Hi all,

Well I haven't ride a 650 yet. But keep hearing stories that it gives a totally different driving experience to the rider. But, Geoff well may be right. It is heavier and it might be a bit of a problem in city. And the extra horse power is of no use especially around VA. And other states are no different! :) I wish I had a chance to test drive it cause we are pretty happy with 400. We just want more stability in low and high speeds.

With regard to renting a trailer issue. Well it seems like a good option. But the other one (somebody is driving back it to home and one of us driving the car back) seems like a cheaper option. U-haul charges for every mile and it won't be the best deal I guess if I rent a small truck. But worth exploring. I'm gonna check the web site.

I think buyer might want to keep the tags. It happened when we bought the car. That's why maybe the best thing is to check with VA DMV. I don't want to be rejected for any missing document or something cause they are not friendly at all when it comes to helping people!

So I guess I do not have a certain answer yet. And now I feel like confused because of this 650-400 discussion! :)))

Selin

Chet said:

Geoff.

Sounds like Paul Harvey where is the end of the story?  What you wrote leaves one in the air. Good, BAD, 650 ruts or the 400 is far better?

I may know the answer, but why guess when you know the answer. 

 The 400 /650 are very different scooters?????????????

Well then here we go, as you say they are very different and both are very good. Having had a long line of Pan's and RT's the extra wieght of the 650 was not an issue especially due to the low C of G however the lighter wieght  and slightly smaller front wheel can be felt on the back roads and whilst the 650 cannot be described as slow to turn a touch of counter steer has the 400 heading for the apex like an alky after a beer. This can be problematic once one wishes to cruise at high speeds as this agility can translate to instabillity. With the preload jacked up and the rear tyre up at max I have tried to induce instability right up to maximum speed without success indeed I have had less stability displayed buy some conventional motorcycles at similar speeds.

I found the extra grunt of the 650 to be usefull and this may be even more apparent for two up use (my wife and I are touring Cornwall on the 400 in June so I will let you know if I find it lacking) but when you balance that against the significant price step and extra fuel consumption (I was averaging 70-75 mpg on my K7 400) and the added complexety of the 650 I found that in this case for me more was actually less and the 400 was a more fun and better value package. I did find that the gear box and its options on the 650 to be a bit of a gimmick and for me at any rate after having played with it once then I doubt if I would have ever touched it again.

The extra top speed of the 650 is academic in this ruined country of ours  where you can easily become "Big Billy's Bitch on B Wing" before you can say "but your honour" if you get nicked at over 100 mph. As long as a cruising speed of say 80 is practical with a bit in reserve then thats fine.

There were other minor points like the position of the mirrors which are better for me on the 400 as I wear bifocals and I also prefered the instrument layout but all of these points and indeed many others which I prefer may equally have counter implications for another rider but you did ask.

Geoff. 

Geoff.

Sounds like Paul Harvey where is the end of the story?  What you wrote leaves one in the air. Good, BAD, 650 rots or the 400 is far better?

I may know the answer, but why guess when you know the answer. 

 The 400 /650 are very different scooters?????????????

keep the original plate on it

All states are not the same, best to check it our.  KY is very different.   Myself I would not leave my tag on the scooter.  

I will first ask, have you set or rode the 650 yet, I see you own a 400?  You are right in thinking of going out of your local area to make a purchase.  I went as far as down to Clearwater, FL from NE TN to make a purchase. 

Money wise it is a good idea to pay cash and have the title signed over to you. To pay with a check, you could stop payment and really make a mess.

I have used a rented U-Haul trailer that I returned to the place where I rented it.  Very reasonable charge.  I now own my own trailer and can use that.

Another way is the take you own tag and ride it back and hope you do not get stopped.  You also need a way to your car back home if you drive.

The U-Haul also have small trucks that would work for the job. The price is far better if you return it to where it is rented. You may want to check with your insurance company to be sure you are covered.

You may want to check with DMV in your area and ask the question to see what is available.