Of the bikes you have mentioned, I have owned an '89 PC800 and a 2005 Burgman 650. Currently, I am riding a 2010 Concours 1400 ABS.

The challenges of owning the PC800, are mostly getting parts because of it being out of production. I purchased the Burgman to replace the PC800. Both are competent bikes, two up. Solo, I would ride either 300+ miles without a challenge. I never tried to travel more than 50 miles two up on any bike, so I cannot address how comfortable that might be.

Have fun shopping for a new bike.

 

find a nice ST11 and you will be in sport touring heaven...

it has an amazing engine that will eat asphalt all day long and do it with ease...

what I like about the ST11 is that it runs on regular 87 octane just like the burgmans.

you will get about the same gas mileage as a 650 burgman....

If you do venture off onto those less traveled roads or dirt roads now and then, look into a Vstrom 1000,
very capable bike, doesn't offer the same amenities as the ST11 but add a set of saddle bags and top
box and you are all set for some Adventure touring / riding.

both bikes are extremely affordable on the 2nd hand market...

good luck...

 

I'd also add in the Honda NT700V to your list. I look at it as the replacement for the PC800.

Chris

 

Have been where you are already.

Had a Burgman 650.

Looked at the PC800 . Unfortuantely every one I looked at, that was advertised as being in good/perfect condition, was not as advertised.

Tried the Yamaha VSTAR's and found that the Burgman 650 engine was more similar to a 980cc engine. Was going for an 1100 but had the opportunity to purchase a 1300. Have enjoyed it since.

 

Re: Motorcycle recomendations! OOPS....!!

I owned a Boss Hoss "CARCYCLE" for 11 years and loved it.........BUT at almost 1400 lbs....may be a bit much for you....BUT...with 355 HP and a Chevy V8 racing engine - not too much on the road passes you.......!!! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: Now - I own a Goldwing GL1800 with all the bells & whistles too and a shear joy to ride..........THAT - combined with my 2008 AN400 Burgie.....make a nice change of pace.......!!!

But seriously - there are so many nice bikes out there today - that making a choice of the "RIGHT" one.is very difficult.......!!! My suggestion would be to test drive all of the ones that you are interested in......and then hopefully make the "right decision"............

 

just how attached are you to this wife ? maybe a new wife with a better appreciation for scooters and a new 650 is your answer, they would be great for long rides, economical, lightweight as compared to the old heavy cruisers more fun in traffic and a lot of other places too and a lot less gas 8)

she might not even object to scooter parts in the dishwasher :evil:

 

My experience is limited, but my first bike was the Suzuki c50, 805cc, 600 pounds, and its a great bike (still have it). Don't even think of more than 100 miles without a mustang or other seat, I have one.
Then got a '09 burgman 650, white, and I'd rather take it on the intermediate (greater than 1 hour)rides since its smoother (less vibration) , carries more, and slightly greater fun factor.
The wife won't go on any longer than short rides anyway, and she prefers the burgman.

Hope that helps.

 

If you are going to ride 2 up then you need at least an 1100cc. The Honda Shadow is great - There is also a Shadow Tourer model - comes with hard bags and a windshield. They were made in the late 90's and early 2000's. Usually go for about $4000 - Just sold a Wing and got a Kawasaki Vukcan Nomad - Nice bike - a bit underpowered and poor gas mileage - 38MPG. Honda St's were okay but dumped heat on the rider. I still think the PC800's are great bikes - almost 50MPG - zero maintenance and the same motor Honda has used forever. I have had 4 of those over the years.

If you expect our wife to ride with you bette let her sit on whatever you plan to buy. If she has been riding on the back of a Wing this will be difficult.

 

I know, I know, this is a Burgman site, but there are a lot of people here who ride just about everything so I thought I'd give it a go and ask;
I'm looking for a motorcycle that would be good for 2-up mid-distance 300-500 mile cruising. I was thinking of a PC800 or a ST1100, but the "cruisers" are available and priced right. I'm not looking to spend a bundle, but would like to get a nice bike.
Basically considering; PC800, ST1100, Burgman 650 (though the wife probably would object to the scooter - she hates my 400), Suzuki Boulevard 805, Kawasaki Vulcan 900 (cruisers @1000cc) - I don't really want to get a huge heavy bike (1500+).
I do currently have a Goldwing 1500, but I don't really like dealing with the weight - it's a great ride, but I don't ride on long straight roads often and would like something a bit easier to handle (esp. in traffic). The new bike would also share time with my 400 as a commuter. Over 4K on the Burgman since the first of the year - I guess we've had some really good riding days down here. Feel free to share whatever, it's going to be a while and I don't mind recomendations. Thanks!

You only have one choice: The 1 your wife wants.

 

+1 That's how my last decision was made.

 

If you are going to ride 2 up then you need at least an 1100cc. ...

I realize that his wife doesn't want a Burgman scooter of any type...but if a Burgman 650 can tour with two people...why do you need almost twice the engine? I'm confused...

Chris

 

Daboo - Because I don't think a Burgman is suitable for two up touring for more than maybe 200 miles.

 

Well, I tour 600 daily plus on the Silverwing and Burgman 650 exec (as well as the others, but scooters are capable). I pull a trailer and ride 2 up. I had a 7 different Goldwings, Valkyrie, VTX1300R, and even an Elite 250. My wife is 120 LBs (cough, cough) and this Burgman 650 is the FIRST bike she has ridden all day with me and NOT complained about something (to big, to small, not comfortable, seat to hard, seat to soft, seat to narrow, seat to wide, etc). My brother had the Silverwing and also the C50. His girlfriend is a rider, but as a passenger she complains about the C50. AS stated above, take a test ride WITH the bride and let her see what fits her. I was pleasantly surprised when we wound up with the Burgman.

 

Sorry guys, I can't get rid of the wife!
Thanks for all the replies! You've given some good food for thought - please keep this going.
Another I'd like a comment or two on would be the Honda NT700V - it gets some pretty good reviews, has ample hp, gets good mpg (relatively), and a huge gas tank. Also, I don't mind my bikes to look "practical". I guess I'm too old to worry about looking cool anymore - .
I think the wife has the same issue my B-I-L who rides Harleys has - the Burgman (even the 650) is a scooter. She's ok with the 400, but she's not very comfy back there and I have to agree - the 400 probably isn't the most comfortable 2 up motorcycle/scooter. Forunately for me, she hasn't had much saddle time on the Goldwing.
With that said, I think it's pretty much open. Amazing for a relationship that had a "no motorcycle" clause at the beginning. Funny, it was a 150cc Chinese scooter that got the whole two wheel thing going for me again. Since I bought the Burgman, I've put around 6 to 7000 miles a year on it - just think of the money I've saved.

 

Since I bought the Burgman, I've put around 6 to 7000 miles a year on it - just think of the money I've saved.

Your saving money? :lol:

 

Concours 1400 ABS

 

If you want a two up with comfort and $$$ savings I would suggest you look into a used Yamaha FJR 1300. Low maintence costs,comfort, and distance capability.

 

Concours 1400 ABS

Would be my my choice.......oh, wait, it is my choice. See pic's in gallery.

 

We still have our Burgman 400 and 650, but when I sold the BMW K12 I looked a the ST1300, the FJR and the Connie 1400. For me the best pick was the FJR. I really liked the Connie, but it was just too complex, I liked the simplicity of FJR.

 

I do currently have a Goldwing 1500, but I don't really like dealing with the weight - it's a great ride. The Goldwing 1500 bike would also share time with my 400 as a commuter. Over 4K on the Burgman since the first of the year - I guess we've had some really good riding days down here. Feel free to share whatever, it's going to be a while and I don't mind recomendations. Thanks!

Stay with what you have. I had the Goldwing 1500 and had no problems riding two-up on the winding roads in the Sequoia areas to straight line high speed cruising. You're looking for an excuse to get another bike when you already have all the basis covered with 2 great motorcycles. The Goldwing feels heavy, but once you get used to it.. it's not that bad. Save yourself some money and enjoy both rides.

 

For a bang for the buck type of bike you may want to take a look at the Honda VTX? They come in two sizes and even though they quit making the 1800 in 2007 there are still new ones around at dealerships as well as a plethora of nice used ones. Shaft drive and lots of torque and h.p. to haul about anything anywhere. Neat thing is that they existed long enough that the after market is rich with accessories. My son and I drove to Oklahoma last summer and picked up my VTX 1800 Neo and rode it home. I don't know if you like the cruiser image thing but, if so there are a lot of these to be found. As you mentioned the VeeStrom is another great bike that can be found for a pittance and is known as a bulletproof fun bike. I added bags and a top case to mine and it's a good to go traveler. Lots of goodies for these bikes, and they lend themselves to gravel road/fire lane travel very well. Adding some knobbles and they will travel great in rural areas. I don't have the knobbies but, have taken the Strom on gravel roads in both the Big Horn Mts. and the Black Hills. Of course the Gold Wing comes loaded to boogie as far as travel is concerned.
Have a good time lookin' cuz that is the best part..... :thumbup:

Flint

 

Sorry guys, I can't get rid of the wife!
(snip)
I think the wife has the same issue my B-I-L who rides Harleys has - the Burgman (even the 650) is a scooter. She's ok with the 400, but she's not very comfy back there and I have to agree - the 400 probably isn't the most comfortable 2 up motorcycle/scooter. Forunately for me, she hasn't had much saddle time on the Goldwing.

It sounds like the wife doesn't ride much.....is she really going to ride more on a new/different bike? My wife, I know, will not tour for long distances at all. I've tried.:? One hour and we better be stopping either at the destination, for gas, food, or a place of interest. It is not the comfort factor as she is very comfortable on my 400 but more of a "I gotta pee, get a coke, smoke, or something". She is a bit fidgety anyhow and even in a car she gets restless on long rides. The only time she hasn't minded a longer ride is when we did the Blue Ridge Pkwy and surrounding areas on a day ride. She had the camera clicking away and lost track of the time in the saddle (almost 3 hours!). 8) I now have to research and plan all of our long rides for 1 hour stints. :|
Good luck with your research on a purchase but ask yourself who will spend the most time on the bike and buy accordingly. :wink:

 

PC800 is awesome. You can go for it. It looks good and I think you should be satisfied with the price.

 

Have the Burgman 650 and went on a trip from San Francisco to Santa Barbara - 2 -up on Hwy 1. From the trip, we realized, even with a GIVI pod, needed some additional space and CRUISE CONTROL - Friend of ours was selling his Kawasaki Voyager XII - The wife does not have as much front and back room - but likes the wrap around rear rest. With a 6 gallon plus tank - and 45 to 50 MPG - you can go for longer than the seat can endure.

I too had looked at the PC800 - Having a GL500 Interstate at the time - but as mentioned before - parts parts parts. With the Voyager XII - they made nearly the identical bike except for color from 86 to 2003. Because of the 10 year parts 'rule' and service - you can still find parts and some dealerships will service if you mention the fact that 2003 parts are still available. Have 9,000 miles on the Burg in 4 years - have put 5,000 miles on the Voyager in just over a year.

We like both - The Burg for heading into the foothills and roads with no 'numbers'!! - and like the Voyager when we have to hit the highway and am looking to cover the miles - with minimal wind and all the extras a touring bike offers.

I never thought I would need two bikes - but so far can not decide if we had to - which bike to give up!

 

Might also take a look at the Yamaha Star 950 tourer or the 1300 Star.
The problem I see with touring most cruisers is the wind protection issue. The tombstone type shields usually buffet badly with updrafts and all.
In addition, the seating position of some of them is far from ideal for many passengers.
I've done a fair amount of touring on my Superglide but not because its really a good touring bike, I just love riding it enough to put up with it.
If you are tall enough might you consider one of the big dual sports like a VStrom or a Tiger? Set up correctly, they are amazingly comfortable, relatively light and can be outfited with full luggage.
Another alternative might be an older BMW R1100RT made between 1996 and 2001. Its a good solid bike, about the end of the era of relative simplicity and can usually be found at quite reasonable prices.
Lacking all of that the NT700 might be a good bet. I can't believe it has much power but it appears to be set up right with wind protection and bags. Might also think of the Suzuki 1200 bandit, that appears like it might make a good sport tourer at a reasonable price.
I think theres a real market for a full dressed tourer that weighs in about 700 pounds or less and not necessarily sport oriented. Kind of along the lines of the old BMW R100RT series when they were airheads. The new oilheads are so expensive that as desirable as they might be, its a hard bite to take.