This SYM Retro Scooter Looks Funky But Is Practical Too

The SYM 4MICA is available in both 125cc and 150cc guises

• The SYM 4MICA comes with a generous floorboard space and a pillion seat that doubles up as a cargo rack.
• Gets a semi-digital instrument cluster and LED headlight.
• Prices start from an equivalent of Rs 2.14 lakh.

Taiwanese two-wheeler manufacturer SYM is well known for its range of scooters from retro-themed to sporty looking feature-packed ones. The company’s latest entrant is the new SYM 4MICA (pronounced as ‘Formica’). 

Design wise, this funky looking retro-styled scooter is reminiscent of the Husqvarna Vektorr Concept electric scooter. The curvy apron gets sharp creases on the sides and houses a distinctly retro looking but modern LED headlight. It also gets a neatly laid out semi-digital instrument cluster with tripmeter, clock, voltage indicator, apart from other run-of-the-mill information. 

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Even though the scooter looks funky, it is in fact pretty utilitarian thanks to the 410mm long floorboard space, and a patented pillion seat that can flip up, acting as a cushioned backrest, while the seat space has an integrated rack that can be expanded, serving as a flat cargo bay. In addition, the company also offers optional saddle stays that neatly fit into the side panels. It doesn’t have a conventional underseat storage space like a normal scooter, so one will have to mount luggage bags on the pillion cargo area. 

The scooter is available in two engine options: 125cc and 150cc. Both are 2-valve air-cooled engines, with the former producing 9.6PS and 9.5Nm, and the latter making 11.4PS and 12.2Nm. The underpinnings are pretty much on par with what’s expected of a scooter of this class: telescopic front fork and twin rear shock absorbers. Braking is via a 205mm petal disc up front with single-channel ABS and a drum at the rear. 

At 747mm, the seat is pretty accessible for shorter riders. Interestingly, both variants weigh the same at 125kg kerb. The 125cc version starts from TWD 79,800 (around Rs 2.14 lakh), whereas the 150cc variant starts from TWD 85,800 (about Rs 2.30 lakh).

All in all, the SYM 4MICA is a great lifestyle scooter for those who want a city-friendly scooter that’s practical enough to camp out on the weekends. In some ways it is similar to the Honda CT125 Hunter Cub, although the Japanese moped has better trail-going ability, thanks to its large spoke wheels with block pattern tyres.