Trading my KLR for a Burgman 400....another talk me out of it thread

[larrylarry75]

Originally Posted by PBOB

The burgman will be great for commuting in imperfect conditions.
Your riding season and days can be longer and start earlier, plus ur riding season goes year round. As long as there is pavement around.... Bc of the great protection from the berg.
....I know ur klr guys are gonna say "not true not true, I ride yr round in all types of weather!"
While that may be true, the guy on the berg will be better protected from the elements and be more comfortable. Meaning he can ride longer and more often on a the berg than the klr. While wearing less gear.
The berg is like a form of motorcycle Viagra.... U hate it when people find out that's ur deal, but the fact is, you put out! A lot more and more often, Haha...
In all seriousness, I have a Helix and a Sherpa, smaller version of Klr650.... The klr650 will not be passenger friendly as the berg. And the berg may make u have to pass the local motorcycle roadhouse in shame and park across the street.
U could get a Honda helix. It would be cheaper than a burgman and its pretty close to the same thing just not as big as the berg, it's 250cc.
Or just keep both....

Man saying shit like "And the berg may make u have to pass the local motorcycle roadhouse in shame and park across the street." freaking amazes me. I guess I'm lucky, I don't actually give a damn what other people think about me when I'm riding a scooter. I'm not getting into a pissing match with you or anyone else about "manliness" but it's going to be a cold day in hell when I let other people dictate to me what to ride. I know exactly what the OP is trying to deal with, he's realized there are better ways for him to enjoy riding and he's going for it, ego be damned. If you feel the need to park your scoot in the dark I'd say it's time for you to sell out, go buy a do-rag and buddy up to the assholes who're dictating to you how to live. What a pity.

LL75

[skyman]

I went from motorcycles to scooters and have never looked back. I was tired of the need for a backpack and the weight of the motorcycle's I have owned. In 2010 after returning from a trip to Germany ( what an eye opener! scooters everywhere) I sold my Nissan 350Z and purchased a new Honda Elite 110. It was a gas to ride and 4500 miles later I reluctantly let her go for a Honda 250 Reflex as I needed a little more speed. I put 7500 enjoyable miles on her before trading her in for a 2010 ABS Silver wing. My mission at that time was the need to travel interstate to help my daughter at times with our granddaughter. My daughter and son in law are both military and have been subject to sudden deployments. My Silver wing has ample storage, speed (triple digit) and is comfortable to ride. At six feet with a 30 inch inseam I can change my riding position as needed, feet forward, back, one forward one back even cross legged. I really like the Burgman 400 and have taken short rides on a friends with no complaints. I'm just a Honda guy.

[larrylarry75]

Originally Posted by doogiepooch

Looking for a little advice or devil's advocate or encouragement....whatever you want to throw out. I'd be buying new, probably trading after the first of the year for a 13' 400 Burgman.

Been riding for about 6 years, see in my sig I've been into sport bikes and dual sports. This summer I rode my KLR from NC to Yellowstone and kind of discovered I think my real passion is motorcycle travel. I want to do a couple more big trips next summer. I ride every weekend, mostly with a level headed guy in his 50's or my dad who is in his early 60's. I'm a get out and go to new places and see new things type rider, not a how fast I can get there type rider, not that a maxi scooter is slow. And for all the dual sports I've had, I don't ride off road, I've been on gravel once this year. The storage and look of the 400 are what draws me to it. The dash, the backrest, all the cubby holes! I think the 400 will be about as quick as my KLR maybe even a little faster and from what I've read will definatly handle interstate better. I need to find someone local that will let me ride a 400 but in the meantime lets chat about them. Are they as comfortable as they look and feel? Showroom floor is all the time I've had on one. Interstate, yes I know they'll do it all day long but I want to hear from some guys that use them for travel. I've read some stuff about some oil burn if you hold it at high interstate speeds for hours on end, anything to this? I'm certainly familiar with singles burning oil at constant high speeds but will it do 70-75 mph without burning? Guys that have dropped from a bike to a scooter.....do you miss a bike much or do all the positive of a scooter make up for it?

I'd say go for a scooter, Burgy 400 or otherwise. I've ridden one and they're a lot of fun, versatile, all of the things you seem to like. What you'll find if you buy a scooter is you'll go to just as many places as you did before and probably others, mostly because the scooter will be more fun and you'll enjoy it more.

From the sound of it there are a lot of scoots out there that will satisfy your needs and there are some really great buys to be had in the used market. I've bought both new and used with success both ways and I know others who have as well so don't be afraid to save a few thousand if you can. Whatever you do try not to let the bullshit artists who know everything there is to know get in your way, all scooters are fun regardless of make, just be sure to choose one that's big enough for your needs. Then get back out there and enjoy.

LL75

PS - My MP3-500 ain't no Burgy but I have a lot of fun on it. http://reddogscooter.blogspot.com/

[Pilgrim21784]

My $0.002
Background: I previously owned (& thoroughly enjoyed) an '09 Piaggio MP3 400, '09 Yamaha TMax & '07 Honda Reflex ABS, plus a few smaller scoots, in addition to sharing a '10 Honda VFR1200 DCT with my brother. (Seriously - don't buy a VFR unless you are an expert class rider and really need to hot dog, that damn bike is so fast its frightening!)

My current ride is a '12 Silverwing & I'm looking at a '13 Yamaha XT250 for the farm roads and sedate trails. While an old ankle injury makes shifting a bit unpleasant after a few hours riding, the XT might be doable for my planned riding environment. I'm a happy camper, ride only for pleasure (62 yr. old retired bum) and avoid most roads with heavy cager traffic (Bambi gives me enough trouble & I've become an ABS only rider). I'm basically a back road rider, even on long trips and rarely venture into congested environments unless absolutely necessary.

Burgmans, either one - are outstanding scooters. I'd have bought a 400 a few years ago but it just didn't fit me and the 650 is out of my weight comfort range around the garage (same problem with the VFR). I've ridden both Burgmans several times for about 10 days each (swapped rides with friends).

The 400 was fine on the slab, the 650 just demonstrated that it owns the road, period. Its one of the the ultimate long distance tourers, with no disrespect to the 400. Both were pleasant on the back roads with a preference to the 400 due to its more flickable size/weight.

My Silverwing is perfect for me, ergonomics are best in class (for me), workable around the garage at 550 lbs., great on the slab if I need to and a pleasure on the back roads. I would recommend anyone considering the upper end of touring scooters to give it a very, very close look.

I've developed a preference for the TMax (500cc) and above size scooters for all around riding. I'd have kept the TMax but you can't get one with ABS in the US. Its the sport bike of scooters. The 500cc & up size is just my personal druthers. Piaggio's MP3 500 has a lot of fans and there is a best in class MP3 rider community site under the Modern Vespa forum if you're interested.

There obviously are other maxi scooter choices but I can't give any advice on them. Personally, I prefer to stay with the Japanese brands but thats just me. BMW has two versions of a 600+cc super scooter coming in the near future (if not already available) and Honda may import their new Integra sometime next year but don't hold your breath. Also, bring lots of money in both cases.

I don't think you can make a bad choice, just buy the maxi that fits YOU and your intended use. Best of luck.

[Phipsd]

Originally Posted by larrylarry75

Man saying shit like "And the berg may make u have to pass the local motorcycle roadhouse in shame and park across the street." freaking amazes me. I guess I'm lucky, I don't actually give a damn what other people think about me when I'm riding a scooter. I'm not getting into a pissing match with you or anyone else about "manliness" but it's going to be a cold day in hell when I let other people dictate to me what to ride. I know exactly what the OP is trying to deal with, he's realized there are better ways for him to enjoy riding and he's going for it, ego be damned. If you feel the need to park your scoot in the dark I'd say it's time for you to sell out, go buy a do-rag and buddy up to the assholes who're dictating to you how to live. What a pity.

LL75

Many times I have had big rig riders including Harley guys come up to me to ask me about my bike. The only putdowns I've gotten are from other scooter riders who can't comprehend that there are vast differences in handling between a Burgman and a big wheel middleweight. Their loss.

[Phipsd]

Originally Posted by cdwise

We had a Burgman 400. While I could handle it at slow speeds my husband hated riding it at anything slower than freeway speeds. Around the garage he never got the knack of moving it around. We both felt it had pig like characteristics below 20-25mph. I prefer the shorter wheelbase and balance of the traditional style scooter. I find them to be extremely stable at slow speeds and can balance my GTS or Buddy longer without putting a foot down than I ever could the Burgman 400. I think which you find better is also a function of ergonomics and experience. FWIW, most of the folks I know who love their Burgman 650 has come from a motorcycle background. While those who prefer the Vespa, Buddy, Kymco People and similar styles start on them and move up or not. Though there is a surprising number of Harley riders who buy and love Vespas. I remember a thread a few years ago on Modern Buddy from a guy used to riding big bikes. He kept complaining that the Buddy was "squirrelly" and very unstable. He had nothing good to say about the handling for the first few months he owned it. I'm not sure if he ever got over how "twitchy" to quote him the 10" wheels were since I don't recall seeing anything from him recently.

Our Burgman 400 was a 2007 and it just didn't suit either of us. We bought it because he really liked the looks, had heard such good things about the Burgmans and thought it would be a good choice for some touring we had planned. I have friends who think the Burgman 400 is the best thing since sliced bread, others who swear by the 650 which weighs far more than I want. Heck, it weights over 100lbs more than the Mana (which I keep eying) or one of the other motorcycles I've occasionally considered buying (but my husband would want me to sell one of the others if I bought another bike and I'm not willing to do that right now.)

I've ridden the Kymco Xciting and Yamaha T-Max and none of them suits me though of the 3 I think the Xciting was the best of the maxi for me, if I had to ride a maxi. I may test ride the new BMW just for chits and grins but its step through is so high I'd just as soon ride a motorcycle.

I do think it is a good thing there is a variety of bikes/scoots available because there is no one bike that will suit everyone.

BTW, I agree that it is easier to flat foot a Burgman and a GTS. My husband has a 29" inseam and he could flat foot our Burgman 400. Houston Metro cops use Burgman 400s for their motorcycle cops.

The deal with the 400 Burgman's is that they are touchy about tire pressure. Keep the tires up to spec faithfully and set your rear preload at the max and your Burgman will corner like nobodies business. It won't even seem like the same bike.

[Domromer]

Don't do it. Add 3 givi E45s to you klr and you have more storage than the Burgman, you also have a bike that's easy to work on, reliable and can be ridden everywhere. Oh and it's fun to ride.

[Barnone]

Just do it. You can always go back to the KLR later if the Burg doesn't work out. Ain't a big deal that needs to be analyzed to the tenth degree.

[gec343]

Originally Posted by Barnone

Just do it. You can always go back to the KLR later if the Burg doesn't work out.

Ain't a big deal that needs to be analyzed to the tenth degree. :rofl

I agree, and well stated. I tend to over analyze almost everything prior to puchase, and usually talk myself out of the purchase.

[chazbird]

OK, I wrote earlier an earnest critique of a maxi scooter and a KLR. But if its going to be HTML code (my version): KLR/is what is/Maxi/is what is/KLR/Maxi mission compare=sucks/nice

[cdwise]

Originally Posted by Phipsd

The deal with the 400 Burgman's is that they are touchy about tire pressure. Keep the tires up to spec faithfully and set your rear preload at the max and your Burgman will corner like nobodies business. It won't even seem like the same bike.

Cornering was never the problem with the Burgman Highway and mountains it was a good ride though the seat wasn't all I would wish for long rides. It simply isn't the bike for me. I have never been happier to trade in a scoot than I was the Burgman 400 for the BV 500. Though my favorite is the Aprilia Scarabeo 500. If the Burgmans either 400 or 650 work for you, great, I'm glad to hear it but I've never made any bones about not caring for its ergonomics and its slow speed handling/moving it around the garage are not what I would wish. Sure I could do it once I figured out its balance points but it wasn't "fun" and if it isn't fun I might as well drive a truck. So I traded it for something that is fun for me.

[markcap]

How can a scoot compete with a KLR in regards to an ability to carry gear? I've never seen side bags on any Burgman? I agree with the poster, you can spend $1000 to outfit a KLR but once it ready, it can carry much more gear can't it?

I owned a KLR. I currently have a DL650. I to want a Burgman but outfitting it to compete with my Vee would be my biggest issue. Maybe I carry too much on long trips but I refuse to use motels. I prefer camping on my adventure rides.

[Phipsd]

Originally Posted by cdwise

Cornering was never the problem with the Burgman Highway and mountains it was a good ride though the seat wasn't all I would wish for long rides. It simply isn't the bike for me. I have never been happier to trade in a scoot than I was the Burgman 400 for the BV 500. Though my favorite is the Aprilia Scarabeo 500. If the Burgmans either 400 or 650 work for you, great, I'm glad to hear it but I've never made any bones about not caring for its ergonomics and its slow speed handling/moving it around the garage are not what I would wish. Sure I could do it once I figured out its balance points but it wasn't "fun" and if it isn't fun I might as well drive a truck. So I traded it for something that is fun for me.

Actually my ride of choice is a bigwheel SYM Citycom 300i for similar reasons. I'm hooked on the responsive handling and performance of my middleweight. If somebody offered me a new Citycom or a new Burgman I would take the Citycom without hesitation if I could only have one. It's way more fun for most of the riding I currently do in my commute and in the weekend mountain twisties.

But if I needed a replacement for my 02 V-Strom 1000 beastie to go backroad camping touring with; the Burgman with its huge internal storage would be very handy. It would be a much better cruiser than the Intruder 1400's I have owned and put many miles on. At six four and a half I don't fit comfortably on most scoots but I do on those two bikes.

[Starbuck21]

And as was mentioned above if you have trepidations about what people "think" about your scooter, I say too bad! I went to a "Bike Night" event at Cycle Gear the other night (Surprise, AZ) and there was a spot open in FRONT next to a crotch rocket and a big Harley. I should have gone around the corner and parked but didn't !

No problems and I talked to a bunch of guys on sport bikes and they looked at my Wing and no negative comments. Different strokes you know. I am getting old and COMFORT is important to me. I had a Harley guy say to me "those are pretty fast aren't they?" Just smiled and said yes...

[JerryH]

I can ride the Silverwing, and can get my feet on the ground, because the floorboards on it stop before they get back to the point where you would put your feet down. This is not the case with all maxi scooters. I also could not flatfoot the KLR, but it was so light and narrow I would find myself sitting at a stop light rocking it back and forth from the right side to the left, with no fear of dropping it. It just didn't have the bulky feel of the maxi scooters.

As far as going off road with a scooter, there is not a single scooter I would even consider riding on gravel roads. And I have a Zuma 125. But it is not a dirt bike, and has virtually no suspension. Riding it off road would beat both you and it up in no time. As far as riding a 600 pound maxi scooter with little tiny wheels off road, I don't think so. I have an XT225 for off road/dirt road use, and it performs beautifully in that regard.

Having both a Goldwing, a 125cc scooter, and a small displacement dual sport, plus a Kawasaki Vulcan 750, gives me a bike for everything. All of these bikes have their purpose, one thing that they are really good at. But none of them are much good at anything else. All can be used for touring, depending on speed and distance. But only the XT is off road capable.