The Sym Maxsym 400 impresses in the test drives with its performance, handling and modern technology. Added to that is an attractive price. Driving report, pictures, data.
- Modern design, significant price reduction
- Meets Euro 5, economical consumption
- Good handling, good driving characteristics
The Maxsym 400 made its first career from 2011 to 2016 as a direct competitor to the Suzuki Burgman 400 – although it was almost a copy-and-paste of the Japanese, only with aggressive pricing. The Taiwanese manufacturer, however, pursues its own style, with a well-integrated but subtle LED signature on the front and rear. The Maxsym 400 has a centrally positioned headlight with three powerful LEDs that effectively illuminate the path at night, and a daytime running light bar. The sporty rear, also equipped with LEDs, has been expanded to include an adaptive brake light that starts flashing when braking suddenly from more than 70 km/h to warn traffic behind.
Cockpit with two round instruments
The cockpit also has a modern design. The two round instruments for speed and rpm arranged on each side complement a central digital display for information such as time, battery voltage, engine and oil temperature or kilometers driven. The adjustable brake levers and the option to fold in both mirrors are praiseworthy.
In the test: 34-hp engine
The big plus point of the Maxsym 400 is the engine. The drive has been optimized to comply with the Euro 5 standard. The 399 cc single develops 34 hp at 6750 rpm and 39.5 Nm at 5250 rpm. When you twist the throttle, the scooter responds with balanced, even acceleration up to higher speeds. However, you shouldn’t be fooled by the display in the cockpit. While a spectacular 165 km/h is shown as the top speed, measurements have shown a top speed of 141 km/h. Due to its compactness, the Maxsym 400 almost looks like a light scooter, but at 215 kilograms it is not a lightweight.
Convincing driving behavior
The handling is good, and jacking it up is something any rider can do. It is easy to keep the balance at low speeds, and the short steering angle is only a problem when turning. While the Taiwanese scooter feels very comfortable in the city thanks to its lively acceleration, the firm suspension and its light and stiff chassis make it a safe bet on country roads. For a tourer, it has sporty genes. When driving at speed on the motorway, the Maxsym impresses with its excellent straight-line stability. Even large bumps in the road don’t unsettle it. The traction control (TCS) deserves praise . It can be switched off when the engine is running using a yellow button below the horn. The system works just as unobtrusively as the ABS and only intervenes when necessary. Two 275 mm wave brake discs are installed at the front, which are squeezed by two large four-piston radial brake calipers, while another 275 mm disc with a single-piston caliper is mounted at the rear. The whole thing works quite snappy and is easy to control. The practical parking brake in the side stand is worth mentioning, which prevents the bike from rolling away.
price reduction to 6400 euros
As befits a GT scooter, the Maxsym has plenty of storage space : there is plenty of room for a full-face helmet and a jet helmet, plus a few small items or a rain suit. The seat can be remotely unlocked using a button right next to the keyless starter module. This allows the engine to be started and the tank cap to be opened without a key, while the transponder remains in the driver’s jacket pocket. With its design, the current 400 has clearly emancipated itself from its predecessor. The perfect chassis, the agile engine and the technical features speak for the Taiwanese. After the maxi scooter cost almost 8,000 euros in 2022, the price-performance ratio is now right at 6,399 euros. The manufacturer also offers a five-year guarantee.
Sym Maxsym 400: Technical data, price
Technical info is taken directly from Sym’s official website to ensure it’s correct.
| Manufacturer’s Components | Specifications |
|---|---|
| engine/transmission | Liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, 399 cc displacement, 25 kW/34 hp at 6750 rpm, 39.5 Nm at 5250 rpmFour valves/cylinder, ohc, injectionCVT automatic, centrifugal clutch |
| chassis | Steel tube frame; 41 mm USD telescopic fork at the front (not adjustable), 110 mm travel, rear swing arm, two spring struts (preload adjustable in five steps), 108 mm travelLight alloy cast wheels, tires 120/70-15 (front) and 160/60-14 (rear)275 mm single-disc brake front, 275 mm single-disc brake rear |
| dimensions and weights | Wheelbase 1550 mm, seat height 810 mmWeight ready to drive 215 kg, payload 190 kgtank capacity 13 l |
| assistance systems | ABS, traction control |
| performance, consumption | Top speed 139 km/h, 3.5 l/100 km, 82 g/km CO₂ |
| Price | 6399 euros |