Hi Wendy,
Welcome to the BurgmanUSA forum. The answers to most of your questions can easily be found here. Just browse around a bit and you'll find a number of insights from both guys and gals.
For a blend of power, comfort, and ease of use, it is hard to beat the Burgman 650 if you feel comfortable with its size. It is more of a step-through motorcycle than a traditional scooter when it comes to performance, but it retains the ample storage, twist and go automatic transmission, and other good aspects of scooters. It is really a unique machine.
And I think you are smart to be considering a Burgman vs a motorcycle. I have both, and I still like my motorcycle, but I ride the Burgman more.