Big scooters have always lived in a weird but wonderful space in motorcycling. They’re not quite motorcycles, not quite cars, and somehow that’s exactly why they work. For decades, maxi-scooters have been the go-to choice for riders who want real-world speed, long-distance comfort, and storage you don’t need a backpack for.
That blend of usability and performance is what keeps this segment alive. You get twist-and-go simplicity, weather protection, decent highway legs, and enough power to cruise at freeway speeds without white-knuckling the bars. It’s a gateway drug for new riders and a stress-free alternative for veterans who’ve had enough of clutch levers in traffic.
That brings us to SYM. If the name sounds unfamiliar, that's because they’re a massive Taiwanese manufacturer that’s been building scooters and motorcycles since the 1950s. They’ve partnered with big brands, produced engines for other companies, and built a reputation for solid, no-nonsense scooters of all sizes. Now they’re swinging harder at the big scooter game with the all-new Cruisym 400.
Sure, the Cruisym may have a weird name, as is the case with a lot of SYM's models, but the thing worth noting here is that SYM gave this thing legit motorcycle power without making it intimidating for newer riders. The new single-cylinder engine jumps from 279cc to a full 399cc. Output climbs to 34 horsepower and about 27 pound-feet of torque. That might not sound wild (it's around as many bikes as the Yamaha R3 makes), but in scooter terms, it’s huge. It means easier highway cruising, better passing power, and way less stress when you’re running 70 miles per hour, keeping pace with freeway traffic.
To back that up, SYM beefed up everything else. Wheel sizes grow to 15 inches up front and 14 inches at the rear. That alone makes a big difference in stability, especially at speed. The front brake disc jumps to 288 mm and now uses a radial-mounted caliper. Translation: stronger braking with better feel at the lever. ABS and traction control come standard, which is still not a given in this segment at this price point.
The tech side finally catches up, too. You get a full-color TFT display with smartphone connectivity, navigation support, and charging ports. It’s not just there to look pretty. It makes daily riding easier, especially if you’re using this thing as your main mode of transportation.
Under the skin, the Cruisym 400 shares a lot with SYM’s Maxsym 400. Same engine architecture, similar chassis numbers, same weird naming convention. The difference lies mostly in styling. The Cruisym looks sharper and sportier, while the Maxsym leans more toward premium touring.
As for pricing and availability, SYM is expected to roll the Cruisym 400 out in Europe first, although official pricing hasn’t been announced yet. That said, the Cruisym 300 starts around 5,799 euros (around $6,700 USD) and the Maxsym 400 sits at 6,399 euros (about $7,400 USD). That puts the new Cruisym 400 right around the 6,000 euro mark (around $7,000 USD). If SYM plays it smart in the US, this could undercut some established players by a healthy margin, while at the same time opening doors for a newer segment of motorcycling.
Bottom line, the Cruisym 400 isn’t just a displacement bump. It’s SYM committing to the idea that big scooters should feel genuinely capable, not just convenient. More power, better brakes, modern tech, and approachable performance make this a serious option for riders who want motorcycle-level usability without motorcycle-level involvement.
Source: Motorrad Online
