28 June 2008

Burgman Interviews - Dave Netherton - ‘The Smyrna Cowboy’

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Dave Netherton, also known as The Smyrna Cowboy, has been an avid rider and prolific videographer of the Burgman. Recently I have a chance to catch up to Dave and interview him.

By the way, you can see Dave’s, Burgman videos online at Live Video. Here is one of his videos.

Q1: So I’ve got to ask, were you the Smyrna Cowboy before you rode the Burgman and how did that nickname come about?

A1: Yes it was before I rode my Burgman. Back in 2000, my family and I went to Las Vegas on vacation and in one of the shops there, they had a “Put your face on a body” type photo studio and I chose a cowboy picture. I must say I never looked so good. I saw it and thought WOW, a cowboy from Smyrna. Then I said The Smyrna Cowboy. It sounded good. Had a nice hook so it stuck.

Q2: So Suzuki refers to the Burgman as a scooter but the owners information calls it a motorcycle. So which is it for you, scooter or motorcycle?

A2: I call it my scoot. My Burgman 650 is a lot bigger than some motorcycles are. To me, it’s a step thru automatic motorcycle. On my videos I put “An Old Coot On A Scoot.” An old coot on a motorcycle doesn’t have the same ring to it.

Q3: Did you have riding experience before you got your Burgman?

A3: About 15 Min’s when I was 16 years old but that was about it. I started back in 2006. Took the MSF class which I HIGHLY recommend, got my endorsement and here I am.

Q4: How often do you ride?

A4: Everyday barring severe weather and Ice. Ice on the roads and two wheels don’t play nice. It’s my primary means of transportation. I also to a little fishing from the scoot too. If my wife and I go out, we just take her car.

Q5: Why kind of fuel mileage do you get on your Burgman?

A5: Right around 47. I haven’t taken a long road trip on it yet. I’m just working up to that now. I’ll know when I’m ready.

Q6: Are you a waver? Do you wave at all motorcycles as you pass them.

A6: YES! I wave at ALL motorcycles. It could be a 49cc scoot or a 1400cc Kawasaki Concourse. We all face the same dangers and share the same wind. It’s like a kindred spirit,a brotherhood for people on two wheels. Really three wheels if you own a trike.

Q7: This might be a hard question but what is it about riding the Burgman that makes you smile?

A7: No Steve, not hard at all. It’s just the freedom of the open road. The smells, sights and feel of the world around you. The ease of riding with no gears. It’s like sitting in your lazy boy as you travel down the road. Watching people look at you as you ride by. Getting asked all kinds of questions by curious people and the 47 MPH don’t hurt either when gas is $4.00 a gallon. For me, riding is like therapy. It calms my soul and also helping with fuel emmisions.

Q8: How in the world did you pick the Burgman as your ride in the first place?

A8: Back in 2006 when gas broke the $3.00 a gallon barrier, I told my wife that I’m going to have to get something else that was cheaper on gas. I have a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 that gets around 14 MPG in the city. She was reading an article in the Sunday paper about scooters. Like most people I thought about the Vespa’s and the old Cushman scooters. I told her, “Yea right. I’d look like Papa Smurf on a moped” Then I started thinking. I went to my computer and did some research on scoots. I narrowed it down to four.

1. Honda Silver Wing
2. Yamaha Majesty
3. Kymco xPress 500
4. Suzuki Burgman

I went to local dealers and looked at the Sliver wing, Majesty and the Burgman’s. Beleave it or not, I took my lunchbox with me to see if it had enough room under the seat to fit it. They must have thought I was looney.

I went to the Burgman dealership first. They had both the 400 and 650 in stock. First to the 400. I liked the analog gages and the mirrors that were higher than the 650. The EPA 60-72 MPG was also attractive. I sat on it and it felt good. The foot boards were a little narrow but do able. Then the lunchbox test and it didn’t fit very well.

Then I looked at the 650. Bigger, faster top end and heaver. All digital readouts and the rear view mirrors were lower. I could get use to that. Then the sales man told me about the “Power” button Pretty cool I thought. Then the lunchbox test. It fit fine.

Then went to the Honda and Yamaha dealership. The Honda was WAY too much and of course the lunchbox test; FAILED

Yamaha Majesty was a good scoot. A Little bit higher that the Burgman 400. I didn’t like the trunk with the step down design in it. Tried the lunchbox test: FAILED

So far. it’s between the Burgman 400-650 or the Kymco. Now to try to find a Kymco dealer. The nearest one to me was like 80 Miles away and they didn’t have one in stock. I would have to put down a deposit just to get one it to see it. If I needed warranty service No, I don’t think so. A Suzuki dealer was 12 miles away.

Next step it to test drive one. I had to have my motorcycle endorsement to do that so I took the MSF course and passed. It just so happens that my riding coach, his buddy is also a riding coach had one for sale. A 2004 650 with 1300 miles on it that he bought for his wife. She hardly ever road it so when I got my endorsement, when to his house to test ride it. The new ones run $7899. I bought that one for $5000. It’s like it was destiny. I bought it and NEVER regretted it.

Q9: How does riding your Burgman make you feel?

A9: Alive. A soothing feeling comes over you as you wheel down the road.

Q10: Which of your many modifications that you’ve done has given you the most satisfaction?

A10: I guess I would have to say the Stebel Air Horn. I have had a couple of close calls and I think if I had the air horn then, it wouldn’t have been that close.

Q11: What’s the longest ride you’ve ever done on your Burgman?

A11: As to date, about 40 miles.

Q12: Does the Burgman have enough power for you to feel comfortable riding on the highway?

A12: Definitely. I don’t do blazing speeds in a car let alone a bike. If I have to speed up quick to merge into traffic or get out of the way, my Burgman has plenty of power and then some.

Q13: What words of advice do you have for someone that might be considering a Burgman?

A13: First and for most, take the MSF class first! Regardless if you have ridden for years or a beginner as I was. It’s a great class and most insurance companies gives you a break on rates. The Burgman is a GREAT motorcycle. Good gas mileage, a lot of storage and versatile. Smooth ride, not having to throw your leg over the seat is also a plus. Not having to shift gears. You can put all sorts of gadgets on it. I like to call it “The poor mans Gold Wing”

Q14: Any plans for upcoming modifications or big rides on your Burgman?

Q14: I have a few more mods in mind. AM/FM/CD/MP3 auto system under the seat with waterproof speakers. GPS system. Vista or Breakway cruise control.

I plan on doing a ride to the Natchez Trace Parkway July 12th of this year. It’s a 50 MPH speed limit and NO tractor trailers are allowed there. I think it will be good training for longer trips. Doing Deals Gap is also a remote possibility. A bunch of biker vloggers from Live Video.Com are planning one in August. I would like to try that. Time will tell.