Modern Vespa

First off, despite the maintenance expenses, I love my MP3. However, with only 16k miles on the gauge, this month alone I am forking $1200 back into the bike, thanks to to a steering column replacement and a schedule C service. That said, the handling, when the bike is in prestige serviced condition, cannot be beat in Seattle winter conditions. Not to mention all the head turns this scoot gets. It really is a blast to ride.

However, I am seriously considering a second commuter bike (I travel 50 miles a day, mostly on freeway). Don't get me wrong, I have no desire to give up the Piaggio, I just don't want to keep racking up the miles on it for fear of the potential servicing expenses.

I initially fell in love with the BMW 650 GT. The detailing cannot be beat, plus add in the heated seat and handle bars, this seems like a posh machine. I had mentioned that I was exploring other options, and the BMW sales guy asked, "so I assume you are also looking at the Burgman?"

In fact, I looked at the 2014 Burgman's earlier that same day. At the time, I knew nothing about this Japanese option, so I almost wrote it off entirely.

I felt that I should to give the Honda Silver Wing an obligatory consideration, but both local dealerships had none in stock for review. In fact, one Honda sales guy confessed to me that many riders have migrated to the Burgman. There goes that name again!

I made a second visit to the Suzuki dealership just a couple of miles from my house, and I got to say the 2014 Burgman is rather a compelling option.

I have combed online forums for both the BMW and for the Burgman Maxi-Scooters (makes me think of Maxi-pads, but I digress) As with this forum, we have all drank the Kool-Aid (actually the Jone's Town victims drank Flavor-Aid, but I digress again.) Both bikes are beloved by their owners, but like all things in life, nothing is perfect.

Regardless, I reach out to this collective conscience for some input. I don't want run into another "notch" issue. I think with an extended warranty, the Burgman might be a solid option for me. My gut tells me that Suzuki has been in the Maxi-Scooter market more years than most, and they have had time to iron out the wrinkles.

I also looked at the Kymco 700, but decided that this Taiwanese option needed some more polishing on the body detailing before serious consideration. This is despite the internal works of the machine and the dedicated servicing options.

With no day in site for any 2014 MP3's hitting the US market, I am forced to explore a plan "B".

Thoughts?

It's sad but I agree if you can't do your own maintenance on a MP3 they are not economical in the long run with the 'notch' issue. The BMW scooter motors are made by Kymco so that may tell you something. Have you looked @ a 500 Kymco scooter?

If you have not done so, investigate the unique properties of the belt on the berggie. Not even the BMW can make that claim (well, the electric version can but it's still years away from hitting these shores).

Although I love my MP3 500, the soon to be released Honda NM4 has my attention. A sleek "motorcycle" with automatic transmission? Yes, the lines between motorcyles and scooters are getting blurrier.

http://www.gizmag.com/honda-vultus-nm4-motorcycle/31522/

The BMW has a belt and a chain to change doesn't it?

heard some odd things about the burgman 650 maintenance -- something bout an idler bolt. not sure if it's a whiner who posted several places or a problem akin to the mp3's notch.

take a look at the yamaha majesty while your at it, very nice scoot. I've owned 2.

Wow. It looks like it might be worth to wait a few months to check out the NM4. That is, if Honda can deliver on the June arrival in the USA.

I have had two of each of the Burgmans, 400cc & 650cc. The last one, an '09 Burgman 400 was one of the best scooters I've ever ridden. It topped out (they say) at 90 - 95 mph, had more storage space than the 650, and, in my opinion, was a cleaner looking scooter than the 650.

Mechanically the 400 is very friendly, like many other scooter layouts. The 650 on the other hand is a very complex, well balanced and generally reliable layout. The engine braking is really super, and who knows how many times you'll need to go 115 mph?

Either way, the Burgmans are very good scooters, but the complexity of the 650 transmission is something to consider. The 400 will certainly outperform the MP3 500 in almost every respect except for braking and, under certain circumstances, handling curves. But, either Burgman does have considerably more storage space than the MP3 500.

Karlu
Las Cruces, NM

On the Honda North America site, the NM-4 only has the 670cc engine. Bummer!
http://powersports.honda.com/nm4.aspx

"Considering the Upgrade to Burgman" Why does that make me laugh? But it does.

As long as you are exploring alternatives - have you given any thought to the BV 350? Similar power to the 400/500 MP3s and substantially less weight. Also in the same power/weight ballpark as the Burgman 400. A new, low maintenance design. Lower in cost than any of the choices you are considering. Similar upright riding position to the MP3s, if that is your preference over the leaning back, legs forward position of the Burgie. And the seat and foot position is certainly more comfortable than those of the stock MP3. Just one other option to explore, but a good one in my opinion.

Loved the burgman, but did not buy it because it is almost the same length as my honda goldwing. Wanted something smaller for in town trips. Your interest seem to be borderline scooter/motorcycle. Advantage of motorcycle is better ride with larger rims, better resale value, etc. When the time comes to cross this bridge, it is tough from a scooter rider. Best of luck, only bad thing I ever read about the burgman, was the effort to change the belt, but it last long time. Do not know if the BMW has changed the rear hub problem, it could destroy itself with no warrenty, even new. Bmw never admits to it, but if a person fights long enough with them, they would give in with repair cost. Sad for such a nice bike. My love of a BMW left, when they closed over half the dealerships years ago. Then the rear issue arrived in the 90's. Honda silverwing is no comparison to a burgman's ride. When I test rode a silverwing, it was like a mini bike ride to me. (teenage years). Again tough choice to make. If buying a burgman, or really any other bike, price should be discounted about $2-3 K off list because new models come out by sept. My experience with prices.

Funny you shoud say that because I just got an email from the BMW dealership wondering if they could throw me a "stellar offer" on the 2014 C650GT that I looked at!

Living in Seattle I could see why you would prefer a maxi-scooter for real weather protection compared to any MC. We have a `04 Aprilia Scarabeo 500GT scooter with a full 2 piece front fairing + detachable saddlebags & a top case for 2 helmets, 16" rims. But they haven't made this model since `06.

Well they claim lifetime on the chain (continuous wet immersion), but not on the belt. Belt is 10,000 miles, a whole lot better than an MP3 but still nothing compared to the Burgman, which uses a patented belt nobody else will be able to duplicate for some years. And yes, I have heard horror stories about how expensive and difficult it can be to swap a Berggie belt but oddly I couldn't find anybody who had ever had to actually do it, and apparently the later models have been redesigned to make belt changes very easy.

The electric version of the BMW650 ofcourse dispenses with a belt completely but no announcemnt on U.S. availability or pricing.

Anybody who changes their MP3 belt every 10k miles has been duped.

I have to agree, personally I think its a downgrade.