Over the past two years, the domestic big scooter market saw fierce competition. The domestic market keeps improving, users pay more attention to the big scooters with greater playing capabilities, thus many mid and big scooters were put into the market, intensifying the competition among similar products. Moreover, foreign brands were also aware of the consumption upgrading in the domestic market. Domestic brands were constantly impacted by foreign brands, making the competition even severe. SYM MAXSYM TL500 is a large scooter launched under such a background.

Good looks                                       

While it has the smallest displacement among similar products, it comes with attractive looks: plump body, sporty head, headlight and turn signals.

The upturned tail and exhaust are also the embodiment of the sports nature. The bold exhaust gives a strong visual impact and processes the sound of the double cylinder to be a pleasant sound wave. The design of the tail lights presents an unconventional effect.

The workmanship and lacquer surface are fine, but some joint details can be more delicate. Overall, SYM makes TL500 a high-end appearance.

Adequate and reliable equipment

The most distinctive equipment is the frame and engine. The frame is similar to the structure of a standard bike. The engine moved forward a little bit compared with a traditional scooter, which results in a shorter wheelbase. This frame plays a decisive role in matching the center of gravity, sitting posture, and riding texture.

TL500 is powered by a water-cooled double-cylinder DOHC 8-valve engine, with an actual displacement of 465mL, a maximum power of 30kW (6,750r/min), a maximum torque of 42.5N·m (6,250r/min), and a wet type clutch.

TL500 is equipped with a front 41mm inverted fork and a rear six-link single-tube shock absorber mounted on an aluminum rocker arm. The front two opposite four-piston calipers are matched with a 275mm brake disc, and the rear single-piston calipers are matched with a 275mm brake disc, with an automatic parking system and Continental ABS. The color LCD dash is divided into three parts: the left is the indicator area; the middle screen can be switched for displaying different information such as rev, time, speed, fuel consumption and tire pressure; the right side is the fuel, mileage, speed and other conventional data. It is worth mentioning that the manufacturer reserved the position in the front for installing a camera.

The scooter also comes with keyless starting and tire pressure monitoring functions. There is a USB outlet in the front right container. TL500, limited by the short wheelbase, does not have a large storage space, but enough for a full-face helmet. TL500 has no other electronic control system except the ABS. If more electronic control systems are added in the future, it will be more competitive.

Credible quality

Riding quality is the biggest highlight of TL500, due to the use of a standard bike frame, the front/back balance weight is 50:50. With the lower handlebars, the scooter rides more like a sports street bike.

The engine shows excellent quality despite of the not-so-high specifications. The acceleration performance is good. Even with the chain drive, it is still very smooth to start. The revs are easily controlled through the throttle.

When you turn the throttle harder and raise the engine to 6000rpm, the scooter accelerates drastically with deep exhaust sound.

The smooth and controllable power and the frame make TL500 flexible to operate, which is reflected not only in maneuvering on mountain roads but also in turns on city roads. This is all due to better weight distribution, a shorter wheelbase and controllable power.

The shock absorbers are more suitable for sports riding. The front inverted and rear shock absorbers feel a little bit hard. It uses six-link single-tube shock absorbers that are fully exposed, which is convenient for adjustment and later modification.

The brake system is also “internal beauty”. It is well tuned, feels linear, and the braking force is well controllable.

The engine vibration is properly controlled. Running idle causes obvious vibration on the saddle but not rest of parts that contact the rider.

Conclusion

SYM MAXSYM TL500 does not have surprising equipment, but the overall tuning is complete. Riding quality completely conforms to the positioning of a big sports scooter. It provides practicability, good sports features and comfort. TL500 is a big scooter that “speaks” with riding qualities, which will help it earn a position in the increasingly fierce market.

(Source: WeChat: MTC-CHINA)