SYM Joymax 125/300

Posted August 14th, 2012 in Road Tests 4 Comments

The SYM GTS has been around since 2005 but the model has been given a major revamp and the name changed to bring it into line with the rest of Europe. Welcome to the new SYM Joymax.

The new Joymax is available as a learner legal 125cc and if you’ve got a full bike licence there’s also a 300cc version. The Joymax has been redesigned from the ground up, for starters the frame has been strengthened, the engine is new too and has been developed to be more economical (38kml for the 300). It’s also quieter and produces more power than its predecessor; it makes a claimed 20.2bhp at the rear wheel. The styling is also new and although there are still plenty of elements to recognise from the old GTS it’s been sharpened up significantly. The lights are new, as are the mirrors with integrated indicators. The dash is also new and looks stunning, it has four interlocking circular screens with a fuel gauge, speedo, rev counter, temp gauge and digital screen, which features trip, time and odometer. There’s a USB/12v equipped cubby hole in the right hand side of the legshields to charge mobile devices/sat nav and the seat can be popped open using a button on the handlebars to reveal a humungous illuminated storage space (large enough for two helmets) complete with manually operated immobiliser. Other new features include a heater in the centre of the floor; it’s operated by opening a grill to let warm air flood out, similar to the original Gilera Runner set up. The Joymax also features auto headlights, a first on a scooter. Other lighting highlights include LED front running lights; front fogs, hazards and a large LED rear light. Visually the new Joymax looks stunning; it’s a vast leap forward in terms of build quality and styling. For a video on the new SYM Joymax please click here.

SYM Joymax 125

The 125cc version is quite nippy; it accelerates well enough and despite not being able to exploit its full power within the confines of the busy city during it’s launch in Tel Aviv we managed to see just a tad over 60mph. The Joymax comes equipped with a linked braking system to simultaneously operate the front and rear brakes, so a simple two finger pull on the left lever is all that’s required to either slow the scooter or steady it as you ride slowly in traffic. The scooter feels so well balanced that you can stop it at the lights and not need to put a foot to the floor for a couple of seconds so it’s great for city riding where you’re probably riding slowly for most of the time. Both the 125 and 300 share the same levels of equipment and of course styling but after our short test ride on the learner legal model we were all looking forward to sampling the 300’s extra power.

Joymax 300

The new F4 engine has increased capacity from 263.7cc up to 278.3cc which gives it more power than the Kymco Downtown 300 and the class leading Honda SH300i. On the road it was evident from the off that the 300 had plenty of power on tap and the manufacturer claims an 87mph top speed. Just as well that the suspension is up to the job and keeps the scooter well planted on bumpier roads. Like the 125, the 300 Joymax felt very stable and it has a great turning circle (2.5 metres) for those feet up U turns, the scooter was also very easy to get on to the centre stand which is a good selling point for many riders. All in all it’s a vast improvement on what was already a very competent scooter. The Joymax 125/300 is being sold alongside the existing (cheaper) GTS and is in your local SYM dealership now. It’s well worth a try if you’re looking for a well-finished, classy scooter for the commute into the office, or the odd weekend away.




Technical Specifications

  • Engine: 278.3cc (124.5cc), 4-valve, single cylinder, fuel injected, liquid cooled, 4-stroke.
  • Power: 20.2bhp @ rear wheel (125cc 12.9bhp).
  • Brakes: Front 260mm disk, rear 240mm disk, linked.
  • Wheels: Front 120/70-14, rear 140/60-13.
  • Suspension: Front hydraulic forks, rear twin adjustable shocks.
  • Seat Height: 760mm
  • Weight: 192kg (125cc 172kg)
  • Dimensions: Length 2175mm, width 760mm, height 1390mm.
  • Tank Capacity: 12 litres
  • Price: £4299 (125cc £3499)
  • Contact: www.symuk.co.uk


Written by 2Commute (Ian Grainger), © 2016 all rights reserved.
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4 Comments

  • Westy71

    was wondering if there are any details about the fog lights and automatic lights please. i think ive read on a foreign sites review that the 125 version doesnt have these options. the translation wasnt to good so wondering if you could let me know whether these options do come on the bike or not please and if no fog lights, are the fog light cases empty or are there bulbs in there. i have this bike on order already and had delivery date put back twice already, the extra lights for night safety were one of the selling points for me but maybe these are not on this model.

    Posted October 18, 2012 at 11:24 pm | | Permalink
  • Scootlife

    Hello Westy, sorry for the late reply. I didn’t get a notification about the comment so missed it! The fog light switch is available on the 250 and 300cc versions. it is not available on the 125cc version. On the 2450/300’s the switch is on the front panel just below the handle bars.

    Posted February 25, 2013 at 8:29 am | | Permalink
  • alphacrust

    I’m curious like Westy71. Is the wiring loom / bulbs already there for the 125 ?

    Posted March 3, 2013 at 2:10 pm | | Permalink
  • Scootlife

    According to the Israeli importer there are no bulbs/bulb holders but I don’t know about the wiring.

    Posted March 12, 2013 at 6:18 pm | | Permalink

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