Tricking out my Suzuki Burgman 650 maxi-scooter

I was going to use "customizing" in the title of this post, but I like "tricking out" better. When a guy is riding a white Japanese scooter, he needs all the hip street vibe he can muster up.

In fact, I'm going a bit backwards on the cool front, since I just replaced the tinted Clearview replacement shield that I wrote about last month with a taller untinted model.

I've now got the XL Clearview shield for my Burgman 650 Executive, instead of a medium. That adds three inches in height. I decided that I was happy to trade being able to look over the shield for less wind buffeting, which was still noticeable with the medium shield.

When I lower the shield (the Executive adjusts the height by 2.5 inches with a button touch), I can just see over the top of the XL shield if I get my six foot body sitting up straight.

So if I ever encounter a cloud of locusts, sort of unlikely here in Oregon, I'll be able to keep scootering along.

The tint on my first Clearview was appealing on bright sunny days. But when I rode on an overcast day -- which come along now and then in the Northwest, if you didn't know that -- it seemed unduly darkening. Ditto with an evening ride.

Live and learn. I'll probably see if I can sell the medium tinted vented shield on Ebay (I stuck with the vent option, which works great to get more airflow onto me on hot days).

I'm up to about 1300 miles on my Burgman 650, which I got in June. I ride it every chance I can. Which has been a lot, given how nice the weather has been in western Oregon this summer. Major grocery shopping, getting bales of hay, and such can't be done on a scooter, but just about everything else is more fun on two wheels.

Except for crashing, of course. I haven't had a single problem so far in that regard, not even close.

A few days ago, though, we drove our car to Portland and came back a few hours after a bunch of  Brother Speed motorcycle club members had gotten into an accident in the northbound lanes just before Wilsonville. The southbound traffic we were in was backed up for miles, purely due to gawkers.

Best wishes to the injured for a full and complete recovery.

On the KGW news last night they had an interview with the leader of another motorcycle club. He said that he knew the Brother Speed riders would want to get back on their bikes as soon as possible, because riding gets in your blood.

For sure. Whether you're riding a high-tech white Suzuki Burgman scooter like me, or a bad-ass tricked out Harley like many of the Brother Speeder's do.

When I checked out their web site to get a URL link for this post, I noticed a video section. Pretty cool. There's something powerful and primal about dozens of motorcycles coming down the road.

I've joined the Oregon Scooter Club, but haven't gone on any group rides yet. Probably one day I'll be able to experience the (considerably quieter) scootering version of the Brother Speed videos.

Comments

[Michael]

Hi,

Had a Yamaha Majesty 400 but traded it in on a new Kawasaki zx6r. The zixer is a lot of fun BUT any more than a couple of hours riding in that bent over position and my neck is sore and my hands have gone numb.
Awesome bike and scary fast, especially up around 10-15,000 rpm. I just can't see myself runnin to work a 12k rpm is all.

So I'm thinking about getting a Burgman. Top of the line Maxi-Scoot IMHO. Anyone interested in a barely broke in ZX6R? =)

I like your blog site. I can relate to the Church of the Churchless theme.

Fellow Goatonapoler
Michael in Vancouver, WA

[Blogger Brian]

Michael, you'll love the Burgman's ride. My only previous motorcycle was a Yamaha Seca II some fifteen years ago or so. Like you said, the vibration made my hands tingle after half an hour or so. Occasionally I'd ride with some friends who had big Honda Gold Wings. I'd be envious of how comfortable they were.

Now, with my Burgman, I'm not envious anymore. I haven't felt a trace of vibration in the grips. And I really like propping my feet against the large foot rests. Much better than pegs. With the XL Clearview screen, I'm a happy rider. When I lowered the screen a few inches yesterday, the increased wind buffeting was obvious.

Good to know there's another Goatonapole devotee here in the northwest. If we get ten thousand more of us, we'll have to build a temple or something. Or maybe just eat goat cheese once a year with red wine. Yeah, that sounds easier.

[Herman]

Michael You will love your Burgman Excecutive as I do. I sold my Harley Decker a few weeks ago to now have some fun in my 70th year as many Harley seniors are going Burgman. I have ordered the Clearview shield and will probably get some more riding in this fall as it is mighty cold here in the cold country. I was on the free way yesterday and it was 4 degrees and windy so I am looking to ride some more especially with the heated seat and handle bars that are a real improvement and keep you nice and warm on these cold days in October and November.
Happy riding mate.
Herman
Hamilton Township.
Ontario

[Alex]

Hello,
I put the Givi luggage carrier on the back of my Burgman and carry four to five bags of grocery's. Also got the Givi windshield and it keeps you warmer and dryer.
Let me know if anyone needs part numbers.
I'm looking at post for the 650. Just returned home this evening and found mine stolen from my garage. Real bummer.
Am

[Blogger Brian]

Alex, I'm interested in learning more about the Givi luggage carrier. Let me know the Givi part number. Since I have a 650 Executive, there might be some differences in the Givi carrier though, if you don't ride an Exec. I'd like to be able to carry more stuff around. Do you find that the carrier affects the performance/balance of the scooter?

[Guy Cole]

I have a 2004 burgman 650 and absolutely have a great time on it. I live in Northern Michigan and my Son and I are riding to Niagra falls (sp). I would like to chrome certain parts on my bike any ideas?