What to choose next

[Dr Gonzo]

Following the disappearance of my lovey 2020 Tmax 560 it's time to cheer myself up with thoughts about what to replace it with.

Now I know the obvious choice would be another TMax but I'm a bit wary of getting another just for that to get stolen too. Therefore, I'm thinking about alternatives. I've discounted the Honda Forza 750 - not enough second-hand options and again a bit too appealing to the scrots, which has left me thinking about a Suzuki Burgman or a BMW C650, either a Sport or a GT.

Now over to you lovely people. Does anyone have any real-world experience with either the Suzuki or the BMW?

[2wheelover51]

Yeah, I'd go for a Burgman. The younger riders don't seem interested in them and they've got no bad boy image or enough performance to encourage the scrotes. Having said that some people will nick anything if it's not nailed down.

[Dave Weller]

I would go for a Burgman 650, park it in locations its hard to move, then if they can lift it they deserve it. That was my thinking when I had Pan-Europeans and Burgman 650. The Suzuki's have got a good lock shield which is your first defence. Whatever you get, good luck.

[MrGrumpy]

Well......I owned a Burger 650 for a while. It was decent enough, but it became very outdated, with no real upgrades mechanically since 2001, though they did shrink the luggage space at some point. Its OK to ride, but a bit more pedestrian than the Tmax, until you get onto back roads when the twin shock rear suspension shows its limitations. Basically, the suspension isn't nearly as good as the Tmax, and its certainly not as comfortable as some people think it is. At its best, its an executive express, at its worst, its a unweildy plodding barge. The semi-auto facility on the gearbox is a complete waste of effort, though the 'power' button to select lower ratios is quite nice.

As for the BMWs, I've only had a hours test ride on the C600, which was OK.....but I bought another Tmax afterwards. The engine has this annoying 270 degree crank (like the Honda NC engine) so is vibey at low revs, but goes well enough and makes a lovely noise when thrashed. The suspsension seemed quite good - firm, yet absorbent, though it didn't really give me the confidence to push it into corners, for some reason. The real problem to look into is service costs. BMW dealer prices are horrific, and reputedly, though its got a chain-in-oil-bath final drive, you have to replace the chain & sprockets at 12k Miles (along with the V-belt). 4 figure sums for a full service have been mentioned. Check the storage out....it seems that BMW helmets fit under the seat, but not others!

I'd look at the Kymco AK550 if you have any dealers locally and if they could convince you that they could get spare parts in a decent timescale. I think its a quality product (I'd buy one), but there are few dealers and importer support seems useless.

Which leads you back to the Honda Forza.....I can't quite persuade myself to buy one as I dislike the plodding NC engine and trying to out-think the DCT gearbox. And hardly anyone ever says they are fun to ride.

.....all of which leads you back to the Tmax! All views are of course my personal opinion!

[Greyerbeard]

Having gone from a TMax to an XMax 300 then a Forza 350, I have to say I don't find the smaller bikes at all lacking in every day performance - especially the Forza.
But, of course, they are a bit more cramped and the ride is pretty harsh in comparison.
Just sayin'!