SYM Malaysia just upped the hype of underbone (kapchai) with the 2018 SYM VF3i supercub, priced at
RM 8,467 for the standard model, and RM8,785 for the Special Edition. All prices
include GST, but exclude road tax, registration and insurance.
This is a first in the market, as the biggest
supercubs typically have 150 cc engines, and Malaysia is the first to see the
VF3i. What this means is the VF3i carries a 33 cc advantage over its market
rivals and as we all know, there is no replacement for displacement.
Displacing 183 cc from its liquid-cooled, SOHC,
four-valve single, the VF3i produces a claimed 17.7 hp at 8,500 rpm and 15.3 Nm
of torque at 7,500 rpm. Power for the Euro-3 compliant VF3i gets to the ground
via a six-speed gearbox with wet-disc clutch.
Rolling on 17-inch wheels, the VF3i carries a 90/80
tubeless tyre in front, and the rear wheel is shod in 120/70 rubber. Braking is
done with a 250 mm diameter disc in front clamped by a dual-piston hydraulic
calliper, the largest in its category, while the rear is stopped with a 200 mm
diameter brake disc.
As for suspension, the VF3i uses conventional
telescopic forks in front, with 80 mm of travel, while a non-adjuastable
monoshock with 32 mm of travel props up the rear end. Fuel is carried in a
7-litre tank under the seat, giving some 171 km of range according to SYM.
For those who might wish to know, SYM claims the
VF3i will show an indicated 155 km/h on the digital LCD speedometer, with
engine speed shown on an analogue gauge. Lighting for the VF3i is LED all
round, and the front cowl sports a pair of LED DRLs.
The 2018 SYM VF3i weighs in at 124 kg, and comes in
two colour options, Red and Blue, while the Special Edition comes in Matte Black.
Availability of the VF3i in the Malaysia market will be from May at authorised
SYM dealers.
Local market competition for the SYM VF3i comes from
the Yamaha Y15ZR, priced at RM 8,361 and the Honda RS150R at RM 8,478. Another
option is the Benelli RFS150i, which retails at RM 7,407.
