GearChic Takes the Symba for a Spin

The San Francisco-based motorcycle blog GearChick has posted a review of the Symba.

"... if you had Honda's original version of this motorcycle, or you're a new rider just looking for something to ride instead of the bus, to save gas and have fun doing it, then you'll love this".

http://sfmoto.com/wordpress/?p=242

At Least She Pulled Over to Text...

Here's a Symba in a rather rare color - Brown! It was one of the available colors in Taiwan for the 2009-2011 model years.  It has never been available in the USA, and is no longer available even in Taiwan. This particular rider is, for Taiwan, pretty geared up, with a 3/4 helmet, long sleeves and long pants.  But the sneakers?  Ugh!

The Daily Symba Report

It has been raining a lot here in Taipei, Taiwan, so I've missed a few days of Symba sightings.  Here's one from just this (clear) morning.  Note the EFI module just below the seat.  In Taiwan, all motorcycles and scooters have to have fuel injection - it's the law.  I'm starting to think the side covers should be the same color as the frame; in this particular case, it would avoid the visible scuff marks on the white plastic.  Still, one has to remember that here, a Symba is a daily commuting vehicle, not something that is kept in a garage and groomed by an admiring enthusiast.  For that reason, spotting them on the streets of Taiwan is a testimony to their durability!

Another "Business Cub" sighting on the streets of Taiwan.

A Great Source for Symba Parts and Accessories

The new SYM USA dealer network is taking shape, albeit slowly - which is actually a good thing because slow growth generally translates into stable growth.  God knows we don't need a repeat of the Carter Brothers debacle! Nevertheless, Symba owners may find themselves at a loss over where to get parts and accessories.  Scooterseals is a small company in Taiwan that specializes in parts for SYM scooters and motorcycles, and they carry quite a few items for the Symba.  It's run by a expatriate Canadian fellow named Cam Purvis who has lived in Taiwan for years and knows how to track down quality Symba stuff locally that we foreigners typically wouldn't have access to.  His native language, of course, is English, and so communication is a breeze.  He ships worldwide, and his prices are reasonable!  Check it out!

Symba Land

This is a common sight on the streets of Taiwan.  This particular version of the Symba is used as a delivery vehicle for everything from flowers, pizza, beef noodle soup, to the mail.

SYM Taiwan Adds EFI to the Symba

Here's the 2013 Symba as it is sold in Taiwan.  Note the new "thing" between the fuel tank and the legshield - that's the EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) module.

Also note the smaller headlight, turn signals, and black covers on the rear shock absorbers.  The '13 seat is all black instead of black with white trim.

Nice, eh?  Hopefully, the USA will be getting the benefits of EFI soon.  It's required in Taiwan due to more stringent air quality standards than required by the EPA.

Note the red side-covers!  USA models are white.