SYM Joymax Z+ 125 test: the GT scooter that wants to be king of its segment

With a wide range in Spain made up of as many as 15 different models, the popular Taiwanese brand that reached the top of the ranking of best-selling motorcycles for several months in 2022 with its popular Symphony, offers a very varied range of options, from 50cc up to the new Maxsym TL 508, the 45.5 CV maxi-scooter that represents the brand’s top-of-the-range model.

The popular model that is our protagonist today is the SYM Joymax Z+, a 125 cc GT scooter that, together with the Cruisym Alpha 125, makes up the range of large 125 scooters. Models that offer greater storage capacity, a greater sense of safety thanks to their extra dimensions, and a more comfortable riding position compared with smaller models, such as the SYM Jet X 125 (test).

Presented after its sister, the more sporty Cruisym Alpha, the brand decided to launch its Joymax Z+, also a GT-focused scooter, although with a more versatile design intended for those who prefer comfort over sportiness, and it is also offered at a more attractive price.

A sporty yet discreet design

Although it is conceived as the ideal version for making urban and interurban journeys in total comfort, with a perfect cargo space to store bags or carry a passenger without limitations, SYM has given the Joymax Z+ quite a lot of personality, both aesthetically and in terms of behaviour, giving it an image with great presence and quality.

Starting with its design, the SYM Joymax Z+ has a fairly bulky look, with 2,190 millimetres in length, 750 millimetres in width and 1,422 millimetres in height, dimensions that are even greater in length and height compared with a Yamaha XMAX 125 and longer than a Honda Forza 125, two of the main rivals the Joymax Z+ has to face.

From the front view, the GT scooter presents a fairly sharp nose with light units featuring LED technology that offer good visibility in low-light conditions, as well as a modern look. As for its lighting system, the Joymax Z+ has a plastic trim with a carbon fibre effect and a windscreen which, in addition to giving that GT touch, offers remarkable comfort and wind insulation at road speeds.

If we turn 90 degrees, the seat with contrasting silver stitching and the model name embroidered on the lumbar area of the seat offers a very soft, plush cushioning and great comfort even after several hours on the scooter. As usual, on the left side we find a very clean design with its transmission system and air filter well integrated, and on the other side the scooter has an exhaust with a discreet black heat shield and the engine practically exposed below the retractable right footrest.

Regarding the rear design, the carbon-effect side trims extend to the area housing the LED tail light and the halogen indicators on each side, also highlighting the dual rear suspension with adjustable preload shock absorbers and the fairly pronounced rear grab handles.

Very comfortable after several hours on the road

In terms of ergonomics, the SYM Joymax Z+ features a hybrid analogue-digital instrument cluster, quite traditional in design, with two analogue dials on either side and a small digital screen in the middle showing the time, odometer, fuel level and engine temperature. The Joymax also has a windscreen that can be height-adjusted using two screws, offering good aerodynamic protection at high speeds.

The handlebar position allows a relaxed posture with the back straight, with a fairly traditional width, a right grip housing only the start button and the kill switch, and a left grip which, although it does not offer the best sense of quality in its segment, has a layout of indicators, horn, high and low beams and hazard lights exactly as you would want it.

Chassis and riding feel

Moving on to the chassis, the Joymax Z+ shares many components with its sister, the SYM Cruisym Alpha, such as the 4-valve SOHC single-cylinder engine with Keihin electronic fuel injection, with the renowned ceramic treatment of the engine’s internal parts to reduce friction between components, thereby extending service life and improving engine reliability while offering lower consumption and reduced emissions.

The scooter’s structure is also the same as that of the Cruisym, consisting of a steel tube frame with a telescopic front fork, a dual shock absorber system adjustable in four positions, and a 14-inch front wheel and 13-inch rear wheel.

When setting off on the SYM Joymax Z+, its smoothness is surprising, something where the suspension system we have already mentioned plays a major role, and a fairly lively engine response that provides ample power for city riding and a top speed close to 120 km/h in case we happen to need to venture onto the motorway.

During the week of testing we had the chance to try the SYM scooter, we found that dynamically it has nothing to envy from many of its rivals, with acceleration that, although not the best, is quite noticeable, a pleasant sound, a chassis that allows a more sporty ride and gives us some enjoyment, and a braking system that pleasantly surprised us with its strong bite, consisting of a front brake disc with a four-piston caliper and a rear brake disc, both assisted by a Bosch ABS system.

Good storage space

The 12-litre fuel tank offers a good range and sits between the feet, which is key to providing a large 48-litre storage compartment in which you can store even two full-face helmets and other annoying items such as a disc lock or a cover. In addition, this cargo compartment has a courtesy light that is very handy and provides good illumination in low-light conditions, and a damper on the seat that gives a sense of solidity when raising and lowering it.

Next to the glovebox, the SYM Joymax Z+ has a small compartment for items such as keys, coins or a smartphone, with a USB 3.0 socket ideal for charging a smartphone or a power bank, allowing us to use our mobile phone for long hours without worrying about battery life.

Its price, the key to the SYM Joymax Z+

Finally, the price of the SYM Joymax Z+ is one of its great strengths compared with the competition, as it costs 4,799 euros, which compared with the 5,499 euros you would have to pay for a Yamaha XMAX 125 or the 5,275 euros for a Honda Forza 125, places it at a clear advantage over its closest rivals. In addition, this offer includes a 5-year or 75,000-kilometre warranty and one year of insurance included at no extra cost.