Sym scooters

[anthony]

So I tried to join the Sym scooters forum 3-4 weeks ago to ask this question, but never got approval for whatever ridiculous reason, so I'm hoping someone who owns or has owned a Sym here can help.

Basically, my girlfriend has a Sym HD200 (I think an '06) that someone tried to steal. No major damage to the scooter fortunately, but they broke her column lock, and the ignition somehow got pulled outward maybe 1/4". She just took it to a dealer (not a Sym dealer, but the mechanics work on Syms) and they told her that neither issue could be fixed. She doesn't remember what he said regarding why the ignition couldn't be fixed, but as far as the column lock, he apparently said something about how on Syms, it's integrated with the frame, and so it can't be fixed without taking nearly everything apart and replacing a lot of parts which in the end wouldn't be worth it expense-wise.

Not being mechanically-inclined, I have no idea whether this is completely logical or not, but it seemed suspect to me that somehow neither issue could be fixed. Does this sound right? Does anyone know what the mechanic is talking about or have any insight into these issues?

[skully93]

Not owning a SYM, but figuring there just has to be a way:

Is there not a way to contact SYM directly, explain the damage, and have them refer you to a dealer that WOULD work on it?

I think your skeptical attitude is perfectly well founded.

[charlie55]

Here's a link to the HD200 service manual:

http://scooterunderground.ca/knowledge/ ... manual.pdf

Page 17-14 shows the procedure for replacing the main switch/ignition lock. Doesn't look like a big deal: take off the headset plastics, disconnect the switch, and undo two bolts. If the plate to which the switch/lock is bolted has been bent (causing the switch to stick out and the lock to not work) I would imagine that some heating and hammering would soon put it right.

The hardest part, if required, would be getting a new lock and key set. You'd have to go through a dealer since I'm pretty sure they wouldn't sell these to the general public. Doing so would provide an HD200 "pass key" to every would-be thief in creation.

[Syd]

...said something about how on Syms, it's integrated with the frame, and so it can't be fixed without taking nearly everything apart and replacing a lot of parts...

In my opinion that's the important part; it may cost more to fix than the scoot is worth on the open market (that's not even true since anyone who has ever ridden an HD200 knows in their heart that the scoot is priceless!).

I wonder what happens to wrecked scoots? I had an '06, and the ignition was one of the only things up front that wasn't damaged. Maybe you can call around to insurance companies and see if there is an older HD200 they have that can be purchased for parts only. Might be worth a shot.

[kary]

SYM has a new distributor in the US and your mechanic may be having difficulty getting parts. Is there a SYM dealer near you? They are still importing the HD 200 so parts should be available for them.
I don't know how much labor is involved in replacing these parts but the dealer should be able to tell you. I can't imaging the lock and ignition is enough to total out a scooter.

[Syd]

Do you have insurance (full coverage), or was it broken into at home so that maybe your renters/homeowners insurance might cover it?

[VinylDoctor]

wouldnt it be wonderful if there were scooter junkyards.

I wont had a huge biker moron pick up my moped and throw it in the dumpster. good thing I found it before the trash was picked up. I miss my little moped.

[ericalm]

SYM has a new distributor in the US and your mechanic may be having difficulty getting parts. Is there a SYM dealer near you? They are still importing the HD 200 so parts should be available for them.
I don't know how much labor is involved in replacing these parts but the dealer should be able to tell you. I can't imaging the lock and ignition is enough to total out a scooter.

Alliance has been distributing SYM for a while now and from what I've heard from dealers, they've got a big parts warehouse and many of the supply issues have been ironed out.

I agree, try a SYM dealer. They have a connection with Alliance and may be better equipped to deal with this.