Steve

I would like to discuss the IDEA of having Nitrogen put in my bike tires instead of regular air.

Main objective of this was that I am one of the laziest people I know and I was sold on the idea that if I got Nitrogen replaced in my tires that they would stay up for pressure and therefore I would not have to constantly check my tire pressure. I was also told that this would prolong the life of my tires because they would stay fully pressurized.

As a test paid the extra $5 per tire ($20 for the set), to have that done on my new truck tires thinking that would give me a good test,…truck first. Then I added it to my new car tires. The Nitrogen made the tires feel more squishy and allot more of a floating feel. But I was looking for gas savings and longer tire wear. 5 months later I got a new rear bike tire on my 650 Burgman. I had Nitrogen put in both front and rear tires. One week later I thought the bike tires looked a little low of pressure so I checked them and they were low. That is not what I was sold on so I drove right back to the tire dealer and had them refill my bike tires with Nitrogen and asked that they reassure me that I was not wasting my money and the Nitrogen was going to do what was promised.

2 weeks later all of the tires on the truck, the car and the bike looked low again so I checked them again and found that every tire was down in pressure 5-10 lbs each. I refilled each tire to specs from my own compressor and I check them every week or more often for proper pressure and I just add air, Free Air! I also removed the green valve stem covers so that no one knows that I was so stupid as to pay someone for the Nitrogen experiment.

Just put the tried and tested Air stuff and forget about doing the “right thing”. Yes I have to top off my tires with air but at least I know it’s done right and I have only myself to blame if I don’t keep the tires pumped up.

I vote NO to the Nitrogen in the tires.

Grant Fetters
Madisonville, TN

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

I have an ‘08 Burgman 400. I looked all over for a radio that would mount easily on the scooter without having to cut into it. After much searching on the internet, I found the ideal radio. It is the Shark Motorcycle/Yacht radio complete with 100w waterproof speakers. All this for $87.99! I couldn’t believe it.

I decided to order the radio, at the worst case I could return it in 30 days if I was not satisfied. This, however, was not the case. The speakers, I ordered them in black, mounted easily to the mirror bracket with the hardware provided. The radio was mounted above the Burgman logo on the handlebars. This unit also comes with a remote control that I have not mounted as yet. You can also plug in your MP3 and run it through the speakers. After wiring it up to the battery, the ultimate test was to check out the sound. All I could say was ,“WOW“! The 100w stereo speakers really crank out the tunes!! Even when riding, with the wind noise, the speakers were powerful enough to be heard.

If any readers are interested in purchasing this radio, I urge you to check it out at: www.gooddeals18.com. Item #: SHKCYCLERADIOKIT Manufacturer: shark Mfg. ID: shkcycleradiokit

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

I would like to take a minute to thank each and everyone of you that have posted a comment to my Bridgestone lay off video. It really touched my heart. Nice to know you have people out there giving you encouragement and show support in these troubled times we live in. We all MUST have hope!

Thank You so much.

Now for the fun stuff!

My review of the IMC Motorcom HS-200 stereo speaker systems for helmets.

Stay tuned next week for the review of the Scala-Rider Bluetooth Helmet Headset.

Ride Safe,
The Smyrna Cowboy

cforms contact form by delicious:days

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

“I just installed the Custom Dynamics High Intensity LED strips to my trike kit. I put 2 red strips on each fender along with 1 yellow strip. The dual function brightness red functions as tail and brake lights, and the yellow function as turn signals. The lights are extremely bright and only draw 1/4 Amp. They are mounted in a metal chrome housing which is attached by two screws. I wired them to the existing lights, and through a connector.

When I need to take the trike kit off for servicing the scooter, I simply unplug the connector. The red strip is part number 02043 and the yellow strip is part number 02041. The price is around $40 for a pair of either. Go to customdynamics.com for more information. The following pictures show the tail lights, brake lights, and flashers (turn signals).

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

While attending the Mentone Burgman rally this summer, I asked around to see if a new windscreen was worth the investment and the bother. After finding out there are many different styles and shape windscreens to choose from, I was at a dilemma which was the best for me and my bike. So 3 weeks prior to wrecking my 2008 – 650 Burgman I ordered a replacement windscreen.

How I ultimately made my decision was as simple as looking on the internet for replacement windscreens for the 650 Burgman. I came up with lots of choices, but the two brands that stood out the most were Givi & Clearview. The internet site I selected was, http://www.twtouring.com they have tons of styles and sizes to choose from, brand Clearview. I chose a XXL tinted with vent. $258

Delivery was expected in the early part of November. In the mean time I wrecked my bike by running off the road and did a bunch of damage to the bike. Insurance coughed up the money to make the big fix and I arranged to use the windscreen I had ordered, in place of the new factory windscreen damaged in the accident. Everybody was happy and I sat and awaited my new screen.

The other day the windscreen came in and I was very pleased with the product. The shipping box the screen came in was very well protected and padded. “Two Wheel Touring,” did a good job to make sure the screen came to me without damage.

Replacing the screen was very easy. One screw on each side of the screen holds on the black plastic accent piece on. With a little cursing and a little light pressure the black accent piece comes off. Once you get it off you will see how it goes back on and why it was stubborn to come off. Then 4 Philip’s head screws, Black. At this point you have to take the under mount plate off with an Allen wrench, 4 silver bolts. You need to take a Philip’s head screw and turn it in from the back side of the screen mounting frame and pull out the 4 rubber mounting bushings. The new screen comes with new rubber mounting bushings. Re attach the mounting frame on the front of your bike. You can now mount your new screen onto the frame with the screws provided.

If you THINK you might want to return the screen, for any reason, you need to leave the plastic film on the screen and test it to make sure it is what you want. IF you are SURE this is what you want and the correct size, (like I did) I pealed off the plastic and mounted the new screen to the mounting bracket.

After just starting the screws in the 4 holes I had to pry up on the screen to clear the tab holes in the windscreen so that the final accent piece would snap into place and clear the holes in the screen. All the screws are back in place and the screen mounted and the accent piece in place, its time for a test drive.

The new Clearview screen is a great improvement. It cuts the wind much better and it is wider too. I got the model with a vent in the screen for those hot summer days. I would recommend the Clearview Windscreen if you are considering a change.

Grant Fetters (Big Scoot)
Madisonville, TN

Old Screen

First Screw

Showing Phillips Head Screw

Front View

Mounting Bracket

Well Wrapped New Screen

Plastic Still On Screen

Finished Clearview Installation

Clearview Vent

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

So I’ve got this standing offer asking readers for real world product reviews. If you send in a Burgman product review, with photos, and it is accepted for publication, you can elect to receive any one of our Burgman t-shirts or hats from our online selection, for FREE. (It’s a blatant bribe for well written reviews with photos.) If you would to contribute a review, contact me and let’s chat about what you want to review. — Steve

Tow-Pac Mini-Trike Conversion Kit Review
by Mike Huffman

There are many reasons why one would prefer a trike over a two or four wheeled vehicle. They offer the same openness as a two-wheeler, but generally are more stable. But, trikes are expensive. The Tow-Pac Mini-Trike conversion kit offers an economical way to get into a trike. Available in both an 8” and 12” version, I chose the 12” version.

The kit consists of two wheels attached to a frame which is bolted on to an existing two wheel scooter. Power is applied to the pavement through the rear scooter tire, and the kit holds the scooter in an upright position. This allows you to stop and start without worrying about holding the scooter up. There are no modifications required to be made to the existing vehicle. There is no loss of ground clearance. And, the kit can be taken off and on, and even moved from one vehicle to another of the same type. There are really four wheels, but my state’s law defines a motorcycle as having one wheel in either the front or rear of the vehicle. Many die-hard motorcyclists don’t recognize the Tow-Pac Mini-Trike conversion as being a “real” trike, and instead have a little fun calling them “training wheels”.

My selection for the base vehicle was the Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive scooter. The current and anticipated future fuel prices convinced me to consider scooters. I have no physical limitations, I am 6 feet tall, and weigh about 185 pounds. Another reason I selected a scooter was because they are simpler to operate. I am a previous Honda Shadow and Goldwing Trike owner, but I feel anyone with the proper training can safely operate the Burgman scooter. There are no gears to consider, however the 650 Executive does allow you to shift through the automatic transmission. This makes stopping and starting on slopes much easier. It also has ABS brakes, which I am in favor of. Also, the 650 Executive is powerful enough for a driver and passenger without sacrificing power. It easily keeps up with traffic on the expressway, and is nimble in stop-and-go city driving.

The Tow-Pac Mini-Trike conversion kit is well engineered and built strong. It has independent wheel suspension and comes complete with tires and fiberglass fenders.

The kit attaches where the no-longer-needed center stand is removed from, as well as to the frame of the scooter. I would recommend having the kit installed by an approved dealer. However, the kit is designed to be self-installed. Read the directions over and make sure you understand them prior to beginning installation. An 800 number is provided if additional assistance is needed.

Once installed and properly aligned as described in the instructions, the kit supports the scooter, rider and a passenger. It does allow for a very slight lean.

The scooter handles like a conventional trike. On straight-aways you will not be aware of the kit. However on curves, you must steer the trike rather than lean as with a typical scooter. This takes some getting used to, but is actually more instinctive than leaning. If you have never ridden a scooter, learning to ride a trike is easier. If you have ridden a scooter you will have to relearn cornering. If you have previously ridden a trike, you will find the Tow-Pac Mini-Trike handles about the same. The trike is more like an ATV or a truck without power steering. You get some resistance through the handlebars. If you are used to leaning a scooter, you may have a little trouble learning to steer a trike. You have to push, rather than pull through turns. Once you get this down, it helps you get over the feeling that you are going to tip over. Push against the curve and lean your body into the curve. As an example, to turn right, push the handlebars with the left arm and lean your body to the right. The best way to learn and also to get familiar with your trike is to go to a large parking lot where there are no cars and practice figure eights. I still go to my local church parking lot and practice figure eights and donuts, and because it is fun. The trike is very stable and would be difficult to turn over. At first it seems you might, as the inside tire actually lifts off the ground slightly. But, remember that with one tire slightly off the road, there are still three tires on the road. With a little practice you will develop a strong worry-free confidence in the trike’s stability.

As with any trike, there are some safety points to remember. First, you have a five foot wide trike behind you so you must ride in the center of the lane, not to either side as you would on a typical two-wheeler. Be careful entering your garage. And, don’t put your feet down. Remember to use the Burgman’s parking brake!

The Tow-Pac Mini-Trike conversion kit includes two Wheel Height Adjusters, one on each side, which are individually adjustable. This allows you to selectively adjust the height of your trike wheels depending on your riding, handling and traction preferences. However the kit will come adjusted preset for your particular scooter. The proper setup is crucial for a good smooth ride. Shortening the adjuster arm raises the trike wheels and puts more weight on the scooter wheel, whereas lengthening the adjuster arm lowers the trike wheels and puts more weight on the trike wheels. This allows you to adjust for a more firm or soft ride, and change the handling and cornering characteristics. You may have to use trial and error until you determine what setting is best for you. One caution, both sides should be adjusted the same. Be sure all bolts are fully tightened after any adjustment. Full directions are included with the kit, and as stated above, the kit comes preset to your particular scooter, and there will probably be no need for adjustment.

The amount of air pressure in the tires is also important. I keep my pressure at the recommended setting for the tires on both the scooter and the trike. Too much or not enough pressure in the tires may result in excess wear, and can affect the handling characteristics of the trike.

I have found that when the trike is setting in a level position, I can turn either trike wheel by hand. It does make contact with the floor. This allows the scooter to be in control of the traction and braking, and allows the trike tires to give stability to keep the scooter upright without hindering the performance of the Burgman.

You should check the tightness of all bolts periodically. This should become part of your trip checklist routine, along with checking the oil, coolant, and lights. I have yet to have a bolt come loose.

With the kit installed, you no longer have to worry so much about gravel, water, and normal road debris. Your riding confidence will improve dramatically. You will have much more stability and straight-line braking. You can creep slowly forward without wavering back and forth, and stopping and starting on slopes is easy.

The Mini-Trike performs extremely well. The torsion bar axles allow the trike to flex for a smooth ride. It handles exceptionally well at highway speeds. I have only noticed a slight decrease in gas mileage.

I have Givi T21 hard bags installed on my 650 Executive. They fit very well with the trike kit, don’t interfere with the fenders, and I have full access to them.

The kit can be removed in just a few minutes. I can’t really elaborate on that because I have not removed it. I love the trike feel, and have not had a reason to remove it as yet. But the versatility is there if you want it.

The kit comes in gloss black, but can be painted to match your scooter. It also comes with chrome wheels. I do think Tow-Pac should offer an optional lighting kit for the fenders.

I am extremely satisfied with the Tow-Pac Mini-Trike Conversion kit. My only complaint is that it draws attention. Whenever I plan a ride, I have to allow time to talk with other riders and spectators.
The trike looks sharp and really sparks interest.

Tow-Pac will send you a free CD describing the Mini-Trike Conversion kit in action. They can be contacted at the address given below:

Tow-Pac, Inc.
203 South Bridge Street
P.O. Box 564
Aroma Park, IL 60910
866-694-3500

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

So I’ve got this standing offer asking readers for real world product reviews. If you send in a Burgman product review, with photos, and it is accepted for publication, you can elect to receive any one of our Burgman t-shirts from our online selection, for FREE. (It’s a blatant bribe for well written reviews with photos.) If you would to contribute a review, contact me and let’s chat about what you want to review. — Steve

HealTech SpeedoHealer Review
Contributed by Duane Ridenhour, Union Grove, AL

I bought my K7 Burgman last May (2008) and right away noticed that the speedometer was indicating speeds far above actual speeds. I checked it against my GPS speed and found it was off by about 10 percent over most of the speed range. At 70 mph indicated I was showing about 63 mph on my GPS. And if the speedometer is off, then so in the odometer.

My Suzuki dealer’s service department could do nothing about it and a call to Suzuki was also unsuccessful. I was told that they were made that way and it was not a repairable condition. A short time later I started seeing discussions about the HealTech Speedohealer online. After a lot of consideration, I decided to try one out.

The folks at HealTech had one in my hands within a week of my placing an order. Installation was a chore as I chose to do it, but without any more disassembly than removing the front helmet box cover. With curved needle nose pliers you can install the speedohealer in about 10 minutes if you have hands small enough to get to the speed sensor connector. I mounted the electronics in the helmet box where it is out of the way. Once installed you really do not need to get to it for anything else.

Wiring Harness For Installation on Burgman 400

Final SpeedoHealer Placement Burgman 400

OK, so how does it work? It does exactly what it is advertised to do. You do a short calculation and key in the results and it’s ready to go. The conversion number brought my indicated speed to within one mph of GPS speed. It could be further adjusted to be an exact match to GPS, but less than 1 mph is good enough for me.

My odometer miles are now about 5% under actual miles but are closer than they were before. I suppose you can find a good calibration number that will bring the speedometer within a couple miles of actual and move the odometer closer to actual miles driven.

For me, I prefer that the speedometer be as close to actual as possible. One small annoyance, and it’s not with the speedohealer, is that the miles per gallon indicator now indicates fewer mpg than actual. It indicates something like 62 mpg when actual is around 67 or so. As the speed sensor signal is now corrected down to less mph and the fuel flow sensor is still reading the same, the mpg is calculated lower that actual. That’s not anything worth complaining about though as it‘s easy enough to do mpg at the time of each fill up..

I give the Speedohealer healer a big thumbs up. If you want an accurate speed indicator on your ride you won‘t be disappointed.

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

After trying the cheap ones and wanting to be able to listen to my iPod and GPS while riding, the solution was to get a pair of custom molded earpieces. A custom earpiece can reduce a lot of sound, fits comfortably and normally you don’t need to worry about them falling out.

I’ve had a custom molded earpiece in the past, an IFB for my TV interview appearances, so I was familiar with how comfortable they can be.

I hunted around and found Avery Sound that had a lot of experience in incorporating a custom molded earpiece with earphones. I already owned my favorite set of Shure 310 ear phones.

Now there is no need to purchase such a high-end set of earphones for this. And normally I would not purchase such an expensive set of earphones but I was editing a video piece on my laptop while waiting at London City airport and my old earphones started to fade and I needed a new pair before I got on the plane, and the Shure 310 is what the nearest store had.

After having invested in them, I figured I might as well use them for my custom molded earphone. The lab incorporated them without a problem.

Final Custom Molded Earphones

The process was relatively simple. I had to send a custom mold of my ears to the lab with my earphones. I had the molds made at a local audiologist for $30 a ear. Avery Sound has a home impression kit that you can use to make a custom impression of your own ear.

The custom molded earphones arrived back from the lab recently and fit very nicely. I had mine colored red so I could find them easily if I put them down. I’m middle age challenged at times. You know what I mean.

You can get them made in a wide range of colors and even add sparkle if you would like to make a fashion statement. Me, not so much so.

Custom Earphone

With the earphones tucked safely in place they do reduce the noise a bit more than the foam earplugs did but I can easily still hear traffic and noises around me. With the iPod plugged in I can control what I hear simply by adjusting the volume on the iPod. I can also plug the headphones into my GPS and hear that while on the road and the Sat Nav will play MP3s that I can listen to also.

My full face helmet fits easily over the custom molded earphones and they are comfortable to wear when I ride.

Overall I’d recommend getting a pair of custom molded earphones and the service from Avery Sound was wonderful.

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

The total price plus shipping was about $40 and that was a real deal compared to what I paid for the old cover for my BMW motorcycle.

Side View of Scooter Cover

Product Description From Seller

Streetstar Burgman Cover

This is Champion Covers lightweight travel cover. This is NOT a cheap nylon or polypro cover like most others in this price range on EBAY. This highly water resistant cover will keep your bike clean, safe and dry. Highly water resistant, WEATHERGUARD Polyester with UV treating. All seams are double top stitched with nylon thread. Heat resistant THERMO GUARD Polyester on lower areas. Cloth chamois on windsheild and fuel tank areas resist scratches. Flow through ventilation prevents condensation. Large, heavy duty grommets at center and front wheel for locking cover with bike. Includes matching duffel for easy storage and travel. Champion Covers are the finest available and come with a no hassle, 2 year warranty.

*Fits all Burgman 650 models with rear trunks and aftermarket tall windshields.

The value of a good cover is two fold:

1. It covers and protects your scooter from the elements when left outside.
2. It shields your scooter from prying eyes and moves crooks onto the easier scooter to steal rather than yours.

When my Burgman is sitting at home in the garage, I never cover it. But if I am on a road trip, then I will.

It took about a week after ordering the cover for it to arrive in a little box, which demonstrated how small it can fold, at least once.

Scooter Cover in Box

What really surprised me was that when I dumped the contents of the box out, a cable and lock was included as well. The cable is important if you want to “lock” the cover in place on the bike. Typically you will use the cable by placing in through the large holes on the middle of the bottom and feed the cable through it and lock both ends of the cable together.

The cover is very light when tucked into the storage bag and does not take up much space.

Cover in Bag, Cable and Lock

Unfolded Cover, Cable and Lock

After I easily put the cover on the scooter I noticed that it also has some short bungee cords with hooks on it to make it even easier to attach to the scooter to keep it from blowing away.

The cover seems to have ample room for my Burgman 650, larger windscreen and if I had a top box on the back it would fit over that as well. I purchased the XXL size.

The only downside to the cover appears to be the lightweight cloth material that lines the inside of the front which is supposed to protect the windscreen. It is certainly better than not having anything there but it is not heavy plush chamois.

I would give this scooter cover a two thumbs up and I’m glad I bought it.

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

Burgman Cup Holder

I ordered my cup and map holder off of eBay and it arrived promptly. The only disapointment was that the installation instructions consisted of a thin strip of paper with a long URL on it to go look at a picture. While a picture is worth a thousand words, better installation instructions would have been appreciated.

The cup and map holder has holders for two drinks and little compartment in the middle and a little tray that folds down as well but it is just a bit too big to fold flat, at least on my Burgman 650 Executive. I’m not sure how handy it is.

Installation is not intuitive and it took me a couple of tries to get it right. Maybe the problem is just that it is so simple? To install the cup holder you have to open the large center glovebox and wrap the attached sewn strap over the top, under the hinges and back over the top.

Once you get the strap in place it takes a bit of force to close the glove box. That lifts the cup holder up but I struggled with getting the cup holder level. I pulled the strap this way and that but finally just gave up. It’s not that I wanted to be anal retentive about it, I just wanted it reasonably level.

I feel uncorfortable with the fact that the sewn strap pushes the glovebox lid out or open a bit. And I learned to make sure that I locked the glovebox, one one test trip I must not have closed it with enough force and it flew open on me as I sailed down the road. I didn’t lose the cup holder but it did divert my attention from the road as I dealt with it.

But I have to tell you, that the cup holder does a fine job of holding cups. I figured I’d stop at a fast food place and buy a large drink to make sure it fit. That worked great. What made me laugh was watching the people in the car next to me in the parking lot as I tried to get the straw in my mouth with my full face helmet on. I even tried through the visor but only succeeded in trying to shove the straw up my nose. The solution was to lift the front of my helmet a bit, I could still see but the straw made it to my mouth.

Here are a few more assorted image of the cup holder in action.

So would I recommend this cup holder for the Burgman? Good question. I’m not sure. While I did enjoy the ability to hold a beverage within arms reach while riding, the two most troublesome aspects of the cup holder make me not want to use it unless I have no other options and I’m on a long trip.

First irritation was the fact that when riding with the feet up, the cup holder is a bit too wide and hits the inside of both legs. Granted, I could make an adjustment to the way I ride but I always felt that the cup holder was there. If it has been just a couple of inches narrower, then no problem. Also, if I had been riding with riding pants on, it would have made the fit even tighter and more irritating. On those long rides I enjoy being able to wiggle my legs every now and then and with the cup holder in place, I couldn’t.

But for me, the biggest irritation was getting off the scooter with the cup holder in place. I have to drag my leg through the now narrow opening between the cup holder and front of the seat. I can do it, it is just a one leg hop event that looks a lot less graceful. I’d rather not have to lift my leg over the entire seat.

So what is my final opinion, well unless I have a specific need for this particular cup holder I don’t think I’d use it. The glove box lid situation, width and one leg hop are not plus factors for me.

I’ll keep looking for a more perfect cup holder for my Burgman and when I find one, I’ll let you know.

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