Recently Will was kind enough to answer a few questions for me.

Will, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am 77 years of age, married to my wife Gail for 27 years and have fathered five children through two marriages.

Resident of Chester Co. PA all of my life.

Graduated Downingtown High School and attended Taylor University, Upland, Indiana.

Received an associate degree in Industrial Engineering after Machinist apprenticeship.

Enlisted and served 4 years in the US NAVY during the Korean War with honorable discharge in 1956.

Employed as an Industrial Engineer for various companies and retiring from Harley Davidson Motor Co. in 1990 as an Industrial Engineer and Test Rider.

Involved in motorcycling since 1956 and have owned many motorcycles including my most recent 2003 AN650 Burgman Scooter which now has 37,000 miles of touring the Eastern US. and is equipped with a Tow Pac Inc. “Trike” kit due to an old hip injury.

Have cycled in every state east of the Mississippi as well as Canada and Nova Scotia.

Won the AMA National Road Rider Championship in 1973 riding out of PA District 6 in PA on a 1973 Harley FLH Dresser for over 60,000 miles and 97 trophies representing The Pagoda MC, Reading, PA—one of, if not, the oldest MC club in US. My passenger was awarded 2nd. place Nationally and just missed first place by one point.

Participated in the National Ride For Liberty where President Reagan sat on my Harley.

Had the privilege of riding with Willie Nelson as well as Willie Davidson.

Was/am a member of too many motorcycle clubs/organizations to make mention one of which worth mention is THE PATRIOT GUARD ORGANIZATION providing honor and cycle escorts to/for our veterans who have given their all.

Wife, Gail, who is a constant rider companion and I most recently rode the”Dragon” at Deal’s Gap, NC. as it was the last on our list—awesome ride!!!

Have sponsored the annual PA Spring and Fall Scooter Rallies for the past five years when the original sponsors could no longer continue—we are now in our seventh year.

Too many other cycling activities to recall but, this should cover most.

Other major activity is operating a Fishing Guide Service with trips to Canada and as far south as the Florida Keys.

With so much Harley time under your rear, what lead you to a Burgman as a favorite ride?

An old injury which has limited the use of my left leg, ankle and hip. I could no longer shift the gears.

What do you say to the bad ass harley guys when they tease people about riding a scooter?

I have not really experienced any problem as yet. As a matter of fact I participate in many major rides while riding the “Scoot” and in most instances am the only scooter in the herd of Harleys.

As an example, the PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS are 90% Harley riders and welcome me without question. When they see my leather vest filled with pins etc. demonstrating where I have been and what I have done, as well as the Harley Davidson pins documenting the mileage I have under my belt which falls just short of 200,000 miles. It is rather the “Crotch Rocket” riders who mostly turn their heads until they see what this Burgman 650 can do with an experienced ride aboard. It has always been my opinion that it makes no difference whatsoever what you choose to ride but rather, the comradship between those who enjoy the sport according to their individual means.

One will always experience “teasing” regardless of choice of ride just take it in stride and with a “grain of salt”. Your proper response and demonstrated riding ability will answer the questions for you—works well for me!

Do you ride all year long or park the ride in the cold months?

At one time I rode nearly all year however, now that I am older the cold bothers me too much. When one gets older, the circulation tends to deteriorate somewhat. Anyway, jokingly, the scoot deserves a much appreciated rest after the riding season.

Have you noticed any difference between the Harley crowd and the Burgman crowd or are they all good people with a different ride?

Yes, you are almost talking about night and day. Harley riders have a distinct attitude being they are riding probably, the most famous motorcycle in history. They tend to be more boisterous, outspoken and very proud of their ride, not to mention, they like to “Party” very much. I will never have anything derogatory to say about the Harley nor those who choose to own/ride one.

Scooter riders tend to be older riders who, for one reason or another, choose to or must ride a scooter in order to continue enjoying the sport. Most have graduated from the standard cycles in order to continue riding. Having said this, most scooter riders have been in the “fast lane” and find in rather enjoyable now, to slow down and “Smell the Roses”.

To sum it up—they for the most part, are all good people with a different ride.

What has surprised you most about the Burgman?

It’s power, rapid acceleration, nimble handling and quality. It is also attractive and usually draws a crowd whereever it is parked.

If you could ride a Harley or a Burgman which would fit your current needs better and why?

Now that I am somewhat handicapped the scooter choice is a “no brainer”. Would it not be so, I would never have taken my “leather butt” off of a Harlely.

Meet Will and Other Burgman Riders

RALLY DETAILS AND ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE

The Annual New Holland PA Spring Scooter Rally will be held on May 15-16 and 17th (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). 2009 and as in the past the central headquarters will be at THE HOLLANDER MOTEL. This is our 7th. year for holding a PA Rally in New Holland. GROUP STAGING, DEPARTURES AND ACTIVITIES WILL BE FROM AND AT THE HOLLANDER PARKING AREA. Police assistance will be provided as required.

This rally is open to ALL scooters/riders however, the main group ride will be limited to 125cc and higher displacement scooters due to ride route conditions and group safety issues. THERE WILL BE A SEPARATE GROUP RIDE AND RIDE CAPTAIN PROVIDED FOR A GROUP RIDE FAVORABLE TO SCOOTERS WITH LESS THAN 125cc DISPLACEMENT.

***SPECIAL MOTEL RATES:***

The Hollander Motel (Rally Headquarters)
320 E. Main Street
New Holland, PA 17557
(717) 354-4377
$57—–one person.
$62—–two persons.

The Country Squire Motor Inn
504 E. Main Street
New Holland, PA 17557
(717) 354-4166
$49—–one person.
$59—–two persons.

New Holland Comfort Inn
626 W. Main Street
New Holland, PA 17557
(717) 355-9900
Prevailing Rates apply.

***SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES***

***Friday May 15th.

Check in and “Kick Tires”
7:00 PM—–Evening meal @ Yoder’s Country Buffet

***Saturday May 16th. (Hollander Parking Lot)

8:30 AM PROMPT—–depart for breakfast at Shady Maple Smorgasbord. Staging area will be in the upper S/E banquet hall parking area for those not leaving with the Holllander group.
9:00 AM—–assemble at the Customer Service Desk for admission and reserved seating.
10:30 AM—–after eating yourself full—–assemble in the parking lot staging area for Riders Meeting.
11:00 AM—–depart for group scenic ride/s
5:00 PM—–depart for evening meal at Yoder’s Country Buffet.
7:00 PM—–Door Prize drawings and awards.

***Sunday May 17th. (Hollander Parking Lot)

Various Motel check out. (Anyone not checked out prior to 12:00 noon at the Hollander, will be charged another day—this is due to the fact that time must be provided to ready the rooms reserved for guests arriving for a horse show on Monday)

9:00 AM PROMPT—–depart for breakfast at The Windmill Restaurant at the intersection of RT23/.RT10 in Morgantown.
11:00 AM—–riders meeting and depart for short scenic ride.
2:00 PM—–arrive at Hollander Motel for farewells and departures to home.

NO RAIN DATE—WE TAKE IT AS IT COMES. YOU WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN ALL ACTIVITIES AT YOUR OWN RISK. EVERY EFFORT WILL BE MADE BY YOUR HOST AND RIDE CAPTAINS TO PROVIDE FOR YOUR UTMOST ENJOYMENT AND SAFETY.

If you have not previously replied on this thread, please reply with attendance confirmation or by email, so that a count can be made at the request of our various sponsors. Please come and join us for another great rallly.

Door Prize Chairman—Mike Engelmann
Host—Will Lewis willewis@hydrosoft.net

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

Alex, can you please tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Alex, I’m 40. I love travelling, nature and music lover LOL. Kind of ridding everywhere with my Skywave 650(Burgman)

Alex in Thailand on his Sky Wave

How did you pick the Suzuki Sky Wave as your ride of choice?

I like the look of it, the elegance look.

You mentioned that you bought your Sky Wave 650 in Japan and had it shipped to Thailand. Was that because you could not purchase the Suzuki Sky Wave 650 in Thailand or was their another reason?

There are Suzuki big bike shops in Thailand but none of them import Skywave to Thailand, So I have the importer get me one. Some of The scooters here 99% are secondhand from Japan.

What part of Thailand do you live in?

I live in Bangkok.

Are there other Sky Wave riders near you that you can ride with?

There are many Skywave riders in Thailand I believed there are more then hundred of them, (all model, years counted)

How often do you ride your Sky Wave?

Fortunately, I ‘m my own boss, So I have time to ride my Skywave 650 everyday.

Do you consider the Sky Wave to be a scooter or a motorcycle?

Definitely a scooter.

Do people in Thailand ask you about your Sky Wave? Does it attract interest?

Most people never seen one, they feel excited and stunned when they saw one.

Now we’ve seen your guard modifications. I understand that you purchased them in Japan and modified them in some way to fit the 650. How did you modify them?

They are option from japan, the original work made of smoke black plastic. I have it done with FPR and then wrapped with carbons-fiber, they make a great eye catcher.

What is the weather like to ride in Thailand?

In Thailand there are sunny-day and wind blown, it like a summer most of the year. I like to ride it at night to avoid heat wave from the sun, where I would meet my friends for causal gathering and cold beer. [Editor: I knew I liked Alex.]

What are the rules for parking your Sky Wave in town? Can you park for free or on the sidewalk?

Some places you could park for free, some you don’t. and some would have parking lot only for scooter/motorcycle.

Did you have to pass a specific drivers exam to get a motorcycle license or do you even need a motorcycle license to ride the Sky Wave?

Yes Definitely, I had to have a license and insurance for motorcycle/scooter.

Those of us in the United States have no idea how much a Burgman Sky Wave 650 costs in Thailand. If you don’t mind telling us, how much are they?

$15,000 USD. That is imported from Japan, with registration plate.

What is the impression of the Suzuki Sky Wave in Thailand? Do people think they are cool? Do they like them?

They are the Top of Scooter in my opinion, as for now. As I mentioned, The people here excited to see one.

Alex sent along some photos to share with you are well.

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

Norm Weaver – Owner – ScooterTutorNC

Q1: Norm, record numbers of scooters are flying off showroom floors and many buyers have never ridden a scooter before. Is their a need for rider education even for the 50cc scooters?

Absolutely. 50cc scooter (actually 49cc) owners and potential buyers need to learn how to safely negotiate roadways and handle emergency maneuvers just like every other vehicle on the road.

Q2: Where do people go for scooter training?

Good question. Currently there is no formal training for scooters in North Carolina. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) a national organization, does offer a one day four hour scooter only course but only in select locations. I am however, working on being able to offer affordable, flexible and custom training for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders as ScooterTutorNC.

Q3: Can you take a motorcycle class instead of a scooter class for training?

Yes. North Carolina and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation offer a Beginner Riding Course (BRC) or Experienced Rider Course (ERC) through the community college system.

Q4: What are the most common mistakes that a new scooter rider makes?

1. Not wearing proper safety equipment.
2. Not taking the time to explore how to handle their scooter in an emergency situation.
3. Not knowing where to be on the road. Example: 49cc scooters should operate as if they were a bicycle.
4. Not keeping up with routine maintenance.

Q5: Scooters come in all different sizes from 50cc to 650cc. While they are all called scooters, are their important differences between them?

I tend to think styling and seating position makes up for most of the general classification. Some would say it’s because of the automatic transmission, but that’s not entirely true considering the original “scooter” made by Vespa had gears and continued until just a few years ago.

Important differences? For sure! From 50cc (49) – 650cc there are a number of differences including licensing and insurance requirements, affordability, seat height, style, comfort, storage options, stability at highway speeds and slow speed maneuverability.

Q6: If I’m looking for a good scooter training class, what elements should I look for?

I recommend looking for a class that would help you progress and become a safer rider and an instructor/instructors whom you feel comfortable with and who feel freely to communicate your needs as a rider.

Q7: Do you have some examples of scooter accidents that could have been avoided with proper training?

I’ve personally seen plenty. It typically happens when someone buys a scooter thinking it “looks easy” then quickly realizes they don’t even know how to make it go. Usually the next step is to either fall over in the first ten feet or as soon as they have to make a sharp turn. Then of course there is the old “that car pulled right out in front of me” excuse. The list goes on and on and on.

Q8: Where do I find information about scooter training in my local area?

Soon you will be able to visit www.ScooterTutorNC.com contact me and get started. Until then you’ll have to go out of state to a MSF scooter training course.

Q9: If I’ve never ridden a scooter before, do you recommend a particular type of size of scooter to start with?

No. I recommend getting a scooter that is right for you. Here are some guidelines to follow.

1. Affordability:

   Your budget. you decide how much you can spend. Don’t go cheap. Buy quality and reputation with at least some kind of national dealer network.

2. Comfort:
   1. Do your feet reach the ground? If you are a new rider I highly recommend being able to do so with confidence.
   2. Is the scooter too heavy? If you feel like you are gonna fall over on the showroom floor you probably will.
   3. Are your knees in the way of the handle bars? Especially the 49cc scooters. You can find ones with lots of room, you just have to keep looking. Think LX50.
3. Performance:
   1. What type of roads would you like to be able to travel?
   2. How far?
   3. How fast?
4. Style:

   You like what you like so go with it!

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

There is a Burgman rally coming up in beautiful Mentone, AL that you might be interested in. I’m planning on attending to represent BurgmanRiders.com, making some new friends, and passing out free reflective safety stickers to all the Burgmans that show up. It is a bit of a long 8 hour ride for me to get there but based on the photos and videos below, it sure looks like a lot of fun.

This rally started in 2006 as a way to share the combined the love for scooter riding and the foothills of the Appalachians. Three years later, Deb the organizer says, “I can’t believe it is still going!”

To kick the event off, on Friday there will be a short ride after lunch. That evening, riders can grab a meal at Desoto State Park Lodge, meet/greet old & new friends, check in with registration, and purchase tee shirts.

To keep things interesting, there will be two rides offered on Saturday. The “original” day ride that we’ve done since the beginning, and a shorter ½ day ride. Saturday evening enjoy live music, BBQ, a bonfire, and the sunset at Brow Park.

Click on Thumbnails to See Larger Pictures.

The Rally Particulars

When: Sept. 12 – 13 (Friday & Saturday)
Where: DeSoto State Park Lodge & Brow Park, Mentone, AL
Fees: Pre-registration postmarked by Aug. 30th is $10 per participant Late registration is $15 per participant. PDF Registration Form Here.
Contact: Email Deb for more information.
Rides Scheduled: *indicate your choice on registration form*

Arrive at park with a FULL tank of gas. Rides will not be delayed for riders to fill up.

Friday Ride – a short ride after lunch for those coming early. Gather at Desoto State Park Lodge at 1:00 and pullout @ 1:30.

Saturday Ride – “Meet & Greet” starts @ 8am in the Desoto State Park Lodge parking lot for both rides.

#1. “The Original” –
(Day trip) Pullout @ 9am.
Ride will cover 175+ miles of beautiful countryside thru Mentone, AL. to Sewanee, TN. where we’ll stop for lunch. After lunch, the ride continues west to Winchester,TN. Then south through Huntland, making our way back.

#2. “The Short” – (½ day trip) Pullout @ 9:30am.
Route TBA

Saturday Night: Brow Park, Mentone
Dinner: TL’s BBQ ($5-$7/plate)
Music: Terry Hutchison sings Americana

I had a chance to interview Deb for the site. Interview below.

Q1. So how did the Mentone rally start?
After purchasing my Burgman 400 the summer of ‘06 I took a ride up to Sewanee, TN. I was so overwhelmed by the beauty and peace that I experienced, I knew I had to share it.

Q2: How have things grown since the first rally?
That first year, about 28-30 scooters (including a few motorcycles) came. I would have been thrilled with 10-15! I had never participated in any type of group ride, so I was “flying by the seat of my pants,” per se. Things were very informal. My family grilled hamburgers/hotdogs and made a variety of picnic foods to serve the riders when we returned.

Last year Chad Groslkags volunteered and we decided to make it a charity event for “The American Heart Association” since one of the Georgia riders had had heart attack and was facing the possibility of never riding again (secondary to the risks involved with taking blood thinners). We had a lot of things donated for a raffle, including a handmade quilt by Faye Mascaranas (AKA “Fuzzyquilter”). In total, we raised $1000 for AHA.

Q3: I’m sure that you learn as you hold the rally. What lessons stand out in your mind?

1. “Keep it simple.” – Last year was a terrific success, especially as far as the charity went, but I think some things were lost in the attempt to raise money. The raffle took a lot of time away from riders being able to just visit with each other and talk “scooters.”

2. “The best laid plans of mice & men often go awry” – A couple of months prior to the ride, Chad & I had ridden up to scout out a good place to stop for lunch. After assurance from the manager, a follow-up letter from me, and a phone call (again, from me) the week before the ride it was still screwed up. It took us 2 hours to get out of the joint.
3. “You can’t please all of the people all of the time” – So don’t even try. You can’t let some things get to you (and that’s a hard lesson for me to learn).

Q4: What is the focus of the Mentone rally?
It is really to just share my love of Mentone, scootering, and the foothills of the Appalachians. That’s what I’m taking it back to this year.

Q5: I’m sure you’ve had some attendees travel from quite a distance. What are some of the furtherest travelers that you remember?
(1)Tampa& Pensacola, FL. (2)Huntington, WV (3)Clemmons & Asheville, NC

Q6: Is Mentone Alabama a nice riding area?
Mentone is located in an ideal location for riding. It sits atop Lookout Mountain, a part of the Southern Appalachians, and offers a plethora of destinations. If it’s “twisties” you’re craving, we’ve got ‘em. If rolling farm land is your genre, we’ve got that, too. Little River also flows through Mentone. It is the nation’s longest mountaintop river and flows through one of the Southeast’s deepest canyons.

Q7: What kind of scooters or motorcycle primarily attend the rally?
Burgmans represent the largest attendance, though we’ve had Silverwings, Aprila’s, Vespa’s, Reflex’s, Harley’s, Nomad’s…you name it and I guess we’ve just about had it.

Q8: How big do you think the rally will get as the years go by?
Whoa! Now that’s a hard question. I would hope that it continues to grow while at the same time retaining it’s “charm.”

Q9: What kind of people attend? Have you made new friends from people that have come to a previous Mentone rally?
Gosh, I’d have to say that we are a very diverse, multi-cultural, “all inclusive” group of scooter aficionado’s. I have made many friends over the past 2 years, and am still in touch with riders from 2006 that I haven’t seen since.

Q10: What kind of things happen at the rally that really seem to make people smile? Is it the riding or making new friends?
I believe it’s a combination of both. For most, seeing all of those scooters lined up on Saturday morning sure brings a lot of smiles! Very few riders have many opportunities to ride with other maxi-scooters. When you are riding and see a line of scooters as far as you can see, that can be pretty darn exciting. Meeting & sharing stories is a big part of it, too. You finally have a face to go with that screen name and funny avatar.

Q11: What would you like to tell someone that is thinking of coming to the Mentone rally this year?
You won’t be disappointed! There will be a nice combination of riding and relaxing to make for some great memories! Just make your reservations early, because Mentone is the destination of many.

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

By the way, I’m going to be joining them in Raleigh and ride along for a bit. As you will see in the interview below, you are invited along anywhere on their trip as well. You can contact Ali and Tim directly for meeting details.

Steve

August 1: Greenville to Spartanburg to Columbia
August 2: Columbia to Bluffton to Hilton Head to Beaufort
August 3: Beaufort to Charleston to Myrtle Beach
August 4: Myrtle Beach to Cape Fear, NC to Raleigh
August 5: Raleigh to Greensboro to Winston Salem to Charlotte
August 6: Charlotte to Asheville to Greenville

2wheels4water Route

Q1: So you’re off on a scooter trip around the Carolina’s to raise money for water resources in developing countries. That’s a pretty interesting use of a scooter. Why a scooter?

Tim and I both love scooters. When we got married last September we decided that our first major purchase would be a Vespa. In May we finally made that dream come true when we purchased our Vespa ET2. We started talking about how fun it would be to take a long trip on the scooter and that transformed into making it a charity ride to raise money for an amazing organization called Hydromissions. We have known about Hydromissions for a while and I just had this burning desire to help them. 2 Wheels 4 Water turned out to be a unique, fun way we could help them.

Q2: It looks like you’ll have some big travel days and long distances to cover on a 50cc scooter. How have you prepared for such a long trip on a small scooter?

I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little unsure about the trip. The longest trip I have ever taken on the scooter is about two hours. But then again, when I ran my first marathon I had never run 26.2 miles, so it just takes faith and endurance. It’s also good to know that we have nice places to stay every night along the way. Hampton Inn donated hotel stays for us so we can rest up. Plus knowing that the distance we cover will translate into money for an organization we believe in is extra motivation.

Q3: Do you have any concerns about heading out on a 1,200 mile trip on a 50cc scooter?

There is always the unexpected but we know it will be an adventure. Our scooter (the one I will be riding) is technically a 50cc, but it has modifications to give it extra power which is nice when you are side-by-side with traffic. The wonderful people at Touring Sport BMW here in Greenville, SC are loaning us a 250cc Vespa for the trip. My husband will be riding that one. We plan to take a small gas can with us in case we can’t find a gas station. We also have a tire repair kit in the event of a flat. We also know that the people in the Carolinas are so friendly that it won’t be hard to find someone to help us if we need it.

Q4: Why scootering for water? Is this a combination of the love of two passions?

We are a pretty ordinary couple. We don’t have lots of cash to donate. We aren’t celebrities. But we do have a scooter and a passion to help others. We are proving that you don’t have to have lots of money or power to do your part and make a difference. We just found an organization we believe in and we wanted to help them.

Hydromissions was started in 2004 by Steve and Jennifer Lorch. In just four years since they founded Hydromissions they’ve worked to bring access to clean water to over 30 countries. Without having any engineering background, they used 100-year-old sets of encyclopedias for inspiration to invent low-tech water pumps. They go to third world countries and teach people how to install, operate and maintain these pumps. I love Hydromissions because it’s not an organization that is just throwing money or expensive equipment at people. They are teaching people how to get clean water and that translates into saving lives. The numbers are huge- 1.1 billion people don’t have access to clean drinking water. It would be easy to get overwhelmed by that number and just think that it’s too big of a problem to be solved. But Hydromissions knows it’s not about helping all 1.1 billion people. It’s about helping one village at a time and impacting the lives of those people forever.

Q5: How can people in the scooter world help support your fundraising goals?

There are so many ways you can help. First of all, you can support us by making a donation or a pledge. You can do that by visiting our website at www.2wheels4water.com and clicking on the “Donate/Contact” page. Every penny we raise goes directly to Hydromissions. Secondly, you can support Hydromissions by purchasing some of the soap they manufacture.

Currently they fund their trips to third world countries by selling soap that is made in a one-car garage here in South Carolina. You can buy the soap by visiting www.Hydromissions.com. Thirdly, you are more than welcome to ride with us! Check out our route on our website and let us know if you are interested in joining us. Finally, just help us get the word out. If you have a blog, write about our trip and post a link to our site. We want as many people as possible to know about the work of Hydromissions.

Q6: How did you pick the route and are you sticking to back roads?

My husband was in charge of making the route. We decided to try to drive about 200 miles a day. So once we had the main stopping points nailed down my husband mapped out back roads to each location. We are really looking forward to riding along the coast. Our goal is to avoid as much traffic as possible. We’ll probably get lost a few times along the way, but hey, that’s part of the fun.

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

In the Fall of 2003 the Sunday Sun had an article about a recent study that said if you are under 40 you are in more danger on a bike, than in a car, but if you are over 40 the situation is reversed. Flash forward a month or two and I have now retired so we reduce to one car (my wife also being retired). But we are acting as transportation to my Father-in-law & my mother who just lost her license. For Christmas I give her a years taxi service. On top of that I had taken up walking, which to be any fun, I drive three mornings a week to a park to walk. Which with the walk, talking to people I meet and the drive home our car is tied up all morning three times a week.

That February I get looking at scooters, thinking I could scooter to the park without tieing up our car. So I go to the local dealer and look at 50cc scooters. They also have a Burgman 400 and 650 on the floor. After a short look at the 50ccs it is obvious to me that with my size and the problem I have with leg cramps due to the blood pressure medications I take, they won’t do.

Then I look at the Burgmans. They are beautiful, also the only maxi scooters available in Canada at the time.

One morning during mid week I went in when they weren’t busy and sat on the 400 (what I thought I might afford) for about 20 minutes. My legs cramped so badly I have to be helped off. Then I move to the 650 and can feel the cramps disappearing. On April 5th three weeks after three different doctors said my mother has only a day or two she pasted away leaving me her estate. Thus I have enough money for a 650 and immediately order one. I arrange to pick it up May 17th the day after I finish my course. I was 60 at the time.

In between deciding on the 650 and actually getting it I studied everything I could find (being a natural researcher) on scooters and Burgmans in particular. I found Both the Yahoo Burgman group and Burgman 650 Yahoo group and became a member, the first Yahoo group I ever joined. Later I found several others and BurgmanUSA.

About Christmas 2006 a friend who I met thru one of the groups and had ridden with announced he was selling his 2005 Executive. I made him an offer and bought it, which is how I came to have two 650s. My wife thought she’d like to try as our daughter and son-in-law also ride so we bough a 2005 Honda Big Ruckus, the last year they sold the yellow version which she wanted. She has never gotten her license so now I have three bikes. I’d sell the Big Ruckus (Which I call the collision of a scooter and a Hummer) and she calls Tonka Bike) except it’s so much fun to ride when mine is tied up.

Q2: So now you are the moderator of two active online Burgman groups. Can you tell us how you found yourself in that position?

I was a member of both these groups since the spring of 2004. In 2005 BJ put out a request for anyone interested in being a moderator. I had never done it, but I was in IT for 40 years so figured I could figure it out. I sent in an email saying I’d take them if he couldn’t find anyone better. I’m still doing it and it’s quite a lot of fun.

Because of those groups I have friends literally all over the world, some of whom I talk to via Skype occasionally.

For people thinking of buying a Burgman or any large scooter the groups are an amazing source of information. I remember one time in 2005 I picked up my bike from the dealer after some minor maintenance. Less than 100 metres down the road I realized there was a problem and turned back. The mechanic spent two hours trying to find and solve the problem including a couple of calls to Suzuki. I went home got on the Suzuki_Burgman site and documented the problem. I had the fix it 10 minutes. Back I went to the dealer who fix the problem and I rode home.

Q3: Do you call the Burgman a scooter or a motorcycle? Which is it?

First all scooters with gas engines are motorcycles by definition. Depending on who’s asking I call my 650 one of “The worlds biggest scooter” or a “Touring bike” or a Step Thru motorcycle”. It is really all three. The way I use it for day rides, long distance rides and errands it’s a motorcycle.

Q4: What are some of your favorite Burgman riding moments?

I guess I have two favourite moments. The first is when I’m following one of the BMA sport bike riders thru a set of tight twisties and manage to keep up and a long distance trip alone on a super slab in decent weather. I can do up to 800 km a day (500 miles) as long as I can rest up some the next day and really like long distance trips. I just wish my wife would get her license so she could come along.

Q5: Have you had a chance to meet, in person, any of the members of your Burgman Yahoo groups?

Yes, I attended the first South Pennsylvania Scooter Meet in September 2004, due to my accident and my bike being tied up from the 30th of May to the 23rd of July, I had only been riding a few weeks with my longest day being 70 km when I took off for South PA. I did 525 km the first day and the second I rode thru the middle of Hurricane Francis without rain gear. I also attended Scootercade in 2005. My wife and I went in the car towing my 650 on a borrowed trailer.

When I held the Southern Ontario Maxi Scooter Meet last year, I met quite a few more people.

Q6: I see you’re in Canada, does that shorten your riding season or are you on your Burgman all year round?

I ride all year around weather permitting. I avoid days it snows and the day after. I tend to only ride in the afternoon when the sun has warmed things up a bit during the cold season and don’t ride at all if it is much below about -5C, too much chance of ice.

Q7: How does riding the Burgman compare to other similar scooters you have ridden?

Other than the Big Ruckus, I haven’t ridden any other scooters. The big Ruckus is fun to ride around the city, but while I have ridden it on major highways several times I never feel safe the way I do on the Burgman 650.

Q8: How long have you been riding motorcycles or scooters? When did you start?

Other than a total of about 10 miles when I was in my 20s I had never ridden until I took the course in May 2004.

Q9: Are there any favorite Burgman modifications that your groups talk about?

Clearview windshields is the first thing everyone mentions when asked, followed by how to mount a GPS and which one.

Q10: Is it easy for anyone to join your groups online and participate?

Yes, there are no limits on anyone signing up at all. It costs nothing but a slight amount of effort to log on to Yahoo. Once you get to the group you only have to click to join. I have both groups set up so all new members posts come to me to be approved. I catch a lot of spammers that way.

Q11: Have you been to any Burgman gatherings or rallies?

As I said, both the Southern PA meet for maxi scooters in 2004 and again in 2006. Also the Southern Ontario Maxi Scooter meet. Neither of those is exclusively Burgmans. The SOMSM runs again this year the weekend after Labour Day out of Peterborough Ontario. See www.lorald.ca

Q12: What advice would you give someone that has never ridden a scooter and it thinking of starting with the Burgman 650?

If they have ridden motorcycles and are thinking of switching to a Burgman I tell them to make sure to pick the one that fits. If they haven’t ridden for a while or at all I insist they take the course and suggest they buy something smaller and used to learn on for the first year. Here in Ontario we actually have two courses. The first is the Learning Course which gets you from a learner’s license called M1 to M2. Then after a minimum of 18 months, 24 if you don’t take the second course called M2 Exit to get an M license which is permanent. I strongly suggest people take the second course as well which is one day and can break some bad habits that have developed in the last couple of years.

For more information on the Yahoo Burgman groups visit the following links:
Yahoo Burgman group
Burgman 650 Yahoo group

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

Q1: Pep, can you tell us about you and the BurgmanCat club in Catalonia Spain?

My name is Josep Maria Perez and I am 47 years old. I live in Reus, a small city of Catalonia (Spain). My experience with motorcycles is similar to the experience of other people of the same generation as me. When I was young I had several motorcycles, but when I got married and my children were born, I had to stop with this hobby.

But now, my kids are older, so my wife and me decided to come back to the motorcycle’s world. When we decided that, a lot of Scooters and Moto clubs were coming up in Spain. These clubs organize routes and events for its members by internet.

Some of the mates of these clubs decided, three years ago, to create a new group addapted to what we believe, and what we believe is that it has to be a friend’s club who share one same hobby: THE BURGMANCAT CLUB.

Burgmancat Club was bornt because of our passion for megascooters and more specifically, our passion for Burgmans!!!

In Burmancat Club’s forum you can find a lot of information about our motorcycles, and about the trips we organize in order to share sensations with other riders of Burgman, we advise to try the restaurants we suggest and we encourage to do the same routes we purpose, routes full of sight-seeing and also, tourist and cultural visits.

Q2: How often do the members of the BurgmanCat club get together and ride?

Even though we don’t meet always after the same time, we do, approximatelly, one trip every month.

The routes can be of one day, or more than one day. Maybe we go to different rallies of scooter meetings. In these routes there are several miles of fun roads, some of them with bends. Normally, we stop in order to visit cultural and tourist places and we finish with a good meal in a nice restaurant where we talk with our friends about the incidences of the rout and other isssues before coming back home.

Q3: Why did you select the Burgman to ride?

When Nuria (my wife) and I decided to buy again a new motorcycle, at first we didn’t think about a megascooter but the versatility and the comfort of a Burgman convinced us and we have never regretted this decision. We use our Burgman for our daily work, to go to small trips with our clubs or to go to long journeys.

Q4: What kind of Burgman do you ride?

Our first Burgman was a 400, but nowadays we have, since one year ago, a Burgman 650 executive.

Q5: When you ride, do other people ask you about the Burgman?

Well, some riders who have conventional motos affirm that they would never ride a Scooter, but they look surprised every time they see the power and comfort of our Burgman and they are jealous of the load we can carry with our motorcycles.

Q6: How does riding the Burgman make you feel?

One of the mates of our club assures that while four wheels move the body, two wheels move the soul. No matter the motorcycle you ride, what unites all motards is the sensation of freedom that you feel every time you connect one bend with the next one with the wind on your face.

“While four wheels move the body, two wheels move the soul.”

Q7: Have you ridden other scooters or motorcycles in the past? How does the Burgman compare to those?

I have had different kinds of motorcycle… Trail, Racing, Custom…. even though they are different, all of them make you feel the sensation we were talking about before, but nowadays, the comfort and the elegance of our Burgman satisfy us very much and we wouldn’t change it for any other motorcycle.

Q8: How often do you ride your Burgman?

Although the distance I need to drive to my work place is short, and usually I do it walking, sometimes I use my Burgman, simply because I like to ride it. During the weekend we usually ride our Burgman by the coast or we ride it in the roads of the mountains of the middle of our region, but when we really enjoy our Burgman is during trips and journeys we organize with our friends of Burgmancat Club.

Q9: What modifications have you done to your Burgman and what, if any, would you like to do?

Spain’s legislation is very strict approving modifications to our vehicles.

From my point of view, I like very much Burgman 650 as it leaves the factory so I wouldn’t really do a lot of modifications, but some of my mates have installed lights with more power, have customized their motorcycle painting it or upholstering its seats or sometimes they put electronic gadgets, but here is very difficult to see modifications like the ones we observe in the US’ forums and other countries.

Q10: Is the Burgman a popular bike in Spain?

Yes, Burgman 400 has been during many years the Scooter most selled in Spain.

Q11: What do you think a good Burgman club needs to offer its members?

We see our club as the perfect tool to keep in touch with other lovers of Burgman and with other motorcycles clubs in order to share information and experiences and to organize new routes too.

Q12: What make the BurgmanCat club special?

Burgmancat Club is a little bit atypical. There are no membership fees, neither a board of directors. It doesn’t have the classic club structure. We are just a group of good friends with one hobby in common.

That’s the way we like it so we don’t want to change it. But if there is something that really makes our club special they are the people who join it. During these three years we’ve found in this club great friends.

Q13: Is there anything you’d like to say to Burgman riders in the U.S.?

We just want to send you our best wishes and we hope that over there, in the US, you all enjoy your routes with the Burgman as we do here in Spain. Who knows? Maybe someday we will meet in an american or euopean freeway and we will be able to recognize in our faces the satisfaction of riding a Burgman surrounded by friends.

©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.

Here is my recent interview with Bryan.

Q1: So Bryan, here we are talking about the Burgman motorcycle and anyone who has done any research about the Burgman online will most certainly have stumbled across your BurgmanUSA.com site and great forum. When did you start the forum and more importantly, why?

A1: I started the forum in Aug of 2003. I bought my Burgman in July of 03. (First one registered in the state of NV.) I searched the web for info and only found Yahoo Groups. My experience with Yahoo Groups format is that you either love it or hate it. I hated it! So I had the idea of starting my own normal forum. I used Yahoo and paid $99 for a web spot and registered the name BurgmanUSA. I was going to use the name Burgman.com but it was already taken by someone as a memorial to someone who had passed.

Q2: Do you have a Burgman yourself? How often do you ride?

A2: Yes I have a Burgman. I had a 2003 650cc and now have a 2006 Executive 650. Back in 2003 I only had one child and I lived in Vegas. I used to put on 1500+ miles per month. Since I’ve moved to Germany 18 months ago, I don’t ride anymore. I have four young boys ages 7,5,4 and 2 yrs of age.

I met my wife back in 1989 in Germany. We now live in her hometown therefore I commute 60 miles one way to work at Ramstein AFB. The weather in Germany is so unpredictable I won’t do the 120-mile commute each day. So basically the boys occupy any free time I have and the weather is too bad for commuting. It appears that I may be selling my Burg in the next few months because it just sits at the house covered.

Q3: What has surprised you, in a good way, about those people you’ve met that love the Burgman?

A3: I have only met a few people in person who have owned a Burgman. They are still a rare bike to be seen on the road. What I do notice of Burgman Owners is the lack of a “chip” on their shoulder. Not trying to stereotype V-twin or crotch rocket drivers. I just think that people who are willing to ride a “scooter” are people who don’t care what other people think and are just out to ride something fun and sensible.

Q4: I notice that Suzuki refers to the Burgman as a scooter in advertising but as a motorcycle in owners information. So what is your take on the whole scooter motorcycle identifier with the Burgman? Is it a scooter or a motorcycle or does it matter.

A4: By law, in most places, anything over 49cc is considered a motorcycle regardless of how it’s propelled or its designed. Ex: Gears, CVT, brakes on floor vs. just hand brakes…etc. I think it’s a scooter by design. Step thru and sit, just twist and go. A cruiser is a cruiser and a sport bike is a sport bike. Just a name for its design and they are ALL motorcycles. Doesn’t matter.

Q5: Bryan, did you ride a motorcycle or scooter before you landed on the Burgman? How did they compare to your experience on the Burgman.

A5: My first motorized two-wheeler was a moped when I was 16 yrs old. I was able to drive it on a learners permit.

My next 3 vehicles, before my first car, were motorcycles. 1971 Honda 125 cc, 1982 Honda 360cc, 1975 Kawasaki 500cc two-stroke. These were all owned in 1987.

After I bought my first car in 1987 I did not drive another bike until 2003. I bought the Burgman because I needed something to drive that was under 650cc for the next 2 years so my insurance wouldn’t be so high.

I’m a gadget junkie so the Burgman got my attention right away. It was also a bargain since people didn’t want to buy a “scooter”. Two years later I bought a 2005 1700cc Yamaha Road Star Warrior to compliment my Burgman.

I felt “cool” and badass on my giant V-twin but found myself favoring the Burgman 90% of the time. On the V-twin the “cool” factor was only experienced with the presence of sidewalk bystanders. Once out on the open road, I preferred the Burgman to the groin furnace, arm stretching, bug slapping ride of the V-twin. The body knows better than the mind, which is better for it. I sold the V-twin a year later with only 750 miles on it. Shortly later I sold my 2003 Burg for a 2006 Burgman Executive. Yeah Burgmans RULE!

Q6: Many people don’t realize that you are actually currently serving in the military overseas. Do you mind sharing what you’re doing in the military? We’d love to know.

A6: Actually I’m not in the Military anymore. I was active duty Army from 1987-1995. I became a contractor in 1995 working for the US Air Force. Presently working down the street from my very first duty station back in 1989. This time Im serving overseas as a civilian. I currently provide Depot Level support to the Air Force for a group of satellite communication terminals. The previous 10 years I was a technical adviser for the Predator Unmanned (Drone) Air Vehicle. I spent over 52 months deployed to combat zones during that time.

Q7: How much time does it take for you to keep the BurgmanUSA.com site up and running?

A7: With great moderators and a great right hand technical man AKA Bill Meek, the site basically runs itself. In the beginning I participated in threads all the time. I was constantly adjusting the unknown recipe for a successful forum. After a few years the site began to run smoothly, on its own, like a fine tuned Italian motor. Just like an Italian motor, if let unattended, it will exhibit problems. Presently I attend mostly to the admin functions of the site and allow the moderators and Bill to email me when there is something that I need to make a decision on or give comment to a certain post. Constant monitoring but very little hands on at the moment.

Q8: What do you think is the attitude difference of riders that go for the deep Harley rumble and those that choose the Burgman as their ride of choice? Or is there a difference?

A8: I think I touched on it a bit, in an earlier question. I think there are two types of drivers. Those who “are” and those who “want to be”. I think that most of us have had a Hollywood movie star image of driving a certain type of bike. The big V-twins and tattoos, or wearing Leathers on an Italian Cafe’ racer. These are some images that come to mind.

Once we become motorcycle drivers we realize what we really are. My point? I believe there are many “posers” on crotch rockets and Harleys. With that may come facade (fake) attitudes. I don’t believe there are many people choosing a Burgman for any type of movie image.

I think Burgman drivers ride them because of its practicality and sensibility. I think that some lie to themselves and buy into an image. I believe that a majority of them buy into the Harley and Sport Bike image. Of course this is my American answer. In Europe and Japan the image may be entirely different.

Q9: When you think back about riding the Burgman, do you have a particular type of ride that makes you smile? Maybe it is a twisty back road or long highway ride.

A9: The Las Vegas Strip on any given night. Driving up to Mt.Charleston for a 30 degree drop in temp to escape the burn from Vegas in the summer.

Q10: What modifications to the standard Burgman have you seen that you thought were brilliant?

A10: The “Halfabusa” paint job. (A play on words. Half of a Hyabusa. Burgman has 650cc and 120 MPH. The Hyabusa has 1300cc and 240 MPH.) Any aftermarket seat. I have the original prototype from Corbin. However there are many I have not seen or experienced. The Trike mod is one of them I think may be quite remarkable.

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

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.

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