2009 SYM Bonus X Ride Review:

Something in addition to what is expected. Something extra that is good. That is how the term “bonus” is defined. If you are going to name a model Bonus, you must be able to deliver something more than what is expected, and that it must be good! Otherwise, you will just end up embarrassing your brand.

The people at SYM Philippines were very confident that they have a product worthy to be named Bonus X and that their impressive 100cc motorcycle will not let them down. After riding the motorcycle, we can honestly say that they could not have thought of a better name.

But first, let us briefly give a background on SYM. Another giant of the Taiwan motorcycle industry, the company was founded on September 14 way back in 1961 and its headquarters and Research and Development centers are located in Taiwan. SYM has several international subsidiaries in Vietnam, Mainland China, Indonesia, Italy and Germany. SYM was capable of producing almost a million motorcycles per year as well as 35,000 automobiles in partnership with Hyundai. Here it is distributed by Mitsukoshi Motors Philippines, Inc. and their most popular models before were mainly scooters like the Jet and the Joyride. However, SYM has also introduced a number of underbone models like the Magic 110 to suit the demands of the local market.

The relatively new SYM Bonus X is a 100cc motorcycle priced at a very affordable P38,000 only. At this price level, one would normally expect a roughly finished and underpowered bike that rides like there’s a loose stone inside the engine.

The SYM Bonus X defies all these and literally delivers MORE than what is expected from it. One close inspection and short ride on the bike will make any rider an instant believer. We have never seen any motorcycle with this level of quality and performance being offered at this very affordable price level!
It is solidly built and nicely put together. The material design and quality are at Japanese-levels. Proudly wearing the mark “Taiwan” on its cases, the performance of the smooth, refined and quiet but powerful 97.2cc engine delivering 5.3Kw is very impressive giving you a feeling of quality. Even the critical areas that you can touch like the handlebars and passenger grab bars feel
quality. A simple example, just compare the way the metal shifter is constructed and finished to other similarly priced bikes.

The handling is very light for a 90kg bike and the brakes are strong while the 17-inch Kenda tires measuring 2.25 front and 2.5 not only look good, but actually grip well. You won’t find any wooden feeling cheap tires on the Bonus X. Shifting is smooth and precise and does not give you a sluggish feeling.

Also, the engine size delivers outstanding fuel efficiency which is a big bonus for commuters and those looking for a way to save.

The red brake calipers and rear shocks and the plastic coated rear grab handle are a nice touch giving the Bonus X a sporty character. It is available in Midnight Black, Metallic Silver, and Ruby Red variations. Of course, there are a few things that we think can be improved like the body graphics (which can be easily removed), the non-audible turn signals , the welded passenger pegs on the swing-arm which are uncomfortable for the passenger, and lastly, the very small underseat compartment. However, the positives far outweigh these negatives. The total package is one extremely good
value-for-money motorcycle.

If you think we are praising this Bonus X too much, try looking around the streets and you will probably see one (without graphics usually!) and be surprised by their numbers. Clearly, the many people who already bought the SYM Bonus X have a big smile on their faces because they have realized they got more than what they have paid for. Truly, a bonus for everybody!

Al Camba:“I have seen impressive models in the local market from different brands in the last couple of years in terms of technology, performance, innovation, styling and value for money. The SYM Bonus X struck me as a great over-achiever for the price of P38,000 in all aspects. The saying “under-promise and over-deliver” holds true for this impressive budget underbone. The keen buyer experienced with all brands would be impressed by what he can see, hear, feel and touch about the Bonus X. It is neither overly styled nor under-equipped. The quality and feeling of the plastics and metal parts are obviously at par with Japanese brands. The Kenda brand tires with street pattern are also not the cheap tire variety one would normally find with this price level. Little details like the red finishing for the brake caliper and shocks as well as the plastic passenger grab handles and fully chromed exhaust are a plus. Its 100cc engine is surprisingly refined and powerful. Many actually thought it was bigger than 100cc because of the way it delivered smooth power. The handling is light, braking is good, the shifting is precise, the side and center stands are easy to operate and the headlights are strong and clear. There are a few minor issues like the small underseat compartment and the welded passenger pegs but the plus outweigh them.”

Philip Bonza:“The power for 100cc is impressive, the shifting is perfect, and the brakes are superb. The rear brake is perfect for emergency situations. The headlight looks big for this size of motorcycle and will be very useful. The tail light is similar to that of a Japanese bike but it is ok! I think it has good quality. The engine vibration is very minimal. I actually feel like I’m riding a Japanese bike. I like the chrome finish and the height of the muffler. The craftsmanship and the quality of the plastics are very impressive. What I don’t like on this bike is the passenger pegs welded directly on the swing arm and the position of the gear change lever. I also don’t like the fact that there is almost no underseat compartment. The instrument panel looks very neat, but for me the numbers are too small especially when riding on high speeds. For a 100cc bike, it is quite ok, the design is simple, the buttons and the electric starter are all operating well and also, the headlight and the signal light operations are good. Overall, I can rate this bike with an 8.5 out of 10.”

Ricci Abrina: “It really is a bonus to have a bike this affordable with this quality! The tires are very sticky, if you ride well on the twisties, you can probably be fast on the Bonus X. You can do lean angles that are very low and it could really turn on a dime. The speed and power of the Bonus X is good enough for a 100cc engine. It’s powerful enough that you can actually do a wheelie not only in first, but also in second gear. The brakes are really good! The rear brakes are as powerful as the front disc brake. It’s much like one of the Japanese brands that I’ve tested a few years back. The ride is smooth and very comfortable and the riding position is right. The colors are nice and I like the red one. The silver is elegant while the black is stealthy. The Bonus X is really impressive and I have to hand it to the Taiwanese engineers; they are catching up in the underbone technology and quality of Japan. SYM can be really proud.”

*This article was published in InsideRACING’s  Volume 7 Number 5  2009 issue.