In many parts of the world like Italy, France, the Philippines, and Vietnam, scooters are more than just a mode of transportation. They’re a part of everyday life. In dense cities where traffic never sleeps and parking is a daily battle, having something small, nimble, and fuel-efficient isn’t just convenient, it’s essential.
This new model from Taiwanese brand SYM carries a name that’s a bit of a tongue-twister, but it brings plenty of charm to the table. With its retro styling, compact proportions, and lightweight body, the CLBCU is clearly designed with the urban commuter in mind. The inspiration behind its design is the hummingbird—colibrì in Italian—and that comes through in its agile silhouette and bright, playful color options.
Quite frankly, I don't know why they just didn't call it either "Colibri" or "Hummingbird." Either is surely more catchy than "CLBCU." But hey, I don't make the rules around here.
Nonetheless, its styling sort of makes up for its boring name. It has an approachable, almost toy-like feel that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still looks well put together.
Powering the CLBCU is a 124.6cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine paired with a CVT. On paper, it’s a familiar setup, but SYM adds a bit of engineering flair with its Enhanced Multi-Ignition System, developed in partnership with Keihin. The system uses twin spark plugs and multiple ignition strategies to boost combustion efficiency, enhance cooling, and deliver more consistent power delivery across a wider range of conditions.
According to SYM, this setup allows the CLBCU to achieve up to 52.6 kilometers per liter (around 125 mpg), which gives it excellent range when combined with its 6.5-liter fuel tank.
Despite its modest performance figures, the CLBCU is thoughtfully equipped for daily life. The flat floorboard offers 264 millimeters of usable space, enough for a 20-inch suitcase or even a pet carrier for your furry friends. The seat is wide, flat, and finished in durable, scratch-resistant material. Full LED lighting on the headlight, taillight, position light, and turn signals helps keep things bright and safe, especially during night rides in the city.
Ride quality is supported by a telescopic fork in front and twin shock absorbers in the rear. The scooter rolls on small 10-inch wheels, which contribute to its tight turning radius and easy handling at low speeds. Braking is handled by a disc at the front and a drum at the rear, both managed by a combined braking system that helps balance stopping force.
Now, let's talk price. Over in its home country of Taiwan, the CLBCU sells for around $78,000 TWD. That’s roughly $2,500 USD when converted, which would put it in a very competitive position in the US scooter market, which is currently dominated by the likes of the Honda PCX and ADV 160 which go for nearly double the money. That price point could make it appealing not just to first-time buyers and urban commuters, but also to small businesses and delivery riders looking for something reliable and easy to run.
At its core, the CLBCU doesn’t try to be groundbreaking. It keeps things simple and smart, offering a fresh mix of style, usability, and value in a package that feels right at home in today's busy world. But what do you think? Would you rock a cute and practical scooter like this on the daily? Sound off in the comments below.
Source: SYM
