It's my favourite to ride these days 🏍

The SYM Blaze held up well in my time with it (I have had 2 of these through the years), and is serving it's new owner now. Currently I am riding a Suzuki Burgman 125, and have been pretty impressed with it, considering what it is. It has carried me to opposite ends of Cape Town on the highway and against some hectic winds at that. I have had the 150 version of the GSX (I have two riding videos on my channel with it). I have had the full-fairing and naked version of it. It is a good looking and smooth-engined bike. Suzuki are apparently known for clunky gear boxes though, and this is something that only became knowledge to me after owning some. The Suzuki GSX will tell you when it's in the mood to change gears - not you 😅 As someone who is also in my 30s, but has been riding since 5 on my first little 50cc, I would recommend recommend the Honda XR150L to start on. While not the sexiest (if you're into that sporty look anyway), it is comfortable. I have had one of these too and I can honestly say it's the best bike I've owned. You'll get that Japanese reliability, and that thing is built like a work horse. I also had plenty of fun with it off roading. This opinion is from someone who daily rides bikes for commuting for over 14 years now. If I had a Honda dealer near me that sold bikes, I would be on the XR150L again. Unfortunately, my nearest Honda dealer that does bikes is over 45 minutes away from me. Don't start with a Chinese bike. I only risked them when I had experience working on my own bikes. Other than reliability, a Japanese bike will have trade in value when you are ready to move on to your next.

For a weekend bike, especially in that range, this will be a good purchase. I use mine for rides like these, but also as my daily commuter. I am also the same height and weight as you.

@@ashleybecktonThanks a lot for the advice. Really appreciate.

You've definitely got the right idea to start on a smaller bike, regardless of age. I'm 31 now and I keep getting "smaller" bikes because I ended up with a soft spot for them. I also like that they barely even sniff petrol compared to cars. I've seen what Americans think are "starter bikes" 😅. I'd say spend the 2k difference at Honda and get an XR 150. Honda's like that are bulletproof. I'm 175cm / 5.9", and I'd say the XR would suit if you are that or taller. The 150 will have a little more oomph, but you can also do your yard test with it and get a full A license, instead of just the A1 you'd get if you go on a 125.

The thing with Big Boy is - I only took the chance on the Superlight model, as that is made by Senke. Whereas all other Big Boy bikes, are made by Zongshen (The brand that's made them notorious for breaking down and falling apart). Zongshen was also the maker of all those Jonway's you don't even see around anymore. The SYM so far is a good little commuter - especially for the price. For that segment though, if it's within your budget, the best bike you'll get in terms of build quality and reliability is the Honda XR 150. That thing is near on indestructible. I regretted selling mine.

Thank you so much for the reply. I did have the xr 150 but sold it after one year. Maybe I should not have, not sure. Very "bland" the xr. I will take a look at the Blaze 200. Nicer "dash/clocks" than the 150 xr. Both NHT 125, 200 nice but too expensive for me. How does the Blaze 200 compare with the YBR dual purpose 125 wrt power and comfort and finish ?

@@tinusvanwyk3008 Yeah you don't buy the XR for its looks - you buy it for that Honda engine. So for the YBR G vs Blaze, I would go for the Blaze. I've had both the old road version of the YBR and the (G) dual purpose, and unless you want to mess around in the dirt, the YBR dual purpose isn't as planted on the road. The YBR is expensive for what it is too (but again, real solid engine) as in 2021 the YBR was R30k, so probably more now. In terms of sitting on the thing, it's more or less the same. The SYM Blaze and XS model are clearly ripped from the designs of the Yamaha YBR / old Honda E-Storm. I do like the more "retro-vintage" style of the dials on the Blaze. Loosely reminds me of a mid 2000s Triumph Speed Triple. Power is a tad better, if you're used to the small engines, you feel the difference of a restricted 125cc compared to anything slightly bigger. The Blaze 200 is a tad deceiving in the name, as its only a 169cc. But I have had a passenger up and down the N1 in Joburg on it, and it was fine. Top cruising speed (without being near the redline) of about 100kmh in the early stages of the engine life. As for finish, much of a muchness. Even on the small Japanese bikes, all the plastics come from China anyway. My bikes stay fresh because I keep them covered when not in use, don't park in the sun whenever possible, and I detail all the black plastic bits with tire silicone to keep them looking new.

Thank you so much, really appreciate. I will go and check out the Blaze. Seems to be value for the money.

@tinusvanwyk3008 It's definitely a value for what it is at around R24k on the road. I also just remembered one other thing to note - Dealers like Honda and Yamaha will accept a SYM on trade in, but won't touch a Big Boy. I think that speaks volumes.

The Superlight is faster on the top end but the Blaze is more reliable. I can say that with certainty, as I have had 2 of each of them over the years. Depending on your longer term thinking, most dealers will accept a SYM on trade-in, but nobody wants to touch a used Big Boy (Even Big Boy themselves).

@@ashleybeckton thanks for the info. I think I will go with reliability, by the way nice video👍

Yeah, it's a pretty light bike. As light as you're going to get in the bike segment pretty much - without getting one of those little Big Boy Velocitys a lot of the delivery guys ride.

@@ashleybecktonThanks. Can you comment on maintenance as well as build quality if a comparison is made to a velocity, as you put it.

@@AK--if1su It comes down to pricing in the end. You get what you pay for. The Big Boy brand is the cheapest in SA, but also the worst in terms of reliability. The SYM does better in reliability and is trusted by bigger brands to be sold under them (Yamaha sells SYMs where I am). But on the other hand, the SYM can't compete with Japanese brands in terms of quality - Compared to something like a Yamaha YBR 125 and a Honda Ace 125 - but they're more expensive. If this will be your first bike to learn on, it will be fine for that purpose, and a SYM will still be accepted as a trade in by most dealers when you're ready to upgrade (No dealers are willing to touch Big Boy on trade in - which means you either have to sell it for next to nothing to WeBuyCars, or take the chance of being robbed or murdered trying to sell it on FB Marketplace for a little more).

@@ashleybeckton wow that's dramatically well answered, especially the FB part, with which I agree of course. Will you review any other SYM bikes such as the NHT ? Heard lot of good things about it, especially the ABS.

I can only review bikes I've personally owned. It keeps the review unbiased and based off experience on it for riding it for more than a couple days. The NHT looks cool - Made to look like the Honda NC750X. In my personal opinion, if you were looking at the 200cc version of the NHT, for that price I would rather get the Honda XR150. It looks a little more plain, but that Honda build is just about bulletproof.

You better hold on 😋

Yeah, but ... They were in the way 👀