Sym Adx Tg 400, how goes the maxi scooter that doesn't fear dirt roads

The condition of our roads is very often not exactly like a racetrack, on the contrary: potholes, cobblestones, tram tracks and bumps make city traffic more like a stage of the Dakar. This is why scooter manufacturers have put models on the list that can also cope with off-road. Sym has created a real family, the Adx, available with 125, 300 and 400 cc engines. We tested the latter, which costs 7,300 euros and adds the word Tg, which stands for Tiger, to the acronym to emphasise the aggressive and edgy look of the front.

The construction of the Adx Tg 400 is decidedly motorcycle-oriented. The engine - a new 399 cc single-cylinder - is mounted directly in the frame, in the middle of the footboard, to reduce unsprung masses and optimise weight distribution. Not only that: the engine also boasts a variable valve lift system (for full and constant power delivery at all rpm), a semi-dry sump double oil pump, wet multi-disc clutch and double countershaft to dampen vibrations. Maximum power is 35 hp, with maximum torque of 37.2 Nm at 90 per cent available as early as 4,500 rpm. The final drive is not belt-driven as on most scooters but is on a stronger chain to cope with off-road riding (but more maintenance is required). The chassis is also similar to a motorbike: steel trellis frame with aluminium engine mounts, 41 mm upside-down fork, preload adjustable monoshock combined with aluminium swingarm with progressive linkage for a more adequate response to the harshest stresses. The braking system features a (single) 275 mm front disc with four-piston radial-mount caliper on the rim and a 233 mm rear disc; alloy wheels are 15" (front) and 14".

To get on the Sym, instead of putting your foot over the central tunnel, you prefer to fly over the seat with your leg, just like on a motorbike. You sit 790 mm off the ground, well inside the scooter, with plenty of legroom (not much for those over 190 cm) and discreetly protected by the bodywork but excellently protected by the two-position manually adjustable windscreen. The tubular aluminium handlebar with the two risers (it is adjustable in inclination) is reminiscent of that of an enduro bike, while the central tunnel, decidedly full-bodied, incorporates the 13-litre fuel tank filler: no need to get off to refuel, then. Under the seat, hinged at the rear (Yamaha Tmax style), the 32-litre, illuminated compartment can accommodate a modular helmet. In front of the rider is the dashboard, which consists of a colour LCD display that does not connect to the mobile phone and is controlled with two physical buttons at its base: overall, it does not seem in line with the modernity of the vehicle, which among other things has a smart key and a Usb socket are the small keyboard behind the handlebars.

From the very first metres at low speed, in the city, the Sym gives a pleasant feeling of control, thanks to the low centre of gravity and the handlebars quite close to the torso. The engine is lively with a prompt and sustained delivery at all rpm: you get to motorway speeds very quickly and without holes, with some minimal vibration on the footpegs above 110 km/h. When manoeuvring between cars, the weight of 213 kg in running order makes itself felt a bit, thanks also to the generous wheelbase (1,535 mm, only 40 less than the Honda Africa Twin) and the overall length of 2,170 mm. We liked the road-holding, in all conditions: the front end is solid and transmits a good feeling to the rider who can ride with confidence, thanks to the assistance of Abs and traction control, both disengageable (the first only at the rear) for off-road riding. The suspension doesn't mind city potholes, but retains sufficient stiffness to adopt a more sporty driving style: we didn't notice any swaying or unpredictable behaviour in fast corners or changes of direction. The braking system is adequate for the size of the scooter, although the front caliper requires a very strong squeeze to express its full braking power. Outside the city the riding becomes really fun with a real motorbike feeling so much so that you end up forgetting you are sitting on a scooter.

Thanks to the good ground clearance and the presence of an engine guard, white roads and easy dirt tracks are within the reach of the Adx Tg 400, provided you ride seated: if you dare to ride standing up, allowed by the comfortable pedals that allow you to put your feet back, not having a tank between your legs, you have to hang onto the handlebars, to the detriment of scooter control. The fact remains that this Sym is able to go places that are inaccessible (or difficult to access) for 'city' scooters: it will therefore take you to that lonely beach at the end of 3 km of dirt road, perhaps muddy and all potholes.