My main project is done for now. So, thought I write some stuff with the little extra time I have. I've had my 400z abs for over three and a half months now and just thought I'd make you all sick as parrots with yet another little update on what I think of it (as if you prolly don't already know as I go on about it so much!). Anyhoo, I'm pleased I made the jump from big bikes to maxi scooters, and to the Burgman in particular.
As each day goes by I find the Burgman more and more useful and a real hoot to ride. I had a 65 mile run last night to complete at dusk and it was just turning chilly. On went the heated grips (yes I was feeling a bit of a woos at the time), just medium temperature and off I went. I was on the A12 for a good bit of the run doing 70mph before turning off and meandering around Suffolks best twisties. In fact I was running late for the quick meet I had arranged, I was enjoying the ride too much and didn't keep a check on the time. I ended up winding on the power and I got to take some bends at speeds I hadn't previously experienced on the Burgman. The roads were bumpy but the bike took them all ok without trying to step out of line. I arrived at the meet point, a pub, and sunk several beers...all non-alchoholic Becks you'll be pleased to know! And I still can't get used to the fact I don't have any big wide panniers or top box on the bike, yet it took all my gear including helmet under the seat with no problem.
And that's one of the things I like most about these scooters. Ease of use. For me, my Vstrom was no where near as good or user friendly even with all it's luggage mounted. The other thing I really enjoy is the fuel economy...I get more than double the miles per gallon of my 1000cc Vstrom and the roadtax is less than half as well. Win win!
So what issues have I had with the bike so far....errrrrrrr.....none! I've only covered 2k miles in the time I've had her but she is rock solid and reliable as you would expect. No adjustments needed by the dealer or any other worring stuff. She uses no oil at all even though i tend to go fast for longish periods. The oil is starting to turning black but that's of no real concern, it should do. The engine has become noticeably more powerful as the miles have gone on and the mpg's have improved each week I've ridden her. In fact, the engine is a real gem and is ultra mechanically quiet. I like it that way. Oh...just one thing! I haven't actually had any issues as I said, but there is something that bothered me slightly. That was a fairly loud rattle, buzz from the instrument binnacle. I found if I touched and pressed lightly down on the plexiglass over the instruments the buzz, rattle stopped. My dealer said he can fix it no problem but as a temperary fix, I inserted a couple of rubber wedges between the plexiglass edge and the instrument surround plastic and it's fixed it ok.
Each time I clean the Burgman, I learn something new about her. I try to clean in all the inaccessible places and I use Waxoyl and FS365 to fend of anything evil. I've got the stuff and need to use it up before investing in that other brilliant expensive stuff you spray on (name escapes me just now) but you've all mentioned it in posts. I'll get some. When I first got her, I carefully cleaned her paintwork and coated her with two coats of 'Supagard' paint sealer. It brought on a fantastic deep shine and protects like no wax does, not even Maguires. My car has it on and it works. Is it the best? probably not as these things move forward very quickly these days. It is very very good though and I speak from 4 years of experience with it.
So, overall, very pleased indeed with it. Would I recommend one to someone else as a good alrounder...yes! Is it the best maxi scooter out there in it's class?...if not, it's very close. It is being sold as a fairly premium product in the market place and it is a bit expensive now with the lastest price hike. But it has been in continuous production for 14 years with a major update of course in 2007 and it still looks the business in my view. It has that brilliant track record for reliability, ease of maintenance, the ability to really go places with ease and to last a long time without problems! And it's cheap to run. Those are the reason I bought mine...
Thank you all for making me so welcome and for helping me to get to know my new bike, errrrr....scooter!
