It's Spring! Breaking Out the Burgman

 

irst of all, I have to admit: First of all, I have to admit: I’m a “fair-weather-rider”, hands down. Too cold, too hot, forget it. The Burgman sits in the garage.

So, on the first day of spring (and a warm day) in St. George, it’s time to bring ‘er out.

Sitting isn’t good for any piece of machinery, including motorcycles/scooters. I’m happy to report that, after sitting out the winter, she fired right up. Battery is good, no longer-than-normal crank time, no engine noise waiting for the oil to circulate. Just push the button and nice, steady purr.

I’m also happy to report that my hips didn’t object too much after the steroid injections (see Hips Update - Steroid Injections). I was seriously doubting my ability to get on the scoot after the winter stiffness.

But, no — the Burgman and I both did well.

It always feels wonderful to be out on two wheels. I honestly think that one of the great joys of being on Earth is the ability to hit the road and feel the wind, watch the scenery go by and the white lines disappear under the fairing. There’s nothing quite like it.

I hope there are motorcycles wherever I go after this life.

History

’ve I’ve had motorcycles since I was 17, starting with a BSA 650 Lightning and working my way up the Honda line with a 50cc Cub, a CB 750 four cylinder screamer (the first four-cylinder production bike), a Magna V45 (think road mini-Harley only more dependable), a GoldWing 1200 and finally, the full dress Cadillac of motorcycles: a GoldWing 1500.

I loved the 1500, but when we came to St. George, I determined something off-road capable would be more appropriate. So, I traded it in for an open-top Jeep Wrangler.

For sure, I had a good time in the Wrangler, although I didn’t really do any serious four-wheeling with it. Eventually, it had to go for a more practical vehicle and I lost access to an open-air vehicle.

Until, I picked up an e-bike (an adventure in itself.) I rode that thing all over town and had a blast with it.

One thing leads to another, and, while the e-bike was fun, I really began to yearn for something that I could take out further — maybe a ride to Zion NP or down to Vegas or whatever. The e-bike couldn’t do that.

So, I started looking around at motorcycles. While I loved the GoldWing, it wasn’t very economical — it averaged a surprisingly low 38 miles per gallon (the Wrangler did that!), tires and maintenance were expensive, and I didn’t think my hips would allow me to swing a leg over to mount it.

How About a Scooter?

I started looking at scooters.

An advantage of a scooter is it’s “step-through” geometry. I don’t have to swing a leg up behind and over to mount it — just step through the cut-away and sit down!

The downside of a scooter is that for the most part, the engines are pitifully under powered, beginning at 50cc. The more I thought about it, the more I decided I needed something freeway-capable. That meant at least 500cc’s. The Honda SilverWing looked about right — 600cc — but they’re not making them, anymore. I looked at a Yamaha Majesty and it looked somewhat ok, but then another issue was raised: my long legs. My knees bumped up against the fairing.

Uncomfortable.

Then I started looking at the Suzuki Burgman line. Sitting on one felt more comfortable than the Yamaha — my knees had a bit more clearance. .

Reviews were good, they’re a little price-y, but I thought maybe I could get a reasonable deal on a used one.

The Current Solution

o To make a long story short, I picked the the current scooter — a 2008 Suzuki Burgman 650 basic model. No heated grips, no adjustable windshield (those features came with the Executive models): just the basics.

But the basics are pretty good. It’s plenty strong enough (and heavy enough) for the freeway — it’s quiet and a smooth ride. Despite all the plastic fairings and covers (colloquially referred to as “tupperware”) it’s comparatively easy to maintain and work on, if I need to do so. I added a few things: new windshield, top box, GoldWing grips (did I mention I really loved the GoldWing), some ball mounts for phone and action camera.

So, it’s fine, but truth be told, I really miss my GoldWing. I don’t get the wind protection on the Burgman that I got with the GoldWing, and it’s a rougher ride (due to an overly stiff suspension) than I would have liked. And the seat isn’t all that comfortable.

Given those characteristics, I don’t see myself doing a cross-country ride on the Burgman (although people have.)

So, it’s a stop-gap solution. I’m looking at used GoldWing 1500’s and they’re pretty reasonable. Reasonable enough that I think I can manage getting one, even with the impending hip surgery. Gas mileage isn’t going to be any better (the Burgman does get 50 miles per gallon), but they burn regular (Both Honda and Suzuki make a point of that for all their bikes). While maintenance/repair costs can be high, they very rarely need anything done. Owners have gotten 300,000 miles on them, and they still run like new.

Prudence suggests I need to hold off until after the surgery, so I’ll hang on to the Burgman and be happy with it, for now.

But, if the right deal shows up on a GoldWing, I’ll move on it.