The half price VESPA - Sym Fiddle IV 125 - Review

In this video we take a look at what can only be described as a low cost, budged friendly, half price VESPA. The Sym Fiddle 4 125 while taking style inspiration from it's Italian counterpart it comes in at a much more reasonable price, mainly because it's not reinventing the wheel, they used what they had and just made it look really good.
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Take care and ride safe!

[@lorenhawkes2649]

I bought this one in Matt black back in January and I love it.Gets me to work everyday in all weathers

[@-music2023]

I live in Paris, bought one in white color, great bike, smooth, great acceleration, mine has ABS. Paid 3300€, don't regret one bit

[@RideWithAlex]

You got a great deal on it!

[@paisley3518]

Love the video. You have a great spirit and you had my attention the whole time. Great job.

[@RideWithAlex]

Thank you 😁

[@salzgurke]

Great video! I have been living in Taiwan for more than 10 years and had a 125cc Kymco scooter (Romeo, local model), which I really enjoyed riding. Now I'll move back to Europe and want a Taiwanese scooter again. I'm thinking of getting a Fiddle, and your review helped a lot!

[@RideWithAlex]

It's a good choice. If it's available in your country go for the liquid cooled version because it also has ABS. If not this air-cooled version will do the job nicely.

[@salzgurke]

@@RideWithAlex Thank you for the advice, I will do that! 🙂

[@dunngyllite7883]

Great review, thanks. That 500 Euro upgrade looks totally awesome, btw.

[@Cappellano]

Looks really good. I was thinking about getting a Vespa Primavera or Piaggio Liberty, but this looks like the best of both worlds. Thank you for the review.

[@RideWithAlex]

My pleasure 🙂

[@randykaminski6214]

Thank you for the great review!

[@RideWithAlex]

My pleasure :)

[@titusquaedvlieg6143]

I had a Vespa 125...a lot of problems after 25.500 km...with the Sum Mio now after 36.300 km the first problem..a defect cdi..costs:60 euro's...

[@Julianvanderheijden]

Thanks for this good review. I think i might buy it. ✅

[@RideWithAlex]

With pleasure :)

[@mlm2544]

I am Italian and yes we go late at night for a cappuccino and a hot croissant filled with nutella on our vespa. 😉

[@RideWithAlex]

:)))

[@Mil-Keeway]

Thanks for the great review! It's so confusing, last year they didn't want to call it Sym Fiddle IV or 4, instead they called it Fiddle E5 (for Euro 5), so it's really hard to find parts and accessories since you always get redirected to older models. Also, the version you have is the non-ABS version, that has a relatively weak air-cooled engine, while the ABS version has the much newer and more high-tech (ceramic coated cylinder wall & piston surface, giving 13HP & more torque too, lower fuel consumption: ~2.3L/100km around town, etc.) liquid-cooled engine shared with Jet 14 and Jet X etc. The ABS version costs about 500 Euros more, here in Austria in October 2021 it was ~2800 for the non-ABS air-cooled and ~3300 for the ABS water-cooled version.

[@minimad8793]

I wish we could get the Liquid cooled version in the UK. I have the Fiddle 2 125cc and its been 10 years without any worry at all so definitely recommend this bike to folks. any dealers wishing to send the Liquid Cooled over to the uk, I would buy it :)

[@Mil-Keeway]

@@minimad8793 Good to have another data point - all I've ever heard about SYM is that they're seemingly better built than even Vespa (being Italian and all). Final QC isn't that great it seems, but if you get a bike that isn't a lemon from the dealer, you shouldn't have any issues for years

[@crankine77]

@@minimad8793 really good to hear about the reliability of these scooters, so many horror stories from Royal Alloy and Lambretta owners.

[@minimad8793]

@@crankine77 its all about keeping on top of the service schedules and also changing the wear and tear items when they need to be. Not sure if relevant, but I only use the one fuel garage to fill the bike so may help a smidge lol. Seriously though, if you look after something, it will look after you, simples :)

[@gearbox3773]

Hello The side suspension came from 1st Vespa and for a very simple reason: to easily replace the front wheel. On modern Vespa has no sense, it is for style only. I'm Italian

[@MrJimmy-ox7fq]

Great Video! I love this guy! I thought that I invented the phrase "vertically challenged" being 5'5" tall (168 cm). Being mostly Hungarian mixed with Italian and a bunch of other stuff ("mutt") I can't answer the coffee question, but when I buy mine, I can carry my dead chickens back to my gypsy wagon! Love ya.... mean it! Best wishes to all. Learn to laugh and laugh enough to love! Carry on!

[@RideWithAlex]

Thank you 😁

[@henriquemagalhaes3062]

Looks so neat and stylish! Maybe I would give it a try. Not so sure though if being 1.87 tall is the ideal scooter for me. It must be a lot of fun to drive one of these though

[@as897552]

Being 1.87 tall also, riding a SYM MMBCU as commuting vehicle now. It is much bigger and more powerful. If you can get it in the region you live, it would be a decent choice.

[@donaldlee6760]

I own several Vespa and Piaggio scooters. I'm curious how well built the motor and other parts are. One big reason I like to own Piaggio/Vespa is because I can still buy parts even for my 2003 LT150. It also helps me greatly that there are so many how-to videos on KZbin to fix pretty much any problem. If Sym can be as easily fixed and source parts for then I would gladly seek one out.

[@RideWithAlex]

Depends where you live but here in Romania parts availability is very good.

[@gravelpit5680]

I've personally seen Fiddle, sym scooters and Lance, with 20,000 and over 30,000 US Miles on them. they last...

[@fatallerror6059]

IT looks amazing with the crash bars installed, what do you recommend for traveling around the country , I can’t decide between jet X and the upcoming husky adv , it’s that a big difference between 13 and 14 inch rims ? Great video as always !

[@RideWithAlex]

The difference is not that big, but currently the husky will arrive late in 2022, so for this summer there will be no husky, after I get to ride it I can say if it's better than the jetx. In terms of wheel size the difference between 14 and 13 is small.

[@Mil-Keeway]

Hey I bought a JetX in October but am still in the break-in period, currently at 440 km. Did a ~130 km tour yesterday in the Austrian countryside, and I can definitely say it is too slow for our 100 km/h 2-lane country roads, both in flat ground and especially in mountainous areas. It really struggles up something like 10% grade, slows down to maybe 70 km/h wide-open throttle. In the flat it did ~95 km/h when I'm in full superbike racer boy style tuck, which is highly uncomfortable ;). All the speeds are verified with GPS since the tach is way off - 100 km/h is ~114 indicated... I have heard that the first oil change and valve adjustment works wonders for this engine and really opens it up so it goes quite a bit faster and has much more torque. The reason I got it though is the efficiency around town (traded in my gas-guzzling Kawasaki Versys 650, ~10L/100km in the city...) and the incredibly comfortable cruiser-style seating position with legs forward. I had to buy different mirrors since I only saw my shoulders in the originals. My fuel consumption on that overland mostly high-speed and hilly ride was 2.45L/100km which I find incredible for the performance. However if this has to be 125cc (in compliance with EU A1 license class), I'd go with something that is the EU legal max performance - Zontes has some very good, very affordable models, or Motron X-Nord 125 (also a pretty good ADV).

[@RideWithAlex]

@@Mil-Keeway I know someone with a jetx that has a couple of thousands km with it and now that the engine is well broken in the acceleration and pick-up is much better then the ones i ride (brand new out of the box) and he managed to get it up to 120km/h indicated so probably 105 gps speed. But if you want to go long distance it'll cruise at 85-90km/h comfortably all day long. The mirrors part, i know a lot of people complained, i would just put the same mirrors that are on the jet14 or symphony st :)))

[@erinfough4344]

Great review. I could HEAR you, for one thing, too many reviews the speaker is dealing with wind or just a bad microphone. You pointed out the things I care about and were humorous as well!

[@RideWithAlex]

I really try with the budget that i have to get decent audio, no point in making a video if no one can understand what I'm saying :))

[@a.tassos5158]

Hi Alex !!! Nice review! If you liked the Fiddle go check the Daytona Orama 125cc !!! Even prettier and has a fantastic engine with 15 (...yes ... fifteen!!!) horse power!!!!

[@MucsDeMic]

Bah, chiar am crezut ca esti strain, apoi am vazut peisajul de europa de est si numere de B la 8:57 :D. Bravo, misto review !

[@RideWithAlex]

Mersi :D

[@butlersracing7692]

In South Africa the 2024 fiddle 150 is €1277 out the box. Vespa VXL equivalent is €3160.

[@RideWithAlex]

That's an awesome price :D

[@sconzerb7780]

Very good video. I am thinking of buying one. Do you know the service intervals on the fiddle after the 1st 1000k service?

[@RideWithAlex]

Every 2500km

[@sconzerb7780]

Thanks@@RideWithAlex

[@markostano5222]

Hello Alex, thanks for the review. I am deciding between this one and Jet 4 RX 125, which one is more fun to ride?

[@RideWithAlex]

They have the same frame and geometry, they are pretty much identical.

[@markostano5222]

@@RideWithAlex I like the looks of the fiddle more, but on the other hand I prefer the wider bars of the Jet Rx, but the RX has only single rear shock...do you thing it matters? Thank you!

[@RideWithAlex]

@@markostano5222 the rear shock is not a problem, between one stronger or 2 weaker they do the same job

[@markostano5222]

Thank you! Greetings from Slovakia 🇸🇰

[@leff5427]

Hello, great video!i literally went and bought it after i watched it! Any idea where we can find the bars and the windshield you have on, in minute 8:16? Thanks!

[@RideWithAlex]

Givi has a windscreen option for the fiddle and you can also check out: www.easyparts.com/Windscreen-FABBRI-Fiddle-IV-125i-E5-2020-p33695072 this is a great web site for sym accessories and spare parts

[@crankine77]

@@RideWithAlex I’ve bought my own pasta rocket, thanks for these reviews they really helped me make my mind up. Question please, how easy is it to fit the crash bars and windscreen?

[@RideWithAlex]

@@crankine77 windscreen is easy, for the crash bars you have to cut hols in the existing fairings but you have instructions, it's not hard just time consuming.

[@crankine77]

@@RideWithAlex thanks for the reply, cheers 🍻

[@andreasagathaggelou5187]

Hi. Did you manage to find and buy the bars ? I have been searching for weeks now and I have been unable to.

[@zugravalex4725]

What changes do you recommend to increase top speed without affecting life of engine, Cvt…and other parts?

[@RideWithAlex]

An experienced scooter mechanic should have the answer, I'm still figuring this out myself :)

[@Colibrimaus]

in Germany has it ABS front + rear Brake + Liquid cooled 3200 Euro

[@RideWithAlex]

I know, western Europe gets the liquid cooled version

[@samuelzamozny763]

Hi. I bought Sym Symphony E5 125 and it's actually manufactured in mainland China (PRC).

[@RideWithAlex]

Yes, SYM has assembly plants in Taiwan, China and Vietnam.

[@jamesconner3437]

@@RideWithAlex Supposedly the engine is made in Taiwan, and some other parts, maybe transmission, with assembly in other countries now. I would doubt that a Taiwan manufacturer would build a full factory in China, since the risk of political shutdown would be unreasonable. Piaggio builds in Vietnam now also. Someone in Taiwan or the Mainland want to reply ?

[@fulviafulvi8715]

Italiana .. complimenti sei stato molto preciso e d'aiuto...l'acquistero' di sicuro

[@RideWithAlex]

My pleasure, glad this video helped you!

[@-music2023]

Your English is great

[@RideWithAlex]

Thank you!

[@rumberonegro]

Alex, I have a 2019 200i(169cc) at 8:10 you showed a wind screen and othe accessories for about €500 . Where can i purchase those?

[@RideWithAlex]

www.easyparts.com

[@rumberonegro]

Thanks brother!

[@Colibrimaus]

I would like that Sym Symphony ST LC 125 (2021) in Germany but there isn't.

[@RideWithAlex]

I don't understand why because you have the fiddle with the same engine :/

[@Colibrimaus]

@@RideWithAlex i like the big 16 " Wheels , runs more stable on bad roads we have a lot of that here

[@JoshConnectMedia]

It looks almost exactly like a Vespa. Maybe similar 😇.

[@RideWithAlex]

Very close in design

[@scicx]

@@RideWithAlex Except it's made of plastic not sheet metal. Big difference.

[@MotoPadawan]

Buna! Maybe sound stupid, but do You know of any after market exhaust for this Fiddle which could give a bit angier sound?:) Multumesc

[@RideWithAlex]

No

[@MotoPadawan]

Thank You for the fast feedback.. I'm going to order my Fiddle tomorrow :) Weekend placut!

[@CKPHH]

In Vietnam they mod the exhaust intake to a bgger diameter and drill hole in the muffler to make it flow and sound better

[@CKPHH]

So Im from Vietnam, scooters run our streets. Kymco and Sym been around since the mid 60 Sym : manufacture small Cars and bikes and parts for Honda .til 2002 Sym started producing for huyndai taiwan… Sym bike and scooters has been working fine here in Vn but in recent years there is little demand in Vn Kymco now is manufacturing ATX and SxS around the world. And their engine was chosen for bmw 400cc bike and i5 e car. Kymco and Sym are among lowkey the top Bike and Scooter companies in the world today.

[@RideWithAlex]

Sym and Kymco have always worked in silence and that's why people don't know much about them.

[@CKPHH]

@@RideWithAlex nuff said

[@marcotiano7254]

In Italiy we usually go out for drinks, not for coffee in the evening :DD. BTW don't drink and drive guys ;)

[@RideWithAlex]

Going out for drinks instead of coffee is something I can get behind :)))). Btw how bad was my Italian in the first part? Real curios to hear from someone who actually speaks the language.

[@marcotiano7254]

@@RideWithAlex Not bad actually, just with a slight accent. Very nice 🙂

[@RideWithAlex]

@@marcotiano7254 good enough for me :))

[@yf48353]

Is the suspension better than fiddle 3? Because of fiddle 3 single rear shock was not very comfortable.. if its even little beter i will buy this scooter if its the same as before i wont buy it

[@RideWithAlex]

I don't think the suspension has been improved from the fiddle 3

[@yf48353]

​@@RideWithAlexOne last question.. my old fiddle 3 125 can reach 120km/h speed downhill,105 ön straight.. can fiddle 4 does the same you reckon? Do you thing engine is the same?

[@CKPHH]

@@yf48353 169cc engine makes 12.1 hp and 9.2 lbft idk if it the same as yours

[@krasky]

2:54 that's not correct! Depending on where the scooter is sold it comes with ABS or not. Great review besides that fact!

[@jeremyniels]

It seems like sym is only delivering parts to dealers, they cannot be purchased online by regular folks. I wonder how expensive these parts are, can you give any insight on this? For example what if the fuel pump dies on the E5 model, does sym charge a ridiculous 500 dollar for replacement? In that case i'll pass on Sym

[@RideWithAlex]

It depends on your local market. Ask your local dealer how much parts cost because I know the prices here in Romania but I have no ideea where you live.

[@jeremyniels]

@@RideWithAlex Does sym charge ridiculous prices for spare parts in romania? That should give a good indication of their buisiness practices. Piaggio does the same, 300 dollars for a fuel pump , lol

[@RideWithAlex]

@@jeremyniels it's much cheaper then Piaggio here.

[@jeremyniels]

@@RideWithAlex Thanks for that information!

[@altin.Top_G]

Does it have enough space for 2 people?

[@RideWithAlex]

Yes it does

[@altin.Top_G]

@@RideWithAlex Thank you sir👋

[@Jackevolution88]

My dreams scooter is a Vespa 300 GTS Super but man, the price, here in Italy is 7/7.5k 😭

[@RideWithAlex]

It's is unjustifiably expensive.

[@mig50cc]

Same here in the US. As much as I'd love to have a GTS, can't justify the 8k that these dealer's charge. And that's just the sticker price

[@amino4451]

Mamamia ♥️

[@amiryousefy8978]

How good is the quality of SYM scooters?

[@RideWithAlex]

I'm happy with myne and you can check my channel I didn't baby my symphony st

[@dunngyllite7883]

Sym and Kymco are the two main companies in Taiwan, when it comes to scooters. It's important to know, that in Taiwan scooters are all over the place since the 60s, and what people demand over there, is a reliable machine. Both companies totally deliver on that side, they are even considered to be better from a technical pov than the italian competition. Add to that, that they both come up now with beautiful (and, as stated in this video, almost identical to the Vespa)) retro design, and there you go. In short: if you want a Vespa, but better and cheaper, buy a Sym.

[@MrOcelot92]

Actually you forgot to mention main features of vespas... you can fuel them with cappuccino instead of gasoline :P

[@RideWithAlex]

Dang it, forgot about that one 😂😂😂

[@Ras.2.Zil.03]

Hi can i ride 60km without stopping...

[@RideWithAlex]

Without any kind of problem!

[@Ras.2.Zil.03]

@@RideWithAlex thank you boss🙏✌️

[@trainspotting6510]

Era interesant de testat și versiunea de 50cc

[@RideWithAlex]

Se misca si se simte 90% ca si JET 4 RX cu care am deja video facut. Este acelasi cadru si acelasi motor de 49cc.

[@eren2430]

how tall are u? if u don't mind.

[@RideWithAlex]

175cm tall

[@eren2430]

@@RideWithAlex i’m 168. you think it runs big?

[@RideWithAlex]

@@eren2430 you'll be fine on it

[@gravelpit5680]

yes, Im a Texas MC dealer since 2009. The Fiddle 4, especially the 169cc fuel injected, is not only half the price of a Vespa, but also faster, easier to work on and will definitely last just as long. I had a guy put 32,000 miles on a Fiddle. Its not Chinese, its Taiwanese, major difference. I will never buy a Vespa. people are dumb bro

[@RideWithAlex]

In miles my 169cc Symphony ST is up to about 29.000 miles and plan many more.

[@gravelpit5680]

@RideWithAlex yes sir. Sanyang Motors (Sym) is a excellent product. Just as good as Honda or Yamaha

[@sniperule2004]

Funny

[@RideWithAlex]

Thank you :)

[@takis4954]

I don't understand why people like vespa when we have 2022!! It's so Old fashioned anyway..!

[@RideWithAlex]

There is something to like about the old design, much more rounded and soft.

[@marcotiano7254]

For the same reason people buy Harleys

[@takis4954]

@@marcotiano7254 but Harley is stylish!! Vespas and super Cubs belongs to the middle ages 🤣

[@tynubernard]

@@takis4954 cafe racer ,etc,etc,Wrangler,Defender,retro,old ,for the real men retro type,dont care ,way you need a SF scooter ,its just a scooter not a race bike,way not look cool and retro. You can have a 100 hp scooter you are not gone to look like a real racer,just an Wanna be...

[@petegallows5494]

Well, some people like the classic look, it reminds them of the times, when things looked normal (normal to them). When there was less weird shaped, fake looking, unnatural plastic added to everything- including cars, motorcycles, scooters - or women. When everything looked like it had a soul. Nowadays, it’s just items. Does this scooter look as good as ‘60 Vespa? Honestly, it doesn’t, but it’s trying. I would never want to own a sports bike, or a sports bike looking scooter, it’s not appealing to me one bit - but I love classic, naked motorcycles, simple, traditional shape, chrome etc. But hey, you do you - you don’t have to like the retro look, I don’t have to like the modern look. It’s all good. As long as there’s still options to choose from.

[@graz5858]

Vespa is the best, only and original, this is a fake.

[@RideWithAlex]

If you can afford a vespa :)

[@dennisolympiakos5492]

Top speed???

[@RideWithAlex]

About 100 km/h

[@dennisolympiakos5492]

I saw in a video 121km top speed!! Its real??

[@RideWithAlex]

@@dennisolympiakos5492 maybe down hill or maybe it was modified. The oficial spec says 99km/h. But I wouldn't go over 100km/h on 12" whees it's stupid and dangerous, get something bigger if top speed is your main interest.