BurgmanRiders.com Feed

[Forum] BurgFahrer on Greetings from Aberdeen, Scotland

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 18:41:11 -0700

Hello to all from the North East of Scotland.

After an unplanned test ride on a Burgman 650 and thanks to all the really useful information on this site (and BurgmanUSA), on Saturday 11th July, I finally took the plunge and traded in my Triumph Thruxton 900 for a new Burgman 400ZA K9.

I'd been looking to replace the Thruxton for a while: I loved it, but it hated me. A great bike for a 28 year old; not so good for a 48 year old. The low clip-on bars and the cafe racer riding position pitched all my weight forward and meant aching wrists after 20 miles, a sore back after 50 miles and after 100 miles I couldn't pull the clutch anymore. So, sadly, it had to go, as every ride was just too painful an experience.

But what to replace it with? After much research on the internet, a Suzuki V-Strom 650 GT seemed to fit the brief: powerful enough, not too heavy and a good carrying capacity with the hard luggage that comes with the GT version. Good for both the daily 20 mile commute and for longer trips. Another possible option, based on internet research, was the Suzuki Burgman. But it was a scooter, and the last time I rode a scooter was in the mid-eighties in Greece: an old Lambretta which died every 20 miles and needed to be push started.

The V-Strom test ride went well. A couple of hours along the coast and up in the hills. It was comfortable and handled well. Back at the dealer, the sales manager asked how I'd liked the V-Strom. We chatted about the bike and the sort of riding I wanted it for. I mentioned the Burgman option in passing. By chance, he had a 2003 Burgman 650 he'd just taken in part exchange: did I want to try it? Why not?

The Burgman felt enormous after the V-Strom: so wide and long, and the seating position was very strange. A quick briefing (that's not a clutch, it's the rear brake; remember to take the handbrake off - a handbrake on a bike?) and I was off into the Aberdeen traffic. At the first set of lights, I discovered that the clutch was stiff and slowed me down quickly, there was nothing for my right foot to push and no tank for my knees to grip. A few miles and bit of brain re-wiring later, I was starting to like it. Feet forward into the cruiser position, push back onto the backrest. Twist the throttle at the lights and she pulled away strongly. Out into the country and the Burgman was just so much fun and amazingly comfortable with its big wide seat. An hour and several miles later, I ended up back at the dealer knowing that this was the bike (scooter?) for me. But which one to go for? The 400 or the 650? That needed to be worked out, so no sale for the dealer just yet.

More research on the internet on 400/650 comparisons. In the end I plumped for the 400: adequate power for my needs; significantly cheaper (£5,400 vs, £7,300); more economical on fuel; lighter; probably more manoeuverable in traffic. And the UK-specific ZA model (ABS, hand guards, heated grips and a brown seat that matches my garage door) looked like the best bet for the cold, wet summers we get here in the north of Scotland.

I picked up my Burgman yesterday. The 20 mile ride to the dealer reminded me why I loved and hated the Thruxton: loads of power, precise handling, but physically painful. Riding the Burgman back home was such a pleasure in comparison.

I'm now trying to get through the first 500 miles as quickly as possible because it feels so very s-l-o-w. The manual says not to exceed 4000 RPM. The dealer suggests around 50% of the range to red line: 4000 - 4500 RPM. I can live with 4500 RPM: that gives me up to 40mph on the flat and 30mph uphill. And because it's so comfortable, I don't need to get to my destination so quickly, but I hate having to ride it like a moped. Only 300 more slow miles to go.

I can also confirm that the Burgman doubles up pretty well as a jet ski. Today I rode about 100 miles, mostly in the very heavy rain and cold that passes for a Scottish summer, on roads where the surface seemed to be more water than tarmac. Happily, the big screen and front end fairing meant that I stayed reasonably dry. I just needed to crack the helmet visor a notch to stop misting, switch on the heated grips and sit back, put my feet up forward and enjoy the ride. The Burgman didn't miss a proverbial beat and easily cut through the waterlogged roads without a twitch.

So now I'm off to get some more practice on my new Burgman, and hope that one day that I'll be able to switch off the heated grips, or at least turn them down a bit.

[Article] Burgman 650 - DIY - Side & Center Stand Switches [Video]

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:51:36 -0700

http://youtube.com/v/S23CrAsUeiM.swf

Video Source: Burgman 650 - DIY - Side & Center Stand Switches [Video]

[Article] Burgman 650 - Farkle - HF Voltmeter Alternator [Video]

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 13:09:06 -0700

http://youtube.com/v/GKcH55Vh-cI.swf

Video Source: Burgman 650 - Farkle - HF Voltmeter Alternator [Video]

[Forum] dlr on 2008 Burgman 400 - Speedometer 5 MPH Off

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 11:49:51 -0700

I think all Burgmans are about 10 percent off in actual vs indicated mph. If it really bothers you, like it did me, and you want to fix it then you might checkout the review I posted on here last year. It's a simple fix.

http://burgmanriders.com/burgm.....eedometer/

[Article] suzuki burgman across europe d9 [Video]

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 23:28:51 -0700

http://youtube.com/v/TRVDy4vzufY.swf

Video Source: suzuki burgman across europe d9 [Video]

[Article] suzuki burgman d8 [Video]

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 23:13:34 -0700

http://youtube.com/v/ewvVSgTOEJI.swf

Video Source: suzuki burgman d8 [Video]

[Article] suzuki burgman across europe d7 [Video]

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:40:44 -0700

http://youtube.com/v/MMpp6RvBZ8Y.swf

Video Source: suzuki burgman across europe d7 [Video]

[Article] suzuki burgman across europe d6 [Video]

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:27:26 -0700

http://youtube.com/v/EOUA9QAPUgA.swf

Video Source: suzuki burgman across europe d6 [Video]

[Forum] hpe1087 on Greetings from another Burgie owner - Pataskala, OH

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:02:34 -0700

I presently ride an 07 650 Exec. Most of my riding has been around town (Columbus & suburbs), but am planning a longer trip to VA this summer. Returned to two wheeel riding just last summer (08). The Mrs. recently completed her MSF course and received her MC endorsement and her ride is a Honda Reflex (just her size).

Met several fellow Burgie riders this past year. What a treat to meet up with some real fine scooterists that don't hesitate to help out at the drop of a hat! Have been caught up in a couple rain storms since getting back on two wheels and realized just how slick the roads can get!

Go slower and give yourself plenty of room to brake & remember other helpful tips learned in the MSF course while riding out there.

[Forum] JonBoy on 2008 Burgman 400 - Speedometer 5 MPH Off

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:17:49 -0700

Cross Fox said:

I recently took my new 2008 Burgman 400 into the dealer for it's 600 mile check/oil change. I had my wife follow me to the dealer and as soon as I got to the dealer she questioned me as to why I was riding so slow. According to the speedometer I was going 55 mph but according to my wife and verified by the dealer that it is 5 mph off. Actually going 50 mph when the Speedometer read 55. At lower speeds the speedometer appears to be ok. The dealer was unsure what to do with it. Anyone have any information regarding the repair/correcting this problem? Thanks in advance.

Tim

According to the manual and I have the same Burg as you the 600 mile tune-up isn't all the dealer claims it is. It looks just like changing the oil and tightening/checking the bolts which they are asking and arm and leg which the bike already costed me. Am i right? Could I do this first 6oo mile tune up myself? I just broke the 100 mile mark trying to keep it under 4000 rpm's

[Article] Burgman 650 Rear Suspension Adjustment [Video]

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:07:34 -0700

http://youtube.com/v/dXxvCutnqVw.swf

Video Source: Burgman 650 Rear Suspension Adjustment [Video]

[Forum] JonBoy on Extended Warranty-Do we need it on a 08 400? Also gasoline brand, does it matter?

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 11:39:10 -0700

Thanks Cowboy I went by the dealer the other day and they showed me all I have to do is push the Adj. button twice and it computes it automatically. I wonder how accurate it is? Thanks again

[Forum] Burg4CC__TX on Burgman 400 4 sale

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:46:05 -0700

I would like to post a burgman for sale. How do I add to the for sale link?

http://dallas.craigslist.org/f.....58596.html

[Forum] Nebraska on Tires

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:57:40 -0700

Smyrna Cowboy: I enjoy your videos. What brand of tires do you recommend for a 2006 Burgman 650? I want the best to ride safe on the streets and higways of Nebraska. Take Care, Nebraska

[Forum] Chet on 2008 Burgman 400 - Speedometer 5 MPH Off

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:40:17 -0700

What most people find on the 650s and the 400s the speedometer is off by 10%. So if you take the first number 5 from the speed indicated 55 mph you got the 10 % which is 50 mph.

They are off at a lower speed too. I just went past a radar trailer yesterday on my 400.

Example if you are indicating 73 mph you are at 66 mph.

OR just run it as fast as you feel like going.

[Forum] Cross Fox on 2008 Burgman 400 - Speedometer 5 MPH Off

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:30:29 -0700

I recently took my new 2008 Burgman 400 into the dealer for it's 600 mile check/oil change. I had my wife follow me to the dealer and as soon as I got to the dealer she questioned me as to why I was riding so slow. According to the speedometer I was going 55 mph but according to my wife and verified by the dealer that it is 5 mph off. Actually going 50 mph when the Speedometer read 55. At lower speeds the speedometer appears to be ok. The dealer was unsure what to do with it. Anyone have any information regarding the repair/correcting this problem? Thanks in advance.

Tim

[Article] burgman650 picchio 79 [Video]

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 06:09:00 -0700

http://youtube.com/v/eU2fCAKdeck.swf

Video Source: burgman650 picchio 79 [Video]

[Article] LEOVINCE SUR UN BURGMAN 650 [Video]

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 03:46:55 -0700

http://youtube.com/v/BVcGIP0E3Go.swf

Video Source: LEOVINCE SUR UN BURGMAN 650 [Video]

[Article] 87 Year Old Vince Sends in UK Bergie Photo

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:01:08 -0700

If you have a Burgman photo and story to share, you can contribute it here.

“Vince Cawthron, age 87, with his new Burgman 200cc.
I have been riding since 1939, and my last bike a Yamaha Dragstar 650 was getting a little heavy to haul around, so I have got this scooter as a replacement. I ride most days.”