Should I buy a new Burgman 650 Executive

[toriaoxford]

Stupid question I know as these things are 'personal choice' but, I've had one before (2 years ago!) and sold it because it was too heavy and cumbersome - this was the predecessor to the current model. I currently have a Honda Forza 300 which is a great little bike, fun to ride, flickable, economical etc... but I am so tempted to get another Burgervan but have a few questions:-

1. Fuel economy - What is this like now - for example, I get approx. 125 miles per tank on my Forza but seem to recall the Burgervan returned only about 100 miles per tank, dependent on riding style of course

2. Weight - is it that much lighter to wheel around than the previous version - yes, I have sat on one and wheeled it a couple of inches and it didn't feel too bad but that was in a showroom so I was nervous about dropping it!

3. Servicing costs for someone that knows nothing about bikes so could therefore NOT do even an oil change!

4. Depreciation - I know all vehicles depreciate in value but how quickly does this one depreciate - I hardly ever see second hand ones (at least, young second hand ones) for sale and of course it also will depend on how well the bike has been looked after

5. Handling at slow speeds, filtering etc..

My reasons for upgrading again are, obviously, more speed (not that I'd necessarily use it), presence on the road, winter protection (heated seat, grips etc...) and possibly a longer commute in the short-term.

I look forward to hearing your views - thanks guys!

[pikey]

No definatly not

[toriaoxford]

Oh, could you elaborate? The other option is it's smaller brother, either the one with the puffy knuckle guards (I HATE those) or the ABS version minus the heated grips!

[Dave Weller]

I also had a B650exc a few years ago and brought a Deauville. I then went on to also buy a B400K9. Traded the B400 for a Beverly 350 to see if I would like a smaller scoot, and if not I would buy a new B400 if Suzuki do any special offers to clear old stock. That's where I'm at at the moment, however there's is just something very special about the Beverly350 to own, very light and easy to move around, powerful, great handling and braking (abs/asr), good storage.
Not sure if I would want another B650, they are better on fuel than the old ones, a B400 does not have the quick power response that the Beverly has (the Bev has a motorcycle wet clutch which is very smooth on take up).
To sum up, I'm lucky, the Deauville does my long UK touring, the Beverly is suitable for anything and I have a City Fly for a bit of local green laneing and rides with a small bike group.

[mottza]

I'd never buy new... get one thats 6 months - 1 year old and a low milage and save a good few £££'s. Look at my Forza... It dropped from £4599 to £2500 in 13 months and 8k miles.

[Waldorf]

Rumour has it Suzuki are doing good deals on big Burgers at the moment.

[toriaoxford]

Thanks chaps. I think I will either stick with my Forza 300 OR go for the Burgervan 400 ABS model - though those knuckle guards are a real turn-off!!

[bornagainbiker]

Thanks chaps. I think I will either stick with my Forza 300 OR go for the Burgervan 400 ABS model - though those knuckle guards are a real turn-off!!

From what I read you may think that the knuckle guards come as standard? Suzuki now do two 400 models and both have ABS. It's the 400Z (and used to known as the Limited Edition that had ABS) has the additional knuckle guards, heated grips and pillion back rest at £500 extra.

[toriaoxford]

Thanks for your reply bornagainbiker - I know there are two different models of the 400 (the 400Z ABS [with the knuckle guards, heated grips and pillion back-rest] and 400 [no pillion back-rest, knuckle guards or heated grips] ABS) - I just checked on the Suzuki GB website. I really like the look of the white one and I'm sure they can do the Z version without the knuckle guards, they just need taking off, that's the ONLY thing I don't like about the Z version!

[Gerard C]

Before you take them off, wait until Winter then decide. I have had experience of both and trust me its much more civilised with than without. Of course you may like cold hands and wear summer weight gloves all year round so apologies if that's the case.