SYM Orbit II50 Naked / 50 TS

SYM Orbit II50 Naked / 50 TS
Manufacturer	SYM
Production	2014
Engine	Single cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC
Compression ratio	7.2:1
Top Speed	60 km/h / 37 mph
Fuel System	Carburetor (CV)
Ignition	CDI
Spark Plug	BR8HSA
Battery	12V 6 Ah
Transmission	CVT
Frame	Steel, monocuna split steel tube
Suspension	Front: Telescopic fork Rear: Twin sided swing arm
Brakes	Front: Hydraulic disc, 190 mm Rear: Drum, 110 mm
Front Tire	120/70-12
Rear Tire	130/70-12
Wheelbase	1325 mm / 52.2 in.
Seat Height	740 mm / 29.1 in.
Weight	110 kg / 243 lbs (wet)
Fuel Capacity	5.2 L / 1.4 US gal
Manuals	Service Manual

It could reach a top speed of 60 km/h / 37 mph.

Engine

The engine was a Air cooled, forced cooled Single cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC. The engine featured a 7.2:1 compression ratio.

Drive

Power was moderated via the Centrifugal.

Chassis

It came with a 120/70-12 front tire and a 130/70-12 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via Hydraulic disc, 190 mm in the front and a Drum, 110 mm in the rear. The front suspension was a Telescopic fork while the rear was equipped with a Twin sided swing arm. The Orbit II50 Naked / 50 TS was fitted with a 5.2 L / 1.4 US gal fuel tank. The wheelbase was 1325 mm / 52.2 in. long.

Photos

Overview

SYM Orbit II 50 Naked / 50 TS

"Orbit II Naked"

With the boom in scooter sales, and the user-friendly licensing concessions in States like Queensland, WA and SA, 50cc scooters have proliferated on Australian roads.

And why not? Fifties are as cheap as chips to buy and run, they’re easy to ride and not at all intimidating for the novice, and they make a great option for new scooterists as well as for those who are simply looking for basic shorthop transport.

However, one big problem with many 50s on the market today is literally their size. A 50cc engine doesn’t make huge amounts of power, so the scooter it is designed to propel has to be light and compact. Trouble is, for larger riders, light and compact too often means cramped and uncomfortable.

Not so the Orbit 50. This model from Taiwanese manufacturer SYM is the latest addition to the range of city scoots distributed in Australia by Select Scootas.

Pleasingly fresh and funky in its styling, the Orbit 50’s major claim to fame is its size. I’m 180cm and unlike many other 50s I’ve tried, I had no problems fitting on to the Orbit. No bruised knees from contact with the handlebars as they turn, no cramped legs squished behind a restrictive legshield, and no sore back from slouching to reach ’bars that are too low. The slim, truncated design of the Orbit’s legshields gives plenty of space for the taller rider, while the generous (for a 50, of course) floor area easily takes my size 10s, with a flat deck big enough to also hold a case of beer at a pinch.

The Orbit’s 49.4cc air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine pumps out 2.75kW at 7750rpm and torque of 3.85Nm at 6500rpm – respectable figures for a little 50 – and is pretty zippy in the way it delivers.

It gets up to the 50km/h limit quickly enough, although not quite as briskly as the two-stroke Derbi GP1 50, and coped well among the mid-morning traffic on the busy streets of Brisbane’s CBD.

Even better for this 83kg pilot was the fact that the Orbit’s suspension at both ends felt firm and sporty, and not soft and spongy. It may be a budget-priced 50, but there was no sensation of the Orbit’s suspension being underdamped or undersprung during my short test ride, and it handled the bumps and holes of inner Brisbane’s roads with surprising aplomb.

Braking could be a bit better, though. The front two-piston caliper and single disc combination worked well enough, but could have used more instant bite, while the rear drum brake had a vague, wooden feel to it. To be fair, the scooter was brand spankin’ new, with just a handful of kilometres on the clock, so the brakes may have still needed some bedding in.

The final factor in the Orbit’s comfort equation is the seat – it’s an easy 740mm off the ground and plush enough for a decent ride. As mentioned, you’ll get an open-face helmet underneath it, and you’ll find the fuel filler there as well. Looking forward, the Orbit has a simple instrument panel. It’s basic, with just a speedo, a fuel gauge and some lights (no clock, unfortunately) but very easy to read on the go.

Overall build quality looks spot-on for the money, with attractively chunky rims and a nice touches like gaiters on the fork sliders.

Actually ‘spot-on’ is probably the most accurate description for this well thoughtout, bargain little scooter. With the Orbit 50, not a lot of cash buys not a lot of flash, but everything you need for a reliable, robust shorthaul runabout is right there.

Extracts from a review by Pete Callaghan

Make Model	SYM Orbit II 50 Naked / 50 TS
Year	2014
Engine Type	Single cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC
Displacement	49.4 cc / 3.0 cub in.
Bore X Stroke	39 mm / 41.4 mm
Cooling System	Air cooled, forced
Compression	7.2:1
Engine Oil Capacity	1.0 L / 2.1 US pints
Transmission Oil Capacity	0.11 L / 0.23 US pints
Lubrication	Dry sump
Exhaust	Single
Fuel System	Carburetor (CV)
Induction	Electronic
Ignition	CDI
Spark Plug	BR8HSA
Battery	12V 6 Ah
Starting	Electric & kick
Max Power	2.5 kW / 3.4 hp @ 6000 rpm
Max Torque	4.1 Nm / 0.42 kgf-m / 3.02 ft/lbs @ 5000 rpm
Clutch	Centrifugal
Transmission	CVT
Final Drive	Belt
Frame	Steel, monocuna split steel tube
Front Suspension	Telescopic fork
Rear Suspension	Twin sided swing arm
Front Brakes	Hydraulic disc, 190 mm
Rear Brakes	Drum, 110 mm
Wheels	Aluminum
Front Tire	120/70-12
Rear Tire	130/70-12
Dimensions	Length: 1905 mm / 74.9 in. Width: 690 mm / 27.2 in. Height: 1125 mm / 44.3 in.
Wheelbase	1325 mm / 52.2 in.
Seat Height	740 mm / 29.1 in.
Wet Weight	110 kg / 243 lbs
Fuel Capacity	5.2 L / 1.4 US gal
Top Speed	60 km/h / 37 mph
Colours	Matt Black, Red, White, Orange
Source / Review	Scooter Sales

External Links

• http://www.scootersales.com.au