Beauty & the Beast (Burgman 650 vs. Can-am Spyder RTS/SE5

[Motogordo]

I now have 530 miles on my 2011 RTS. I have 2,025 on my Burgman 650. I would like to know why or why not can Can-am make the Spyder as quiet and smooth and fast as Suzuki did with their scooter. The scooter is a twin, 650cc and about 600 lbs. Their transmission is 100% automatic or electric shift. It is smooth as silk and rather quiet. On the other hand, the Spyder does sound and feel like the typical v-twin as far as noise and vibes go. I thought it would be smoother and a bit quieter. However, I still enjoy riding it. Everyone seems to complain about the same things with the RT. Poor gas mileage and lots of Tupperware to remove to fix or check anything. LOL. Of course when you have more tires and wheels on the road , you are going to feel even more bumps than a motorcycle, which can dodge all the bumps. I go in for my 600 mile service on wednesday, so I will see how everything is performing under the Tupperware. LOL. The dealer charges $198 plus parts. He also said it takes between 2-2 1/2 hours to go over everything. I hope they do just that, and NOT just change the oil and filter, as some people say they do.
Gordon L. Delanco, New Jersey
June 26, 2011

 

[tnhoover]

Miss the Burgy

I traded in my 2007 Burgman 650 when I bought my RT 2 years ago. I had originally thought I might keep both but then my wife invoked the "1 bike only" clause of our marriage contract I had forgotten about. The first couple of hundred miles, like a lot of other people, I was thinking "oh man, have I made a very expensive mistake?" After I got used to it I love it. All that said I still occasionally miss leaning the Burgy through some tight turns and it's hard to beat 50+ per gallon.I switched because I have a bad back and after a few hours on the bike my back would be stiff and it was struggle to get my foot down sometimes. Also, my wife wouldn't ride the 2 wheeler but she will the Spyder.

 

[Motogordo]

Burgman 650 vs Spyder RTS/SE5

I traded in my 2007 Burgman 650 when I bought my RT 2 years ago. I had originally thought I might keep both but then my wife invoked the "1 bike only" clause of our marriage contract I had forgotten about. The first couple of hundred miles, like a lot of other people, I was thinking "oh man, have I made a very expensive mistake?" After I got used to it I love it. All that said I still occasionally miss leaning the Burgy through some tight turns and it's hard to beat 50+ per gallon.I switched because I have a bad back and after a few hours on the bike my back would be stiff and it was struggle to get my foot down sometimes. Also, my wife wouldn't ride the 2 wheeler but she will the Spyder.

Since I don't have a wife to answer to I kept both. It's fun switching from one to the other. It would be neat if the Spyder had the speed, quiet transmission, less vibes & a combination of full auto or electronic shift. I prefer the fully auto. It is very fast, very smooth and relatively quiet. However, I also like the stability of the Spyder. Also all the creature comforts and a ton of storage.

Gordon L.
Delanco,New Jersey
Purchased new 6/15/2011 from "EAST COAST CYCLE CENTER" BENSALEM, PA.

 

[tnhoover]

I agree. I preferred the full auto on the Burgy. Tried the electronic shift once but like the full auto bettor. It did shift much smoother. I have discovered the secret (al least for me) is to let the Spyder rev before shifting. When I first got it I would shift to low, around 3500 RPM's. I would hesitate alot between gears. I have since learned to shift around 4500 or 5000. The Spyder loves high RPM's.

 

[Mr. White]

I sold my '03 Burgman 650 last week. I always got on my GW Motor Trike or my Spyder, so I sold it. It was a Gold Wing scooter as far as I am concerned....a wonderful machine...I just did not ride it much.

I found that when shifting my RT (SE5) that I roll off the gas slightly for a VERY smooth shift...it takes a little practice but try it...you will see the difference...smooth and no jerk...roll off just a little as you hit the paddle, not close the throttle.... JMHO

:spyder2:

 

[retiredsquid]

I traded my 2008 650 Burgman Executive on our 2011 RTS Limited. I do wish the Spyder was as quiet. The Suzuki was really fast and smooth for what it was. The Suzuki has a 51hp engine compared to 100hp in the Spyder. I had 18,000 miles on the Suzuki and never a single problem.

The wife and I really enjoyed it, but it was time to upgrade when we did. We had ordered a 2011 Stallion back in June of last year. I had been looking at the Spyder and Goldwing trike all along. Finally, in March the word came down that the Stallion would not be built before minimum September/October 2011. So, the decision was made in late April for the Spyder. In two months we have put over 2,400 miles and at least 800 miles to go before we get him this weekend.

I am very happy with the Spyder. I wish it was quieter, though. We have upgraded to Corbin seat and have Elka shocks on order to improve handling. I want floor boards and a larger windshield, to. Some custom paint would be nice, too.

 

[burg650]

I still enjoy riding my Burg especially after riding the spyder love the ability to able to throw it from side to side in the turns and yes 50+ mpg so beats my spyder mid 20's that I get, the best thing on my Burg is the backrest and how smooth it is compare to the spyder. Have no plans to get rid of it anytime soon, I am also looking at the Stallion and plan to go to a dealer this summer to check it out.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

If you think the Spyder is loud spend a weekend riding with a group of HDs you will appreciate how quiet your Spyder is.

 

[Dragon Snake]

:agree:

 

[retiredsquid]

I still enjoy riding my Burg especially after riding the spyder love the ability to able to throw it from side to side in the turns and yes 50+ mpg so beats my spyder mid 20's that I get, the best thing on my Burg is the backrest and how smooth it is compare to the spyder. Have no plans to get rid of it anytime soon, I am also looking at the Stallion and plan to go to a dealer this summer to check it out.

I wish we had kept our Burgman Exec as a second machine, too.

We put a deposit down on a new 2011 Stallion a year ago last month. In April the dealer let me know that no 2011s would be built due to issues with a replacement Ford engine at the factory and delivery would not be before October this year at the earliest. We were number five on the factory list for a new one and my dealer offered to let us out of the contract since he knew he could sell it when it comes in. Plus, they figured there would be a price increase from the factory with the change. So, we ended up buying the 2011 RT-SE5 Limited and through a slight of hand (by my dealer) ended up with a 2010 RT-622 trailer.

I love the Spyder, but believe BRP Can-Am has a long way to go in customer service.

 

[burg650]

I wish we had kept our Burgman Exec as a second machine, too.

We put a deposit down on a new 2011 Stallion a year ago last month. In April the dealer let me know that no 2011s would be built due to issues with a replacement Ford engine at the factory and delivery would not be before October this year at the earliest. We were number five on the factory list for a new one and my dealer offered to let us out of the contract since he knew he could sell it when it comes in. Plus, they figured there would be a price increase from the factory with the change. So, we ended up buying the 2011 RT-SE5 Limited and through a slight of hand (by my dealer) ended up with a 2010 RT-622 trailer.

I love the Spyder, but believe BRP Can-Am has a long way to go in customer service.

If you wanted the Stallion, why did you not look at a left over 2010 model

 

[retiredsquid]

No, I would not go backwards in year models. Plus, the color we wanted was not available. I'm one of those guys that will not buy leftover models from the previous years, just a personal policy of mine. That's part of the reason I am still so :cus: at Bradford Marine for sticking me with the 2010 trailer and the way they managed to get it done. :cus: