Several SYM models have passed through our hands here at Motociclismo, but we can say that this ADX 125 is the first model in the crossover segment. After the SUV craze in cars, it seems that this philosophy of adventure is here to stay in scooters too.
Honda hit the nail on the head a few years ago with the X-ADV. Trying to do something different in a segment full of maxi-scooters designed to offer comfort and with a few sporty models thrown in, Honda really succeeded, certainly much more than it expected. In terms of power and features (due to the fact that it has a DCT gearbox), the brand has yet to see rival manufacturers try something similar, but in the 125 cc displacement, there have been some interesting proposals from a wide range of manufacturers.
Mind you, if you’re over the age of 40, you’ll no doubt remember other models from the past with similar characteristics. Gilera Typhoon, Aprilia Rally and Yamaha BWS were some of the TT-looking bikes that were very famous in the 1990s, and which can now be recalled in a certain way in various models, including this ADX 125.
MODERN AND WELL EQUIPPED
This Taiwanese brand’s 125 cc scooter range is basically made up of city models, but then there’s the Cruisym Alpha, which is undoubtedly the top of the range. This ADX is one of the latest additions to the range and is somewhere in between, with some city and maxi-scooter features.
As a crossover, it’s immediately noticeable for its naked TT-shaped handlebars and 13-inch Kenda mixed-design tires, but there are several aspects to highlight. The lines are angular and sporty, somewhat radical even for what we usually see from the brand, and there’s full LED lighting at the front and rear. In terms of technology, there is also a very practical 2.0 keyless ignition and a start&stop system so that the engine shuts off whenever we stop for a few seconds, such as at traffic lights. There’s also traction control, which we’ve already seen on various 125 cc models and which can be switched off, just like the aforementioned start&stop.
Also noteworthy is the 5-inch TFT color instrumentation, which is very attractive and has automatic brightness adjustment. You can even choose from three different backgrounds, but we would have liked some additional information, such as average consumption or range. However, this is not a problem, as we have a reliable gas gauge and a gas tank so large that, if you fill it up, you almost forget that you have to fill up with gas! The tank has a capacity of 15 liters, so the range can reach 500 kilometers!
SMOOTH ENGINE, CORRECT CYCLING
In terms of motorization, this ADX 125 has a single-cylinder, four-valve, liquid-cooled engine. It delivers around 12 horsepower, so it’s a little short of the 15 horsepower allowed by law for an engine of this capacity, but we can say that the performance is acceptable and to be expected. It offers nice acceleration, reaching 110 km/h on the straight and even over 120 km/h when well-packed, but above all the response of the single-cylinder is always smooth, giving confidence to youngsters or those driving this scooter with a car license.
THE BEST Level of equipment, aesthetics, braking power, range
TO BE IMPROVED Non Adjustable brake levers, poorly utilized under-seat space
In terms of cycling, this ADX 125 has good components. It has generously-sized cut-out disc brakes on both axles (260 mm at the front and 230 mm at the rear), and their power is high, for speed. The only drawback, as is often the case, is that the levers are not adjustable and have a slightly hard feel, being somewhat distant from the grips, which may take some getting used to for the SYM rider. Still on the bike, the ADX has a traditional fork at the front and a single rear lateral shock absorber (quite different from the traditional double shock absorber on this type of scooter), a system that SYM calls A.L.E.H. – Anti-Lift Engine Hanger – in order to avoid the typical oscillations when accelerating and decelerating. In practice, we found the shock absorber to be robust and of a higher quality than traditional city scooter shock absorbers, but only a little harsh for a lighter rider. With this lateral monoshock we also have a monobrake, so the rear wheel is completely visible, which is also unusual in this segment.
CONCLUSION
With a pleasant riding position and an easy, smooth ride, the ADX 125 is a very nice scooter, capable of offering comfort and correct travel in the city or on the highway. Off-road, the 13″ wheels with mixed Kenda tires allow for short journeys – with the suspension allowing for such journeys – and you can even have a bit more fun if you turn off the traction control, but you shouldn’t go overboard, not least because the presence of ABS won’t help you stop in the dirt. Another interesting proposal from a brand that continues to launch models at reasonable prices and with a 5-year warranty.