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Welcome to Heart of Georgia Super Scooters!
If you have looked into Super Scooters at all, you probably have already began to realize that there is really very little about today's Super Scooters that resembles the scooters most people think of when they hear the word scooter. Even those of us that ride them struggle with the best term to describe them. We are referring to them here as Super Scooters for no other reason than it fits the acronym that we came up with. I have heard maxi scooter, scooter, cycle, motorcycle and red headed step child of the motorcycling community. Truth is what do you call a step through, twist and go cycle with 650cc's? A scooter that is capable of 110mph or 0-60mph in just over 5 seconds? A conundrum maybe? When I call it a scooter, most people just reply That's not a scooter! There is no doubt it is an intriguing form of transportation. Super Scooters have exceptional storage capacity. They can get you anywhere you want to go on paved roads and handle the road with the manners to put a smile on your face. I would have never guessed that I would be riding a scooter, but here I am. So if you are as intrigued as I was, check one out at a local dealer, or join us at one of the many gathering that we have throughout the year. We love to show off the ride that brings us so many smiles. I happen to ride a Burgman 650, but there are many great Super Scooters to choose from. I am sure you can find one to meet you needs and fit your personality.

BLUERIDGE PKWY RIDE
2nd Annual BlueRidge Pkwy Ride And what better place to kick off the summer than THE GREAT SMOKEY MTNS.! A group of us went up last June and had a BLAST, so we've decided to do it again. Our friend, Anthony (aka antaprillia), will be at the helm of this little event, but it sounds like a lot of fun…so here are the particulars as I understand them today (we'll keep you posted of changes as they occur):

H.O.G.S.S. LogoWear
The First Rendition of the Heart of Georgia Super Scooter Club Logo is Here!!!!This logo has been incorporated into a multitude of cool products at Zazzle and Cafepress. Embroidered shoulder patches are now available as well. Check out the products here Wild HOGSS LOGO PRODUCTS (http://phpbb.wildhogss.com/viewforum.php?f=27)

Whack Pack a Success!
First Burgman Whack Pack is July 15th, 2007. We will officially start at 0800 (8:00 AM)

©2010 Suzuki Burgman Scooter Riders - 'Lovers of Fun'. All Rights Reserved.

Burgman riders are a friendly and welcoming bunch of people. Recently I caught up with Chad Grosklags of the H.O.G.S.S website and had a chance to ask him a few questions.

My favorite quote from the interview, “Burgman’s are not for people who want to look cool, they are for cool people.”

Q1: So Chad, what’s the story behind the HOGSS (Heart of Georgia Super Scooters)? How did it come into being?

When I first got my Burgman there was a group that had started called North Georgia Scooters. I went on my first ride with the Group on January 1st 2007. I really enjoyed getting together with others that had the same passion for riding that I did.

The group would communicate on the forum at the website. Unfortunately the website and forum was shut down due to excessive spammer registrations. I realized there was a hole in the community without a way for people to communicate, and decided I would try to figure out this internet web design stuff and get the group back on track. I was fortunate to have help and encouragement from others such as Pat Roddy BurgmanUSA.

Pat lives fairly close to me and we would get together and ride. Pat had a heart attack around June or July of 2007, and was struggling with the idea of giving up two wheels. So the name was sort of inspired by his situation. I also like the acronym. HOGSS, aka Wild HOGSS. I had a friend of mine who is a professional cartoonist create the logo playing off the Harley tough guy image. So with a logo, a name and me struggling through the design, the club was born.

Q2: Do you ride a Burgman? Can you tell us a bit about it?

I do ride a Burgman. I have a 2006 Burgman 650 Executive. It is painted the same color as the 2008 Haybusa Orange. I did this for two reasons. Initially I had Tapeworks create a Reflective Halfabusa logo for my Gray Burgman to increase visibility. I have yet to replace them.

My Burgman has a Clearview windsheild with Goldwing vent, Utopia Backrest, Zumo 550 with XM, Givi Top Box, Airhawk Seatpad, L.E.D. Blinkers installed in sideview mirrors, DJ’s Tanks Bag and Givi Soft Saddle Bags. Did I mention it has a custome Orange paint job?

Q3: When did you start ridding your Burgman 650?

I bought it used in November of 2006 from a Burgman USA member in Kentucky. With about 600 miles on it. The previous owner just got back from his first service when he found out the Goldwing he wanted was in stock.

Q4: Did you ride before you got your Burgman?

I have ridden since I was in grade school. I begged for a motorcycle even before I could read. I stopped riding for several years, until I had a customer trade me a Tank 150 for some work I was doing. It was so new it had about 50 miles on it. I was having a blast riding it, but it just was way to underpowered, and frankly very cheaply built.

I highly discourage others from buying one, although it was fun when it ran. I started my search for an upgrade. I ended up with one of the most amazing scooters ever built. There are several others I like though, and if only I had unlimited space.

Q5: How long did it take before you fell in love with your Burgman?

I will never forget my test ride in Kentucky when I bought it. I pulled out onto the highway and was up to 65 in no time. I had plenty more left on the throttle and I knew at that moment it was the one.

Q6: For people that don’t ride a Burgman yet, how would you explain what it is like?

Quick, decevingly quick. It’s a sleeper for sure. Nobody that sees one for the first time expects it to leave them at the red light.

Q7: How often do the HOGSS get together?

There are rides every month. Sometimes it’s 4 or 5 of us getting together in North or South Georgia. Last week we had about 30 of us in North Carolina riding Cades Cove, The Tail of the Dragon and the Blue Ridge Pkwy.

Q8: Are you planning any big rides in the near future?

The big ride on the horizon is on September 12th-14th. This is the 3rd Annual Mentone End of Summer Rally. [Ed: You can see highlights of last years ride below.]

Q9: What advice do you have for people that may never have ridden a scooter and are considering a Burgman?

Take the Motorcycle Safety Course! Check out Burgmanusa.com and please stop in and visit us at wildhogss.com Their is a lot of information is availbale. Figure out what it is you want the scooter to do for you. Short in-town commuting, get a 400. If you are into distance riding highway riding look at the 650. In the end make sure it’s a good fit.

Q10: Suzuki calls the Burgman a scooter in advertising but a motorcycle in the owners manual. Which do you think it is?

A cunundrum?

Q11: Have you put any aftermarket accessories on your Burggie?

Zumo 550 with XM, Clearview with Goldwing Vent, additional L.E.D. blinkers on mirrors, Utopia Backrest, Air hawk Seat Cushion, Givi Top Box, Motorcycle Larry Brake Resevior Covers with Ram Mounts, Fiamm 130db Low tone horn, Emergency Trunk Release. That’s all I can think of right now.

Q12: Can you tell us about a favorite HOGSS event or ride and what made it special for you?

I have enjoyed several so that’s tough, but if I had to say one, it was the Second Annual Mentone End of Summer Ride. I volunteered to help Scout from Burgmanusa plan the event. I was able to get several others including proddy, sealburger and six-fiddy form the HOGSS to help as well. We had a great time. Lots of prizes, great rides, excellant cabins to stay in, but really the best part was getting together with 50+ Scooter riders form around the country and talk about our passion for riding. So many people just don’t get it. I see that changing rapidly though. Gas prices have people searching for another way.

Q14: What advice do you have for someone that thinks they can’t look cool on a scooter and need a sport bike or Harley?

That’s tough. Usually I just run down the numbers and pop the seat open. I explain that I like all motorcycles for a variety of reasons, but if I was forced to have just one, and be able to ride anytime I wanted including to work or the grocery store, this is the best option I could find. If they know of something that will do all that the Burgman and other Super Scooters can do let me know. I haven’t found it.

Q15: In your experience, what are Burgman riders like?

People with a passion for life. Typically very intelligent and successful in their fields. Burgman’s are not for people who want to look cool, they are for cool people.

©2010 Suzuki Burgman Scooter Riders - 'Lovers of Fun'. All Rights Reserved.