We test the SYM Maxsym TL 508, the only sporty maxi-scooter under 10,000 euros

As a user of sporty maxi-scooters for years, I was very interested in seeing how far the SYM Maxsym TL 508 could go, the only motorcycle in this category whose price stays below the 10,000 euro barrier. And what better way than to live with the Taiwanese maxi-scooter for a few days and put it to the test. Moreover, its offer is now more attractive than ever, as it still includes a “discount bonus” of 500 euros that brings the final price down to 9,499 euros, including a 5-year or 75,000 km warranty, free insurance for the first year and the option of a tailor-made financing plan, with monthly instalments from 99 euros.

And I can already tell you that the Maxsym TL 508 has been a pleasant surprise for me. But first, let’s get to the introductions.

Sporty looks and first-class equipment

In case you didn’t know, SYM is among the ten most important motorcycle manufacturers in the world, and has been on the Spanish market for two decades with a complete range of scooters. Its entry into the maxi-scooter segment came in 2020, with the Maxsym TL 465, which was updated last year with many improvements to give rise to the model currently on sale, and which we are testing today: the Maxsym TL 508.

This update not only served to fit a more powerful engine, increasing the displacement to 508 cc, a figure it proudly displays in its name. Maximum power reaches 45 CV, with a maximum torque of 50 Nm at 5,250 rpm. Compared with the BMW C650 Sport that I have been riding for years, with its Kymco-derived engine and 60 CV, this twin-cylinder with double overhead camshaft and 8-valve cylinder head does not fall as far behind in performance as one might expect, considering it has almost 15 CV less. And it is much smoother; partly thanks to the use of a balancer shaft, but also because the engine of the C650 Sport is not exactly noted for its refinement, quite the opposite. Well, I have already jumped ahead with the riding impressions… Anyway, let’s carry on.

The transmission is a CVT with a wet multi-disc clutch, while the secondary drive is by chain, and the TCS traction control system comes as standard equipment. Other notable features of the MaxSym TL 508 are the convenient keyless system that lets you switch on the ignition and start the engine without using the key, or the complete digital instrumentation with a 4.5-inch TFT screen featuring three display modes and automatic brightness control.

A versatile scooter

Despite its image and sporty approach, the Maxsym TL 508 does not neglect practicality. The windscreen, for example, is adjustable in two positions. Here I must say that the downside is that changing the setting requires tools, a nuisance, especially if you’re used to the quick wing-nut system of the C650 Sport. In its favour, I’ll say that in its least favourable position, the Maxsym’s screen offers more protection than that of the BMW in its highest setting, mainly because of the way air flows around the sides.

I very much liked the comfort offered by the dual-height seat, and the ability to open it to access the storage compartment without using the key, at the touch of a button, just like the cap for opening the fuel tank filler neck. Under the seat there is only room for a backpack or a full-face helmet. With a bit of “manoeuvring” you can manage to fit two jet helmets, but not two full-face ones, a possibility you will see in fewer and fewer maxi-scooters, and which BMW solved masterfully on the C650 Sport with a “foldable” area that opens only to house that second helmet. There are also two practical glove compartments at the front and a USB socket for charging a mobile device.

And to complete the technical features before moving on to action, I should mention the use of a 41 mm inverted fork, a rear shock absorber with a separate gas reservoir and preload adjustment, three 275 mm brake discs (the front ones lobed and with four-piston calipers), and 120/70-15 wheels at the front axle and 160/60 at the rear. The total weight is 214 kg, which makes the Maxsym TL 508 the lightest maxi-scooter. And this is noticeable when it comes to performance, agility or manoeuvrability. By the way, it is easy to lift or lower the Maxsym from the stand, and that is also appreciated in everyday use.

At the controls of the Maxsym TL 508: sporty with practical sense

The riding position is comfortable, whether you place your feet on the flat platform to sit more “upright” or decide to rest them forward to stretch your legs. In this second case there is more room to press firmly than on the C650 Sport, although you may find your footwear protruding slightly. As for the instrument display, at first I played around with it to see which of the three configurations best suited my needs… only to conclude that I prefer good old analogue dials.

As I said before, but it bears repeating, the engine has surprised me with its good performance. It lets the Maxsym accelerate with ease from a standstill, tackle steep roads without losing steam and keep gaining speed when air resistance starts to become a wall. And since it runs smoothly – more so than the C650 Sport, but without reaching the refinement of the Yamaha TMax, for example – it is also a good ally when facing long stretches of road or pottering around town. By the way, the sound of the imposing exhaust is perfectly fitting, filtered and never intrusive, but with a “serious” engine note, something that cannot be said of the C650 Sport, at least with the standard exhaust.

The chassis contributes to the favourable impressions with a very composed front end that inspires confidence, although the fork could be softer when absorbing irregularities such as sudden changes in the road surface. The rear suspension works wonderfully, and the traction control, as well as the brakes, with ABS – supplied by Continental – go unnoticed, which is a great sign. In short, a maxi-scooter with good behaviour both on touring use and in sporty riding, one you can also make the most of day to day in the city. As for fuel consumption, it can maintain averages around 6 l/100 km in mixed use but with a clear predominance of road riding, which with the 12.5-litre tank capacity will oblige you to stop to refuel every 200 km, if you don’t want to run into problems.

SYM Maxsym TL 508 – Image gallery