[john grinsel]

This time of year and after warranty runs out on what ever bike/scooter I am riding at the time I look for something new.
My 2011 leftover Burgman 400 has 22,000 miles and warranty out. Dirve line repaired under warranty, front pulley, rollers and rear outer bearing, new belt intstalled at 20,000 miles----so it should go fine until 40,000 and belt change.

I have purchased over 75 new motorcycles/scooters since 1955, so am no am purchase virgin. Recent years new TMAX/Burgman 400(2)/HELIX (4)/Reflex/Silverwing 600, etc Near 300,000 miles on rubber band drive scooters. Biggest drawbacks---hassle and frequent belts changes and the Buffeting of the modern MAXI scooters....real pain if you ride a lot in all weathers.

So here goes on BMW:

High
No scuff pad on hump, Expensive, Prem. Gas, Kymco heart, heated grips/heated seat, etc bring price way over base advertised, Heavy, electric windshield-----

Negatives: still buffeting, shield way up maybe ok in the middle of Kansas but has to come down in traffic/curves. Not really very comfortable to ride for me....Burgman 400/650 or Silverwing work better.

Bike doesn't appear to be better than SilverWing or Burgman 650 for example. I have ridden Burgman 650 only once, but think it is better buy......and more dealers!

So: $10,000 plus is a lot to pay for putt putt and I feel at that price point new 650 Burgman better deal------FINAL---THEY WANTED $9300 TO TRADE!!!! ==No thanks. Outright I can get new SilverWing 600 for $8200 and I am sure a new 650 Burgman for under $10,000 out the door-----Used Burgman 400's appear to have little value as trade in material.

I have been BMW Motorcycle owner since 1958, so am aware of a few of the problems they bring on----this new scooter nothing to dream about. Was offered Kymco GT300I left over @ $3800 outright.----could have 3 for what one BMW costs, both have Taiwan hearts.

 

[MacDoc]

I concur tho I think the GT120 a decent machine.

Add a standard Clearview screen ( 2.5" wider ) to the 650 Exec and you;ll be very pleased - lose the buffeting, better hand protection

Maybe a better seat if you are doing distance. There are some superb deals on the 2012 Burgmans about.

I've been riding 45 years and teg 650 Burgman the best all around machine I've owned. ( I flipped from a 2005 which gave me not a hint of issue beyond needing a new battery ) to a 2009 Exec.

Mind you the ST1100 I just snagged in Australia is a pretty close competitor and a lot more power but not a lot more useable power except at the top end.

Red line is 8500 on both and I'd bet the Burgman will get to 60 mph about the same time as the ST,

After that the ST runs away. Good reason it's on the top used bikes list all the time.

 

[TwoWheelers]

We'll be going to a Kymco/Suzuki dealer in a few days. Never considered a Kymco, don't know anyone who drives one.
We're open to learning and considering new things. The two year warranty and price both look goooooooood.
Wifester and I are both shop ing...

 

[mike1nw]

Wow they wanted $9300 with trade?!?!? ukeright: Ridiculous. For a scooter!
Probably a modern Kymco would last as long as others. IF you bought it new and took care of it (frequent oil changes, e.g.)

I am looking for a BMW round emblem to stick on Burgie's rear mud flap

 

[Ralph M]

Not seen one on the road yet but not surprising given the price here in the UK the rest of Europe
may take to them, there was a test of a new BMW electric scooter a few weeks back, 75 mph
and over 70 miles on a 3 hour charge, they said it was quicker up to 70 than the 650 and better
on hill starts, but they thought it may only be available to lease rather than buy, which most
likely means it would be eye watering expensive in the UK over $15700 for the 650 in the UK



http://www.ridermagazine.com/road-tests ... eview.htm/

This is the elec'y one with it's nickers off.

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=h ... wAg&dur=31

 

[gumshoe4]

Hi, John...nice writeup.

Sidenote: I hated the factory windscreen on my Silverwing for the same reason...buffeting. I replaced it with a Givi AirFlow and that solved the problem for me. An excellent windscreen which is manually height-adjustable. Have had it for two years now and it works great...

 

[mike1nw]

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=h ... wAg&dur=31

That's funny /\ "Let's get a big battery and attach a scooter to it"
Sort of like Ducatis are engines with wheels and seats attached

 

[RogerG]

I traded my 2019 Burgman 400, for a new 2017 Burgman 650 Executive mainly for the heated grips, heated seat, and power windscreen. Riding just above 32f makes all the difference. I can't imagine buying bike or scooter, without the heat. Love it.