2018 SYM VF3i 183cc supercub launched in Malaysia at RM8,467

KUALA LUMPUR: In a highly competitive underbone market in Malaysia, its difficult to get an upper hand against your rivals. In a quest to do so, SYM Malaysia has launched the VF3i 183 cc supercub at a starting price of RM8,467 for the base model. A special edition of the latest underbone is also available at RM8,785. Both prices are excluding road tax, registration and insurance, however, GST is included and we are waiting for the updated pricing.

It is the first supercub in Malaysia to feature VF3i which provides an added 33cc displacement. Even the biggest supercubs in Malaysia typically comes fitted with a 150cc engine and thus the additional displacement gives an advantage to the SYM VF3i over its rivals.

The 183cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four-valve, single-cylinder engine generates a max power of 17.7 hp at 8,500rpm and peak torque of 15.3 Nm at 7,500 rpm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox and a wet disc clutch. Not to forget, the latest VF3i’s engine is Euro-3 compliant. SYM claims that the VF3i can clock a top speed of 155 kmph and has a fuel tank capacity of 7 litres which is decent enough, especially during a long run.

Suspension setup on the VF3i comprises conventional telescopic front forks, with 80mm of travel and non-adjustable monoshock with 32mm of travel at the rear. Braking is handled by a 250 mm disc at the front clamped by a dual-piston hydraulic caliper (the largest in its category), and a 200mm disc at the rear. The latest VF3i rides on 17-inch alloy wheels covered with 90/80 tubeless tyre at the front and a 120/70 tyre at the rear. The dry weight of the bike is 124kg.

The latest VF3i features LED DRL headlight up front and LED tail light at the back. It comes equipped with a semi-digital instrument console on which the speedometer is digitally displayed while the other readings are displayed on an analog gauge.

The standard variant of the 2018 SYM VF3i comes in two colour schemes - red and blue, while the Special edition is offered in Matte Black.  The 2018 VF3i will compete against the Yamaha Y15ZR, priced at RM8,361, the Honda RS150R, retailing at RM8,478 and the Benelli RFS150i, priced at RM7,407.