Forget the Sym straight away. I had one (a Maxsym 600i) five years ago, and unless things have changed the importers (the same as when I had mine) are a waste of time when it comes to replacement parts. All you will get is excuses and 'It will be there on Tuesday.' It won't be. I think their attitude is they are happy to sell you a scooter but if you need parts for it you can whistle. Stick with Japanese. They came to lead the market for a reason. As to Tmaxes getting stolen, I have heard they are really popular with thieves, so if you get one invest in the best locks and alarms you can.

I looked at buying a new TMax but one of the things that put me off was that it cost more to insure than my R1300GS

Thanks for all suggestions. I know I'm overthinking it, but it keeps me busy lol

Going back up the thread in reverse, I'd read enough about MotoGB to be entirely put off. Seems potty to me they managed to create such high levels of frustration in the marketplace, and then when launching their own brand "MGB" had the temerity to riff on their own name as though it was synonymous with trust. Odd bunch.

Kymco aren't under the MotoGB crapbrella but they seem to suffer the same fate, i.e. customers tearing their hair out over parts availability. This means two bikes off my list, the Tmax-chasing AK550 and DTX360, both of which I actually quite liked.

On the Hondas, I rate the dealer in Southend but I'm strangely ambivalent towards the ADV and Forza. If I had to pick a Honda, I actually think I'd prefer an SH350i on the basis it's unabashedly about small form factor and function - a genuine, bona fide, not-another-motorbike scooter, whereas the other smaller CC machines ape the look of a Maxi scooter and I'm not sure that appeals. I'd rather have a Maxi. If that makes sense.

I did really like the Beverly but owners I chatted with years ago moaned incessantly about rust and seating position, whereby the screen feels like it's an inch away from your head, ready to garrotte you in an accident, and your foot position is static. I've seen probably one or two ever on the road and am always surprised how tall and ungainly they look. Am 6'2" so seat heights and tippy-toes have never been a concern, but the oddly straggly looks of the BV have always stuck in my mind.

Still going to look at an old Burgman 650 but will also look at the 400 and suspect I'll prefer it based on weight alone (not to mention the fact it's still sold). I'm not planning on touring any time soon and the smaller machine does appeal, even if it means a reduction in comfort. I also may just bite the bullet on a mildly battered Zontes just because they're all Alibaba level cheap and I'm fascinated to know what they're like!

Had a Kymco DT X360 for 2.5yrs. No problems with it, nor with getting service parts (not needed anything else). Good bike overall although the dash is fairly basic as they don't import Kymco Noodoe versions here, sadly.

I just bought my new Forza from Belle Vue in Southend. Couldn’t fault their customer service.

Guess there's no better endorsement than someone replacing their current ride with the same again...

Quite a few of us have the forza or Adv350

UPDATE

Burgman 650. Smooth, surprisingly quiet and nimble, solid and very comfortable, and could see myself owning one if not for the fact it does potholes like a filing cabinet does stairs. I'd read lots of complaints about the 650's suspension but wasn't prepared for it being that jarring.

I suspect prior GL1800 ownership has lowered my testosterone or something.

NEXT

As a 650 Burgman owner I've got to agree it's one thing that bugs me. My wife rarely goes on the back because of the hard ride, it's a shame because on a half decent road it's a real pleasure to ride. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a cure. Yes riding a Goldwing will have spoiled you, not that I've ridden one but I did consider it as a cure for the Burgman

knight2 wrote: ↑Fri Mar 28, 2025 8:17 pm As a 650 Burgman owner I've got to agree it's one thing that bugs me. My wife rarely goes on the back because of the hard ride, it's a shame because on a half decent road it's a real pleasure to ride. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a cure. Yes riding a Goldwing will have spoiled you, not that I've ridden one but I did consider it as a cure for the Burgman

I sold my 2018 Gold Wing during the madness years when it was valued at £2-3K more than I paid for it. They still have cast iron residuals, and while that makes them expensive to buy outright, if you're open to finance then the PCP figures seem tempting value alongside cheaper bikes.

The GL did ride impeccably. I expected the Burgman to at least get close in terms of gliding over broken and potholed surfaces but... nope. I have no wish to rubbish the machine because it's almost universally revered, but I was disappointed in the way it went down poor roads. Which round here is all of them.