In case you were wondering about those big scoots.....

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That's not a big scoot.it's entry level....but glad you had fun.

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It bears no resemblance to one of the maxi's.or really to even one of the mid range Euro city scooters.
Closer to one of the Escooters which are really spooky as they make no noise at all when pulling way - no insurance or licence issues either and for local neighborhood travel is just fine.
Ruckus and others are cheap on insurance for the first year driver.
 
I know macdoc... 49cc is slightly off from 650cc that's why I said "if the big scoots are that much fun, I can see why you like them".
 
Even the urban scooter crowd gets out sometimes....;)

[h=1]The Great Circumnavigation Adventure!!![/h]
Saturday, September 10, 2011, 7:30 AM
Selected By: Steve_YYZ


Tim Horton's
1621 Birchmount Rd, Scarborough, ON (map)
Selected By: Steve_YYZ


Ok, who's up for the Great Circumnavigation Adventure?
What have Steve_YYZ and Richard (Pit Bull) Shamy got planned for the September 10/11 weekend adventure? Well how about 800 kilometers over two days and a complete circumnavigation of Lake Ontario! We'll even throw in two ferry rides just to complete the fun.
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http://www.meetup.com/toronto-moto-scooter-club/events/23854191/?a=ea1.2_evn&rv=ea1.2
 
Looks interesting. Maybe next year, since I'll probably be heading north that weekend. Heading north on a comfortable two-wheeler with generous underseat storage space, weather protection and fuel efficient CVT transmission. Yeah, it's Burgertime!
 
There ya go.....another 650 showed up at the Forks yesterday - only two bikes there at the time.
Some rumours about a faster one one in 2012 ....
 
from BMW and others to Burgman 650

[h=3]Traded my BMW K1200LT in on a 2011 650 Exec today[/h] by SeattleRay » Wed Sep 07, 2011 17:36 17

Hey all,

I've been lurking on these forums for a while now (since I originally bought a Burgy 400 for my wife's birthday last year). I've been riding a 2002 BMW K1200LT, but I've found that it is just way overkill for most of what I use a bike for....commuting, bombing around town, the occasional medium distance trip. In fact, I found recently that I tend to take my wife's 400 out more than my LT since it's just way more fun for my activities.

I had been considering getting rid of the LT and getting a smaller touring type bike, but the more I looked at it and turned it over in my head, the more I realized that the Burgy 650 was really the best fit for me. I looked at the used market in my area and while there were a few 650's, there were no 650 Exec's to be had. My local dealer had one remaining 650 Exec and it was a 2011. Today I decided to pull the trigger. I rode my LT to my dealer and worked out what I felt to be a reasonable deal. An hour or so later I rode away on my new 650 Exec.

I really couldn't be happier. That is not a slam on the LT, as it is a wonderful machine. It's a great bike for touring, etc...just not quite right for my needs at the moment. I took the 650 out for my typical commute ride and it was a great ride. Not quite as luxurious on the freeways as the LT, but so much more nimble and manageable for me. I think that I'll be quite happy with this bike for many years to come. Can't wait for my wife to get home so I can try the 650 with 2 up.

Next I'll need to start preparing for the inevitable Seattle rain. I don't have a lot of experience riding in rain, but I'm hoping to get comfortable enough with it so I'll be able to keep riding well into the late fall around here and possibly through the winter if it's not too bad.

Also, I'll need to get that Isuzu Rodeo backrest to give me a little more room. I'm 6'4", 205lbs and my knees just barely clear the dash. Ok....need to go back out and ride some more...
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one of the replies

by Sammy63 » Thu Sep 08, 2011 12:19 12
I know the process intimately. Back in 1995, I traded my '87 Goldwing Interstate in on a VT-1100 Shadow, the standard model at that time, not the ACE. I was simply not doing the touring that I had for the many years before that, and the Wing was just too much machine for my daily and weekend jaunts.

The Shadow, however, just never cut it. Oh, I liked it alright, but it was not really comfortable, and the idiot at Honda that decided to put a 4-speed tranny in that thing should have had the stuffings knocked out of him. I rode it a lot at first, but over time, I rode it less and less. Of course the trouble with my knees and feet also contributed. But, the bike and I just never really connected. So, I sold it!

I was on the verge of hanging up my riding gear, when my dear wife suggested I look into "scooters". Well, I, or course, just scoffed at that stupid idea. No way was I going to ride one of those little 50cc, 2-stroke, buzz boxes. NO WAY! She, of course, politely informed me that they were making some considerable bigger ones and that I should go down to my favorite Honda shop and look. So, I did. I was told about the SilverWing and the interest was piqued.

He was supposed to get a couple in within a few weeks. So, I looked around at other Honda shops to see if I could find one to sit on and get a little "feel" for what they might be. Couldn't find one. Went back a few weeks later and he informed me that he wasn't going to get anymore until mid-Summer. This was in January. I was disappointed.

However, as we were discussing my disappointment, I was looking around the showroom. I spied this white machine that looked "similar" to the SilverWing. It turned out to be a 650 Burgman, used. I looked. I sat. I coned him out of a ride! I then worked out a deal, and bought it.

I've never been this happy with a 2-wheeled purchase in a number of years. I've ridden some other motorcycles since I got the Burgman, and I just can't see replacing it. It's the most enjoyable, all around two-wheeled machine that I've ever owned. And I started riding lightly at the ripe old age of 12, and in earnest at the ripe old age of 13 (I'm closing in on 67 now).

Oh, I got the knees straightened out. Total new right, and cleaned up left. The feet still aren't so hot, but, you can't have everything.

So, yes, I can relate, and fully understand!
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Only problem my Dad has with his, is throttle control at low speeds + tight turns. The engine breaking on the Burgman 650 is amazing. *he is a new rider*
 
Yes that's an issue and gets better with practice but throttlle balance is tricky at low speeds. Tell him to try feathering the rear brake a bit while keeping a bit more throttle on.
The engine braking is certainly aggressive on the 650 at low speeds - terrific in the twisties tho.
Had to warn my buddy about it as the Honda Silverwing has very little and he tried out the Burgman - still caught him off guard

Big thing to watch out for is not to use the front brake at very slow speed while turning tightly - it'll torque the bike over and it's a heavy sucker to recover. Why don't you guys come on the Algonquin run on Sunday?
 
Yep, feather the rear brake + bit of throttle works pretty well. The engine braking isn't THAT difficult to get the hang of. My first ride on the Burger took my up Kennedy, along the 401, down the DVP and along the Gardiner. A varied mix of traffic with lots of stop and go kept it interesting. It's a very forgiving and tractable beast, in my opinion.

I'd love to tag along to Algonquin, but the final drive case is leaking. The case gasket is mysteriously short towards the swingarm pivot, allowing oil to escape while riding. Only 2003-2011 650 Burgmans seem to share this unique part. The part number is also identical for all years.

All the bolt/dowel and fill/drain holes are present in the gasket. It lines up perfectly, save for the last 0.5 cm and it doesn't appear damaged in any way. IIRC, the 650 was sold in Japan/Europe in 2002. Perhaps the 2002 part was slightly different and was accidentally used on some 2003 units?

Naturally, the replacement gasket is on backorder. It should arrive next week.
 
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MacDoc said:
Yes that's an issue and gets better with practice but throttlle balance is tricky at low speeds. Tell him to try feathering the rear brake a bit while keeping a bit more throttle on.
The engine braking is certainly aggressive on the 650 at low speeds - terrific in the twisties tho.
Had to warn my buddy about it as the Honda Silverwing has very little and he tried out the Burgman - still caught him off guard

Big thing to watch out for is not to use the front brake at very slow speed while turning tightly - it'll torque the bike over and it's a heavy sucker to recover. Why don't you guys come on the Algonquin run on Sunday?
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Dad is in the Dominican, left the burg with me for the next 2 weeks. The burg needs new rear pads and no one has them in stock, so an Algonquin ride is not the best idea as the soonest I can get pads is Tuesday.
 
Honda moving the class forward....

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Using the DCT clutch ala the VFR1200 version. 700 cc which is a nuce move up from the 550 on the current Silverwing and incredible gas mileage 77 mpg!!! Good successor to the Pacific Coast which was way more than a decade ahead of it's time.

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full article
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2011...irst-model-featuring-new-700cc-twin-with-dct/

cute comment below the text

kirk66 says: September 28, 2011 at 11:29 am
I do not make fun of the maxi-scooter set. I know a group of former AMA pro/ams that have these tricked out Burgmans that have suspension and motor mods and ALL of them give the 600 supersport squids fits on Blood Mtn in N GA. BTW- They are all between 65yo and 75yo and sport names like Turbo Bill, NY Ed, Fireball Frank and Ton-up Tony. Just sayin’… Respect.
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;)

nother article on it

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/N...0cc-parallel-twin-family-integra-super-scoot/

Bout time Honda moved past the DN-01 nonsense into something useable and fun. I like mid-range machines that do a lot of things well - this looks like it overcomes most of the Silverwing objections and puts on a closer footing with the 650 Burgman.

Will be interesting to see how Suzuki responds to the both the Honda and BMW efforts.
At this point tho neither would get me to switch as both will be hellish pricey. And single front stopper is plain dumb.

•••

For those unfamiliar with the Pacific Coast there is a good thread in the AVRider forum.
I came within in an ace of buying one a few years back.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=467583
 
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Does the presence of hard cases indicate no/limited underseat storage? Forget that high frame element where the step-though should be. Steel box swingarm, damper-rod forks and a single front disk, all at a premium price? Honda is a curious company. They offer the Rune, DN-01, NT700, Varadeo, and the Integra but NO CB1100, because it wouldn't sell?
 
Appears correct on the storage - going back to the Pacific Coast design and away from scooter orgins. Aprilla 850 strays even further.

Yes Honda gets weird at times - this one a better approach than the DN-01 disaster.

This looks to be a capable roll n go design that should do well tho I think the one article over plays the DCT aspect versus CVT.

It almost as Honda was trying to "build in" some phantom "motorcycle" noise and shifting feel into what should be a quiet turbine that is always power on.

The early Goldwings were dead silent - not sure what happened to that mind set.

Interesting thread on ADVRider on the Pacific Coast......got about 1/2 through
 
MacDoc said:
Appears correct on the storage - going back to the Pacific Coast design and away from scooter orgins.
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Except, if memory serves, the Pacific Coast had a massive storage area under the rear seat. There are certain advantages to having external luggage, not the most insignificant of which is that you can take it with you, when you leave the bike.

Stretch it and drop it, and it looks like we aren't too far from my desire for a G-Strider.
 
Naked version with the same roll n go tranny and motor

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course then there is this......damn some nice mid range bikes coming out - V4 800 - that's gotta be sweet....

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http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news-new-bikes/first-look-2011-honda-v4-crossrunner/15275.html

Still I like the engine tranny design on the 700 which puts the weight down low and allows for good midrange with lots of room to wrap storage around it.

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http://www.stayontheblack.com/honda-develops-new-fuel-efficient-700cc-engine/

Bikes don't need to be dominated by the engine.
 
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Big Scoots, Why! Why! Why! Shifting to Redline is the only to ride. On the extreme side, The Yamaha R1 is able to go from 0 to 104 mph in first gear. Shift from first to second, crack the throttle you are doing a wheelie. Why shackle yourself with a scooter on crispy creams when you can find a motorcycle with less weight, same size engine, and you choose how you accelerate.
 
Been there done that :rolleyes: likely before you were born.

a) it's not the only way to ride
b) it's not the only enjoyable way to ride...
c) it's "part" of an enjoyable way to ride..some performance and handling is preferred - I'll take the 80% of a sports bike plus the additions.....

Suggest you ask here where there are people all the way to track riders who make the 650 Burgman and other maxi-scooters their choice

http://www.burgmanusa.com/forums/

Post the same question and you'll be answered.

Here is one answer....that I agree with entirely

The Burgman 650 is a cross between a scooter, Goldwing and bullet bike. It's fast, comfortable and very manuverable. Braking is outstanding. Storage is terrific. I've owned many, many bikes of all brands and models, but the Burgman 650 is the best two wheeled vehicle I've ever owned. I bought my wife and 2002 for an anniversary present. At the time, I was riding a J1500 kawasaki Indian look alike, which I have since given my oldest son. I loved that bike, but must say that I love the Burgman even more. Now, my wife and I ride together, hassel free, with greater ease than any bikes we've had in the past. The seating and storage can't be beat. You can ride all day without paralyzing your crotch or hands. Gas milage, on the highway, is about 50 mpg, with 47 in the city. Manuverablity, in the city or on the highway is terrific. Acceleration, especially if you hit the power button, is excellent. You can easily put a muscle car down off the line and even do well against cruzers and smaller bullet bikes
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and

80% of a sports bike ....as commented by the Canadian reviewers here...that's a worthwhile aspect given it's other benefits.

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

And when the 1,000 km rolls by on the ride for the day I know who will be relaxed and still having fun.......

•••

''In the meantime instead of getting your jollies at illegal speed ( and yes we all do it )

Try getting your sailplane licence and do it in three dimensions.....when the red haze comes down in a acrobatic maneuver you'll forget all about straight line silliness. :D

and yes the competition pilot is inverted crossing the finish line....

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Sailplane pilots have their moments of insanity too! :D

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One of my fav planes the Blanik - always enjoyed flying them- has been used to train fighter pilots ....
 
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was over in europe riding around and saw MANY of these in paris...

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apparently they dont' require a helmet because of the fact that it's the top for rolls. I would imagine roll bars are somehow engineered into that. But everyone riding one of these in paris wasn't wearing a helmet and man they look awesome and very functional ;)
 
I saw one of those for sale here recently. Seller claimed it is not street legal here??
 
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