SYM Red Devil

Economical purchase with pricey repairs – Purchased my red devil back in 2004 and have many wonderful times on it. Was even placed for a year with work in a rural town and took it with me much to the amazement of the town folk. Did okay on dirt roads, but do not confuse the suspension on this scooter with a motorbikes, it can't handle ruts or washboard at all. That being said, while very economical to run there are a could of issues potential buyers, particularly second hand buyers of used scooters should be aware of. First, there is a centrifugal clutch and drive belt that many people don't service - mine included. I have recently replaced both for half the original purchase price of the scooter and was disappointed that my regular 6 - 8 month servicing by the original vendor did not include a regular review of the drivetrain. This may be a servicing agent issue, I cannot expand further on that.

Reliability has been an issue, with the muffler always being a bit of a headache. The vibrations from running at full throttle tend to crack the mounts (common on this scooter I have been told) and if not repaired regularly can lead to the muffler falling off. In my case the entire muffler which includes the bottom end of the cylinder fell onto the road leaving a trail of fuel and fire (movie like special effects were not appreciated). After market mufflers are cheaper for replacement than original manufacturer equipment, and tend to free up the engine a bit more too.

Being approximately 90 kg, there is plenty of room and grunt on this scooter for one up riding, and unless you and your pillion passenger are small, two up riding is not recommended as steering and suspension are not up for the job. Brakes are very good, with disc in front, cannot recommend enough no matter what scooter you purchase that a disc brake be a requirement. Uses regular fuel and oil, and reasonably efficient, though not remarkably so. Is cheaper transport than taking the bus with fuel insurance and servicing included, though recent repairs may have changed that equation.

Have completed 16,000 km - and now expect to get another 15,000 more before next major service/repair problem arises. Brakes still original and in good shape, but this reflects driving style and type of traffic more than the quality of the brakes. Bodywork has developed some cracks where it connects to frame, again a vibration issue that is common. This is not a smooth 4 stroke, shaft drive motorcycle, it is what it sounds like, a rough lawnmower engine mounted to a belt drive (similar to small capacity quad bikes) that gets the job done. Cheap purchase price, cheap on fuel and insurance, good size and brakes. Expensive repairs when drivetrain wears out - they all do eventually.