CBT.BIKE/Bikes/SYM/Symphony 125

Scooter // Automatic // 2024 // CBT Legal

SYM
Symphony 125

Big-wheel scooter at small-scooter money.

Power

9.5 bhp

Weight

125kg

Top Speed

60 mph

From New

£2,749

Profile silhouette

16" cast aluminium · seat 795 mm

Colour palette

Matte Black
Pearl White
Racing Red

Range & economy

Tank5.6 litres

Economy125 mpg

Realistic range~154 mi

Annual fuel @ 4,000 mi: ~£211

Taiwanese-built SYM has been making reliable, value-driven scooters for decades. The Symphony ST 125 pairs 16-inch wheels with one of the best price tags in the class. Underrated and overlooked.

Who it's for

Budget-conscious commuters who want big-wheel stability without paying SH125i money.

Pros

Big 16-inch wheels at low price
Strong build for the money
Underseat storage fits a full-face helmet
5-year warranty

Cons

Brand recognition lower than Honda/Yamaha
Resale value lower than Japanese rivals
Sparse UK dealer network

Suitability

commuter

9/10

sport

4/10

comfort

8/10

value

9/10

style

6/10

Full Specifications

Engine: Single-cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 2-valve, air-cooled
Displacement: 125cc
Power: 9.5 bhp @ 7,500 rpm
Torque: 7.1 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm
Top speed: 60 mph
Fuel economy: 125 mpg
Fuel capacity: 5.6 litres
Weight: 125 kg (wet)
Seat height: 795 mm
Transmission: CVT automatic
ABS: Front-only ABS

Brakes: Front: 260mm disc. Rear: 220mm disc.
Suspension: Front: telescopic. Rear: twin shocks.
Wheels & tyres: 16" cast aluminium
Service interval: 3,750 miles / 12 months
Warranty: 5 years (industry-leading)
Insurance group: Group 8
Available colours: Matte Black, Pearl White, Racing Red
Price new: £2,749
Price used: £1,700 – £2,300
CBT legal?: Yes
Keepable post-licence?: No — learners only

True cost of owning a Symphony 125

Estimates for a 25-year-old with one year of CBT licence holding, riding 4,000 miles a year in Zone 2 London. Adjust for your own circumstances.

insurance

£430 / year (third-party fire & theft, 25 yr old, London)

tax

£25 / year (motorcycles ≤150cc)

mot

£29.65 / year (compulsory from year 3)

fuel

~£211 / year at 4,000 mi (£1.45/L)

service

~£110 / minor service

Day-one essentials

ECE 22.06 full-face helmet

£120 – £400

CE Level 2 armoured jacket

£150 – £350

Disc lock + reminder cable

£35 – £75

Sold Secure Gold chain + ground anchor

£90 – £180

47L top-box + mounting kit

£75 – £160

All-weather cover + bike socks

£30 – £80

Best for

Budget commuters
Long-warranty seekers
First-bike scooter buyers

Insider trivia

— SYM is one of the world's top-five scooter manufacturers by volume.
— Built in SYM's Hsinchu, Taiwan facility.
— 5-year warranty is the longest in the UK 125 market.

Owner FAQs

Can I ride the Symphony 125 on a CBT?: Yes — the SYM Symphony ST 125 is fully CBT-legal in the UK. With L-plates and a valid DL196 you can ride it for two years before progressing to A1, A2, or full A.
What licence do I need to take L-plates off the Symphony 125?: You need an A1 (17+), A2 (19+) or full A (24+) licence and Module 1 / 2 pass — this 125 itself is restricted to learners.
Is the Symphony 125 reliable?: SYM has a 5 years (industry-leading) warranty on the Symphony 125. SYM is one of the world's top-five scooter manufacturers by volume.
What is the real-world range?: Claimed economy is 125 mpg and the tank is 5.6 litres, giving a theoretical range of 154 miles. Real-world budget around 80% of that.
What insurance group is the Symphony 125?: Group 8. As a rough guide, a 25-year-old in zone 2 London with no claims pays around £430 per year third-party fire & theft.
Is the Symphony 125 good for delivery / courier work?: Yes — twist-and-go, low running costs and underseat storage make it a strong courier pick. Add a top-box and a £20/yr commercial-use endorsement.