SYM GTS250: Best of both worlds

The Sym GTS250 proves easy to wield despite its size. Photo / Jacqui Madelin

Slicing through motorway traffic on the Sym GTS250 I realised I might have the best of both worlds here; the manoeuvrability of a scooter with the capacity of - well, clearly not a car but certainly more than a motorbike normally allows.

The GTS is a swoopy-looking scooter with generous lines and capacious bodywork that not only tucks the running gear out of sight, but hides an underseat boot sufficiently roomy to swallow laptop, camera, notebooks - and more. I also like the boot light and hydraulic strut, which holds the seat up while you fossick about.

The 250cc engine capacity means you need a bike licence, but it also accesses the open road and longer-distance touring if you're feeling adventurous.

The GTS will cruise at 100 - or more if you don't keep a sharp eye on the speedo, though rapid acceleration is rather compromised by the relaxed pick-up from the Continuously Variable auto Transmission (CVT), which also doesn't let you step down a gear for stronger pull.

Back round town you'll find this scooter tall, and at 1.67m, I only just got my feet down at lights. Shorter folk would hop off the seat at stops, not a problem given a scooter's step-through architecture.

Meanwhile its length helps impart a surety to the handling that's much appreciated on our bumpy back roads where the 13-inch wheels deliver more confidence over lumps and potholes than smaller-wheeled competitors like Vespa's 300GTS.

That confidence continues round town, where the GTS feels well balanced and proved easy to wield thanks to the broad handlebar spread and nicely balanced weight.

Park it up - there's both a centre and side stand - whip your cellphone out of the lockable cubby in the fairing, your bag from under the seat and you're good to go.

The GTS seems to do nearly everything well, from the well thought-out boot to the rear suspension that's five-step adjustable for preload, the very good brakes and efficient fuel injection.

I like the revamp, too, the new running lights imparting Audi-style LED eyebrows for the twin front headlights, while grown-up kit like hazard flashers, fog lamps and pearlescent paint are included.

The brightly coloured instruments are a bit of an acquired taste and the GTS could do with a park brake.

But scooterists seeking a long-range ride with commuter talents could do a lot worse.

We like
Big boot, both city and long-distance capability

We don't like
No park brake

Vital stats
2165mm long, 184kg dry weight, 12-litre fuel tank

Powertrain
250.6cc four-stroke liquid cooled, CVT auto transmission

Performance
Not available

Price
$6995