[Blue_Rider]

I'm on the fence about buying the New Burgman vs the New BMW 650gt. I've read some comments in this forum about some comparisons but most have to do with appearance and the more obvious features.

What I really would like know If you have had the chance to test ride both '13 Burgman and BMW 650 and your opinion on any technical advantages the Burgman might have over the BMW such as engine torque; quiet or noisy cvt; riding handling; suspension; etc.

What are your thoughts?

 

[roy_ryall]

Someone who purchased a BWM posted a comparison yesterday

http://burgmanusa.com/forums/16-all-others/56353-first-impression-bmw-c650gt-burgman-lover.html

 

[Chérie]

Thank you Iamuncreative for your comparison, it useful and correct info in many way , but you are comparing a 2013 Kymco/BMW to 2006 Burgman non Executive and not 2013 Burgman, for me that compare apple and oranges. Heated seat and grip are standard on Burgman 650 in many part of the world that include Canada, me still not understand why this not standard in U.S. like Canada, must be marketing decision and price pressure.

Blue Rider during past winter Chérie spent much time on several European magazine and website reading article on 2013 Kymco/BMW vs 2013 Burgman 650 Exec., often article comment & finding posted on BUSA during winter and spring, many video added here by BUSA members also that compare two bike, most European journalist and tester in article or video prefer the 2013 Burgman 650 over 2013 Kymco/BMW, none say that Kymco/BMW bad machine but overall they prefer 2013 Burgman.

I also member of couple scooter and motorcycle forum in France, read on these forum some of the problem owner of Kymco/BMW have but these have more problem than normal with new bike (all make of bike have problem of some kind), also I post comment made Kymco/BMW owner were he name all problem he have first 6000 mile with new bike, me would have traded that bike quickly after 2000-3000 mile if I own that bike and had so many problem, all this info read on forums confirm that this new scooter still have work to do.

Lot of good info on BUSA for both 2013 bikes , use BUSA search function to find these it be helpful to you. I have post here several time that would not purchase a new bike on market in first 2 year of production, prefer let other people be guinea pig while company work out all problem and correct everything. Love riding to much to spend lot of hour at stealership having problem fix or repair.

Good luck with purchase decision.

 

[Daboo]

If I owned a new BMW scooter like the member you just "thanked"...I'd be insulted by the continual slurs about Kymco.

Chris

 

[MJR]

If I owned a new BMW scooter like the member you just "thanked"...I'd be insulted by the continual slurs about Kymco.

Agreed.

 

[westnash]

Also the inaccuracy///no different than any other subcontractor used by Suzuki, General Motors of Boeing. With the problems the 650 Burgman has had, the use of contractor like Kymco might be a positive.

If I owned a new BMW scooter like the member you just "thanked"...I'd be insulted by the continual slurs about Kymco.

Chris

 

[NormanB]

Cherie has an opinion about Kymco, just as others have their own opinions which they are free to voice within the rules of the forum.

Those opinions may be based on facts, evidence, direct experience, heresay or be merely whimsical.

We should not seek to censor opinion - no matter how wacky or otherwise it may appear to you.

Individual's buy clothing/consumer goods/vehicles based on their needs, tastes, budget and aspirations. There is no need for anyone to justify or defend their purchasing decision (or act as some evangelical proxy for the manufacturer).

 

[westnash]

Certainly, however the BMW is not a BMW/KYMCO. Parts of it are just manufactured by Kymco. Sort of like parts of the first Harley Davidson trikes were manufactured by Lehman. Are Apple IPhones really not Apple because they were manufactured in an Asian factory? No Nike's were ever produced in a Nike factory...because they don't have any.

650 Burg owners should wish their transmissions/cvt's were made by Kymco.

 

[MJR]

Certainly, however the BMW is not a BMW/KYMCO. Parts of it are just manufactured by Kymco. Sort of like parts of the first Harley Davidson trikes were manufactured by Lehman. Are Apple IPhones really not Apple because they were manufactured in an Asian factory? No Nike's were ever produced in a Nike factory...because they don't have any.

Or the first Land Rover was made with Jeep parts, lol.

 

[Dave_J]

Or the first Land Rover was made with Jeep parts, lol.

And that the Rover still uses a Buick 3.5 V8 engine, though modified from 1965 somewhat.

Thread drift, sorry.

 

[westgl]

I kind of stay away from Taiwanese made anything.

Honda is learning that lesson with their new CB500 line of bikes they are having engine failures.

The New Honda CB500's are being made in Thailand.

going cheap labor is one thing, But keeping the bottom line down at what expense, reputation?

 

[Jeff_MdR]

My personal 'application' for a large maxi-scoot is multi-day, 2-up touring over a wide variety of paved terrain (from the seashore to the mountains). With it's greater storage, general ergonomics and advanced CVT (engine braking and power mode), the Burgman 650 is the clear winner. As an urban commuter with great weekend riding capabilities, it becomes more of a toss-up. If you know what attributes are important to you, I don't think you can make a bad choice.

Regarding the Kymco engine, I'm assuming it is perfectly capable and reliable. I do not think BMW would risk their reputation and their desire to capture the "urban" market segment by using a low quality motor. I do think the production cost savings are going straight into BMW's coffers and not being passed on to the buyer: BMW premium pricing in a bike with lower-cost parts. (Again, I am not saying lower quality, just lower cost). This is a valid business strategy, and if we start seeing a lot of C650GT's around, we'll know it worked.

I hope BMW is successful, and will pressure Suzuki to increase the value of the Burgman line (either with performance/quality improvements or better pricing - or both!)

 

[bikerdoc]

Kymco are a Taiwanese company located in Taiwan (but have a manufacturing facility in China), they are not Chinese. IMO there is no need at all to be typing Kymco/BMW or BMW/Kymco, since the product is a BMW C600 or BMW C650GT - the inference of Kymco associated with BMW as being somehow an inferior product is discriminatory and prejudiced.

We are all entitled to our opinions for sure, but there is no need to be typing BMW/Kymco or Kymco/BMW since that is misleading. If one wanted too, one could list all the manufacturers associated with any one given product... aside from the main manufacturer. It's ridiculous since few products are made from products or components completely sourced in house the entire supply chain.

Many manufacturers source parts/components/items from multiple suppliers, some from developing countries. I have been to Kymco Taiwan, Kymco mainland China (who manufacture for the domestic mainland market), and many other mainland Chinese motorcycle manufacturers. Benelli is manufacturing on the Chinese mainland, and badges their offerings as Benelli and rightly so. I do not see the Benelli BJ600 (QJ600) as any less of a Benelli as any of the Benelli products made elsewhere. Same as the G650GS with the Loncin (Chong Qing, China) manufactured BMW Rotax single cylinder engine.

 

[curly]

I chose the 2013 Burgman based solely on the availability of dealer support and the electronic cvt. I like being able to switch between ratios if need be.

Also, I have had friends with BMW's who get tired of being fleeced everytime they need service work done.$$$$.

 

[NormanB]

Fleecing as you put it is a strong term.All dealer servicing and repair is expensive they have to make a living out of it.

 

[rut3556]

>>All dealer servicing and repair is expensive they have to make a living out of it.<<

In fact, that's WHERE they make their money.

 

[curly]

Strong term or not $75 dollars to mount and balance two tires off the bike is getting fleeced.