I read on the Burgmanusa website of an imminent announcement of a 3 cylinder 950cc Burgman. Could be bogus or true, who knows.
If true, then Honda better put their best foot forward in
response.
A Silverwing 600GT in N. America just wouldn't cut it.

But why?
Neither the Burger or the S'wing is under-powered and neither is exactly economical in the fuel-consumption department.

If they're not careful they'll fall into the same trap as Piaggio with the GP800; lovely bike, indecently quick and astronomically expensive to keep on the road.

I had an o5 Yamaha 4 stroke triple ,it had a nice sound .That motor had a lot of torque .

950cc scooter? Too big, too expensive, complicated? Fuel?

Having owned triples- K 75 BMW, Geo Metro, Honda Beat 2 seater, they sound nice.

I think 350-400cc and easy on fuel is about limit for scooter. Want to go fast get zip bike.

We cannot really go fast in N America----I lived in Germany 20 years and know a little of fast.

John Grinsel

I think their may be a place for a larger displacement scooter for one reason:

Take a look at the weight capacity of the Burgman or the Silverwing, and you will see that while it is acceptable for most couples around town, it is insufficient for two up touring, towing a trailer, or triking.

A silverwing can be a poor man's goldwing when it comes to touring. The range of aftermarket accessories to improve its performance, storage, and even towing capacity demonstrate that it lacks something owners desire.

In addition, the step thru design really helps the disabled, which seems to be a large part of the maxiscooter demographic. Both the inability to lift a leg over a regular motorcycle, and the inability to muscle around a large motorcycle are common complaints. I think for many disabled its either maxiscooters or trikes, (or a combo of the two) and a maxi is less expensive and more fun than a trike.

All of the above are logical reasons for a larger displacement scooter.
Of course logical motorcycle company management is like saying,
Military Intelligence, Jumbo Shrimp, found missing, definite maybe, same difference, or Microsoft Works.

Dan

To above comments-----if large displacement scooter comes out with eye to handicaps/overweights/trikers/sidecar----great but with proper Gearing/braking/steering, ok?

I guess I am handicapped----DA Vet/stroke/leg that doesn't work exactly right (but bikes are designed to be ridden feet up, so not an issue for me). I no longer have interest in owning 800 lb pig---garage wrestling and putting on lift alone kills me, especially since stroke. Scooters work for me at present, but not bigger.

I rode sidecar outfits for 40 years---not many modern (bikes) are designed for sidecar use---HD as their factory outfit (I had one new---really strong, weak engine), the Russians. Since MZ two strokes are gone and they were great outfits and some minor mods made them even better, but oh, did they suck gas loaded and driven wide open.

I do see need for faster scooter---tick off HD riders---My TMAX gave them hell at stop light----long after common sense had me slowing down with eye open for cops they---they would come by....lots of noise, pissed and sometimes lots of smoke. Now that is fun


John Grinsel

I am looking to next scooter as 250--still lots of fun.

John Grinsel wrote....

I do see need for faster scooter

I probably will never know how fast the Swing I have now will go.... I had the other one at 110 MPH once before my common sense took over and told me to get over this and slow down. I have no desire to go FAST now. I go to somewhere at speed that is comfortable for me.
If you are talking more speed at take off, I am confused about the "need" you are talking about.

For me more power would enhance acceleration. I can envision the face of a crotch rocket rider as you keep up with him pulling away from a traffic light.

Being pedantic I think a quicker, not faster scooter is what's wanted.
The Silverwing is quite fast enough, being capable of over 100 MPH but better acceleration would be a bonus.

Back to Drag Racing; the faster car does not necessarily get to the finish first. A slower but quicker car has as much chance of winning.

I like my SW. No Complaints. But...

... I'd pay up forthe following;

1. Just a little more power.
2. Less vibration
3. Bigger wheels
4. And as I realized reading this thread, better sound from the engine.

So therfore, I fantasize of the New 2012 Honda Silver Wing 750! Triple four stroke engine, 17-18" wheels, ABS, Built in Nav and Bluetooth. 45 mpg, MSRP $9995.

MSRP $9995? That is a fantasy!

I am looking at Vespa---I think the 250 is done and 300cc will be base.

Although I am/was motorcyclist---I always or most always, had Vespa on side since about 1968---Just like them.

For US market they have priced themselves a little high, but I sure like the availability of front luggage rack, flat floor( a case oof beer should fit no tie down to get home)
Gas tank is too small---requiring spare can if you are away from gas stations. Surely they are not as reliable as Japanese-----but not a lot of plastic to take off. I have heard valve adj requires lowering engine.

John Grinsel

"Gilera has a good looking 800 twin"

Looks good, fantastic ride but a nightmare to maintain - friends who bought them in the UK are selling them and replacing with Silverwings and Burgers.

They eat chains and sprockets - these cost shedloads of cash to replace - and they suffer from Piaggio electrics although not as badly as the X9s.

I have ridden one and it was fantastic but I wouldn't want to own one, even if it was given me.