Hello to all on here. I have been scouting this site for awhile. I am a newbie by the way so please dont hold that against me. I really want some ideas on the Burgman 650 ie Is this a good bike to start out on for a newbie, weight, price, add-ons, performance, two up riding, etc. I want to make this purchase before i redeploy back home from the middle east. Any suggestions or ideas would greatly be appreciated. Thanks to all who give give great advice on this wonderful site. Shoot away with suggestions
NEWBIE WANTS 650 EXEC
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If you have the means to buy new, then buy new and get a 5yr extended warranty.mlrs270 said:
The better deals are probably on lightly used bikes but most do not come with the extended warranty.
Because of the cvt issues, in my opinion only, the extended warranty is a must.
I bought/stole my "09" exec. I rolled the dice because there was no warranty, It weighs on my mind almost every day.
The more time you spend on the BUSA website the more it really plays on my mind after reading of all the people having
cvt failures with a repair bill of $2500-3000. If you are a DIY'r you can get away with $1200-1400. Although, you will here that the percentage
of failures to non failures is miniscule it none the less exists. Also, keep in mind these bikes are a luxury item. They are expensive to maintain.
You can save some $$ doing your own oil/filter, gear, coolant and brake fluid maint. Tires are a big cost, especially if you bring them to
a dealer or m/c shop for mounting and balancing. Rear tires in Florida last about 5-6,000 miles. The front will go 10,000-12,000.
To replace just the rear tire my cost was $170 with a OEM bridgestone or Michelin tire. Lately, i have gone to shinko's bias ply tires. So far, i have no
complaints, others have had issues with them. I can get both front/rear shinko's, mounted and balanced for the same cost as 1 rear oem tire.
The Burgman is a awesome ride. I once thought i would trade it in on a m/c. Yamaha Vstar 950. I have since given up that avenue as i laugh every time
one of my buds complains about shifting and trying to throw there aging hips over the saddle. The storage on the Burgman is unmatched. Unless you want
a $45,000 harley trike with a rear trunk. Good luck in your decision. I am not trying to talk you out of a Burgman. I love my bike. I just want you
to go into this with your eyes wide open. :roll:
any suggestions for any new ones in the Winston Salem NC area? I have emailed several dealers within 150 miles and not many have new 2013 burgmans in stock
I just dont want to buy it over the internet and not be satisfied with my purchase. I have sat on the Burgman and the Silverwing. The SWING just doesnt have all of the features i want. I love the idea of an power shield and mirrors along with the comfort and durability of the Burgman. I have completed my MSF course through the army and im eager to use what i learned on the course on the street. Can you normally negogate a good price on a new Burgman with cash in hand?
I just dont want to buy it over the internet and not be satisfied with my purchase. I have sat on the Burgman and the Silverwing. The SWING just doesnt have all of the features i want. I love the idea of an power shield and mirrors along with the comfort and durability of the Burgman. I have completed my MSF course through the army and im eager to use what i learned on the course on the street. Can you normally negogate a good price on a new Burgman with cash in hand?
Since this is you first bike, I would buy used. Being a new rider, it's not a question of if you are going to drop it, it's a matter of when (and probably stopped). It's more painful if it is new. Also, you don't know if riding a bike or scooter is for you. If it is not for you, you will lose a ton of money on a new ride. You will be able to get most of your money back if you get a good buy on a used one.
When I was shopping for a Burgman in November, a dealer in Charlotte had a nice low mileage 08 650 Executive for around $4,600. I was going to buy it until I found a good buy on a 400 near me. I wanted a 400 because of the lower seat, lighter weight and better fuel mileage (and it was closer to me).
When I was shopping for a Burgman in November, a dealer in Charlotte had a nice low mileage 08 650 Executive for around $4,600. I was going to buy it until I found a good buy on a 400 near me. I wanted a 400 because of the lower seat, lighter weight and better fuel mileage (and it was closer to me).
If you are a new rider, I highly recommend that you stay away from heavy bikes, such as the Burgman 650. A 400 will be considerably lighter, so easier to maneuver, easier to learn on, easier to pick up when you drop it, yet powerful enough for 2 up and freeway riding.
I also suggest buying used. Your first bike is your first bike. You do not want to loose to much money when you decide that your first bike is not perfect, and you start lusting after something else. If you take care of a used bike, often you can sell it for near what you bought it for.
Have you taken the MSF Basic rider course yet? Since you are in the military, they often offer the course on military bases. And it is usually required anyway if you want to ride on base.
And lastly, thank you for your service to our country.
I also suggest buying used. Your first bike is your first bike. You do not want to loose to much money when you decide that your first bike is not perfect, and you start lusting after something else. If you take care of a used bike, often you can sell it for near what you bought it for.
Have you taken the MSF Basic rider course yet? Since you are in the military, they often offer the course on military bases. And it is usually required anyway if you want to ride on base.
And lastly, thank you for your service to our country.
Yes i have taken the MSF course. It is required if you want to ride on post at all Army posts. I have ridden dirt bikes and ATVS since i was a kid im just a newbie to the Maxi Scooter scene you could say. I definately have my mind made up im buying the 650 for my wife and i so we can have some good times together. I have deployed 4 times in the 10 years and missed out on alot of things that most people take for granted. My wife has also taken the MSF course and we cant wait to get on the road together and enjoy ourselves for awhile when i get home.
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New 2013's probably won't roll out until March/April. Which is also the best time to get a left over 2012.
Look for a used 650 in your area. Go see it, ride it and make sure it is what you want. Most dealers will not
let you test ride. If it is all you wanted it to be then find your new bike at a dealer. This method could save
you from making a big mistake.
Look for a used 650 in your area. Go see it, ride it and make sure it is what you want. Most dealers will not
let you test ride. If it is all you wanted it to be then find your new bike at a dealer. This method could save
you from making a big mistake.
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One of the riders got a 2011 for $7000 plus tax. Never know what kind of deal can be had at their.
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I don't buy new anything anymore. I let the first guy eat that huge initial depreciation and work out the new kinks with the dealer. Also, because just about everyone lays their bike over when the bike is new to them, why damage a new one?
My current Burgman is an 07 650 (not an exec) that I bought last year. I paid $2500 and it has 35K miles on it. Runs perfectly, very few scratches, and was owned by a couple that long distance toured on it. I've owned everything from large touring Harleys and Hondas to old Honda Scramblers with some memorable Brit and German bikes thrown into the mix and I absolutely love these Suzukis. Of course I'm older now and have a bad hip and knee but this bike will keep me on the road for a good long while. If it suffers an ugly death I'll get another used one and hold on to this one for parts just cause I can.
I don't want to discourage you from getting a bike but if I was doing it again I would start with something easier to learn on such as the Suzuki S40. Those are great, quick bikes that cost far less used and they will hold their value pretty well. They are also a hell of a lot lighter than a Burgie 650. Whatever you get, be careful, don't ever drink and ride, and never underestimate the ability that a car will always have to kill you. Have fun and thanks for your service.
My current Burgman is an 07 650 (not an exec) that I bought last year. I paid $2500 and it has 35K miles on it. Runs perfectly, very few scratches, and was owned by a couple that long distance toured on it. I've owned everything from large touring Harleys and Hondas to old Honda Scramblers with some memorable Brit and German bikes thrown into the mix and I absolutely love these Suzukis. Of course I'm older now and have a bad hip and knee but this bike will keep me on the road for a good long while. If it suffers an ugly death I'll get another used one and hold on to this one for parts just cause I can.
I don't want to discourage you from getting a bike but if I was doing it again I would start with something easier to learn on such as the Suzuki S40. Those are great, quick bikes that cost far less used and they will hold their value pretty well. They are also a hell of a lot lighter than a Burgie 650. Whatever you get, be careful, don't ever drink and ride, and never underestimate the ability that a car will always have to kill you. Have fun and thanks for your service.
Get the 650 Exec new. :thumbup:
You'll be fine with it given your background especially with dirt. If you're fit enough to be in the military the 650 Exec will be no challenge. Best all around bike I've owned in 40 years of riding.
Just recently picked up an ST1100 for touring in Australia but except at the very top end I'd prefer to be on the Exec. ( the ST1100 just loafs along at 80 mph @ 4k rpm with loads left. It's not as nimble as the Exec even tho the weight is only 45 lb more - the big motor makes for heat and a bit more top heavy.
I tend to buy used - scored a 2009 Exec not even broken in for $7k - guy paid $15k just a year earlier.
But I think you know what you want and 5 years of no worries riding sounds the charm.
A 2012 proven design with a 5 year warranty would be the one I'd be after and grab it where it's available and ride it home. No better way to get comfie on it.
( the 2013 is a redesign tho I suspect nothing different in the motor/ECVT dept. )
Two things I'd suggest.
Clearview medium screen for the Exec ( what Suzuki should have put on )
A third party seat - the Russell Daylong if you really want to do it up properly for distance.
You'll be fine with it given your background especially with dirt. If you're fit enough to be in the military the 650 Exec will be no challenge. Best all around bike I've owned in 40 years of riding.
Just recently picked up an ST1100 for touring in Australia but except at the very top end I'd prefer to be on the Exec. ( the ST1100 just loafs along at 80 mph @ 4k rpm with loads left. It's not as nimble as the Exec even tho the weight is only 45 lb more - the big motor makes for heat and a bit more top heavy.
I tend to buy used - scored a 2009 Exec not even broken in for $7k - guy paid $15k just a year earlier.
But I think you know what you want and 5 years of no worries riding sounds the charm.
A 2012 proven design with a 5 year warranty would be the one I'd be after and grab it where it's available and ride it home. No better way to get comfie on it.
( the 2013 is a redesign tho I suspect nothing different in the motor/ECVT dept. )
Two things I'd suggest.
Clearview medium screen for the Exec ( what Suzuki should have put on )
A third party seat - the Russell Daylong if you really want to do it up properly for distance.
a 55 Litre top case gives you lots of storage without side bags. Over a 110 litires total.
There is surprising space up front as well - one thing I really like.
Compare that to the BMW tourers
The top case and side bags total 114 liters together. ...
You have 56 litres under the seat and that's larger than many sidebags total together.
My new to me ST1100 has 70 ltres in the side cases and about 35 on the smallish but good looking topcase.
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so I have less than the Burgman 650 and especially it's have two BIG spaces. I'd say get the better Givi topcase.
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http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/givi ... on-topcase
get the backrest as well for the mate.
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I had the Monokey on the 2005 and really liked it - the Monolock on the 2009 I don't like as much either look or function.
There is surprising space up front as well - one thing I really like.
Compare that to the BMW tourers
The top case and side bags total 114 liters together. ...
You have 56 litres under the seat and that's larger than many sidebags total together.
My new to me ST1100 has 70 ltres in the side cases and about 35 on the smallish but good looking topcase.
so I have less than the Burgman 650 and especially it's have two BIG spaces. I'd say get the better Givi topcase.
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/givi ... on-topcase
get the backrest as well for the mate.
I had the Monokey on the 2005 and really liked it - the Monolock on the 2009 I don't like as much either look or function.
Thanks for your service and tell the wife thanks for her support. Spouses, kids, Moms and Dads serve thru support of service members.1 - 16 of 16 Posts
