scooter comparison test

MCN--Motorcycle Consumer News that arrived yesterday has nice scooter-BMW650/Burgman 650/Kymco 700 comparison test----I probably agree with findings---none great fuel mileage.

SilverWing not included as it is probably dead soldier on US market---2013 being last model year??

Buying a new scooter in that price range---I would go for Burgman 650 because after 300,000 rubber band drive scooter miles I am tired of the hassle and paying for new drive belts every 15,000 miles....and various clutch parts---I do only OEM on parts. My take---Burgman 650 people complain of drive line trouble--- have probably bought them used and I am pretty sure buying new I would get 50,000 trouble free miles (quick) from drive line/trans. At 50,000 miles time to get rid of anyway and try something new.Recent years only kept 4 bikes 50,000 or more miles GS500E Suzuki 64,000=no trouble other than lean running, one of the 4 Helix I bought right at 50,000----anything that broke warranty took care of, Kawasaki Concours 56,000 miles---didn't like/hard to work on/tire sensitive, but didn't break and XBR500S Honda in Europe, 68,000 miles needing piston at end as big singles seem to do when run real hard=was really good bike--Pacifico Fairing made it super comfortable in bad weather----went to North Cap in Norway on it.

My history with rubber band drives---only one broken belt in those 300,000 miles--Helix and their belts can be changed roadside without pulling a clutch off. But I always carry spare belt.... as dealers will not have them....and spare set of rollers/sliders.


Article also mentions "clutch takeup" Burgman being smoother----I tend to agree my experience with SilverWing and 2 Burgman 400's and maybe my TMAX---they all can get jerky as the miles pile up.

Merry Christmas. Honda Forza is also looking attractive to me price/almost turn key deal/ready to ride with Honda taller windshield. ABS only for me.

Hi john the forza a little on the sluggish side acceleration wise .Especially if your used too more cubes ,also not as economic as some scoots in that class 65mpg as opposed too 85mpg for its predessor. Merry Christmas .     :rendeer: 

I had new Reflex, the Forza follows it in US market----if I want more performance, I buy a motorcycle....scooter provides dry feet for those who ride every day.

I thought the Burgman had a drive belt John, does it not?. I have been viewing a few things on You tube on the maxsym 400 ( i am interested in the 600i, that will be available come spring). I quite like the look of the Sym and looking forward to a test ride.  

Burgman 400 does have belt. Running/grabbing--/[picking up power feel same as SilverWing. I think Honda clutch can last trouble free longer----At 20,000 miles Suzuki paid for drive line rebuild on present Burgman pulleys/rollers, out rear clutch bearing.

Note on Honda---I had 4 Helix for total of 175,000 miles----3 of the 4 had rear clutch warranty work done---all paid for by Honda.

SilverWing made it thru life with me---no work other than belt/rollers....but drive/power pick up at time could be jerky, not smooth----about same as 400Burgman

Merry Christmas John and others. Keep them miles racking up.........God Bless
Dick