It occurred to me as I watched the average population walk by that there are many beautiful people trapped in alternate bodies. That made me think about a comment I had read recently that riding a Harley Davidson is more about being a member of a cult or religion of riding than about the motorcycle itself. You could substitute the bike for some other manufactured motorcycle and take all the fervor and dedication to the uniform with you and it would still be the same thing.

But here is the irony, a lot of Burgman riders are trapped within Harley rider bodies. I can’t help but wonder how many Harley riders would love to ride our quieter bike, forget about shifting and sit atop a reliable mount with speed, power and performance but can’t break free from the cult?

For me, riding the Burgman is about as close as I’ve ever been to becoming one with the machine. It might just be me but handling the Burgman feels as if it is an extension of my body. It seemingly reacts well to my thoughts, leans left and right with ease on gentle command and turns on the power with a gentle twist of the wrist.

The low center of gravity of the bike makes it feel like a pendulum with the pivot point right below the seat. I think the bike is amazing but I’m not cultish with the scooter. Rather than loving it because it is a symbol of something else, I thrill in riding it because it is a hell of machine.

The ‘Burgman Grin’ is about as close as the Burgman crowd comes to having a rallying belief. I think the Burgman Grin is about the pleasure people experience when riding the Burgman but I don’t think anyone needs to believe that they ride with the Burgman Grin to have fun.

Maybe I’m being sacrilegious but I think when I’m honest about the emotions I feel when I ride it isn’t all about being atop my Burgman, it’s about riding first and the Burgman as my ride of choice just makes that experience really, really fun.

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