[markw]

Hi All,
I have finally decided to return to riding after a 20 year hiatus. I am confused and hopefully can get some guidance here. I am interested in mostly weekend riding on the backraods, with very occasional rides to the beach and maybe 1-2 x per year to the mountains.

I am about 5'5" with a 27" or so inseam. I am torn between a 400cc scooter (Burgman or Majesty) or regular motorcycle. I am not really too concerned about what the guys at work who ride think about my decision, my main concern is comfort and enjoyability.

I am signed up for the MSF class in early March and plan on buying a bike as soon as I pass the class. Sorry for rambling on. Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Mark

 

[billmeek]

Welcome to the BurgmanUSA forums Mark. Glad to have you join us.

I too too a long break (about 16 years) from riding motorcycles and decided to start riding again. Currently, I ride a Burgman 400 and think it's a great machine. I picked the Burgmans over the Honda's in large part due to this forum. Given your height, the 400 would be a perfect fit for you. If you prefer, I'm sure you wouldn't have a problem riding the Burgman 650 either. I suggest a test ride on a Burgman before making your decision. They're easy to ride, fun as heck (espically in twisties), have ample storage, and get good gas mileage. If you have any questions, the friendly guys and gals here on the forum are a wealth of information.

 

[pauljo]

If you take a look at the Miles Ridden in 2004 thread, you will see that all of us that still own motorcycles rode our scooters more last year. If you can afford to own both, it is a nice contrast - I do like to ride my motorcycle on occasion. But if you can only own one, I'd heartily recommend a big scooter.

 

[gdavis13]

Hi Mark,
I live in Winterville and have a Burgman 400. It is a great bike and you would love it. I work at DSM and is hassled daily by my biker buddies, who says I should get a real bike. Ha! They just don't know. I put over 100 miles on it during one of the Indian Summer days earlier this month. The only thing that will keep me off of it is rain or snow. Any clear day summer or winter is a good day to ride. Ron Ayers has a 2005 AN400 on the showroom floor. I don't ride as far as my biker buddies, but I ride much more often. Good luck with your decision and I hope to wave at you on the road, soon.... :lol:

 

[NormanB]

Mark
Welcome to the Forum :hello2:
The best thing to help you decide is a test ride if you can.
The scoot ain't a motorcycle - it is more
More comfortable
More weather protection
More fun
More practical (huge storage)
More easy to ride (no clutch or gear changing)
Oh and ...

More panels to remove for maintenance

 

[allwalk]

Greetings Mark and welcome to this forum and back to the two wheeled world. Like the others I suggest you go to the dealer and at least sit on both machines that are on your dream list. I definetely think that the big scoots are the way to go over the conventional motorcycle. My 650 is the most comfortable macnine I've ever ridden. This comfort leads to the most fun I've ever had as well. I saved 12,500 miles on the minivan last year. The big scoots allow for those quick errands to the local store(or not so local) due to there cavernous storage space below the seat.

Oh and if the store is not so local.........don't be buying icecream.

Good luck on your decision and keep us updated no matter what you buy.

 

[billmeek]

Oh and if the store is not so local.........don't be buying icecream.

.... at least if you buy the 650. The underseat storage on the 650 gets a bit warm. The 400 isn't nearly as bad about it. So as far as ice cream shopping goes, you're better off with the 400. :lol:

 

[NormanB]

Oh and if the store is not so local.........don't be buying icecream.

.... at least if you buy the 650. The underseat storage on the 650 gets a bit warm. The 400 isn't nearly as bad about it. So as far as ice cream shopping goes, you're better off with the 400. :lol:

if the seat mechanism isn't already frozen shut!

 

[billmeek]

:lol: Yep. Tis a problem ... but is easily solved by an extended warmup period.

 

[ClassicGeek]

As a motorcyclist just getting back into it after a break (only five years) and who just made the jump from bikes to scoots, I think I just made the same decision you're pondering.

I second all of NormanB's points. To that I'll add lower running costs: fuel mileage and insurance are both points in the Burgman's favor, especially the 400. That's not to say that the scooter doesn't feel weird at first. Where's the gas tank? I still haven't figured out (in only my first 30 miles) the best answer to that one.

I chose the Burgman over the Majesty. I talked to both dealers, and I chose the Burgman because:

• Legroom: I'm 6'3", and I could use the whole steering lock on the Burgman without hitting my thighs. Of course, your issue is the opposite, but with the backrest forward, you should be able to flat-foot it.[/*:m:2z9urz2h]
• Price/dealer: The Suzuki dealer cut me a great deal, but I already liked the vibe better than the Yamaha dealer. [/*:m:2z9urz2h]
• Aesthetics: I liked the looks of the Burgman better than the Majesty, including that trick single-sided swingarm out back! 8) For some nice Burgman pics, follow the link in billmeek's signature.[/*:m:2z9urz2h]

Sit on one, ride it. Follow your instincts. If you are going to second guess because of your coworkers (you wouldn't have mentioned it if it wasn't a factor at all), make a choice that you can live and ride with.

Simon

 

[Jim]

Oh and if the store is not so local.........don't be buying icecream.

.... at least if you buy the 650. The underseat storage on the 650 gets a bit warm. The 400 isn't nearly as bad about it. So as far as ice cream shopping goes, you're better off with the 400. :lol:

I had just the opposite, The 400, with the engine below the seat, left the storage under the seat, a lot warmer than on the 650. The engine on the 650 in in front of the seat

 

[billmeek]

Jim,

Maybe my assumption is wrong. I've seen where several 650 riders have commented on the trunk getting very warm and never noticed a comment from the 400 riders. Unless I leave the bike sitting still for an extended period, I've not seen the trunk get too warm.

 

[NormanB]

Where's the gas tank? I still haven't figured out (in only my first 30 miles) the best answer to that one.
Simon

Hi Simon

Was that ironic toungue in cheek or a plea for help?

 

[ClassicGeek]

[quote:11pcggs7]
ClassicGeek wrote:
Where's the gas tank? I still haven't figured out (in only my first 30 miles) the best answer to that one.
Simon

Hi Simon

Was that ironic toungue in cheek or a plea for help?
[/quote:11pcggs7]

That was tongue-in-cheek, but I have to admit that not having the tank to squeeze between my knees is a bit unnerving.

Simon

 

[pauljo]

The trunk on the 650 does not heat up. I have carried frozen foods, even ice cream home from the store with no problems. It's no worse than carrying groceries in a car trunk.

 

[pauljo]

I have to admit that not having the tank to squeeze between my knees is a bit unnerving.
Simon

I got used to that rather quickly. Consider this too. If you crash, do you really want gas tank, engine, and transmission coming down on your leg? :? I really think that the scooter design is safer.

 

[NormanB]

edited as no longer required

 

[DonRich90]

More panels to remove for maintenance

Obviously Norm, you never had a Goldwing :roll:
Don

 

[NormanB]

Nope and I guess I never will!