Why do you ask? - yours truly, the rhetorical Questioner!

In answer to your question, which is not on your list: because it is easier to go faster through corners.

 

Have a scooter because my wife prefers not to use a clutch. Which suits me just fine.

 

I initially looked at the Burgman for it's under seat storage, I didn't want a top box or saddle bags. All the other things you listed are important to me now though, especially the CVT.

 

I ride both. I bought the Burgman for 2 reasons, 1 is because I have bad knees and hips and have a hard time getting my leg over a tank and, 2 the Burgman is a lot more comfortable for longer rides than my Suzuki S40 is.

 

In the category of "Other", I also like the wind/elements protection that the body fairings provide (though I guess that's available on touring bikes, none of which fit my inseam), and having multiple foot positions available. On a motorcycle, the pegs always want to hook in the notch of my boot's heel, which puts my toes too far from the controls (brake & shifter). I swapped out the pegs for floorboards on my Honda VT750C2, but that still only left me with one foot position, versus the Burgman's two, larger areas to work with.

 

AT and ABS
My size Gold Wing

 

I've been very fortunate to have ridden and owned many motorcycles. All types. For the last 20 yrs they have mostly been touring types, Harley Electra Glide Ultra, TourGlide, BMW RT and finally the LT. All very capable bikes, but just 'too much' for that quick afternoon ride when riding time was limited. The Burgman 650 was my choice for something light and agile while still accomodating my long legs. The CVT has proven to be a joy to operate. I actually enjoy the 'ride' now. Not having to dedicate so much effort to operating the motorcycle. My feet actually like just going along for the ride now.

I did a 200 mile highway jaunt last weekend and was very impressed with the high speed handling and comfort of the Burgie. At this time, I don't know what could possibly put a bigger smile on my face.

Now to farkle Onward! :cheers:

 

I'm a returning rider who use to ride when young, then once I sold my last motorcycle - didn't go back. I wanted something simple to use as a 'daily rider'. I didn't want a motorcycle with chain drive to make my privates go numb after 60 miles, and I didn't want to spend the remaining time keeping the chrome polished. I wanted something to jump on, start it, get the job done, and wipe it off occasionally. And just as equally important - I missed the wow factor of riding in an outdoor environment. The Burgman fit all my needs plus it has the underseat storage; I didn't even have to buy saddlebags. And as a bonus - it does well on long distance trips. So far, still satisfied with my decision.

 

Automatic
Looks great from front
ABS
Wind protection
Like plastic on bike to cover up frame.
Fun building new accessories for it as few ara avaiable are avaiable.
Fun to drive.
Others riders ask a lot of questiona about it Wayne

 

I have a Burgman, and I absolutely love it. But I started riding late in my life and just couldn't master the clutch. I eventually gave up, bought a scooter, and have been enjoying it since then.

I'm curious why other members of this forum ride their Burgmans instead of V Stars, Boulvards, or VTXs?

How about... "because I can.." ??

I started riding late too, but figure that had I started out much earlier, I wouldn't be here typing this now. It's amazing how your attitudes change as you get older....you realize that you are not invincible, you may not LIVE forever, and you can be injured. Quite painfully, if you disregard your common sense.

 

If someone had said a year ago that I would be riding a maxi-scooter this summer (a what??) and having fun, I would not have thought they were nuts! :wink:

I am a perfectionist. Need to learn to do something very well, before moving to something else. Having to learn to shift and drive a motorcycle safely was a little to much for me (I learned how to drive a car and then a few years later, I learned to drive a manual). I began to wonder if there was such a thing as a automatic bike. Hubby did not think so. I did some research and the first bike I found was a T-Max. The second was a Burgie...wow...love at first site :love4:

T-Max is too high for me, I can't flat foot . The Burgie was comfortable, imposing, good looking and fun to drive. I have found it to be great for long drives and perfect for the highway.

My Black Beauty is a winner :cheers:

 

I bought the Burgman for 2 reasons, 1 is because I have bad knees and hips and have a hard time getting my leg over a tank and, 2 the Burgman is a lot more comfortable for longer rides

Same here, just add spine problems to the legs and hips

Capt

 

Oh, and I forgot to add (to borrow from Honda)... "You meet the nicest people on a [scooter]!"

 

I bought my first scooter because I was looking for a comfortable, practical, no nonsense bike like they made in the '70s. Since the motorcycles were all decorative styling exercises, built more to be seen riding on that to ride, I tried a Burgman. The fit and comfort were similar to what I remembered, the cost was exorbitant.
I ended up with a used Helix and got hooked on the all weather fairings. When I got tired of the rear tire and wanted more power for the big hills I bought a 400 body salvage and replaced some plastic. This one's too big, but it does climb hills.
Weight? Cost? They're heavier and more expensive than most bikes with the same size engine. They compete in other areas and seem to suit me a little better for practicality. Now that they're becoming more fashionable, though, I'm starting to see style coming ahead of function. I'm starting to worry.

8) Claude

 

I bought the scooter because it met my minimum requirements for a bike.

Number one was that I did not want a chain. Too many spots up my back and required a lot of maintenance.

The storage was beneficial as my last bike was a PC800 and I was used to having storage.

The displacement was the smallest acceptable to me, as I like to take trips (over 800 miles) on occasion. I still find the power lacking.

I would not even have considered it, if the tires were smaller.

My wife found it not to wimpy looking and said that I could buy it. (Perhaps this was the real number one reason ).

 

Step-through design. Medical problems keep me from being able to mount a traditional motorcycle.

 

Other: After looking over Gold Wings and various cruisers, I found maxi scooters (do not even know when it happened) and fell in love. I find the Burger to just be far more practical than anything else out there. It has storage built in, so you do not have to add bags unless you want too. Auto tranny that just makes it easier to drive without having to worry about shifting. Don't have any probs shifting, actually. Just prefer not too! The auto also lets me put the brakes all up in the hands area, which gives a bit more direct control. The oil changes are a cinch with Ledudes directions. I actually store all the tools I need to do a change in the lockable front storage in the fairing. No chain, step thru mounting (I ain't getting any younger!), quiet operation, plenty of useable power for 2 up touring and just plain fun, fun, fun, and did I say fun to drive!! :cheers: Jim

 

I'm another for the auto transmission. Had a smaller scooter & tried to balance that by adding a Vulcan 500 but never got anywhere near comfortable with all the shifting coordination, one hand + one foot for braking, etc. Plus the floorboards feel much better than having to put your feet down & hope they hit the pegs. I came at this at an older age too. Sold the Vulcan & the 150cc and have been really happy since. It was definitely the right move.

Ben

 

Automatic/no clutch

Pretty much the main underlying factor of why I prefer scooter's to motorcycles. I don't want to deal with a clutch. Wrist can't take it. I don't want to have to deal with shifting, constantly thinking if im in the proper gear, etc... etc...


Everything else is just the fringe benfits, storage, looks, etc... etc...

 

ABS

The motorcycle that I really wanted, Victory Vision, didn't at that time have ABS.
It will in 2010. :cheers:

 

I get this question quite a bit especially when the price comes up and the old..."for that much you could have gotten a real motorcycle." I usually give my stock answer..."I can go anywhere and do just about everything you can do and sometime in life you just reach a point where you don't have to shift gears or make a lot of noise to do it."

 

Honestly, I'd have lept my PC800 but it was getting quite old. And also because when I bought it, there really were not any useful "megascooters" in the USA (even the Helix was quite old by then, and IMHO not up to the task).

The PC800 is nearly the same in every dimension, the Burgman ourperforms the PC800 except in ride quality. But for me it was more like buying an updated PC800 than conciously switching to a scooter.

Though I do admit, I learned on a scooter (my Zuma) and I am more confident riding the Burgman than I was on the PC800. That may or may not be a good thing, means I ride more aggressively on the Burgman.

Check these pics comparing the two big bikes I've had...

If I had to buy something other than a Burgman for myself, I'd likely go back to a PC800 at this point, the other maxiscooters not fitting my needs. If I had to better accommodate a passenger, it was looking more and more like a PC800 again or doing the unthinkable...getting a Wingabego.

Really, I have a hard time finding "normal" motorcycles that work for me.

 

At first I was interested by passenger accomodations, comfort and storage that appeared to be much superior to classic bikes of the same class ( 600 to 900 cc ). With time other maxi-scooters conveniences became important the more I uses them, like ease of boarding, leg movement space, adjustable windshield and automatic transmission. ABS is also important and would be on any bike for me.
I ride a 2006 650 Executive. I added Givi luggages, an E450 top case and a pair Givi E21 side cases, each bracket self made. I also added an IMC MIT100 intercom for driver-passenger communication. Would like the heated seat and grips of the 2009 Exec.( I'm Canadian ).
Actually rides on a rear Michelin Pilot Sport and a front Bridgestone.
Now shows 44000 km ( ± 27 000 miles ) without any problems. Under warranty maintenances were at prescribed 6000/12000km. They now are made at 10 000/20 000km, always with Suzuki genuine oil and filters, except final drive wich uses 85W140 Motomaster gear oil for quieter running. Just move the bike in the garage while it is warm as it will be very stiff when cooled next morning.
I like my Burgman and would probably buy another one. But if I had to choose another bike? I like them all !The firsts I would like to roadtest : BMW R1200RT, Honda ST1300, Moto Guzzi Norge 1200. On a second step, Yamaha Royal Star Venture, Honda GL1800, Kawasaki Voyager 1700 and H-D Electra Glide.

 

Safety was my number one selling factor. I like the step through and feel it is much safer design than having bike parts between your knees. I have a few friends who have lost legs on motorcycles from being crushed between car bumpers and motorcycle engines, frames and tanks. I’m getting older and I want to keep both my legs and with a scooter the odds of walking away from a t-bone are better.

 

I have no problems with riding stick shift car but motorcycle.... completely different story.... During class until I only have to go through first and second gear it was perfectly easy.... but then they added third and complete chaos began..... I planned on buying Burgman even before I discovered my "gear disability"... but I can't imagine myself trying to go on exit or passing somebody and at the same time trying to figure out how to reduce gears or anything like that... and now I just roll and go, less thinking, less limbs in use... more time to actually pay attention to the road and enjoy the ride