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Thinking of buying a used Burgman 650

8K views 13 replies 9 participants last post by  Fatjock 
#1 ·
I've wanted a motor scooter for years. I live in a city and I really don't feel like shifting the gears of a motorcycle but I get out to the mountains regularly so I need something that has a decent sized engine.

Also, my girlfriend and I do a fair amount of backpacking (very light, compact equipment) and would like a scooter that will accommodate both of us and our gear under the seat and in add-on top box or other compartments.

Would a 650 be able to handle two riders on the highway (60mph)? How reliable are these bikes and what kind of life-span does a well-cared for one have? If anyone could point me in the direction of a good accessories store that would be wonderful. Thanks in advance!
 
#4 ·
Burgman 650 is a great choice for two. I've had my 650 for almost two years and I haven't had a single problem with it. I ride it year around. It's easy enough to do most of the maintaince on it yourself.

I buy a lot of aftermarket parts from http://www.twistedthrottle.com/

Clearview makes great windshields. http://www.clearviewshields.com/shop/suzuki/

Givi top and side cases. http://www.giviusa.com/

Depending on what year 650 you get you can use Kiwidaves side case racks. https://sites.google.com/site/suzukiburgmansidecaseracks/home

Admore makes great LED light kits for Givi top and side cases. http://admorelighting.com/

Good place to get OEM replacement parts. http://www.cheapcycleparts.com/#&panel1-2
 
#6 · (Edited)
The 650 is the Goldwing Of scooters. It's a fine two up tourer and not a half bad around town bike.

Little maintenance, but it goes through tires as any heavy bike does. The biggest limiting factor is the tranny belt; 75k+ miles seems to be about the concensous for life span of it. It can be replaced, but at that point the replacement cost might outweigh the value of the bike.

HOWEVER, this is one of the reasons you can get late models for such a great price. Buy a used one with as few miles as possible in the $3k-4k range and you're set for a good long while at a reasonable price. Not a bad deal at all.
 
#8 ·
My only caution is if this is your first bike.
Many get into trouble thinking "scooter"....this is a performance touring bike weighing north of 600 lb and will get you way past any posted speed limit as fast as all but high performance motorcycles.

Fantastic brakes, excellent handling and lights ...will do the job you want if you have the skill sets.

Your post sounds like a new to motorbikes ....the Burgman 650 is the best all around ride many of here have had .....but it's not a beginner machine unless you are very careful.

Grab the front brake at slow speed with the wheel turned just a bit and down you go.

IF you are new, take a riding course and approach the Burgman 650 as you would a high powered sports car.....with caution.

Once mastered....they are simply fantastic machines both in city ( tho heavy they are great in stop and go traffic not having to shift ) and for storage.

In the twists in the mountains - few motorcycles can run away from you....the bike is better than most riders including me.

This got me into the category ....note the respect the VFR800 rider gives the Burgman 650...no losing it.

http://www.onewheeldrive.net/2006/10/04/scoot-touring-the-honda-silverwing-and-suzuki-burgman/

and this when you're really good and conditions are right.

http://burgmanusa.com/forums/12-general-discussion/70658-high-praise-650-burgman.html

Get something 2005 and up. Executive gives you ABS and power windscreen - both useful.
 
#10 ·
Thanks all! I've ridden plenty, but never a scoot. I want a maxi-scooter for the same reason I'm sure all of you got into them: they're practical, I don't have to worry about shifting which is a pain in the butt in a hilly city like Pittsburgh, PA, they can accommodate two-up with camping/touring gear, and they seem like a boat load of fun.

I fully intend on taking a safety course. I do not take for granted the risks of riding compared to driving a vehicle. Any other tips on getting involved would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all again for the advice and warm welcome!
 
#12 · (Edited)
Thanks all! I've ridden plenty, but never a scoot. I want a maxi-scooter for the same reason I'm sure all of you got into them: they're practical, I don't have to worry about shifting which is a pain in the butt in a hilly city like Pittsburgh, PA, they can accommodate two-up with camping/touring gear, and they seem like a boat load of fun.

I fully intend on taking a safety course. I do not take for granted the risks of riding compared to driving a vehicle. Any other tips on getting involved would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all again for the advice and warm welcome!
If the 650 handle a 400 pound load of camping gear and my 210 pound in the mountians of Washington and Colarado, I am sure it will handle the "Hills" of the eastern USA fine. :twisted: Picture below was shot at about 4,000 feet above sea level. Click on pic.

Natural landscape Nature Sky Reflection Lake
 
#11 ·
Ah good - just wanted to cover bases...you'll love it. Even my kid was jealous of no clutch when in traffic crossing the border on a hot day.
 
#13 ·
Thank you all for your responses. I finally bit the bullet on a 05 650 with 10k on it. It'll be a few weeks before I pick it up only bc of my awful work schedule (RN-need I say more? Lol). I'm really excited about it! Going to grab a helmet and riding gear in the meantime and schedule a safety course for the next weekend I have off after picking it up.
 
#14 ·
Welcome to the Forum.

The 650 is an excellent all round bike. Two-up is no problem.

Without knowing the exact gear you want to carry, luggage recommendations are difficult, but I will say I run with Bestem 2012 46l top-box, but if I was doing it now, would go for the 929 (55l) because of the better lighting kit on it, even though it's not color-correct ( I have this on one of my ST's).
I also have easily removable saddle bags for more occasional use. I have Nelson-Rigg CL855 bags, that I can literally just lift the seat, throw them over, bring the seat down on top, and they are secure. (But they do have lower retaining belts which are click fit if required. These can be mounted to the reflector bracket and connect front and rear)

But I will caution by saying that I don't exceed weight limits as I normally ride Solo. My wife has her own 650 (same set-up). We rarely need to use the saddlebags.

Get a 650, I don't think you'll regret it. Just do some research on here with potential issues, and go in with your eyes open.
 
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