Bob,
Have a look at this site ...
http://www.silverwing.co.uk/
Also has a link to Silverwing forum
Rgds Greg ...
Have a look at this site ...
http://www.silverwing.co.uk/
Also has a link to Silverwing forum
Rgds Greg ...
Burgman vs Silver Wing
Hi,
I know this may be a delicate subject but I'm trying to decide between a Burgman and a Silver Wing. I noted that one member on this web site indicated that he had a Silver Wing before he had a Burgman, and I wanted to know why he felt (or any of you feel) the Burgman was the better choice. I've owned two Suzuki's in the past (a '75 GT380 and a '80 GS750) and have ridden an bored-out '80 Kawasaki 600 and a standard Kawasaki 900, and recently an 2003 Harley Road King. I've looked at an '03 Burgman and '03 Silver Wing this last weekend when I visited a friend up in Renton, WA. I liked the looks of both, but the quality of the plastics on the Silver Wing looked a little better than the Burgman. Also, with my short legs (32" inseam, 5'11" height) the Silver Wing allowed my feet to rest flat on the ground, where the Burgman I could only be on the balls of my feet.
My concern comes down to this: Handling, acceleration, and fuel economy-which is best? I would appreciate any help in deciding, as I feel it may be a while before I may be able to drive any in my area, since there are none yet availabe.
Thanks for any info the group can provide!
Bob
I know this may be a delicate subject but I'm trying to decide between a Burgman and a Silver Wing. I noted that one member on this web site indicated that he had a Silver Wing before he had a Burgman, and I wanted to know why he felt (or any of you feel) the Burgman was the better choice. I've owned two Suzuki's in the past (a '75 GT380 and a '80 GS750) and have ridden an bored-out '80 Kawasaki 600 and a standard Kawasaki 900, and recently an 2003 Harley Road King. I've looked at an '03 Burgman and '03 Silver Wing this last weekend when I visited a friend up in Renton, WA. I liked the looks of both, but the quality of the plastics on the Silver Wing looked a little better than the Burgman. Also, with my short legs (32" inseam, 5'11" height) the Silver Wing allowed my feet to rest flat on the ground, where the Burgman I could only be on the balls of my feet.
My concern comes down to this: Handling, acceleration, and fuel economy-which is best? I would appreciate any help in deciding, as I feel it may be a while before I may be able to drive any in my area, since there are none yet availabe.
Thanks for any info the group can provide!
Bob
1 - 20 of 42 Posts
Decisions?
Bob:
Of course this is the Burgman board.... So we are going to tell you how much we love our Burgers... If you go to the S-wing board in Yahoo they will have a different story. I wanted a Sliverwing years ago ..but alas they were not offered here in the great white north. Last year at the M/C show in Vancouver Both Honda & Suzuki brought out there Maxi-scooters. Honda was just testing the waters... but the Suzuki people were willing to sell. Obviously my choice was made for me... The show however gave me the chance to sit on & compare the two. My choice at the show was the Burgman, and here's why:
The styling..I liked the mirrors & the body work.
The brakes ! yes there is a big difference here. S-Wing has linked brakes.. And I wasn't to keen on having that control taken away from me .
The tranny ... It's nice to have those options ( even if you don't use them).
The storage.... This just works better on the Burger.
The comfort... I just fit better on the Burgman... I'm 5-10 and my feet are on the ground... and the wieght is down low and that felt good ! I know the bike I had before the Burgman was a Venture Royal... very heavy...very top heavy.
After 5000 kms lots of which was the brutal Alaska Hwy... I'm glad I bought the Burgman..
Bob:
Of course this is the Burgman board.... So we are going to tell you how much we love our Burgers... If you go to the S-wing board in Yahoo they will have a different story. I wanted a Sliverwing years ago ..but alas they were not offered here in the great white north. Last year at the M/C show in Vancouver Both Honda & Suzuki brought out there Maxi-scooters. Honda was just testing the waters... but the Suzuki people were willing to sell. Obviously my choice was made for me... The show however gave me the chance to sit on & compare the two. My choice at the show was the Burgman, and here's why:
The styling..I liked the mirrors & the body work.
The brakes ! yes there is a big difference here. S-Wing has linked brakes.. And I wasn't to keen on having that control taken away from me .
The tranny ... It's nice to have those options ( even if you don't use them).
The storage.... This just works better on the Burger.
The comfort... I just fit better on the Burgman... I'm 5-10 and my feet are on the ground... and the wieght is down low and that felt good ! I know the bike I had before the Burgman was a Venture Royal... very heavy...very top heavy.
After 5000 kms lots of which was the brutal Alaska Hwy... I'm glad I bought the Burgman..
Thanks Greg and blueburgerbob. Any input helps!! Both are great looking machines IMOO. I need any guidance from those out there that have made the decision, one over the other. Both look like a lot of fun, but the problem is to narrow it down when you don't have any to test ride. Also, if anyone can give me input into which company they've had the best luck dealing with is good also. I've owned Suzuki's in the past, and this may make me seem more likely to stay with that brand, but I'm open minded as to which may be the better choice, regardless. Thank you for your imput.
By the way, blueburgerbob, Bob is also my uncle!!
Bob
By the way, blueburgerbob, Bob is also my uncle!!
Bob
Before I ordered my AN650, I had the opportunity to testride the Silverwing. I did not bother to do so, because in the Netherlands the Silverwing costs alsmost the same as the Burgman. The Burgman has more gadgets.Wambo said:Thanks Greg and blueburgerbob. Any input helps!! Both are great looking machines IMOO. I need any guidance from those out there that have made the decision, one over the other. Both look like a lot of fun, but the problem is to narrow it down when you don't have any to test ride. Also, if anyone can give me input into which company they've had the best luck dealing with is good also. I've owned Suzuki's in the past, and this may make me seem more likely to stay with that brand, but I'm open minded as to which may be the better choice, regardless. Thank you for your imput.
By the way, blueburgerbob, Bob is also my uncle!!
Bob
Magazines have reported that the Burgman is more stable at high speeds.
Finally, the Silverwing Forum in Germany has reported the occurence of corrosion on the Silverwing's frame.
Bob, get the 650. I have owned both and the there is no comparison. The 650 is smoother, more comfortable, more storage, and handles much better. The SW people always point out to the reliability issue because there is very little they can point to that the SW does better. But look at their site. The SW has just as many problems. You can get some deals on SWs now. Good luck
I had a silverwing before the Burgman 650.
The Burgman has it all over the silverwing in the handling department.
It also seems to have more get up and go although in several tests both bikes are close to equal.
Also the Burgman doesn't have the wierd belt noise. But it does have the wierd diesel noise.
The Burgman has it all over the silverwing in the handling department.
It also seems to have more get up and go although in several tests both bikes are close to equal.
Also the Burgman doesn't have the wierd belt noise. But it does have the wierd diesel noise.
Bob, I sailed the same boat that Mober was in, except I had the Aprilia Atlantic 500, which, by the way, at the time, was strongly suggested over the SW. Consequently, I really can't speak from experience on the SW. But now, owning the 650....and agreeing with all of the previous postings...the design, storage, handling, comfort, power....and the list could go on....I'm glad I switched....and having the manual should help to decifer any trouble spots, should they arise. I'm just glad the scooter market has finally "arrived" here in the States. Competition should just become better, benefiting the consumer, hopefully.
In summary, you'll be the one riding the unit....and paying for it....if it were myself, knowing what I know now, I'd go for the 650...no question. Best wishes, and be informed!!! Any additional questions, email me!!
In summary, you'll be the one riding the unit....and paying for it....if it were myself, knowing what I know now, I'd go for the 650...no question. Best wishes, and be informed!!! Any additional questions, email me!!
At a cycle show I sat on both the SilverWing and the Burgman 650 and found the Burgman to have slightly more legroom for me than the SW. Since I like (and need) to stretch out my legs that extra inch made a nice difference. Also, the seat seemed to suit me slightly better. I like the "power" option and the shifting option on the Burgman and expect those features to be utilitarian when descending mountain grades. I expected both to be good in the reliability department. Slightly more displacement with the Burgman. That was about it for me. You might come up with a different set of rationales. After 30 years of riding I have decided that it is all up to the individual rider and their particular needs, tastes, and particularities. If a bike has a feature that a reviewer really likes, then he tends to upgrade the bike because of that feature. If however, the feature is not important to you, you might want to look elsewhere. There is no universal best. There are betters for particular riders. Good luck.
I want to thank you all for taking the time to respond to my question. I appreciate all the input, especially those that have ridden both the Silverwing and Burgman. It looks pretty clear to me now what the best choice will be. I guess there's a reason while I always bought Suzukis before! Now I just have to wait for one to appear in my area...
Bob
Bob
burgman or silverwing
Wambo
New Member
I picked up my used Burgman yesterday. I have now owned all three maxiscoters. There is no comparison between the Atlantic and the Silverwing in terms of all day riding comfort. The Atlantic wins hands down.
I am very impressed with the Burgman in that it is more comfortable than the Atlantic and the SW. In addition it is far more stable than the other two at higher speeds. The Honda has a stiff ride and had a noticeable wobble at higher speeds. I had the Burgman up to 90mph yesterday in a cross wind on an interstate and it felt no different than any of the good handling motorcycles I have owned.
If price is an issue the Atlantic is a good choice...but if you are going to buy used I would pick the Burgman. Frankly the Honda SW does not deliver the comfort or the stability a seasoned rider is used to having.
Good luck!
Wambo
New Member
I picked up my used Burgman yesterday. I have now owned all three maxiscoters. There is no comparison between the Atlantic and the Silverwing in terms of all day riding comfort. The Atlantic wins hands down.
I am very impressed with the Burgman in that it is more comfortable than the Atlantic and the SW. In addition it is far more stable than the other two at higher speeds. The Honda has a stiff ride and had a noticeable wobble at higher speeds. I had the Burgman up to 90mph yesterday in a cross wind on an interstate and it felt no different than any of the good handling motorcycles I have owned.
If price is an issue the Atlantic is a good choice...but if you are going to buy used I would pick the Burgman. Frankly the Honda SW does not deliver the comfort or the stability a seasoned rider is used to having.
Good luck!
Re: burgman or silverwing
From what I hear the wobble can be reduced or eliminated by stiffening the rear suspension, keeping the front wheel firmly on the pavement.foxy said:...The Honda has a stiff ride and had a noticeable wobble at higher speeds...
I'm actually an AN650 owning Honda man - I own four of them at the moment and was hell bent on making it five with a SilverWing. What stopped me doing that?
1. I already own a NSS250 Forza/Jazz/Reflex ABS - I don't want to use the Burgman around town. A 250 scooter wil piss on the AN650 round town. The SW has a similar ability.
2. I wanted to use the machine for touring in tandem - the stronghold of the AN650
3. Character is important to me in a motorcycle (my other Hondas are the brutal x11, and the RVF400 + 750 endurance racers). Whether others agree with my taste means nothing to me. 270kgs all in, and a auto clutch that takes some getting used to when filtering - that's what I call character...
4. I like the idea of having selectable transmission modes - PowerMode is especially usefull for controlling the machine on the downhill run of a mountain pass.
5. Carrying camping gear without using a top box is important to me, so both the shape and volume of the underseat trunk is crucial.
For these reasons, the AN650 won hands down - despite being 2000 USD more expensive, and despite is not having ABS or CBS which I actually suits a touring bike very well.
If you want the most stylish and comfortable way to get around town then it must be the SilverWing ABS. If you are planing to go touring, it's the AN650. They are built to fulfill different goals. I wouldn't even consider the similarly priced low tech European singles when the SW and AN650 are using smoother twins.
Suzuki also build the stylish and easy-to-ride-in-traffic AN400 - this is really it's direct competitor for the SW, Atlantic and X9, not the AN650.
The AN650 is in a class of one - much like the GoldWing, and the VMax was until the X4 came along. Wambo, buy the one that suits your planned usage.
1. I already own a NSS250 Forza/Jazz/Reflex ABS - I don't want to use the Burgman around town. A 250 scooter wil piss on the AN650 round town. The SW has a similar ability.
2. I wanted to use the machine for touring in tandem - the stronghold of the AN650
3. Character is important to me in a motorcycle (my other Hondas are the brutal x11, and the RVF400 + 750 endurance racers). Whether others agree with my taste means nothing to me. 270kgs all in, and a auto clutch that takes some getting used to when filtering - that's what I call character...
4. I like the idea of having selectable transmission modes - PowerMode is especially usefull for controlling the machine on the downhill run of a mountain pass.
5. Carrying camping gear without using a top box is important to me, so both the shape and volume of the underseat trunk is crucial.
For these reasons, the AN650 won hands down - despite being 2000 USD more expensive, and despite is not having ABS or CBS which I actually suits a touring bike very well.
If you want the most stylish and comfortable way to get around town then it must be the SilverWing ABS. If you are planing to go touring, it's the AN650. They are built to fulfill different goals. I wouldn't even consider the similarly priced low tech European singles when the SW and AN650 are using smoother twins.
Suzuki also build the stylish and easy-to-ride-in-traffic AN400 - this is really it's direct competitor for the SW, Atlantic and X9, not the AN650.
The AN650 is in a class of one - much like the GoldWing, and the VMax was until the X4 came along. Wambo, buy the one that suits your planned usage.
Re:
Excellent read. This will help me greatly in my decision. Thanks.lycheed said:I'm actually an AN650 owning Honda man - I own four of them at the moment and was hell bent on making it five with a SilverWing. What stopped me doing that?
1. I already own a NSS250 Forza/Jazz/Reflex ABS - I don't want to use the Burgman around town. A 250 scooter wil piss on the AN650 round town. The SW has a similar ability.
2. I wanted to use the machine for touring in tandem - the stronghold of the AN650
3. Character is important to me in a motorcycle (my other Hondas are the brutal x11, and the RVF400 + 750 endurance racers). Whether others agree with my taste means nothing to me. 270kgs all in, and a auto clutch that takes some getting used to when filtering - that's what I call character...
4. I like the idea of having selectable transmission modes - PowerMode is especially usefull for controlling the machine on the downhill run of a mountain pass.
5. Carrying camping gear without using a top box is important to me, so both the shape and volume of the underseat trunk is crucial.
For these reasons, the AN650 won hands down - despite being 2000 USD more expensive, and despite is not having ABS or CBS which I actually suits a touring bike very well.
If you want the most stylish and comfortable way to get around town then it must be the SilverWing ABS. If you are planing to go touring, it's the AN650. They are built to fulfill different goals. I wouldn't even consider the similarly priced low tech European singles when the SW and AN650 are using smoother twins.
Suzuki also build the stylish and easy-to-ride-in-traffic AN400 - this is really it's direct competitor for the SW, Atlantic and X9, not the AN650.
The AN650 is in a class of one - much like the GoldWing, and the VMax was until the X4 came along. Wambo, buy the one that suits your planned usage
I have only a short ride on the Silverwing, but I was very disappointed in it. It really doesn't compare to the Burger. I found the 'wing suspension dreadful - very harsh and unsophisticated (admittedly on poorly surfaced roads), at speed, I just couldn't feel anything through the bars at all, which makes handling..interesting!
For such a big thing, I found the riding position remarkably cramped. Silverwings are notorious for surprisingly bad fuel consumption.
The Silverwing's problem is that whilst it wasn't bad in 2001, Honda just have not developed it at all - it still has the bugs it had when it was first introduced. Although the Burger is very similar to how it was originally, Suzuki do keep bring minor updates out each year.
For such a big thing, I found the riding position remarkably cramped. Silverwings are notorious for surprisingly bad fuel consumption.
The Silverwing's problem is that whilst it wasn't bad in 2001, Honda just have not developed it at all - it still has the bugs it had when it was first introduced. Although the Burger is very similar to how it was originally, Suzuki do keep bring minor updates out each year.
I own both-but my wife rides the SW most of the time. These are definitely the two best maxi scooters out there. I like the Burgman better because of leg room, the under seat light shuts off when it is close to closing and you can open it at the ignition switch. Lots of little things. I've had both up over 100 mph indicated and thought they both handled well. The Burgman is very solid and it has had no problems at over 41,000 miles. These both are well thought out machines, but the Burgman feels just right to me. JC
Check out the front forks on the SW...they're bicycle forks..ONE triple clamp and a head stem.
Burger (and TMax) have full length forks, TWO triple clamps, just like a motor cycle. Incidently the Gilera 800 also has bicycle forks.
Bazza
Burger (and TMax) have full length forks, TWO triple clamps, just like a motor cycle. Incidently the Gilera 800 also has bicycle forks.
Bazza
Yeah....enthusiastic Silverwing owners say you can sort out its handling by buying new rear shock absorbers (eg Fournales air shocks), and new front fork inserts (eg HyperPro)....but why should an owner have to fork (sorry) out several hundred quid/USD just to get it handling properly???Bazza said:Check out the front forks on the SW...they're bicycle forks..ONE triple clamp and a head stem.
Burger (and TMax) have full length forks, TWO triple clamps, just like a motor cycle. Incidently the Gilera 800 also has bicycle forks.
Bazza
Timbo
When I was looking last year, I had narrowed it down to either the SW or the Exec because those were the only two available with ABS, which I consider mandatory. One of the local dealers had both in stock (no test rides allowed), but simply sitting on them made the decision for me. The SW just didn't fit me, where the Exec was comfortable. Something in the ergonomics was off, for me, on the SW. But that's my body (I'm 5'-11" and about 220#, inseam is about 33"). From the research I had done at the time, there wasn't all that much to choose between them, although I was leaning toward the Exec anyway. The fit was the final deciding factor.
When you're straddling the Burgman, are you wearing street shoes? Wearing a decent set of boots will add the better part of an inch (or more) to your inseam and probably let you flat foot the Burgy. When I'm in street shoes, it's difficult to flat foot mine, but it's easy with boots on.
I think you'll be happy with either, but make your choice an informed one. I am quite, quite satisfied with my Burgy.
When you're straddling the Burgman, are you wearing street shoes? Wearing a decent set of boots will add the better part of an inch (or more) to your inseam and probably let you flat foot the Burgy. When I'm in street shoes, it's difficult to flat foot mine, but it's easy with boots on.
I think you'll be happy with either, but make your choice an informed one. I am quite, quite satisfied with my Burgy.
Boy that's a toughie. When I originally decided to buy a two Wheeler I was more interested in the motorcycle due to the fact all of the scooters I looked at, mostly Vespa, were kind of smallish. I was doing a web search one day on one of the motorcycle review sites & it said the Honda silver wing was the number one seller, the Burgman standard 650 was number five & the exec was number eight. I looked long and hard at the silver wing as I preferred the Honda due to its reputation. I then thought I'd give the standard 650 a try. After much research here on the Burgman forum and others I settled on the Burgman executive as the way to go. I like the additional horsepower, the larger tires, the ABS as part of the package, and a few other little things I don't remember. After perusing the forum for several days it appeared to me that the quality of the Suzuki product was on a par with Hondas. there were some other little middling details but I don't quite remember. What I do remember, just not the scooter, one of them had only one headlight burning on low beam which made it look like you had a burned-out headlight. So far I'm glad I bought what I bought.
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