![]() Hey, didn’t I just say that “moped” licensed scooter were restricted to 30MPH? The SYM Mio that I tested was de-restricted by Blue Cat Motors ( the SYM dealer in St. The speedometer indicated 30 MPH when the actual speed was 29.5 and indicated 40 MPH when the actual speed was 39. The SYM Mio is as close to spot-on as I have tested. The VAST majority of scooters have speedometers that are optimistic ( they indicate faster than the actual speed) by 5 to 10 percent. ![]() When I review scooters, I test the accuracy of their speedometers with a GPS unit. ![]() SYM uses a four-valve design for enhanced performance. The cylinder heads are a one-piece design ( as opposed to the more conventional two-piece) which is stronger and makes for better dissipation of heat. The four-stroke engines from SYM have some outstanding features including ceramic coating of the cylinder which means no carbon deposits and a longer life for the motor. As those of you who have read some of my other reviews will know, Taiwanese scooters are among the best in world, and SYM only adds to that reputation for quality. SYM ( San Yang Motors) is based in Taiwan and has been around since 1961. The SYM Mio has opened my eyes to the 4-stroke 50cc. There are some 50cc scooters out there with FABULOUS quality ( the Honda Metropolitan for example) but weak ( in my opinion) performance from their 4-stroke engines. I have ridden quite a few 50cc scooters, and as a general rule, the ones with a 2-stroke engine ( fuel and oil mixed together) are going to feel zippier than those with 4-stroke engines. I have a couple of friends who work in downtown Minneapolis and they have told me that their “moped” scooters have more than paid for themselves in saved parking fees. If you live or work in an area where parking is at a premium, the idea of being able to park at a bike rack, almost always for free, can be HUGE. They want to ride a scooter but they DON’T want to get a motorcycle endorsement. Two things: one does NOT need a motorcycle endorsement on one’s driver’s license to operate them, and they park where a bicycle parks – legally. So what’s the big deal about a scooter that has a moped license plate? I mean, they don’t have pedals so they aren’t really mopeds. There are some 50cc scooters that are NOT restricted by the factory ( the Vespa LX50 and the Yamaha C3 come to mind) and those 50cc scooters will get a motorcycle license plate. To achieve this, many scooters come from the factory “restricted” to 2 horses and 30 MPH. To get that “moped” plate, a scooter has to be 50cc ( usually a little under), 2 horsepower ( or less) and no faster than 30 MPH on a flat surface. Let’s talk about scooters that qualify for “moped” license plates ( in Minnesota) for a moment. A 50cc 4-stroke… with a 200+ pound reviewer, this is going to be a slow, dull experience. May 2008 – I have to admit that I came into this review with an attitude. May 2010 – SYM has lowered the MSRP on the Fiddle II from $2,268 to $1,969
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