GMJ04 said:
Can anyone provide some insights on the advantages / disadvatages of riding a large scooter such as the Burgman over a traditional motorcycle.... Many thanks!
I own a 2003 1000cc Suzuki V-Strom motorcycle and a 2003 Burgman 650.
- I ride the Burgman more often. I have 13,000 miles on the Burgman compared to 7,500 miles on the V-Strom (and I bought the V-Strom six months earlier). The V-Strom is an excellent motorcycle, but overall, I prefer riding the scooter.
- The V-Strom is equipped with factory hard sidecases, but the underseat storage in the Burgman is far more convenient.
- The Burgman does not handle sharp road irregularities (frost heave, railroad tracks, pot holes, etc.) as well as the V-Strom. It's just physics. A 15" wheel will not swallow a bump as well as a 19" wheel. Switching to Pirelli tires helped a lot though. For some reason they dampen sharp bumps much better than the stock Bridgestones.
- The Burgman 650's ECVT automatic works better than you can possibly imagine. I found Power mode to be quite useful on tight curvy roads, but most of the time I just leave it in Auto mode. I'm quite experienced at shifting motorcycles, but eliminating that exercise lets me focus on other aspects of the ride more.
- This time of year, with temperatures dropping, the V-Strom stays in the garage. Don't really need my legs hanging out in the breeze when it is cold outside.
- The Burgman attracts much more attention when I stop for gas or a break or to run an errand. Both people who ride motorcycles, and folks who don't, love to look it over and ask questions.
- I get slightly better gas mileage with the Burgman (about 5 mpg). It is a heavy machine (it out weighs the V-Strom by about 70 lbs), so it does not get the mileage that the 500cc and smaller scooters get. But I can expect high forties from the Burgman compared to low forties with the V-Strom.
I use the Burgman for everything that I'd use the cycle for. Errand running, touring, 175 mile weekend joy rides, etc.. It is a versatile machine. It would be fine as my only ride.