New to Board

[Fireball18]

Hi, I'm new to this board, but not new to motorcycling. Just a background. I've been riding since 1972 and currently ride an '05 yellow GL1800 and tow a Bunkhouse camper trailer. My wife had an ST1300, but now has a Suzuki Burgman 650, due to physical problems. She's been riding since 1998. We both love riding and it's our main form of recreation. I saw Joe's post on the ST-Owners board regarding this board and I thought I'd check it out. Looks like it could be a good one. Looks pretty new right now. I hope there's a lot of participation here.

Rider safety is my thing, BTW.

[Mellow]

Welcome Greg.

The site is starting to pick up pace. Won't be long at all before it's on fire. How can you miss with such an enthusiastic subject.

Again, Welcome aboard!

[Mellow]

I've heard nothing but good things about the Burgman, it might be classified as a scooter, but it will put many guys to shame as it passes them on a twisty road.

[Fireball18]

The Burgman 650 is quite a bike. I like to call it a scooter-styled motorcycle. About the only difference is that it doesn't have anything between your knees. The tank is underthe seat. But it's a world class bike. Cruises all day at 80 (if you wish) and handles like a sportbike, no less. Not having to shift is way cool, too, and it's comfortable. I got Peggy's set up with the J&M CB unit and a Roady2 XM radio, and put Kuryakyn Iso grips on it. Unlike the little scooters with the donut tires and ring ding ding motors you see around town, this is a great long distance touring maching. Very solid on the road, and the '06's have ABS!

We have a camper now, but when we tent camped, we used two waterproof duffles--one on each bike. One dufflebag carried the tent, rain fly, two light weight folding chairs, the ground cloth and a couple other things. The other bag held the sleeping bags, air mattresses, and the tent poles and pegs. As long as I got everything folded or rolled just right, it all fit perfectly in the two bags which were bungied to the back seat of each bike. At the time we were each riding an ST1300, which barely knew there was anything on it besides the rider. I don't think the Burgman would be any different.

There are some who would label it a "girlie bike" but I have to disagree. Remember when a 650 was a real "he-man's" bike years ago? If things ever came down to where I wasn't able to ride a regular bike for some reason, I'd make the switch to a Burgman in a heartbeat. It's that good, IMHO.

Have a nice day all--it's off to (shudder) work for me today.

[Mellow]

Greg, what kind of mileage is she getting on it and what's the range for the tank?

[Fireball18]

Peggy gets anywhere from 40 to 50+ mpg, depending on the kind of riding we are doing at the time. It holds 4 gallons (4.2, I think) and we figure it's good to look for gas at about 180 miles before it goes into reserve. The reserve is a gallon.

[Mellow]

So, it's a good match with the Wing.. I get pretty much 200 to a tank before the light goes on unless I'm hitting it hard in which case it's 180.

[Mellow]

If you look at Gregs (fireball18) profile you'll see his profile pic has both bikes in it:
http://www.motocampers.com/forums/image.php?u=194&dateline=1145324516&type=profile

[Fireball18]

I have ridden Peggy's bike a lot and really enjoy riding it. The first time you ride a scooter, you really have to remember that the lever on the left handle bar is NOT the clutch! After that the learing curve is short. I now have no problem going between bikes. Once you get the seat right (hers is in for mods as we speak) it's quite comfortable. And it's got enough power that it can keep up with the big guys no problem. In fact, my wife complains that when accelerating from a stop, she has to be careful not to run up on the back of the rider in front of her, because she doesn't have to shift, and with a regular bike, there's a momentary pause when you shift. Anyway, she loves her bike more and more, the more she rides it.

For lots of info on the Burgman, you can check out a couple of websites.

www.burgmanusa.com
www.maxiscoots.com

[Trailace]

Welcome Greg.:)

[Fireball18]

Welcome Greg.:)



Thanks.