Sym Crox 125, low cost urban crossover [ROAD TEST]

Sanyang Motor, better known by the acronym SYM, is a company that produces scooters and quads, but whose factories also support the activities of Hyundai and Kia for the production of their cars. A necessary introduction because, in many years of Motorionline's activity in the two-wheel sector, the Sym Crox 125 it is the first scooter of this brand that we are preparing to try. Even if it is not as "exciting" as a Panigale V4, there was still a lot of curiosity to discover the approach of what is in fact one of the most interesting low-cost manufacturers on our market. We do it with a model that winks at the public with a look that reminds us of that of the legendary Booster, one of the first new generation scooters, after the era of Vespa and Lambretta, capable of selling over 1 million units over the course of of the 90s.

Aesthetics and finishes:

rating:  

Gusset and a "nice" look for the city

The look, personal opinion, reminds us of the very famous Booster, both for the knobby wheels (mounted on 12" rims), but also for a simple appearance without too many frills. The similarities end here, because the Crox was born over 20 years later and it shows. The front is characterized by a vertical development, highlighted by the double headlight, with a LED element in the lower part and the main one, of the traditional type with incandescent bulb, larger in size and placed in the upper part of the shield. Already at first impact the Sym Crox 125 CBS all its versatility is denoted, thanks to the aforementioned tires with an off-road and large-section tread design.

An aggressive and biting style, suitable for a young target audience, which we will then discover to be within the reach of any person, even beginners on a two-wheeler, in its riding. The front fairing is practically non-existent, after all the 125s of today are the 50inis of the past, mainly intended for city use.

The Crox is identical to itself even in the 50cc version, confirming this. You look at the front and think that it looks like it can't wait to bite the curves of a nice off-road route, because of that beak that mimics the "endurones" that are also popular in our cities. The scratch-resistant plastics confirm its off-road ambitions.

The underseat compartment is suitable for hosting a jet helmet as in our case and hides a simple but effective anti-theft system, with a switch that disconnects the ignition and prevents a thief who manages to force the block from starting the vehicle.

Speaking of the rear shield, it's a real shame that there isn't a storage compartment, but it doesn't matter. The instrument panel is clear, compact and central. It is digital, is very readable and allows you to choose between 16 backlight shades, which can be modified to your taste.

Engine and performance:

rating:  

Perfect in the city, outside it could use a little more sprint

This type of scooter is obviously suitable for urban driving, perfect on uneven surfaces. Its "adventurous" look suggests using it also for a trip out of town, where, however, its engine is less at ease, perhaps lacking a bit of verve. The air-cooled, 4-stroke, 125 cc single-cylinder engine with a power of just over 10 horsepower at 8.500 rpm, it is in fact sufficiently lively to go around without worries in urban traffic, it is very easy and manageable to drive thanks to its small size and, at the same time, stable, thanks also to the wide handlebars which in traffic makes the difference for "sliding" between a car and the other.

The engine on the other hand, from our point of view, is a little lacking in acceleration. It has a nice fluidity in the mids and a good sweetness in the delivery, which allows you to exit between bends and hairpins without any uncertainty, but the Crox is more of a city animal.

Ride and handling:

rating:  

At ease in the city, looking for off road

The position on the Crox is very collected and compact, at least for the upper part of the body, while the legs find a more comfortable and natural position with a nice support in the advanced part of the platform, which is spacious and allows you to maintain an angle of the knees comfortable. The saddle, well padded, is wide and can also be moved back to a more comfortable position, if necessary. On the other hand, we didn't really like its forward inclination, which tends to make it slide forward. It is therefore necessary to point your feet and push a little with your legs, otherwise it happens that you end up with your knees under the back of the shield, and then move backwards to resume a more comfortable position. The handlebar, placed at the right height, is characterized by two control blocks. On the left we find light switches, horn and direction indicators, while on the right block only the scooter's start button.

Moving on to dimensions and weight, the Sym Crox 125 CBS has a saddle height of 795 mm from the ground, just right to touch, as in our case (1.75 is the height of the undersigned), with both soles of the feet and a weight of weighing 110 kg, contained and perfect for making maneuvers easier even when stationary. In driving we found it fun through the curves, it takes turns quickly, despite the large knobby tyres, it proves stable, thanks to fine-tuned suspensions, with a slightly soft calibration, perfect on bumpy surfaces and for having fun both on the road and in off-road mode. road. As for the brakes, we do not find the optional (below 125) ABS, but the Sym Crox 125 offers a CBS combined braking system. During our test it always had a decent response, it is good if you are used to using mainly the front brake, a little less if you rely on the rear, which being drum-type suffers all the negative consequences, such as the tendency to block the wheel and reduced braking capacity. As mentioned, however, the Crox 125 is the 50th of these years, so demanding the double disc, also in light of its price, would perhaps be excessive.

Price and consumption:

rating:  

1.850 euros for the 125, 1.450 for the 50, while consumption is not a problem

In the busy "Milan city" we managed to obtain a best before date about 30-33 km/l. Reduced consumption, not far from the 2.8 liters per 100 km declared in the WMTC combined cycle. With 8 liters of tank, the Crox promises to make you forget the face of the petrol station, with a range of around 250 km.

As for the price, you need 4 years of warranty and roadside assistance to get this scooter 1.850 euros, 1.450 for the 50. White and this Matt Black are the colors in which this scooter is available, easy from a driving point of view, but also with a really interesting price.

PROS AND CONS
We like it:
Value for money, ease of use, design
We do not like it:
Cue, no storage

Sym Crox 125: the Motorionline Report Card

Motor:
Handling:
Gearbox and transmission:
Braking:
Suspensions:
Guide:
Pilot comfort:
Passenger comfort:
Equipment:
Quality price:
Line:
Consumption:

Tester clothing:
Jacket: Alpinestars Marshall Drystar Jacket
Trousers: Alpinestars Crank Denim Pants
Gloves: Alpinestars C-30 DRYSTAR GLOVE
Boots: Alpinestars Lunar
Helmet Scorpion Exo City Wind. New for 2017, it is a helmet with a shell made of advanced polycarbonate components, light and resistant. Equipped with a ventilation system with adjustable air intakes and front spoiler which reduces the risk of lifting. It has an automatic, micrometric chin strap for quick release and precise adjustment. The KwickWick2 internal lining is extremely effective, hypoallergenic, removable and machine washable, as well as being soft and pleasant to the touch, it offers maximum breathability and comfort to the face and head by gently caressing you. The Exo-City is available in 5 sizes from XS to XL based on two shell sizes, 10 colors and graphics, at an indicative price of 150 euros.