Scootin need not be joyless just because it's practical. The Taiwan-made Sym Firenze 300i maxi-scooter is economical and practical, but it will also take you places you wouldn't normally go on a scooter with plenty of comfort and fun built in.
VALUE
Sym has 17 models in Australia from 50-300cc starting from less than $2000, while this is the flagship at $6295 plus on-road costs. With a frugal fuel-sipping habit of 3.3L/100km and a relatively big 12-litre tank you have range of almost 400km which is unheard of in most scooters.
TECHNOLOGY
This scoot is powered by a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, four-valve 264cc four-stroke engine that is quiet, smooth and refined with 0-60km/h acceleration that will see you safely zoom away from traffic at the lights.
It revs out to 8000rpm and reaches 100km/h in a modest 10 seconds topping out at around 130km/h depending on rider weight, load and wind conditions. Instruments include an analogue speedo, LCD screen for trip, odo, fuel and clock, plus a tacho which is a rare sight on a scooter.
SAFETY
Unlike many scooters, this comes with linked disc brakes front and rear, providing amazing stopping power, especially from the back brake where all the weight is. It also has two fog lights for night safety, Audi-style daytime running lights up front for daytime visibility, large vibe-free mirrors and an immobiliser in the underseat storage area for added security.
STYLE
This smart-looking scooter has a number of handy design features that make it a practical solution for the commuter and tourer. There is a switch that releases the seat latch to access the massive, carpeted storage area so you don't have to take the key out of the ignition.
There is room in there for a full-size helmet and a jacket. It also contains a light and the immobiliser switch. The Firenze has plenty of other storage areas - one in the footwell, a big lockable glovebox in the front cowl and another by the right handlebar. Plenty of space for gloves, neck warmer, change, mobile phone etc.
RIDING
Wide handlebars, dual adjustable rear shocks and big 13-inch wheels are the secrets to the ride comfort and handling of this scooter. They make city commuting a breeze where it will maneuvre through tight spots and soak up big potholes while also providing plenty of stability on the highway. Passing trucks will cause a bit of instability, but nothing scary.
Take it into the mountains and the engine will pull strongly and the 110-130mm tyres provide stacks of grip for radical lean angles and rapid cornering. Unlike many scooters, the rider isn't cramped. Even tall riders will appreciate the seat comfort, leg room and reach to the handlebars. You can ride with your feet on the floorboards, or on the tread of the front cowl for highway comfort.
Pillions get a wide and deeply padded seat with a confidence-inspiring padded backrest. Our only gripe is that although the windscreen provides plenty of weather protection, it is a bit too big and steep, causing some buffeting around the helmet at more than 80km/h.
VERDICT
This scooter will not only solve your commuting and parking hassles, but also prove a fun weekend getaway vehicle.
Sym Firenze 300
Price: $6295 (+ORC)
Warranty: 4 years/unlimited km
Resale: 42 per cent (3 years)
Service interval: 3500km/12 months
Engine: 264cc, single cylinder
Transmission: CVT auto
Body: 2165mm (L) x 870mm (W) x 1380mm (H), 755mm (Seat)
Fuel: 12-litre tank
Tyres: 110 90/13; 130 70/13
Brakes: 240/220mm discs
Dry weight: 184kg
Thirst: 3.3/100km
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