Sym GTS 250 Review

Overall Rating

Very easy, and comfortable to ride. Large enough to be seen on the road by car drivers yet small and nimble enough to throw around.

Fuel spout is tight and the pump keeps cutting out when filling the tank, so have to hold the pump carefully and fill very slowly.
The 'seat open' light only comes on when the seat is nearly vertical?
No hand brake.

I bought the Sym 250GTSi to replace a Honda Deauville 650cc and I am not disappointed. My journeys are mainly commuting a short distance to work on urban roads and there is little difference between the two bikes. Acceleration is quick from the lights, easily leaving the cars back at the line.
The riding position is very comfortable, especially feet up, with a soft seat that has a raised back. The screen is nice and big, pushing the headwind over me although it would be good to have something to deflect the wind away from my hands to keep them warmer in the winter months.
As I am not riding too far, about 14km per day, the fuel consumption is not as impressive as others have reported but I still get a steady 62mpg which is better than my old 650cc bike.
My only real regret is that I didn't buy one of these years ago as they are so much fun. It seems far nippier and nimble than the motorbike and can get around cars far easier as well. It holds the road very well, although it's a good idea to avoid pot holes and sunken manholes in this part of the world, but that only makes the experience more enjoyable as leaning into corners is one of the best bits.
The lighting is excellent, and the spot lights really help when moving in commuting traffic, as they see you far quicker.
My only complaints are that the filler spout on the fuel tank has a tight bend that causes the fuel pumps to cut out, which in turn means I have to fill up very slowly and watch carefully for the fuel to reach the top of the spout which usually results in some petrol spilling out. The other annoying feature is a light on the dash which tells you that the seat is open, but only when it is nearly vertical which is a bit pointless really as I would imagine most people will be aware at that point that the seat is open? Finally, for a scoot this size a hand brake of some sort would be useful to assist with parking on inclines.
But don't let my complaints bother you, if you are thinking of buying one of these, think no longer and go and do it - it will take ages to remove the grin.