation it was tested on dry, wet, with potholes, with dirt (leaves) and also on stretches with good asphalt and at all times it is obvious that it works wonderfully. It works very well in the dynamic aspect.
It is also a very comfortable scooter. At 186 cm tall, this SYM MAXYM GT is one of the few scooters of this displacement that I find to be suitable for me. I can use the front platforms if I am not out on the streets (in this case the handlebars hit my knees), which is something I don’t usually do. It looks like a big scooter to me, a real 400 cc.
The engine, one of the best things about the scooter, is very smooth despite being a single-cylinder. The connection between the handle and the rear wheel is very fine, it is silent and it is difficult to notice when it starts. It does not have a start/stop system that sometimes helps us save fuel, but I do not consider it essential.
All of its best assets are dynamic, as it stands out precisely for its performance. Suspension and brakes are very well implemented and with its 34 HP my 100 kg of weight are transported smoothly and effectively, even allowing for some sporting use. The test took place on all types of asphalt (mostly wet) at a fast pace.
In addition to running like a charm, this SYM MAXSYM GT also has good qualities. Plastics and finishes look good and give a premium feel. There are no rattles, clatters or body noises despite the bumps, so it can be deduced that it is well assembled.
The good finishes include the levers, which are good (and adjustable), the plastics and of course the seat. Everything looks good.
The windscreen can be adjusted via a simple manual system. You can probably move it down while riding, but to raise it you will need to be standing up as you will probably need both hands. If you are not taller than me (186 cm), I think the aerodynamic protection is more than enough.
It should be stressed once again, even at the risk of being repetitive, that the best thing about the scooter is undoubtedly the smoothness of the ride and its dynamic behaviour. So what is missing? Unfortunately, the instrumentation is not the best on the market. It is something that is receiving more and more attention from users and logically the brands are also paying more attention to it.
The SYM MAXSYM GT features a new LCD system that looks a bit dated already. Normally I don’t have a problem with LCD displays, but we’re now at a time when competing scooters feature 5- to 7-inch TFT display systems.
Some of them force us to use horrible apps (even with a subscription) that don’t work well. But there are already manufacturers that implement great systems, with navigation, maps, replication of our mobile screen and connectivity of all kinds.
Especially the Chinese brands that may be lagging behind in terms of dynamics, mechanics and finishes (generally speaking), but they are making great progress in these things that are very practical for a scooter: TFT, navigation, connectivity… etc.
Practicality is present in this SYM MAXSYM GT through the holes, glove compartments or its smart key system. It is one of those that allows us to carry it in our pocket and turn on the scooter without having to manipulate it, by proximity, not as if it were a remote control.
The space under the seat can easily accommodate almost any full-face helmet in the back. The front is designed for a jet helmet, but the importer assures us that depending on the size, some full-face helmets could also fit in that space, which seems quite possible to me. In any case, there will also be room for small items between the two helmets.
The driving position, well, I find it comfortable and I have no problems when driving around the streets. The backrest that separates the passenger seat helps me rest my lower back. If I curl up a little behind the screen, I can avoid turbulence 100%, but it’s something I can’t do all the time. If I sit more comfortably, then I do suffer a bit from the wind.
A sign of good suspension is that it is able to do several things at once. On fast stretches and curves, the scooter keeps its weight without wobbling and we can keep on the line without problems.
At the same time, we have enough tact so that small obstacles such as speed bumps or manhole covers that we find in cities do not give us a knock on the back. That is, the suspensions can control the weight in sporty driving and also offer comfort in the city, thus demonstrating good versatility.
This SYM MAXSYM GT 400 is a great scooter that is very pleasant to ride. It has adequate power and great finishes. Personally, I would be very happy with it with my weight, even on the highway. It is capable on almost any type of journey, but it shines on intercity trips thanks to its size and dynamic capacity.
It fulfils all its functions perfectly, it is easy to understand, to handle and its practical uses are well covered. Good brakes, good suspensions and well finished. Lacking a little more glamour in the instrument panel, here is a fantastic 400cc scooter with a premium feel and feel.
