Bolwell (SYM) HD 200

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Don’t fear the Freeway

Small scoots have their place, but sometimes you need just a little more muscle...

Words by PETE CALLAGHAN, photography by JEREMY BOWDLER

Small-capacity, lightweight scooters are fine if your travels mostly involve short trips through the city and suburbs, but throw in the odd freeway or major arterial road and those little 50s and 100s will often struggle to keep pace with the faster-flowing traffic.

If, like me, your daily commute from home to office is more than 40km and includes some lengthy motorway transport sections, you’re faced with a few different options.

A motorcycle is one way to go, but probably irrelevant given this is Scooter magazine, after all. Then there are the maxiscooters, of which most manufacturers have at least one in their line-up. They’re fast and friendly on the freeway, but many riders don’t like the increased size and bulk of a maxi. Or you could check out one of the medium-sized big-wheel scooters on the market – like the SYM HD200.

The Taiwanese HD200 is a good compromise alternative, providing the stability and much of the roominess of a maxi, but with the easy manageability of a more compact scoot.

Despite its name, the SYM HD200 is actually powered by a 172cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, four-valve, four-stroke engine. With a maximum claimed output of 11.3kW, it's a zippy little performer, especially in the lower portions of the rev range, and has enough poke to run to 120km/h (indicated), although it can feel a bit harsh on the way to that speed.

There's enough in the braking department to haul the HD back down when necessary as well – the 220mm front disc and caliper combo is plumbed with a braided steel line which gives it extra bite, but the rear drum is somewhat on the small side and is more useful as a supplement to the front brake rather than a full-on stopper in its own right.

A pair of 16-inch wheels shod with motorcycle-like 100/80 and 120/80 tyres give the HD impressive stability and allow it to shrug off most of the lumps and bumps that riddle Australia’s urban roads. Overall handling and ride quality is pretty good, too – the HD steers with respectable integrity and can be hustled along pretty quickly if you’ve a mind to do so. Bear in mind, though, that fast punting around corners will quickly use up the available ground clearance, particularly on the right-hand side where the large muffler lives.

The HD is well sorted when it comes to rider comfort. There's a good-sized footwell and a generously broad and well-padded seat. Pillions get a similarly roomy and plush perch, with a chunky grabrail-cumluggage rack thrown in for added security. The instrumentation is nothing special to look at, but functions perfectly well, with a speedo, temperature gauge and fuel gauge and the usual array of idiot lights. And you'll never forget to turn off the indicators – the clicking noise made by the relay can be heard from several metres away!

There's not quite enough room under the seat for a full-face lid, but an open-face will fit nicely. Unfortunately, there's no storage compartment in the front section of the bodywork, although a fold-out shopping hook is included. Both the centrestand and sidestand are easy to use, and the mirrors are excellent, offering a wide feel of vision that isn’t overly affected by vibration. And, in a smart move, the fuel cap has been located on the left-side of the rear cowling, so you don't need to raise the seat for a top-up. You'll need to pay close attention when filling, though, as the level is hard to gauge and fuel can spurt out.

It doesn't have the same standard of styling or finish as the Italian or Japanese scooters, but the HD200 appears reasonably well put together and represents pretty good value for money when you take into account the $5750 asking price. And it sure beats the hell out of playing chicken with trucks on the motorway...

As published in TW SCOOTER MAGAZINE - 29/05/2005
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