let your friends tell you what to ride , how to ride and where to ride, what to wear when you ride , what you eat, drink, read, how to cut your hair, wipe your hiney etc. and when you are ready to be yourself, then decide, until then fade in to the crowd.

 

I follow what you mean. Right. But sometime it's harder than it seems. Indeed I'm still stuck in front of my choice.

 

First thing you need to understand (even if your friends wont ever) is the 650 Burgman is....a very capable motorcycle descuised as a scooter. I just took mine for a week long jaunt to and through the mountains of Big Bend National Park. 1750 miles with no problems. It will cruze 75 all day in comfort. I call it my geriatric MC brcause you dont have to kick over the seat. For us old farts not ready for a trike, its perfect. My advice if you can afford it, keep your MC and buy the Burgman. Sell one later. I bet its not the Burg.

BTW I dont need nobody's approval to ride/enjoy my Burgman. Its that good!?

 

Because RT is a pure touring bike, you are probably longing after bigger trips and having less opportunities for them than you may want, you started looking at other sides, 'cause for other tasks like commuting, shorter trips etc. the Beemer is just not the right tool.

 

I agree Sandspike! I was looking to buy another BMW because I had one couple years ago and loved the way it handled. Until I rode a 650 Burgman,I think it goes into turns better than my BMW. I don't consider my Burgman a scooter but my friends do. The funny thing is my Harley friends get defensive when I tell them my Burgman will eat your Harley up!!!!!! Then I have to prove it!!!:grin If it was me I'd go for the Burgman.

 

When I was working and commuting I'd park in the large lot at the yard. Over 7/8's of the workers in the yard were men and 2/3's were heavy Telephone line construction. Of those 2 others rode motorcycles, both Buell XB12R's. So YES I constantly got the "Nice Girls bike", called that sexual part of a female body that Our President said "He could GRAB"and other such rubbish. They always were putting my scooter down but I did not care.

Then one day I had to leave work early and it was the same time the construction crew got off. I pulled out of the yard just in front of the 2 Buell riders and entered the freeway's ramp that is a very tight cloverleaf type corner. At the end of the ramp I was so far ahead that they only caught up as I was entering the HOV lane and they had to go behind me.
The next day, one of the riders said "I was not trying to catch you" but the other rider said they talked to each other before we hit the freeway ramp "As soon as we can, lets Dust Scooterboy but we couldn't catch you".

I know for a fact in a drag race those XB122R's would blow past me in 40 feet or less, but NOT in the corners.

I commuted to that yard for 18 years, 10 years of that time on my Burgman 650's in ALL weather. Those two Buell riders would only ride in fair weather.

I rode what "I" wanted, not what "THEY" wanted me to ride! :grin

 

no one can give you the answer that is right for you. however, if you are not married, I would strongly suggest you choose your friends carefully lest they choose a wife for you

also I am not sure if your question is limited to the 2009 that the little old lady only drove to church on Sunday,
but being a "biker" you should know those tires are done! and don't make that little old lady mad at you, if she can muscle a 650 Burgman, she can probably twist a rather large knot in your knickers,, with you still in them.

 

Yeah reJulien ...

... the Dave_J and the Buell story is the right concept for "educating" your friends.

Take those machistos out for a ride and get that Burgman doing 150 - 60 kph down the highway for a stretch and they will certainly have a different opinion of your "sissy" bike.

 

@reJulian. If $$$ is not a problem, buy the Burgman and keep the RT. After riding both for awhile you will know which bike you favor. I ride with two bike clubs which is BMWs, Harley’s and Goldwings. I have received a couple doubtful comments, but at the first fuel stop I usually get someone to say “You don’t have any trouble keeping up.” or “We have discussed allowing scooters if they can keep up.” I enjoy getting on a Harley’s a** and hanging with him. It has to do something to his ego that a **** old scooter can run with him.

I call my 650 a mobility scooter. I have had both knees replaced and it is easier to ‘step through’ than ‘throw a leg over’. I wouldn’t hesitate to cross the USA on a 650. It’s the ideal bike for me.

Good luck on your decision.
El Charro

 

...when I'm off and few meters away from my bike, I start again thinking about the B650...

It doesn't matter what bike you have, you'll be thinking about the bike you don't have.

...But it is not a bike, and friends of mine highlights this concept. They always ask me: "seriously? you want to get rid of your bike for a scooter?"...

Seriously...these are your "friends"? Friends don't play on your emotions and put you down.

...I'm influenced from people's opinion, too much probably. I'm too deeply influenced by how I could look like for other people (I'm an Italian, you know :wink)

Yes, you are. But you know that already, or you wouldn't have mentioned it.

...Should I own a scooter for its functionality or a bike for being a biker? Did you migrate from bike to scooter? How was your change?

You should own what pleases you, not what pleases someone else. Let them pay their money for what they want. You pay for what you want to ride.

FWIW, I migrated from a scooter to a bike. I decided on a whim that I wasn't getting any younger and wanted to try riding a motorcycle instead of a scooter. My left hand was getting symptoms of arthritis. My hips had arthritis. I was thinking that if I didn't do it then, I wouldn't have the chance. Four years later, I have no arthritis feelings in my hand and my hips are great. The clutch on my BMW is heavy...and it doesn't bother me. It's like squeezing a rubber ball for exercise...but a whole lot more fun.

If you look back on my posts, you'll find I was one of the biggest advocates of the Burgman 400. Nothing could be as good as that bike was. Nothing. Then I bought the Honda NT700V and thought I'd ride both equally. After a year, I looked back and found I wasn't riding both equally. It wasn't even close. I had filled up the Burgman three times in a year...about what I'd normally do in a week and a half. The battery had died and when I got it recharged, I found the clock was still on Daylight Savings Time...and we were about two weeks from DST. I hadn't ridden it at all in about six months. At that point, I decided to sell it and have a one bike garage. If I made up a checklist of the pros and cons of both bikes, the Burgman won hands down. If I looked at what I rode...the Honda won.

When I get the new bike lust, I try to bring some rationality to the situation. What does the new bike give me, that the old bike doesn't? And once I identify that...what will that cost me? Is it worth it to get X, Y and Z improvements...for $6000? Probably not.

And BTW, the last ...absolutely last...place you want to ask advice about if you should succumb to the desire to buy a Burgman is on a Burgman forum. Go to something like a Yamaha or Honda forum and ask which bike you should keep, the BMW or the Burgman. But don't go to a BMW or Burgman forum and ask the question. The answer is very predictable.

And don't buy the Burgman solely because you feel you have a need to prove your manhood by "beating" the other bikes. It's a waste of time.

Chris

 

I used to catch grief at work for riding a moped, a real live moped. 70's PUCH Newport. Then came winter and all the warm weather queens quit riding. 27 degrees out and there would be a Newport moped in the motorcycle parking. Now they have accepted me as a rider, and thats what matters, but overall I could care less what they think! I no longer have the PUCH but have a 98 Zuma, the Burgman 200 and I wil ride my wife's Can Am Spyder once in awhile. Heck, she is a rider. 70 miles EACH way to work. She has been caught in torrential downpours, cold snaps, heat waves (didnt have a choice, car was down) and other things that would test a NON-rider. Keep the bike, buy the scooter, and see what stays. As long as your'e riding, thats what is important.

 

Keep the bike, buy the scooter, and see what stays.

This. (Assuming you have the garage space and funds, of course.) Get both and see which one you use most often.

 

I'm in a hurry right now, but I can't miss to thank you all for your support. I don't mean to classify people, but it seems to me that in maxi-scooter forums there are more people who give importance to being good friend rather than being the greatest macho in the world (few words to express a very complicated concept, I admit it). I appreciate any of your help. Thank you so much.
Cheers.
Davide.

 

It's surprising how much ground you make up every time a real bike lifts off the throttle to change gear. Those things are a nuisance when you get behind them.

Like everybody says, only you can decide what fits you. I occasionally ride with a local group and some of the riders are really eager to swop bikes - it is part of the days fun for them. I've tried out lots of stuff that way. Might be worth looking around in your area.

 

There's a member R1200 here.

Might want to see his signature for more information.

 

I saw it, I saw it ...
Just for information, I moved my first step, putting on sale my lovely beemer.
Davide

 

I ride therefore I am? I have owned some sort of powered two wheel velocipede every day since June 11 1965 when I turned 14 and got Learner's Permit that allowed me to legally ride a 1959 Vespa... which I had been riding for a year or two by then anyway. I've never made any distinction for myself or others as to the taxonomy of two wheel transportation or the various species of riders. To me, if you love being on two wheels (or three) that's enough. I'm blessed at this point in life to be able to keep, barely, a stable with mini bikes and mopeds on one end and a world class touring machine on the other with some cool stuff in between. My BMW K1200, my mopeds, and my Burgman all give me equal riding pleasure though at different levela of sport or utility. I have no favorites; only memories of great riding in the past and dreams for riding tomorrow. If you asked me what I'd ride if I could have only one I'd probably say my Honda Helix....but then that was before I got the Burgman. That's from "biker" who's owned, ridden, raced, restored, and even destroyed one of about everything on two wheels.

 

I've ridden conventional motorcycles, but unlike others on here I did not come up through the ranks on them. I've been a scooter guy from square one. And you know what? I've always considered myself a biker anyway. Heck I've been wearing the chain wallet since I was 14 riding bicycles with my friends on 47th street back in Queens.:wink

 

On a MC forum I once wrote, "We may not all ride the same ride, but we're the same inside". It doesn't matter what you ride, just that you do. Haters be damned. Enjoy and ride whatever you wish. Snobs need not apply for your friendship.

 

I am almost done. Next week I'll trade my beemer for a Burgman. I think I'll be a biker anyway, regardless the size of its tires and the lack of the big fuel tank between the legs.
Its name will probably be "saturno" (Saturn) but this is another story... ;-)
Cheers, I'll keep you updated soon.
Davide.

 

Its name will probably be "saturno" (Saturn) but this is another story... ;-)
Cheers, I'll keep you updated soon.
Davide.

lots better than UR ANUS or POLLUTO :nerd

 

I've been riding since 1964 and many motorcycles have come and gone. I discovered Burgmans about 8 years ago and wondered why I didn't discover them sooner. My 650 of the past 7 years is a keeper, I still keep a motorcycle to ride as well, but usually they get sold within a year or so. No desire to sell the Burgman. I recently purchased a 2014 Triumph Bonneville T100 and it got more compliments the first week than in 7 years of owning the Burgman. Everyone thinks my Burgman is a scooter, you'll soon find out it is a very capable and comfortable motorcycle. But, don't expect to get the reception that your RT got. I know, I've owned several BMW's over the years. When stretched out riding the 650 Burgman and you're looking down the road, and not down at the bike, it really doesn't matter what it is. You're riding..........and it feels good.

 

I just switched from a 2007 Burgman 400 to a 2010 BMW R1200RT. I made the switch for several reasons. The first and biggest reason was Suzuki and their lack of willingness to address the throttle body issue found on all the B400. It cost me approx., $600ish in parts and several hours of my time to replace the throttle body with a new one. Second reason, lack of dealers in my area that I want to work with. The nearest one to where I live and work is horrible, leaving me with the next one a distance of 30+ miles/50 km away. Third reason was I wanted something bigger and faster than the 400, and due to #1 and #2 reasons I went with looking for something else other than the B650.

I like the R1200RT a lot better from a service perspective. The plastic panels can be removed and put back on with greatest of ease as they are all held on by screws/bolts. Whereas on the B400, they were usually held on with the plastic pins that always broke off, or the panels themselves were not easily removed with out developing cracks. Light bulbs are much easier to get to on the R1200RT, especially the side marker bulbs, compared to the B400. Longer oil change intervals(3600 miles/5700 kms) on the B400 vs (6000 miles/9600 kms) on the R1200RT (R1200RT has a larger oil filter and larger oil capacity). They both require plug changes and valve adjustments at regular intervals.

Just my 2 cents worth

 

Etienne_Lau, I hear what you're saying. I wonder if you could tell us DFW Burg folks which dealer you didn't like. Was it Arlington Motorsports? Freedom Cycles in Hurst? Plano Kawasaki Suzuki? Personally, I haven't used a dealer for servicing in years. I currently use Twisted Technology in North Richland Hills for my servicing. Dwayne is a real stand up guy and has several Burgman customers although he sometimes has to go to Ledude's youtube page if he can't figure it out.
But hey, I hear you about where the maxi-scooters' Achilles heel is definitely body panels. Humbug for servicing to be sure. I think the BMW R1200RT is one of the most beautiful bikes out there. It's too bad that BMW can't make their maxi-scooters look that good, cause I think they're borderline ugly.

 

Etienne_Lau, I hear what you're saying. I wonder if you could tell us DFW Burg folks which dealer you didn't like.

My favourite dealer but they are no longer in business was Honda/Suzuki North. They used to be on I-35 next to Dream Machine. The dealer that I did not like is the Plano Kawasaki/Suzuki on US-75. I went there a couple of times. The first time was to buy some parts in there parts department. After chatting with the guys in parts, I walked over to the service department to take a look and to introduce myself to the service guy there. The service guy would not even introduce himself to me!!! It was not even busy the time I was there, so that really rubbed me the wrong way. The second time I was there, to get my state inspection taken care of. That did not go well either. I had modulating headlights on my B400, he failed me for them. I said look "It is allowed by federal law", his response was, "I do not care, my training for state inspections requires a solid beam". Fine, I took my paper work from him and never paid and walked out.

I ended up getting my state inspection done at Honda Suzuki North. One time I noticed that the bolt for my center stand disappeared, so I rode the B400 over to Honda Suzuki North. The guys in service immediately grabbed a bolt and screwed it back onto the center stand, no charge for the bolt and time!!!! That is how you retain customers.

 

I lead a group of guys on Saturday rides. They are mostly in their 70's and a couple are in their late 80's. One traded in his 2010 BMW R1200Rt, and got a 2013 Burgman 650. He let me try it out and I liked it! I traded in my 9 year old 2005 BMW R1200ST, and got a new left over 2013 650. Had it almost two years now, put 20,000 miles on it so far. One of the other guys traded in his Goldwing and also got a 2013 650. A fourth sold his 2012 BMW R1200RT and bought a slightly used 2014 650. This summer another guy sold his FJR1300 and bought a used 2013 650.
50 years of riding, and I love riding the Burgman. You just can't beat it for commuting. Easy to operate, lots of storage and great fuel milage too. I do have a second bike for weekend fun, a 2016 Honda CB500F, it is a blast. Really light (419 lbs.) Quick enough for me, mpg in the high 60's and mid 70's put 14,000 miles on it in 11 months. I can't see myself ever being without a scooter. They just make sense, and are fun too! Bought the wife a Honda PCX 150 a few weeks ago. We are a two scooter family now.

 

My nickle's worth of info.
I am an American Legion Rider from a post with about 80 other riders. I am the only Burgman rider and have NEVER heard a word about not been on a HD or other motorcycle. I see my fellow riders struggling getting on and off their bikes and wonder, WHY work at it. The fun, enjoyment and all the other things that go with riding are all the same.

God Bless AMERICA.

Joe.