SYM

TL 500 - A seductive maxi!

Maxsym TL is the first model from the Taiwanese brand to offer a high performance two-cylinder engine, with the same architecture as competitors Yamaha TMax 560, Kymco AK 550 and BMW C650 Sport. But, who is it for? It is aimed at a type of experienced user, that person who wants to move up, or who has even had a bigger bike, but who is now looking for more comfort.
Is that your case? Let's have a little reflection on the scooter world, talk about prices, the market, etc.
When we refer to a scooter we think of a small city bike, light, agile, practical and easy to use in urban traffic, where power and speed are not very important; what is important is to be able to maneuver between cars, make tight turns, brake urgently and have easy handling to park in the smallest space.
It turns out that MaxSym TL is not that small scooter that 'lives life' in the city, but one of the biggest scooters you can buy in Portugal! Bigger in cylinder capacity, 465cc engine, bigger in acceleration capacity, and on the negative side - bigger in weight, which means less maneuverability and higher price than other smaller scooters, such as the Jet14 125 and CruiSym 300.



DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
Sym MaxsymTL is undeniably inspired by Yamaha TMax in its lines, but differs from a technical point of view. On the line, it is obvious that the designers were inspired by the Japanese sports maxi-scooter. In fact, it is a successful “copy”, with a rewarding line and prominent shapes that suggest great sportiness. We can only regret that the designers did not go further, daring to risk more in the design.



On the technical side, MaxsymTL inaugurates a new mechanical assembly full of promises: two cylinders in line strongly tilted forward at an angle to 360 degrees (same as TMAX), double camshaft, 8 valves (4 per cylinder), 465 cm3 and a consequent balance balancer (almost as imposing as a connecting rod) that is inside the engine crankcase opposite the moving parts (connecting rods and pistons). A complex and expensive solution in terms of manufacturing, which aims to eliminate vibrations to this engine mounted in an elongated and rigid position in the frame. In short, on the engine side, Sym put ‘all the meat in the roaster’!



In terms of announced values, Sym MaxsymTL remains slightly out of competition: 30 kw at 6,750 rpm or 40.7 horsepower. The torque reaches 42.5 Nm at 6,250 rpm. What is interesting is the desire to focus on torque, as evidenced by the internal probabilities with an increased stroke (long stroke motor: 65 mm x 70 mm. This is good for the city, but even better for peripheral areas of urban agglomerations.
The cycling part is also quite original and indicates a risk taking at least equal to that of the engine. This is evidenced by the kinematics of the rear suspension, with an impressive rod.



LONG AND BALANCED CYCLING
Now, let's see how it all fits together. The engine is housed on a tubular lattice frame, and the transmission to the rear wheel is made by chain - and not by belt, as has always been the case. This is reflected in a more impactful and direct acceleration from the accelerator, in everything similar to a motorcycle, although with more vibrations than in TMax with elastic belt in the secondary transmission.



With 223 kg and a 50/50 weight distribution on each wheel, along with a generous 1543 mm wheelbase, Maxsym is very stable, but also agile.
The exquisite “mono rear shock with multi-link suspension”, justifies the incredible ability to absorb the impact of the road surface, and reacts with delicacy. This architecture allows us to feel every inch of reaction to the road.



The inverted telescopic fork with 41 mm sheaths and double triple clamp increases the rigidity of the suspension system, as well as stability. This set of suspensions manages to maintain comfort and stability on bad ground, absorbing irregularities well, even in a sportier pace where Maxsym instills confidence in the curve with the undeniable contribution of Maxxis tires on the 15-inch wheels.



Braking is ensured at the front by two imposing 275 mm discs with radial 4-piston calipers, and by a single disc behind the same diameter, with steel mesh tubes for greater fluency. The ABS system deposits a large part of its action on the rear wheel, being very progressive after the lever is activated.

PROTECTION, COMFORT AND EQUIPMENT
The driving position of Maxsym TL is very relaxing and with good aerodynamic protection. The front window is height adjustable but requires tools to do so, the seat is relatively low and the foot platform is comfortable enough.
To make parking easier, the sidestand automatically activates the park brake, so that we can leave Maxsym safely stopped even when going downhill.



In terms of storage there are two spaces at the front to store small objects and one with a USB socket; an integral helmet or two jets fit under the seat.
The instrument panel consists of a 4.5-inch color TFT screen with information on several pages that we scroll through with a button on the left handle. It gives us instant consumption and on the color LCD we have the speedometer, odometer and fuel gauge. And when it comes to consumption, know that we got an average value of around 4.2 liters.
In the optional equipment there is the Top Case Kit (39 liter suitcase, backrest for the passenger and support) PVP 389 €, the protective cover for the motorcycle and neoprene hand protectors in PVP 39 €.
And finally, a curiosity in Maxsym TL: In the set of LED lights, the OPTICAL FILM LED stands out in the rear light, which transmits a curious impression of fire, just like the famous 'Ghost Rider' saga.



DRIVING
Choosing a 465 cc engine to place the Maxsym TL, halfway between the 300/400 and the largest 600, SYM took the right option to not only have an attractive price, but performances, which without being 'explosive', prove to be more than enough for city, road and motorway use.
This maxi-scooter has a relative maneuverability on urban routes, it is not difficult to park, and it provides intense emotions outside the city, especially due to the acceleration capacity of its two-cylinder engine. In fact, Maxsym TL is closer to the behavior of a motorcycle than a scooter. 



In addition, it has adequate equipment to stick well to the asphalt on a mountainous road and reveals good road and motorway recoveries ... And, not least, it is an anti-TMax in terms of quality / price.
This proposal by the Taiwanese brand stands out from the beginning by a huge advantage: its price of 8,499 euros! A very competitive value, compared to the more than 11,000 that we have to pay for a Yamaha or BMW of equivalent segment. The manufacturer's warranty for the Maxsym TL 500 is 3 years, one more year than the entire range of Taiwanese brand mopeds and scooters.



As for the price. MaxSym is by far the least penalizing pocket-sized maxi-scooter. The TL 500 costs € 3,350 less than BMW and € 3,061 less compared to TMax, being even cheaper € 1,750 than the Kymco AK500.
Comparing it to its direct competitor (see table above), Tmax is the lightest, weighs 218 kilos therefore a difference of only 5 kg for SYM's 223 kilos, (Intonation): Insignificant! In need of a diet are the BMW C650 Sport, the heaviest with its 249 kilos, as well as the Kymco with its 230 kilos.
In terms of power, BMW is by far the most powerful with its 60hp and MaxSym TL is the least powerful of the 4 maxis with only 40.8hp… However, it has a price… devastating! 

By Ricardo J Ferreira, Portugal