Most dealers don't allow test rides. The ones that do usually allow them for long time regular customers. It's understandable that dealers want you to plunk down some cash first. The dealer doesn't know the degree of skill most customers posess.
Likewise with a individual owner. Truth be told, I think you will have a difficult time finding someone who will part with their beloved Burgie. Especially to a stranger -nothing personal but thats reality.
As mentioned earlier, most people here bought without a test ride as I did. Though I did a lot of research, lots of reading on this site and many others. I was then confident that I wanted a Burgman. Everything turned out great! I love the machine. Prior to buying my Burgman here is what I concluded from this site alone:
-Most people who previously owned motorcycles have not looked back since buying a Burgman.
-Just about everyone here loves their Burgie. (Hence the possible difficulty of finding somone willing to relinquish theirs for a test ride.)
-Problems with the Burgman are very few and minor. Seems like people with major problems can be counted on one hand. Nevertheless, major problems can occur on anything mass produced.
-The most common "problem" is the dieseling noise at idle only which isn't a problem at all. As someone mentioned elsewhere on this site, you won't be happy with any motorcycle if this noise really bothers you. Most bikes have some type of idiosyncracy. Mine does it. I'm thinking of getting the fix done. If it makes it quieter - GREAT! If not, que sera sera - what ever will be will be.
-The machine is supported by a lot of very friendly, helpful and resourceful people on this site.
-The Burgman while not perfect (nothing really is), is a fantastic machine. Part of the fun is doing mods to make it suit your needs and making it fit your personality.
Ultimately it's your decision. Do a lot of research, ask questions. I believe the more you learn, the more you will be wanting to take the plunge and get one. Otherwise if you still have a lot of doubts, you are not ready or the Burgman is simply not for you.
I will say this about the Burgman, acquaintances, curious motorcyclists, and people in cars when the light changes realize very quickly that this scooter is no rinkydink toy. The responses to the machine are universally favorable.