[bigfoot]

ABS

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

 

[Dave Moyer]

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."

 

[CalvinFold]

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.

 

[Henri A]

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.

 

[Dennis49]

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.

 

[magdalene]

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

 

[Buffalo]

In the other category: 1) Wind protection, 2) step through, 3) long floor boards giving varied foot positions, 4) easier to ride fast in corners.

 

[chessie650]

automatic trans-1st and storage- 2nd

 

[tkissingercpa]

The primary reason that I ride a Burgman is that my wife is more comfortable.

 

[JohnK]

I wanted an automatic, no chain, ABS, better weather protection, multi-purpose bike that allowed for a short inseam. Choices that fit that bill were few and far between, therefore enter Burgman Exec.

 

[CorkyF61]

One of the most important reasons seem to be left out of your poll, the step through design. There is a multitude of reasons why a person would pick a scooter over motorcycle. For the same price as I paid for my Burgman I could've bought a real decent motorcycle. One of the most important reasons was the step through design. I'm 62 years old and not sure sometime in the next few years I don't know if I'll be able to throw my leg up over the top of a motorcycle comfortably.

 

[CaptJohn]

I love motorcycles; in fact, I've owned over 40 of them over the past 52 years of riding. I need the automatic shift because of arthritis in my left hand, which is quite painful after pulling in a clutch a half dozen times. Additionally, I have old knee injuries that caused unbelievable pain while riding my BMW K1200LT; but my lower back killed me when I rode my Harley Ultra Classic.

The Burgman has allowed me to continue riding with my buddies and taking the long trips I've always loved to do. If a Silverwing or Burgman hadn't been available and I had stayed with motorcycles, my riding days would be behind me, now! Of course, I chose the Burgman because I suits the style of riding I enjoy most.

As a side note, my wife enjoys riding on the Burgman more then she did on my K1200LT, and the ABS was a feature that was a prerequisite for me.

 

[SteveE]

I bought my Exec for the Automatic tranny, ABS, storage, capability (that's subjective, but being a newbie to motorcycles it handles better that any vehicle I've ever operated and accelerates faster than anyone reasonably has the need to...hell it's quicker than probably 98-99% of the vehicles you're likely to encounter, I haven't been out accelerated by any 4 wheeler yet (although many have tried) or for that matter any two wheeler either :cheers: ), and ease of maintainence (by that I mean daily maintainence, five minutes with a cloth and some Pledge and it's shiny and clean). It certainly isn't cheaper than a comparable bike although that to is subjective as there really aren't comparable bikes. From what I hear it's about a wash as far as mileage (at least for me, I average in the low 40's). The step through design is certainly an advantage, although a tank wouldn't kill me, but why put up with one if you don't have to. My ego isn't tied up in what others think of my ride. I personally believe that the Burgman design is the future of motorcycles and I don't mind being one of the vanguards.

 

[Dennis M]

I have both, the main reason I bought a Burgman was for the step through frame, as I have bad knees and have problems getting on and off regular motorcycles with saddlebags ( I seem to keep kicking the bags) or when I have my camping gear strapped to the seat.
As for your list:
Auto Transmission: Didn't think I would like it as I like to shift, but have grown to like it.
Storage: A big plus
Vibration: Motorcycles are supposed to vibrate :lol:
No heat from the engine: well since I don't have a Harley I don't have that problem.
Mileage: I get about the same mileage on both but the M/C does need the expensive stuff (91 octane).
Lighter: NO WAY, My 650 Burgman is about 200 pounds heavier than my 750 Moto Guzzi.
Cheaper: Only because I bought the Burgman used, a new one is more expensive than quite a few much larger M/C's
More Capable: Not sure what you mean by that, for running errands, yes, because of the storage. For riding the twistys, NO, it does okay but isn't as good or as much fun as my Guzzi. For commuting, it's a toss up, I switch back and forth between them quite a bit. For touring, well I had no problems on my recent 3,300 mile trip, If I was carrying a passenger I would probably want more power, but riding solo it has plenty of power for the type of riding I do (staying off the Interstates, taking the road less traveled, not exceeding the speed limits). I much prefer the riding position of a dual sport such as the V-Strom or Buell Ulysses, or better yet the Moto Guzzi Stelvio, but I just can't get my leg over them. If I could just find some lower handlebars for the Burgie and figure out a way to mount footpegs where they really need to be (directly below the hips) the Burgman would be a much better touring bike.

Oh and when I can afford it bike number three will probably be a Royal Enfield Bullet Classic C5.

Dennis

 

[skywaver09]

I've owned and ridden both, four sportbikes and one maxi-scoot, with my last motorcycle being a Kawasaki ZX-14. As I've gotten older, comfort, safety, convenience, and economy all began to outweigh pure speed, bling, and ego. My introduction into scootering began with my 2005 Honda Reflex Sport ABS. If I had the garage space, I would still keep it for riding around town. My Burgman 400 is everything that I want in a two-wheel transport (read: fun) machine. Besides for commuting or doing sorties in the Bay Area mountain roads (where I do corner like I'm on a sportbike), I can easily take it for long trips. Its short seat height, step-through design, and automatic transmission inspire confidence that a motorcycle just can't come close to doing. In terms of convenience, few motorcycles (without added luggage) come close to the storage space found in the Burgman underseat storage and glove compartment. As for economy of ownership, my motorcycle insurance with full coverage went down when I switched to scooters. Also, I was able to get 68 miles per gallon on my first fill-up riding the speed limit or just above the speed limit on the highways and in the city. The only reason I would sell my Burgman 400 is to upgrade to the 650 if Suzuki ever decides to redesign it and still price it reasonably. In other words, don't pull a Honda DN-01...

 

[DougB]

Step-through design

 

[alloo]

I ride a scooter over a motorcycle because its automatic and has built in storage. I drive in a lot of bumper to bumper traffic and enjoy the convience of the twist n go. The under the seat storage allows me to go grocery shopping, and pack raingear among other things. Scooters are just plain cool, no image, just cool! I also like the fact that my scooter gets better mileage and has more protection from the elements than a motorcycle. I have ridden motorcycles in the past, but opt for riding scooters more, its more innocent and pure.

 

[icon57]

I ride a scooter over a motorcycle because its automatic and has built in storage. I drive in a lot of bumper to bumper traffic and enjoy the convience of the twist n go. The under the seat storage allows me to go grocery shopping, and pack raingear among other things. Scooters are just plain cool, no image, just cool! I also like the fact that my scooter gets better mileage and has more protection from the elements than a motorcycle. I have ridden motorcycles in the past, but opt for riding scooters more, its more innocent and pure.

well put!

 

[WesJR]

Most of my reasons are listed in other posts but the main reason is I commute year round every day. In the summer, my bike is one of 50 in the parking lot at work. In the winter it is usually one of one. We do not get snow or extremely cold weather. When the weather is bad though, it is nice to hide behind the faring and stay somewhat dry.
My son says it is because with 4 kids I have nothing to prove to people. He says it sounds like the Jetsons space ship on the cartoons. He rides an SV 650S. Don't need loud pipes or any thing wild.
I've ridden lots of bikes over the years and this is the most comfortable bike I've ridden.

I also like zipping around town on my Zuma 125 which weighs less than half the Burgmans weight.

 

[Rollingbones]

I started out with the Burgman because of the automatice tranny. I really enjoyed riding it... a lot!!! For some dumb reason I figured that shifting would be too much of a pain. Now I have the Exec and a Kawasaki Vulcan 900LT and at the moment prefer the the Vulcan. When I finally bought it, shifting was no big deal (though there was a bit of a learning curve involved). The cruiser is easier to steer, more stable in wind and a little more ego friendly. As for the milege issue, I get about 2 mpg better with the Vulcan than I do the scoot ... go figure (I aslo often refer to the Vulcan as a scoot as well)!!! I still ride the Burger from time to time (and still enjoy it), but the Exec may be going up for sale sometime soon (haven't fully decided yet). I'm still reluctant to let it go. It's kinda nice having two bikes to ride and with all things considered, I still consider both the 400 and 650 bikes just the same!!! The absolute bottom line isn't so much what you ride, just as long as you just plain ride!!!