[curly]

Hi everyone. I've been a lurker here for quite a while and find this site to be a treasure trove of information. While I have spent many hours reading the various threads I have a few questions I would like advice on.

First off, I have been street riding for over 10 years and have logged tens of thousands of miles in that time on several different motorcycles that range from sport, dual-sport, and sport-touring. My current ride is a 2009 Concours 14.

Long story short the Connie has made riding too much like work. It makes intoxicating power and mind blowing top end speed and it shines on the highway but is a beast on short rides. It's top heavy, makes my hands tingle, and the heat coming off that big engine makes summer riding miserable. I've spent lots of money and made numerous changes trying to love this bike but to no avail. Overall I have been disappointed with it. It is soon to be for sale.

I've had my eye on the B650 for a few years but never felt the time was right. I think the time is now right. My mind is pretty much set on the 2013 because I like the updated styling. $10,099 is a lot of money, but if this bike is everything you guys say it is then it will be money well spent. I want to enjoy riding again. So, here goes.

1. Do vibrations from the engine reach the handlebars?
2. Do you feel heat coming from the bike?
3. I ride pretty much year round and need extra watts for heated gloves and full heated jacket. Can this bike handle the extras?
4. The majority of my riding is solo commuting to work but I do one or two long trips per year and sometimes two-up. Does the 650
handle two-up well and is the seat comfortable for a passenger?
5. Do those of you who came from other bikes regret coming to the Burgman?

I'm sure I forgot something but that's enough for now.

 

[MJR]

1. Do vibrations from the engine reach the handlebars?

Not that I'm aware of and the engine is very smooth.

2. Do you feel heat coming from the bike?

No

3. I ride pretty much year round and need extra watts for heated gloves and full heated jacket. Can this bike handle the extras?

Based on other riders here, yes.

4. The majority of my riding is solo commuting to work but I do one or two long trips per year and sometimes two-up. Does the 650 handle two-up well and is the seat comfortable for a passenger?

Only done this once or twice, seemed fine to me.

5. Do those of you who came from other bikes regret coming to the Burgman?

No regrets despite my '03's CVT issue. The only bike I had before was a pair of Honda Helixes. If theres anything stock the bike lacks it's a better suspension but there are aftermarket upgrades that improve it.

 

[DJJTK]

Curly

I have a B650 Exec 06.

This was my first bike ever .. and have not regrets .. do occasionally lust over other ST bikes that I envison myself on .. but haven't made any decisions to trade at this point.

I ride roughly 5000km per year .. combination of commuting and weekend jonts.



1. Do vibrations from the engine reach the handlebars? -- No have not had any vibrations at all.
2. Do you feel heat coming from the bike? - No heat from the bike commuting or highway .. expells it's heat very well.
3. I ride pretty much year round and need extra watts for heated gloves and full heated jacket. Can this bike handle the extras? I have added 2 cig adaptors wired to the battery for radio, gps etc .. and added heated grips and aux lighting .. bike handles it all very well.[/i]
4. The majority of my riding is solo commuting to work but I do one or two long trips per year and sometimes two-up. Does the 650
handle two-up well and is the seat comfortable for a passenger? I have only done a little 2 up .. most of my riding is solo .. but havn't had complaints on the pilon seat on rides of 1 hr.
5. Do those of you who came from other bikes regret coming to the Burgman? [i]didn't come from another bike .. do get the occasional jokes from guys at work about riding a "scooter", but always reply that at least i am riding .. when they have their chromed HD in the garage as the sun is not shining the right way or there are clouds in the forecast. Other friends who ride Goldwings, BMW K1600 etc .. all have no issues with being seen with the Burgman in their group .. it's great at highway speeds, comfortable etc. I'm here to enjoy my ride .. not to ride the bike others think i should have.[/i]
get the bike .. am sure you'll enjoy it. The automatic is fantastic in traffic ..

 

[MacDoc]

. Do vibrations from the engine reach the handlebars?

It's a detuned water jacketed twin - pretty smooth - no difference from my ST1100 V4 so that's saying a lot.

2. Do you feel heat coming from the bike?

ZERO- the ST1100 on the other hand....urk in the city.

3. I ride pretty much year round and need extra watts for heated gloves and full heated jacket. Can this bike handle the extras?

Yes tho with all the coverage up front you may find you won't need much. The first thing for all year is get the wider Clearview screen. It's what Suz should have put on in the first place - I also ride all year tho spend the core of winter in Australia

4. The majority of my riding is solo commuting to work

Brilliant - you'll love the ease of handling and up to 60 mpg the Exec might out accelerate your current ride if you hit the power button - you;ll be surprised and it's a treat in the twists and THAT surprised me.
You will also embarrass many other bigger machines off the line.

but I do one or two long trips per year and sometimes two-up. Does the 650
handle two-up well and is the seat comfortable for a passenger?

Long trips no issue - two up I have no experience - I've put 1,000 km a day on more than once....you might consider a third party seat with a decent backrest but the Beadrider is a cheaper and comfie alternative

5. Do those of you who came from other bikes regret coming to the Burgman?
43 years riding - best all around bike I've owned. My ST1100 in Aus is so sweet on the highway but I'd take the Burgman over for anything under 80 mph.

I ride 30,000 KM per year - 3 different bikes - KLR650, Burgman 650 Exec, ST1100 Honda....I ALWAYS miss the Burgman cept in the dirt and even then on dirt and gravel it's okay.
Mud and sand - it's the KLR

I'm sure I forgot something but that's enough for now.

To buy one

 

[Dave_J]

I echo what is said above. I too commute 41 miles one way in all weather to include light snow days. But I cheat, I have a M/S Car tire on the rear so snow grip is OK. I avarage between 47 to 51 miles per US Gallon.

I would love to have a Connie as a spare bike, but keep the Burg as my main ride. When you list it for sale, post a link in the classifieds here. Daboo's LITTLE 700cc Honda wouldn't catch me on that, until I have to stop for gas, he gets 65+ MPG.

What area are you from? A local member may take you up on a ride swap for a day ride.

 

[Jim]

I agree with most of above, but 1 Mileage.
While I do have 40K on an '03, my best average is 50 mpg. Newer models do get better, I would guess closer to 53 mpg.
This should help Fuel mileage poll overall average (US gals.)

As for 2 up riding, I ride 95% 2 up. NO issue, even at 80 Indicated on the expressway with a uphill grade, and or headwind. Maybe it's because I'm used to it, but I feel it rides better than riding solo.

 

[curly]

Thanks everyone for the replies so far. I live in western North Carolina near Asheville. I would love to take one for a test ride. The local dealers around here don't allow test rides unless they have a used one in stock.

I too have thought about keeping the connie and I have not ruled it out but finances and space (and convincing the wife that I need two bikes) are limiting factors.