Being new to my '07 Burgman 650 I'm still getting used to it's sounds. I noticed this morning I could hear a sound from the shifter when the belt ratio changed. It was a slight bzzt sound each time the "gears" changed. I don't think I've heard that before in the scooter. Is that normal when the shifter motor runs? Also there's a kind of whistle-y sound when running down the road. I can't get it to make that sound when running the bike on the center stand, only when riding. Other than that there's very little mechanical noise. I'm still a bit leery of the transmission holding up. My Silverwing is a lot simpler, probably much like the Burgman 400, I don't worry about having a drive problem on the SW, I know of several that have exceeded 100,000 miles with no problems. Reading about the CVT problems with the Burgman I'm still a bit concerned about the likelihood of transmission problems with the 650. Other than that concern I'm impressed with the scooter. But until I develop more confidence in the Burgman I'll keep my SW as a stablemate.
Burgman sounds
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
Thanks for the replys gentlemen. Indeed it will take a bit of time to get used to the bike's sounds. My Silverwing doesn't make as many different sounds with it's simpler drive.
Ledude - I'm extremely impressed with your Burgman maintenance write ups. Excellent quality and useful. I always to my own repair and overhauls so I'll be using those often in the future. Thanks for all your work.
v8eyedoc - For quite a while I had my Silverwing and a GL1800 as stablemates. I've owned quite a few Goldwings over the years and loved them all. But time and age (and arthritis) has dictated going to something lighter. The Burgman seems to me to be the scooter equivalent of a Goldwing. Consider that high praise for the little 650.
Ledude - I'm extremely impressed with your Burgman maintenance write ups. Excellent quality and useful. I always to my own repair and overhauls so I'll be using those often in the future. Thanks for all your work.
v8eyedoc - For quite a while I had my Silverwing and a GL1800 as stablemates. I've owned quite a few Goldwings over the years and loved them all. But time and age (and arthritis) has dictated going to something lighter. The Burgman seems to me to be the scooter equivalent of a Goldwing. Consider that high praise for the little 650.
Joined
·
551 Posts
I transitioned from a full dress Harley Electra Glide last year to the 650 Burgman and have few regrets. I did it for the same reasons you did - arthritis is setting into my 65 year old back - hiking my leg over the seat AND the mandatory backrest just got too difficult. I never knew if I was going to be able to get off or crawl off if I tweaked my back getting on. I don't take long trips on the Burgman but I think I'd be ok with it if I did. My butt gets sore after about 2 hours in the saddle. The Harley was very comfy - I miss it - and the cruise control - radio - sound - etc etc. I'm still looking for dual muffs for the Burgman. I think it might sound like one of the old Triumphs or BSA's I used to own with the right set of pipes. After all - its a 650 too!
I'm also missing the radio the Goldwing had. I'd like to have an AM/FM radio, intercom and CB on this scooter. Eventually I'll probably rig up something presentable. Also I'm thinking of looking at the possibility of installing a Rostra Cruise control. Then I'd have most of the goodies of the Goldwing that I miss now. Between now and next winter I need to wire up an outlet to plug my electrically heated gloves and jacket liner. I really liked the Gerbings gear on my GW and Silverwing, makes cold weather riding a lot more fun.
Getting used to this scooter now, I'm impressed how well it handles riding two up with our total weight a bit north of 400lbs.
Getting used to this scooter now, I'm impressed how well it handles riding two up with our total weight a bit north of 400lbs.
Joined
·
3,755 Posts
From your description, it appears you are hearing the normal sounds from the 650. The whisly or whirling sound is caused by the straight cut as opposed to helical cut gears in the final drive. Many owners have referred to it as the "jetson mobile" sound from the comic series. The CVT problem has been blown out of proportion mainly due to the cost of repair as opposed to the actual number of failures. The actual rate of failure is in the neighborhood of 0.1-0.2% based on perusal of not only this site but also many international sites in Europe and Asia. This figure is well within any engineering standards for something as complex and sophisticated as the CVT is. It has proven itself so well that many makes and models of autos now use the CVT tranny to increase their mileage ratings. Even the cost of repairing a standard auto transmission is high now days. The only difference is the cost comparison to the initial price of the vehicle. There are many owners on this and other forums with well over 50k miles and no problems. If you keep up with the routine maintenance and don't dog your bike you will enjoy many, many happy miles of enjoyment. Welcome to the forum and enjoy the burgman grin 
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
