You can get round the problems Victor mentions, the 12v socket is in the wrong place, but you buy a 3 outlet cigarette socket and it comes with a handy USB socket which solves any problem, you start the bike up then stop it, then pull it back, it wakes up the gears, no need to do that if you are use to moving bikes around, the left hand switch gear is crowded, but everything can be found if you think about what your doing, the seat is perfect for me and so is the electric screen, the electric mirrors make filtering easy, the heated seat and heated grips come in handy and I like using the overdrive function when I can. The headlights are good.
I have needed the ABS twice so far, I've been glad of that, the weight of the bike helps to load up the tyres under very heavy braking as well.
The scoot makes what is a cold, wet, dangerous hobby tolerable all year round, IMHO.

Or get a 400

OK it doesn't cure the badly placed 12v outlet and the stock screen is still a bit weedy but its easy to push around, a doddle in traffic (Ive never activated the ABS and only extra buttons are heated grips)

Data wrote: Vstrom 1000GT. Love the bike but my back is maybe not so in love with it's weight and top heavy design.

Giddy Mr Data, always good to find "proper bikers" open minded enough to try a scooter.

Re: fat wallowing burgers: you first need to think what you want the bike for. Touring, then get a maxi, but if you're commuting, then a slim nimble 125-300 is far better have fun, don't be shy.

Bluebottle wrote:Or get a 400

OK it doesn't cure the badly placed 12v outlet and the stock screen is still a bit weedy but its easy to push around, a doddle in traffic (Ive never activated the ABS and only extra buttons are heated grips)

Fantastic scoot the 400 but a little gutless v's the 650. I mean i love mine but they are very differant scooters.

All ill say is yes the burger is a fantastic ride but you should try as many differant makes as you can before you buy a maxi.

Hello and welcome by the way.

Hello Data, I'm from North Essex too. Whereabouts are you?

Bluebottle wrote:Welcome aboard

Haven't I seen you somewhere before?

Hi Bluebottle, yes you have! I am on Burgmanusa as 'Quantum Mechanic'. You may have noticed a sort of space come science theme to my user names . I joined both Burgman sites about the same time. At the time I didn't know about Maxi-Muppets, but someone on Burgmanusa site kindly directed me here, maybe one of you. I should have kept my original user name from there I guess. I've been so keen to get as much information as possible and talk to as many people with Burgmans that I kinda rushed it a bit. But thanks to you guys and Burgmanusa, I learned a massive amount already. Thanks for that.

For those worried that I haven't tried the 650 yet, I have now! Went out on one today. It was brilliant. A demo model with 800 miles on the clock. But too heavy and too expensive. I know the weight melts away once underway, but I don't want to go down that road again. It about the same weight as my fully specced up GT 1000 strom. I confess I liked the 400 much more even though is has less power. And for me, I can do everything myself on the 400 but the 650 will need some thinking about. I'm hoping to keep my scooter (which I haven't yet purchased) for many years and put a lot of miles on it. I'm looking for absolute simplicity which the 400 seems to have when compared to the 650. Not dissing the 650, it is truly great, but much like my 1000cc Vstrom, and after talking to the techs, it seems to need a lot of effort to do major things to it. That for me is going to be very time consuming. So 400 it is. Not too interested in the Honda or Italian scooters or the new untried BMW's, good though they all no doubt are. Suzuki has gotten under my skin in the last 7 years or so of owning their bikes. Their dealers seem to be good and parts and service is excellent in my experience.

Just like to say thank you all for the very warm welcome extended to me and my inane questions!!

mottza wrote:Hello Data, I'm from North Essex too. Whereabouts are you?

Lo mottza, the fair town of Colchester. What about you?

next door in Wivenhoe lol!

mottza wrote:next door in Wivenhoe lol!

Well I'll be blowed!! Looks likely a meet will take place anytime soon then....

Data wrote:Someone on Burgmanusa site kindly directed me here

Me