Fat Bottomed Afternoon

When I bought my 01 very low mileage Silverwing a year ago it was always a toss up between it and Burgervan 650 - but I never actually tried one as the wing came along and at 7k miles could not resist it - no regrets at all.

Anyhow a couple of days ago I was at the dealer where I got it as I had a coolant leak and needed bike up on a ramp (it was a loose hose connection high up)

They had an 08 Burger 650 for sale so the opportunity was too good to miss - it was only a short ride - so my personal take -

Great bike, feels very planted, but not as nimble as the Honda. Gear change set up did little for me - power mode felt frothy and frantic, overall transmission felt a little jerkier than Honda. I got an auto transmission bike because that is what I want - just that. Does it feel pokier with the extra bhp and weight? - possibly but for me it was hard to tell, and if I were to mess about with Dr Pepper and/or whatever I might put Honda ahead - BUT - I can get 55 to 60mpg on a good day if I am half sensible and at current fuel prices in UK that is quite handy at present - anyway been there and done that with several HD's in past.

Burger was definately more comfortable as stock for me than S/Wing was before I did buttrest to backrest mod, so I suspect Burger might be better for 2 up - but my lady wife does not bother anymore since we were knocked off a Pan Euro in Oxford 7 years ago (doing 10mph)

Looking down at the 'cockpit' looked a bit like a 1980's/90's fully dressed Japanese tourer but with digital readouts - again not to my taste.

I could certainly live with one and sit on one all day - but was left really feeling the Honda a bit more versatile, better looking despite age, simpler to live with - and felt I had got something out of my system and happy with what I have.

Totally subjective take with my age/stage/build and experience - but thought I would share - sorry if a bit long winded.
Regads - John

I was thinking recently wouldn't it be great if a few dealers in one area got together at a local race track (the sort you can hire for open days) and brought along a wide selection of bikes and offered a 'test ride' day.

I for one would turn up at an event like this if I had the chance to test a handful of different bikes I'm considering as a future purchase. For example right now I'm interested in test riding a fuoco/MP3, a CBR600 and a Burgman 650, all for different reasons.

To be honest I would even pay for an event like this, as long as it wasn't too excessive.

Maybe this type of event goes on in other parts of the world, but not as far as I know here in the UK. My gut tells me the dealers would get quite a lot of business out of it in the long run.

The dealers probably don't want to pay the insurance premium. I think they would do it for regular customers but not for 'punters off the street'.
(Just my two pennies worth).

Cheers,

To be honest I would even pay for an event like this, as long as it wasn't too excessive.

I agree! Roll up to a dealership and tell them that you want to try half a dozen bikes and they will probably think you are wasting their time! However I have seen possibly seven bikes which may be my next purchase or a replacement for an existing one, but I think that it is unlikely I will end up test riding all of them!

I bought the SWing on the basis of a very short test ride (my bad, possibly) but equally some bikes you learn to love in time.