Anyone Ever Consider a Scooter?

[newbert]

I came across a few videos on YouTube about the Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive Scooter. Looks pretty interesting to me - especially for someone who puts a comfort high on the list of requirements.

Has anyone here ever tried (or even seen) one of these?

Here's a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gq1SikwytSE

[canamjhb]

A few years ago there were 2 guys riding Burgmans in the group I ride with. No problems keeping up with big bikes and trikes. Surprisingly fast and quick. One of the riders was well over 300#s and said he has had his scooter over 100MPH. (always thought he was nuts anyway). I don't recall the engne size but think they come in two different CCs and the ones we rode with were the bigger of the two.

[Chupaca]

There have been a few ryders here that have had them...They came or come in a 200, 400, and 650cc versions. Those I have seen on the road do very well...:thumbup:

[ARNIE R]

I had a 2013 650. Loved it. It was more capable of taking care of itself than many others believed. No problem keeping up with the
'big boys". Sadly, a weather related accident totaled it and sent me to a trauma center for 5 days. :(167397

[Navvet]

My brother has a 650 and really enjoys it. He feels comfortable on it even though he's 6'5" and 260 lbs.

[Joel The Biker]

I have owned a Burgman 400 and a Burgman 650. Both were awesome. More likre a motorcycle because of their size. Both would do over 100 mph even with my 300 lbs. Here is a picture of both of them parked next to my goldwing.
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[SPECTACUALR SPIDERMAN]

If i lived in manhattan or commuted daily i would much rather have a scooter over a motorcycle.

[Eviltwin]

I have a Silverwing which is Honda's maxi scoot, 600cc and very similar to the Burgman. Very easy bike to ride, lots of storage under the seat and I have a box on the back as well. In terms of reliability, the Honda is considered the more reliable of all that size scoots, the Burgman has a more complicated drivetrain and more bells and whistles. The Burgman is also heavier, probably in the 600 lb class where the Silverwing is in the mid 500 lbs.

Between the Silverwing and the Spyder, I generally prefer riding the Silverwing when the weather is nice/hot. The Spyder is the ride when its cold out or there are lots of highway miles to cover. I think I have put about 3k on each within the last year. We take the Spyder with us if we are using the motorhome as it's our TOAD.

There are other maxi scoots as well, Yamaha Majesty and BMW branded Kymco.

Here is a link to a good video review: https://ridermagazine.com/2013/12/05/scooter-shootout-2014-bmw-c-650-gt-2013-honda-silver-wing-2013-suzuki-burgman-650/

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[Bob Denman]

One thing is for sure: these aren't your Daddy's Vespa! :thumbup:

[Navydad]

Anyone Ever Consider a Scooter?

You bet. Yamaha T-Max and I like it a lot. It is my solo touring mount and will do anything I need it to do. These machines are very comfortable and capable touring mounts. 500 miles a day is no problem on the T-Max. The 650 Suzuki and the BMW were too heavy for my liking, may as well keep the BMW 1150RT I was riding. The T-Max is lighter, handles better, and is just as quick. The Kymco and Piaggio brands have some pretty nice larger scooters also. Spyder RT for two up trips and the T-Max when I go it alone although we have taken two up short trips on the Max and it did well.

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[oldgoat]

I've had both the Burgman 650 Exec and the Burgman 400. Then had a Silverwing 600.

I found the Burgman 650 Exec (ABS and electric windshield to be very powerful and comfortable). A true long distance tourer. Was heavy though.

My favorite of the 3 by far was the Burgman 400. I loved that bike/scooter. Comfy, lots of storage & very, very economcal on gas. Only drawback in my eyes was lack of ABS. Did several 1 week tours on it.

Was disappointed with the Honda Silverwing. It did not give any problems, had ABS, but to me was bland. Did consider changing it for a new Burgman 400 with ABS but bought my Spyder instead.

[wingit3611]

Had a 650. Put 64K on it in trips. From Ky. to can, fl, cal. The extra weight was good at 70. When my Harley friends rode it, they would say "that ain't no scooter, it's a motor cycle". Up to 60 mph few could beat. Especially at red lites. Loved frustrating the big boys around town. Someone ran into the back of me "Goldwing" totaled it and put me down for 6 months.

[DGoebel]

I traded my 07 Majesty 400 Scoot for my '13 RTL. Have a local friend here in MN who switched from a 650 burgman to a RT as well.

[Saluda]

No. Never have.

[RNBOB]

I have owned both a Honda Silverwing 600 and a Suzuki Burgman 650. I thought the Silverwing was the better handling of the 2, better for the twisties. Burgman heavier and held the road well, better for highway miles. I commuted over an hour each way on them with no problem. Either would be a great choice. I now do the same commute on a 2016 F3L.
Bob

[ARNIE R]

The CVT was nice. You had three modes, regular, sport and “manual”. Sport mode would keep it from “shifting” as soon as regular so you could hit higher RPM’S. “Manual” mode merely locked the CVT at preset positions (like being in a fixed gear) so you could rev up until you “shifted” to the next higher ratio. Mostly kept it in regular mode unless some idiot challenged.............oh, well, that is another story or two. :popcorn:

[ARtraveler]

When I was going through my hip surgery stuff...for a short time I considered looking at a Suzuki Burgman 650. I eventually changed my mind. Following the surgery, I decided to go back to a regular cruiser. I now own and ride a Vulcan 900 about half the time and riding miles I put on my Spyder. The fit and heft of the bigger bike is now sufficient for me. I did have the rear lowered a couple inches and that makes the ride even a bit more comfortable for me.

When we were riding with a MC club, there were two 650 Bergman's. They had no problem keeping up with the pack. They were part of the pack for at least five years. Did not hear anything bad about them from the owners. Smaller than many other bikes but not that small.

[ThreeWheels]

Piaggio BV 250 here.
I've had it up to 80 MPH, but to be honest, the roll-on from 65 is pretty long.

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=53801&d=1348414891

[Joe T.]

This picture is similar to the one I had. I was about 10 or so. When it fell over, I had to get help to pick it back up!

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[JerryB]

Hi Joe T,

Re: This picture is similar to the one I had.

My first motor vehicle was a Doodle Bug. It was the summer of '54 & I had a paper route. I made about $25/mo and the D B cost me $20.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doodle_Bug_scooter

Jerry Baumchen

[Charlottes Web]

I had a 2001 Honda Reflex 250 and a 2008 Burgman 400. Then I got a few Spyder 2014 RT-s and 2017 F3 L.
Chris

[5Wheels]

I've had four Burgman 650s, put 5k on mine this year. I have the Burgman, a '16 Spyder RTL and a Harley Limited. If I had to go to one bike, I'd keep the Burgman.

[SPECTACUALR SPIDERMAN]

Piaggio BV 250 here.
I've had it up to 80 MPH, but to be honest, the roll-on from 65 is pretty long.

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=53801&d=1348414891

My Yamaha zuma125 got 80mpg, cost me 25 cents a day round trip to work

[JimH]

I have a 2014 Honda Forza (300cc) which I traded in for my F3-Limited. It was good but not practical for long distance or highway riding, the wind from trucks was difficult at times. I also had a nasty fall which I am hoping the Spyder will prevent. I really liked it but it was not wanted for long term.

I also have a few beach scooter (50cc) which are great for getting around when there is heavy or light beach traffic.

[PrairieSpyder]

I once had a Burgman 400. I'd have gone for the 650 except my legs are too short. If anyone is concerned about what kind of riding you can do on a maxi-scooter, check out this blog. This guy rode from Vietnam, across Siberia and Scandinavia to Italy. Start reading in April 2008. http://farqhuar.blogspot.com/2008/04/

[Lew L]

" Anyone Ever Consider a Scooter?"

Ah----- no.

[hollybry]

YES! I have a Piaggio MP3 400. Love it! 3 Wheels and leans like a motorcycle. Lots of storage. I have been over 100 mph, and have no trouble keeping up with big bikes.167540

[Bob Denman]

YES! I have a Piaggio MP3 400. Love it! 3 Wheels and leans like a motorcycle. Lots of storage. I have been over 100 mph, and have no trouble keeping up with big bikes.167540

… And on the Dragon: no less! :clap: :2thumbs:

[Eviltwin]

YES! I have a Piaggio MP3 400. Love it! 3 Wheels and leans like a motorcycle. Lots of storage. I have been over 100 mph, and have no trouble keeping up with big bikes.167540

I would love to be able to ride one of those some day. I would think its much more stable than the 2 wheel versions. Occasionally they pop up used on the Local CL, but so far I have no complaints with the Silverwing.