JMHO; I'd spend half that for a good used 650 and spend the rest on a motorcycle and enjoy both. It all depends on "what you want".
I have a 03 Burgman 400, and a Honda ST1100. Everytime I start feeling that it doesn't get any better than my ST, I get back on the Burgman and the Honda is parked for the next 2 or 3 weeks. Most of my riding is a commute around Houston (literally get to go around it) in medium traffic. My recreation riding varies from running around town because I'm bored to "day" trips somewhere for lunch (when I'm lucky enough to have the time). I will say that if the trip is under 150-200 miles it's a toss up as to which I take. Above that is a no-brainer - that's where the ST excells - 7.4 gallon tank; 45+ mpg, and how fast did you want to go again?.
You should be able to get a good used Burgman 650 for about $5K +/-. Then buy a PC800 or such (there are many bikes that are good highway cruisers) for about $3K and other than loosing garage space - you win in both categories. The only reason I didn't suggest the ST is that it's 100hp and could be a handful in a new riders hands (plus it's 600+ lbs.). I bought mine for under $3K, but was VERY lucky and do most of my own work (and it needed some TLC).
Honestly, for a new rider at 50 (I'm 51), I would suugest getting a good used Burgman and going from there (I'd even consider a 400). You can always buy something else if you want, but seriously as far as the experience goes the only thing you miss when riding a Burgman over a motorcycle is shifting gears.
I have a 03 Burgman 400, and a Honda ST1100. Everytime I start feeling that it doesn't get any better than my ST, I get back on the Burgman and the Honda is parked for the next 2 or 3 weeks. Most of my riding is a commute around Houston (literally get to go around it) in medium traffic. My recreation riding varies from running around town because I'm bored to "day" trips somewhere for lunch (when I'm lucky enough to have the time). I will say that if the trip is under 150-200 miles it's a toss up as to which I take. Above that is a no-brainer - that's where the ST excells - 7.4 gallon tank; 45+ mpg, and how fast did you want to go again?.
You should be able to get a good used Burgman 650 for about $5K +/-. Then buy a PC800 or such (there are many bikes that are good highway cruisers) for about $3K and other than loosing garage space - you win in both categories. The only reason I didn't suggest the ST is that it's 100hp and could be a handful in a new riders hands (plus it's 600+ lbs.). I bought mine for under $3K, but was VERY lucky and do most of my own work (and it needed some TLC).
Honestly, for a new rider at 50 (I'm 51), I would suugest getting a good used Burgman and going from there (I'd even consider a 400). You can always buy something else if you want, but seriously as far as the experience goes the only thing you miss when riding a Burgman over a motorcycle is shifting gears.
