[TheDarkCutlass]

Looks like I got to move up to spaces on the forum list from the 2007+ 400 forums to the 650's now that I have acquired an 09 650 Exec from BeachBuzz about 5 hours ago.

Have to start my knowledge all over again, know everything about the 400, nothing really (besides basic) about the 650. Luckily I know LeDude has plenty of videos for me to paruse for most questions I got.

However the brief spurts I drove it (around parking lot, and then from trailer into my driveway) do notice the few quirks others have mentioned, particularly the engine braking, and the clutch "grabbiness" from disengaged to engaged. Not really an issue, just something different to get used to is all. Gotta get it registered and all that before I really can get on it and have fun. But for now, it must sit (maybe a ride around neighborhood once rain stops )

 

[JohnK]

Congrats on the new ride. I think you will eventually like the differences, but then again that's what I ride.

 

[Bill-Bill]

Congrats on the new to you ride. I am sure you will enjoy the difference between the 400 and the 650. I too went from a 400 to a 650 and a 650 and a 650. Really can't find fault with them, they have served me well. Have many happy miles and smiles.

Bill

 

[NormanB]

Congratz and I am sure you will manage the transition fine. Just remember you are not only controlling the throttle With your right hand - but the 'whole system' and dial it in rather than twist and carry a feathered rear brake for the slow stuff.
:thumbup:

 

[TheReaper]

plus one on the feathering of the throttle , there is definitely a learning curve . Every day it gets a little easier then pretty much second nature . At first you'll be thinking WTF , who engineered this thing ? It's worth the trouble , it's the sweetest ride in the scooter world .

TheReaper!

 

[TheDarkCutlass]

I have no doubts I'll master it, I've already figured out in the short run around neighborhood i did during a clearing in the rain to not go through a corner at 0 throttle. Also got to get used to just overall maneuvering. First impression is it is not as nimble as my 400 is, but also don't expect it to be with it weighing alot more and wider. Again, learning curve I'll get used to in a couple weeks. Then I'm sure i'll have no issues

 

[w8wca]

Congratulations on the 650!

 

[29534]

I got a 08 400 in mid November and rode it 4,000 miles until it was totaled when I was hit in the rear on July 1st. I replaced it with a 650 and just passed 1,000 miles on it. It took an adjustment period but I am coming around. The first thing I noticed is that the tires cost double or more. The 400 is much more "tossable" but the 650 is far more stable on the interstate at high speed. You don't slam off of the throttle like on the 400. The throttle on the 650 is like a rheostat where you turn it one way to speed up and the other way to slow down. You seldom need to use the brakes to slow down. Works great in the mountains and is not a problem once you get used to it. The seat height difference is something I had to get accustomed to. It is only 1.5" higher but it is also wider. My short inseam had to adjust. I had to adjust to 50 MPG rather than the mid to upper 60s I got on the 400. I like the clutch much better on the 650 because it is very smooth and quiet when compared with the 400.

To me, the 400 is like a Ford Ranger and the 650 is like a Ford F-150 or going from a Chevrolet Malibu to a Buick Park Avenue. There is that much difference.

 

[TheDarkCutlass]

I replaced it with a 650 and just passed 1,000 miles on it.

I was eying the one you got from Bob, at that time I didn't have my funds right so i was secretly waiting hoping nothing would happen with it. When I saw you were getting it I was cussing you out in my head

Did a few more romps around my neighborhood again this morning and already noticing bad habits with myself. I'm trying to man-handle it rather than let it flow like it should. So just 15 minutes of riding around I'm exhausted. Its like I got to learn counter-steering all over again.

Still figuring out the clutch engagement while rolling. From stop its no issue, its just while rolling trying to get it smooth, or not disengage at all if possible. Dragging the rear brake does help smooth it out though.

One day at a time. I didn't learn my 400 over night, so don't expect the same with the 650

 

[miken6mz]

Another new Burgman 650 owner here, a 2004 model. It's my first motorcycle actually, and what a blast! Two previous owners were "well seasoned" (original was in his 70s and the 2nd is my age, over a decade less) and by the look of the primary pulley stopper bolt, they didn't abuse the bike in its first 17k miles (new bolt on order anyway). I like the manual mode a lot, I wonder if anyone notices an increase in fuel economy in manual mode? I like slowing the engine to under 3000rpm in 5th when cruising on flat roads.

 

[LeDude]

congrats on the new ride and welcome to the 650 family.

you are going to really like the 650, it's very different as far gearing and shifting goes compared to the old weight and pulley system that is used on the older scoots.

enjoy....

 

[29534]

I was eying the one you got from Bob, at that time I didn't have my funds right so i was secretly waiting hoping nothing would happen with it. When I saw you were getting it I was cussing you out in my head

I'm glad I beat you to it. Bob and his wife are the nicest folks you will ever meet. He is also very picky and he likes everything spotless. The scooter didn't have a nick or a speck of dirt on it. It has never had anything but Amzoil in it. He included 5 OEM oil filters and the service manual along with the paperwork for most of the accessories. The only thing I did was replace the OEM tire which had 11,000 miles on it. Here in the mountains, I expect about 6,000 on the replacement.

I bought it before the insurance company declared the 400 a total but felt sure it would be and I didn't want Bob's to get away. I had to go to Norfolk anyway because of a daughter who had broken her ankle and Bob lives about 75 miles away on the other side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. I just drove my truck instead of my car.

 

[Rusty J]

I have no doubts I'll master it, I've already figured out in the short run around neighborhood i did during a clearing in the rain to not go through a corner at 0 throttle. Also got to get used to just overall maneuvering. First impression is it is not as nimble as my 400 is, but also don't expect it to be with it weighing alot more and wider. Again, learning curve I'll get used to in a couple weeks. Then I'm sure i'll have no issues

I've noticed something in alternating between my 150cc Vespa and my Burgman 650. The Burgman's massive weight is all down low, which means that it needs more of an initial countersteer to start a turn than you'd expect (leaning in helps with this, but isn't needed once the turn is established).

 

[Desert Rat]

Nice to have another Burgman rider that's had the 400 & 650. I put 46k on my 400 before selling it & buying my 09 650. Have put just over 5k now on the 650 in 5 months so have a good feel & handle on the +'s & -'s of both the 400 & 650.
I know once you get a little more seat time the 650 is going to feel as natural as your 400.

 

[bearcat]

Cutlass,

BeachBuzz is a friend of mine and we have had several nice rides together here on the Eastern Shore. You have a good 650 there.

Just a tip, when coasting to a stop, try keeping the throttle feathered just a crack, keeps the RPM's up and the engine braking is not as severe. also as Norman said, when doing slow tight turns drag the rear brake, works like a clutch and gives you better control.

Here's a pic. of your Black Halfabusa and my White Halfabusa along the bay during Delmarva Bike Week 2 years ago.

 

[TheDarkCutlass]

Here's a pic. of your Black Halfabusa and my White Halfabusa along the bay during Delmarva Bike Week 2 years ago.

Yea, one of the pictures I was looking at before driving up and getting it. Speaking of which, need to find where I can get replacement Halfabusa stickers. The logo itself is fine, but the letters are starting to peel away

Looking around it appears the place that was making them had to stop or something like that, and can't find any posts recently about them.

 

[JohnK]

Looking around it appears the place that was making them had to stop or something like that, and can't find any posts recently about them.

Yep, copyright infringement.

 

[TheDarkCutlass]

Yea... Can't figure out how that worked. Hayabusa isn't just a Suzuki name, its used lots of places. Then take on that its not even that name, but a iteration of it. Maybe they are saying its copyright infringement on the font? about all I can think of. More then likely just a matter of Suzuki saying something and vendor got scared and just complied (happens alot). I can find other Halfabusa stickers out there, but the font on them is different so wouldn't work. Owell, might just have to get one custom made locally sooner or later.