Who would have thought that adventure scooters would become a reality? Two concepts very far apart in theory. However, manufacturers manage to make a scooter an adventure/off-road machine. Just like car manufacturers managed to sell SUVs for years to people who didn’t even know what a 4×4 was. It’s worth the price of making the outside world believe you have an adventurer’s soul – when you really don’t. The same is true for motorcycles and scooters. Has this marketing exercise been so cleverly done by SYM with the new ADXTG400?
Text: Gijs Gilis
An ingenious single-cylinder
Just as Honda announces its new X-ADV, we are in Athens to test the SYM ADXTG400. Coincidence or not? The category is clearly alive and well. Honda took the plunge in 2017, and it worked. Other manufacturers followed, this time with SYM launching itself into the fray. The Taiwanese are banking on a lighter machine because, as the name suggests, SYM uses a single 400 cm3 cylinder. The uniqueness of this type of engine is the vibration, more and more intense compared to 300cc. SYM solved this problem by adding two balancer shafts, meaning less vibration. But this is not the only innovation of the one-cylinder. At SYM, we don’t skimp on resources. For example, the block is also equipped with two oil pumps for continuous lubrication, even when going uphill or downhill. The variable intake valves, for their part, ensure better acceleration at low revs as well as reduced consumption.
Multibras suspension
When SYM says he’s going all the way, he goes all the way. How about an aluminum motorcycle frame and multi-link rear suspension? The ADXTG400 is also not equipped with a classic belt drive, but with a chain. So the rear suspension is particularly elegant and well finished. The vehicle is also equipped with a manually adjustable windshield, an off-road handlebar where the position can be adjusted, extended running boards for a more upright driving position, a smart key and a 32 liter luggage compartment under the saddle. For serious off-road enthusiasts, traction control and rear ABS can be disabled. This is all pretty impressive, if you ask us.
The motorcycle frame
A mixed test awaits us on the Athens Riviera. Maxxis semi-off-road tires look tough, but on the slippery asphalt of Greece – in dry, summer temperatures – care must be taken. Fortunately, the ADXTG is as easy to move as a motorcycle, thanks to the centralization of the masses of the engine block, the fuel tank and the battery. All heavy parts are placed as close to the center of the scooter as possible, allowing you to spin the SYM easily without any effort. It really feels like you are traveling with a featherweight, despite its 213 kilos. The same 400 cc bike accelerates well and pulls well, without offering outstanding performance. However, the lack of earthquakes is surprising. The second balance leg is clearly doing its job, both at low and high levels. The high speed stability is even more impressive. On a winding road, you are not a typical scooter shaker, but a balanced and tight whole that leaves room for others. This strongly reminds us of the handling of the Yamaha TMAX, which also uses a similar motorcycle frame.
Offroad or softroad?
The big “but” we still face, of course, is how the ADXTG behaves off-road. It is made for that, and we also know that we should not be riding enduro, but surely gravel paths and rough mountain roads should be possible. We enter a coastal road full of large rocks and quickly come to the conclusion that this is not the ideal playground for SYM. There are several reasons for this. First, suspension travel (140 mm at the front, 115 mm at the back) is too limited for this type of exercise, so that we quickly find ourselves at the limit of an irreversible suspension. The beats are not pleasant to hear or feel. Small lumps are damped well, but large rocks are difficult to cross because the high speed damping is too soft. Second, the ADXTG has a 15-inch wheel in the front, which is typical for an adventure scooter, but makes you feel every little stone or bug you ride over. The standard for an adventure motorcycle is 21 inches up front, and no, we definitely shouldn’t compare. You feel a lot and it does not make the scooter quieter. Moreover, TCS and ABS are difficult to turn off when going off-road. Instead of putting a separate button on the handlebars or on the dashboard, because there’s still room, you have to go into the menu first and the buttons and such frustrations suction This is not what you want, because you (probably) don’t drive off-road every day.
It is possible
Can’t you do anything with this vehicle off the beaten track? Yes, it is possible. The ADXTG is a joy to drive on gravel roads. Throttle grip response is good, you can brake easily from the rear with your left hand and even “straight” driving is good. The running boards easily extend back, giving you plenty of room to stand. And you can run the SYM in a nice way. The Maxxis tires do a good job and the brakes do what they can for a single disc front and rear, even on tarmac. When traction control is turned off, it is possible to move the rear in a controlled manner. Don’t worry about damaging the outside of the engine, because a skid plate is included. Your hands are also protected from protruding branches thanks to the hand guards.
Decision
SYM is successfully making its way into the adventure scooter segment. The ADXTG400 is an impressive device. Not only does it look strong, but it’s also well made and packs some useful technology. We were particularly struck by the vibration-free operation of the single-cylinder. In terms of performance, handling and comfort, there’s not much to complain about, except for an adjustable windshield that’s difficult to handle. It is best to make this change while stationary. The ADXTG is described as an adventure scooter with off-road capabilities, but you shouldn’t go too far. However, gravel roads and rough mountain trails are not a problem thanks to the compound tires, accessible electronics and good suspension. But how many owners do this? This is how the story ends on another marketing exercise. From our point of view, a very successful exercise, in case that wasn’t already clear.
The + and the – are
The + : Design, vibration free engine operation, suspension
THE – : Windshield difficult to adjust while driving, difficulty switching off TCS and ABS systems, off-road travel becomes difficult
Technical data
INTELLIGENCE
Type: liquid-cooled single-cylinder
Displacement: 399cc
Bore x Stroke: 83 x 73.8 mm
Gearbox: CVT
Final drive: chain
SERVICES
Maximum power: 35 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Maximum torque: 37 Nm @ 5.500 ft / min
ELECTRICAL
engine:/
Chassis: traction control and ABS that cannot be engaged
QUESTION
Frame: aluminum
Front suspension: 41mm inverted fork
position: /
Rear suspension: multi-link
position: /
Front / rear movement: 140/115 mm
Front brake: 275mm disc, 4-piston caliper
Rear brake: 233mm disc, 2-piston caliper
Tires: 120/70 R15, 150/70 R14
LEADERS
Wheelbase: 1,535 mm
saddle height: 790 mm
Caster angle: nc
Hunting: n/a
Tank: 13 l
TPF weight: 213 kg
PRICE
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2024-09-27 08:03:46
#SYM #ADXTG400 #Exam #Marketing #Skills #MotoActus
