SYM Husky 150: Easy Riding Fun

Mention the initials SYM to any motorcycle enthusiast, and he will immediately think of scooters. Undoubtedly, Sanyang Motors (SYM) of Taiwan makes stylish and reliable scooters, such as the Chacha 50 (which looks like the Honda Dio on which it was based), the Didi 50 (an updated 50cc model that replaced the Chacha), the very popular Jet 100 and the rakish up-market Shark 150.

SYM’s close ties with Honda were put to good use not only in the scooter models but in the motorcycle models, as well. The Magic is a 100cc moped that looks like a copy of the Honda Dream in style and in function. But if you’re looking for a bike that is not only easy to ride, but stylish as well, take a close look at the SYM Husky 150.

The Husky is a low-slung bike that looks custom-built for a motorcycle that was made in an assembly line. Its two-tone paint, low seat height, stepped seats, rear backrest/grab bar, swept-back handlebars and abundant use of chrome gives the Husky the personality of a custom cruiser. On the other hand, the air-cooled 150cc four-stroke motor gives it the simplicity and the fuel efficiency inherent in single cylinder engines. The rear15-inch wheel shod with 130/80-15-63P tire and the front 18-inch wheel wrapped with 90/90-18-51P tire makes the bike look like a chopper while maintaining the cruiser stance. If you try to squint your eyes a little, the Husky looks like a Harley-Davidson, albeit in 7/8 scale.

While the Husky looks good standing still, it gets better once you get on it. The comfortable saddle is about 25 inches from the ground giving the bike a low center of gravity, good balance and stability while giving the rider added confidence of having both feet firmly planted on the ground during stops. The forward-mounted foot pegs and swept-back handlebars provide a comfortable riding position and an ergonomic layout of the controls.

Starting the bike is easy as pushing a switch, thanks to its electric starter. The tuned exhaust pipe gives a much lower stacatto than what you’d normally hear from 150cc engines. The counter balanced motor gives good torque at low and mid-range but near redline, the engine buzzes furiously that some of the vibrations reach the handlebars, blurring the mirrors and numbing your fingers in the process. The bike can comfortably cruise at 60 kph, returning about 35 kilometers per liter, but above 90 kph, the engine is begging for a 6th gear.

The Husky may not win top speed prizes, but it is essentially a street bike that you can maneuver in city traffic. The narrow frame and light weight makes it easy for a novice rider to slice between gaps in traffic and look good while doing it. You can slow down to a crawl, fit into a gap and speed off confidently without taking your feet off the pegs, thanks to the bike’s balance and easy maneuverability. If you can remember Eric Estrada and Larry Wilcox in "CHIPS", and you can get a good idea of what I mean.

The front disc/rear drum brake system does its job of stopping the bike quite admirably, although you may not need to grab the brakes often because releasing the throttle produces effective engine braking. And when it comes to parking the bike, it is easy to engage the center stand, thanks to the Husky’s claimed dry weight of 147 kg. You can even leave your helmet with the bike, securing it to the lockable clip found at the rear of the backrest.

Overall, the Husky 150 is a cool cruiser packed in a neat package. Priced at P105,000, it is marketed locally by Mitsukoshi Motors Philippines, Inc. and is available in two colors: red with white accents and black with mocca accents. You can see the Husky and other SYM products at the Mitsukoshi showroom on 222 E. Rodriguez Ave., Quezon City or you can call them at 414-6766 to 68 and at 712-4098. And begin your adventure on two wheels.