Kymco People 150 vs SYM HD 200 EVO

[Calothrix]

Saw a local ad for a 2009 SYM HD 200 EVO with 5300 miles on it for $1900.  From the photos, it appears to be in great shape and I hope to check it out tomorrow.  I currently own a 2005 People 150 and have been very happy with the scoot.  I am looking for a little more top end speed and was considering the People 300 GTi, but at the same time I would like to keep the weight down, so I'm thinking the SYM might just be the ticket.  From reviews I have read the SYM is an excellent scooter.  My 150 tops out at between 55 and 60 mph but from what I read, the SYM is capable of 70+!  If I remember correctly, someone on this forum own's/owned both.  Could you please respond with your thoughts on the two scooters comparing, low end acceleration, top speed, mpg's, handling, reliability, headlight visibility, availability of parts, etc.  Also, I would appreciate hearing from anyone else with SYM HD 200 EVO experience.  Thanks and what the heck happened to the Z-man?.....must be working on his hydrofoil venture!       

[BettinANDlosing]

The HD200 is MUCH faster than a people, it's actually 200cc with a four valve cylinder head. They top out around 75 indicated. Power up to that is much faster also. If you get the Sym get the coolant flushed RIGHT AWAY!!! They have a really bad problem with rust in the cooling system.

[Calothrix]

Thanks for the info B&L.  When I asked the guy what maintenance he performed on the bike, he said he had flushed the coolant when he purchased it two years ago.  I thought that was a little unusual, but now I know why!

[0BARK4322]

I hope the kymco 200s is a little closer to the sym evo

[MassScoot]

I hope the kymco 200s is a little closer to the sym evo
[/quote

I own a SYM HD200 EVO & love it! It's nimble & fast. I would try & get him down another $100-$200 if you can. I bought mine new & leave it down @ my parents home in Florida. I can't say much about the coolant scenario as I never had an issue. The HD200 vs. the older Kymco People S200 there is no comparison. 12HP vs. 15.3HP, Dual Disc brakes & Water Cooled. The fit & finish on the SYM is outstanding as well. When I was down in Florida a couple of months ago I brought in my HD200 for an oil change. She had a new 2014 in Red for $3099.00 (excluding state taxes) 

IMHO....I think the SYM HD200 is the best mid-range scooter on the market today.

[0BARK4322]

Now you got me thinking

[Calothrix]

Well, I took the plunge and bought the SYM!  Thanks to all for your comments/advice!   I wanted a bike with more top end and the SYM certainly delivers: 70+ mph.  Loving it so far.  Plan to replace all the fluids, air filter and spark plug soon and will likely replace the rollers with sliders, since they worked so well on my P150.  Thanks again to all who responded.

P.S.  Wayne in addition to the People 300 GTi, you might also consider the SYM.  I believe there is a dealer in Pekin.

[GLV55]

Well, I took the plunge and bought the SYM!  Thanks to all for your comments/advice!   I wanted a bike with more top end and the SYM certainly delivers: 70+ mph.  Loving it so far.  Plan to replace all the fluids, air filter and spark plug soon and will likely replace the rollers with sliders, since they worked so well on my P150.  Thanks again to all who responded.

Please let us know your impression of th HD once you've been able to get some riding time on it.

[Stig / Major Tom]

Please let us know your impression of th HD once you've been able to get some riding time on it.

Join the SYMforum.com and read all about these excellent scooters. That is maybe their most popular model.
Stig

[AMAC1680]

Hands down the SYM HD200.
I have the same motor in my RV200 and its a beast for 171cc. I blast most off the lights and pull 70-74 mpg/GPS all day.

The People 150 is a great scoot but it's outmatched on every level here.

Be Big,
AMAC

[AMAC1680]

I hope the kymco 200s is a little closer to the sym evo

Nope.
The S200 is 163cc 2-valve , Air cooled old tech. 59mph/GPS
The HD200 is 171 cc 4-valve, Liquid cooled. 75mph/GPS.
It can't stress the difference the cooling makes.

I've owned And ran both motors and again the S200 comes up far short of the SYM.
That's not to say the s200 isn't a great scoot because it is. One of the best I ever owned but it has its place in the food chain.

[2wheelfun]

If I ran across a DEAL on an HD200 I'd seriously consider buying it, it's the only scooter on my radar right now. Would take a lot of scoot for me to give up my movie 150. Only real concern is testing one out for seating position and leg room.

[GLV55]

Join the SYMforum.com and read all about these excellent scooters. That is maybe their most popular model.
Stig

I am on SYMforum.com. Just interested in hearing another personal point of view, personal experience, and corroboration. Research, research, research....

[0BARK4322]

Well, I took the plunge and bought the SYM!  Thanks to all for your comments/advice!  

THATS WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT.....GETTING WHAT YOU LIKE....KEEP ON RIDING

[Calothrix]

Very happy with the SYM so far.  For an engine that is only 21 cc's larger than my P150, I am quite impressed with the top end at 70+ mph.  Off the line, it has good acceleration but not as much as I was led to believe from my research prior to the purchase.  Maybe this is because it weighs 50+ pounds more than my P150, so you don't really "FEEL" the acceleration like I do on my P150 (only mod on the P150 was I replaced the stock rollers with 2 gram lighter sliders).  I plan on trying some sliders on the SYM, 2 grams lighter than the stock rollers, to see how they feel.  Build quality, fit and finish appear to be top notch on the SYM.  Two similarities between the scoots: they are both rock steady at highway speeds and the seating position on both is not as far back as I would prefer (I am 6'0" tall, with a 34" inseam).  I ended up cutting some foam out of the seat on the SYM so I can now sit about 2" farther back.  It turned out really well and is much more comfortable.  The P150 is a little more nimble than the SYM, but the SYM isn't bad.  Will install an iridium plug tomorrow and should receive a new top case and the sliders in a few days.  Overall, I would say that both are great scoots, with the SYM fulfilling my desire to get a little more top end speed (about 15 mph+!).