phyciocc said:
I am new to the scooter world, so bear with me.
I like my v-twin (Yamaha 1300 v-star tourer) but its is heavy (over 700 lb), noisy and hot.
As I am also getting less young and more...rotund, I want comfort and the Burgman 650 seems the best out there.
In the entire state of KY there does not seem to be one single 650 available on a lot, let alone a 2013.
I found a Burgman 400 abs at a good price nearby but I still would prefer the 650.
Are the 2013 actually being delivered yet, or are they still vapor-ware?
Should I go for the 400? I am afraid that I may regret it later and still want the 650.
Marco
Hi Marco, I also ride a 2007 Dragstar Classic XVS1100AC (as well as AN650K3 [in NZ], AN650K7 [in China], BMW K1 [in NZ], Jetmax [in China] & XT1100Z [in AUS]). I don't spin the wheels on the Dragstar as much as I used to simply because I just like to comfort and convenience of maxi's, plus the addition of the ABS, having a centre stand and sitting somewhat taller on the scoots (well all the other bikes vz the Dragstar). I do like the Dragstar, and do take out from time to time, but when I head out to my garage I tend to gravitate to one of the maxis and usually the Burgy is my first choice. With the choice of feet forward riding position it isn't that much different from the foot plates on the Dragstar. My Jetmax is quite good and feels like a spritely agile sport scooter in comparison to the Burgy but lacks the refinement of the latter. I'd bought the Jetmax before the Burgy as there are not that many options for maxi's in China surprisingly. It's changing, but there are significant limitations concerning mainly legislative protectionism of the local market conditions & manufacturing etc. Personally being a rider of some 35 years with the majority of those on 1 litre plus engined bikes, I'd be somewhat reluctant to take too bigger step down to say a 400cc maxi (or any bike for that matter), unless it had all the options one could find on the Burgy Exec. The new BMW C600 & C650GT are contenders in my book, but I'm waiting for at least a year to pass, and prices to drop as well as the fact that the models are not available in China (not sure if they will make it here or not). I might even consider the 2013 (latest incarnation) AN650 Exec. when I finally leave China, though I do like the few additional features of the BMW C650GT when compared spec for spec alongside the 2013 AN650 Exec.
I'd say hang on to your folding money until you can see, or try out the new 2013 AN650, rather than drop money on the AN400 and then possibly regret the decision and end up trading up (and possibly taking a financial hit). Having ridden a AN400 in NZ, to me there was no comparison between the AN400 and AN650. IMO the saving graces of the AN400 (less weight, more underseat storage, better fuel economy) did not make up for the benefits of the AN650 (better power, a feeling of more substantive weight which for me is a plus, ABS, foldable mirrors on the fly - think lane splitting or fitting through any narrow space, adjustable screen which is something I use a lot - read daily basis).
Oh, and there's the all important park brake and did I mention centre stand, that the Dragstar (and your V-Star) don't have.
One last comment, when climb aboard my Maxis, I don't often "swing a leg over" as I mostly park on the centre stand. I don't swing my legs through the "tunnel" neither, as I have Givi tunnel bags which limit this ability. Instead I climb up using the floorboard closest to me, then simply lift the opposing leg slightly (I'm 183cm) over the seat and then bounce/rock forward of the centre stand. Easy-peasy.
Be interesting to read your comments when you have some saddle time on a maxi.
Cheers, BD
