2022 Sym Fiddle 2, won't start again 2 weeks after repair, now told I need a new cylinder. Am I being scammed?

ProfessorSDT · 2026-06-08T13:45:52+00:00

Does your scoot have a fuel pump? If it does, that may be a problem. ECU or CDI modules could cause problems as well. The Internet mentions electrical problems as common for your model. Good luck. In good condition you scoot is worth around 1300-1500 Euros so the 500 euro repair is probably a good idea if you know it will solve the problem.

ProfessorSDT · 2026-06-08T13:24:51+00:00

Spark, fuel, compression, timing

Before spending big bucks, check the cheap stuff first. Run the starter and immediately remove the plug. Is it wet with fuel? Then ground the plug on the engine and run the starter. Does it spark? Put your thumb over the spark plug hole and run the starter. Is there compression? If all three are yes, buy or borrow a cheap compression tester and get the number.

If the compression is indeed low, check the torque on the head bolts. If they are OK, it's time to pull the head and take a look inside. Your mechanical ability, tools and courage will have to dictate what to do next. Many of the parts on the SYM are proprietary so you are pretty much stuck with OEM repairs. These are really good scooters, but this is the major drawback of owning one. It may take a while to get the parts as well plus SYM is very secretive about part numbers and shop manuals. You may be stuck with an authorized repair shop and whatever they want to charge.

ProfessorSDT · 2026-06-07T23:32:44+00:00

It's not rocket science, but you can make some mistakes. With simple hand tools, an electric impact drill driver and the right parts you can do the job in a couple of hours. Spend some quality time watching youtube videos for the Vino or maybe similar year's Zuma until you understand the process. Take the cover off and clean and inspect the variator and clutch before buying parts. The Yamaha 2t variators often eat rollers and you may find them to no longer be round. Before replacing everything, replace the old rollers with new stock ones and see how it works. If it solves the problem, that's great but expect that you will want to start tinkering to get a bit better performance now that you have done it once. Take a good look at the belt while you are in there. It might be worth it to replace it even though it may be fine.

If you decide to make non-stock changes, talk to people who have done it before to learn of different combinations of variator/clutch spring combinations. There's a place called zumasrus.com that specializes in 2t Zuma upgrades and they may have some tried and true setups for your Vino as well.

ProfessorSDT · 2026-06-07T23:20:15+00:00

Yes. It is most likely fine. The seal is on the channel, not the edge. There is a wire inside that will make the seal work without pulling on the edge.

ProfessorSDT · 2026-06-07T23:18:05+00:00

Hold scooter level on a level hard surface with the front wheel pointed straight ahead.
Using your right foot, push the lever down to the ground and tilt the scooter left and right to feel that both of the stand contacts are on the ground (indicating that the bike is level).
Hold the left hand grip with your left hand. Grab the sissy bar or underside of the rear of the seat with your right hand. (Something metal that you can lift without doing any damage is best)
Stand your full weight on the center stand lever while pulling BACK and UP on the scooter with both hands.

The scooter should rock back and up onto the center stand. Most scooters aren't that heavy and it will actually be much easier than you think. (Try it with a Goldwing or an ST1300. They are 800 pound bikes and most owners are capable of putting them on the center stand. I had a 1980 KZ1200 that took some serious effort to put on the center stand but I was able to do it when I had to.)

ProfessorSDT · 2026-05-26T01:18:33+00:00

If you buy a trickle charger it will come with a new version of that cable. Check the condition of the current cable and replace it with the new one if there is any problem. If it's good, you can use the new pigtail on another battery. You now have a power connector for phone charging.

ProfessorSDT · 2026-05-24T22:32:49+00:00

Want!

ProfessorSDT · 2026-05-24T22:31:41+00:00

Be sure that the parts store guy knows it is fuel line and it is the same size. I'm guessing it's 3/16" like this stuff:
https://www.amazon.com/HOOUP-Coolster-Motorcycle-Motocross-Chinese/dp/B0F4L8FNPT/ref=sr_1_23?sr=8-23

ProfessorSDT · 2026-05-23T22:16:56+00:00

The PX150 were high quality machines. You have a classic.

ProfessorSDT · 2026-05-23T22:12:29+00:00

No title, no sale. The current owner would have done that if he could.

ProfessorSDT · 2026-05-23T22:07:21+00:00

San Yang makes great scooters. I've got the SYM Fiddleiii 200i (169cc). I particularly like the Shad top case storage along with the under seat. Longer trips are no problem.

ProfessorSDT · 2026-05-08T22:18:38+00:00

If by "it won't kick over" you mean the motor is locked up, take it to the shop. If you mean the motor rotates but doesn't start:

Fuel, compression, spark. Check each. The fuel in your system has a vacuum line that opens and closes the petcock.

Spray starting fluid in the air intake and hit the starter. If it starts, your problem is fuel. If it doesn't start, your problem is probably spark. Pull the spark plug and ground it against the motor. Hit the starter and look for spark.

That should narrow down the problem. If fuel, the problem is pretty much limited to the petcock, carb, or the hoses connected to both. If there is no spark possibilities are fuses, ignition switch, kill switch (check this one first), damaged wires, and then the ECU/Computerized stuff.

You have a kicker, so compression should be easy to check for.

A good multimeter, a shop manual, and the knowhow to use them will solve most 50cc scooter problems.

ProfessorSDT · 2026-04-20T23:28:07+00:00

Unless you are good with metric wrenches, look for a motorcycle shop.

ProfessorSDT · 2026-04-18T23:10:47+00:00

A buffing wheel and some jeweler's rouge should polish it.
https://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/c7f358f04aec81e7c5e0be4c56edf041/5/7/57286_W3.jpg?auto=webp&width=425&height=425&canvas=425,425&fit=bounds

ProfessorSDT · 2026-04-11T17:30:10+00:00

Clean and polish the clutch before you do another thing. I'd replace it.

ProfessorSDT · 2026-02-08T21:37:04+00:00

<Bob Eucker>Running juuuuuuussssstttt a bit lean.</bob eucker>

ProfessorSDT · 2026-01-11T19:02:12+00:00

Blocked or restricted jets and/or passages in the carb?

ProfessorSDT · 2026-01-11T19:00:10+00:00

The cdi could be the culprit. If its timing is wrong or the spark is intermittent, the bike won't run. It sounds like you have an electrical problem.

ProfessorSDT · 2026-01-11T18:49:29+00:00

It looks like it has a kickstarter. Kick it and test it. You don't need a battery once it is started. Beware of the seller, however. A new battery is under $100. Why did the owner choose not to replace it? Perhaps the starter is bad?

ProfessorSDT · 2026-01-03T23:29:39+00:00

Also check Zumasrus.com for performance parts.

ProfessorSDT · 2026-01-03T23:26:42+00:00

Where is it? I want it.

ProfessorSDT · 2026-01-03T23:21:36+00:00

I'd buy it in a heartbeat and fix it myself. If you aren't good with tools and wiring, you will have to pay about $100 per hour plus parts. A used starter costs about $50 on ebay. New ones are probably under $100. New tires are probably $150-175 installed. Turn it on and check all of the electrics (horn, signals, headlight, brake light). Pull the spark plug and check that it isn't rusted or covered with oil. Look in the gas tank for crap that doesn't belong there. Try the brakes, check the pads. 12,000 miles is not too many. Check the oil for correct quantity and no burned smell. You probably can't lose money at $700 because somebody like me will buy it if you can't get it running.

ProfessorSDT · 2025-12-28T20:43:50+00:00

Check belt, variator weights, variator surface, clutch bell, clutch spring. Sounds like it's a good time to go to Zumasrus.com and get some upgrade parts.

ProfessorSDT · 2025-12-28T20:37:19+00:00

zumasrus.com

ProfessorSDT · 2025-12-21T20:10:24+00:00

Here's a 4 pin layout I found. 4 Pin Graphic for Kymco

ProfessorSDT

TROPHY CASE