Question

Why is Syrup Bomb classified as special?

Answer 1

Because it is a damage dealing move. This has not been updated on the site yet. It is a 60 BP move.

Source

Comments

Thanks, that's the reason for the ask. Sorry for not clarifying in the question, I asked because I didn't see a BP value.

Answer 2

Syrup Bomb is most likely a special move to take advantage of Dipplin's and Hydrapple's Special Attack stats, which are better than their Attack stats. If you're asking for a flavour reason, it's because most special moves are moves that don't make contact with the opponent. This is certainly true for Syrup Bomb -- the user launches syrup to attack instead of using its body.

Syrup Bomb (Bulbapedia)

Answer 3

Because you don't punch other Pokemon to throw a Syrup Bomb. Physical moves mostly make contact(Equake), & Special moves mostly don't. Take Aura Sphere & Drain Punch. Aura Sphere "lets loose a blast of aura power" which is all we need for it to be special. Drain punch on the other hand, is an "energy-draining punch". No matter how ridiculous it sounds(energy draining), it's a punch. You make physical contact with someone if you punch them. Now, Syrup Bomb(using the one time I remember this animation) THROWS syrup. That is special.
Sources: https://pokemondb.net/move/aura-sphere & https://pokemondb.net/move/drain-punch