Burgman 650 TEST!

[spaceprobe]

I don't think I could do cones on the Burg

[irev]

I don't think I could do cones on the Burg

Yeah, it's easy, drive it on constant throttle, use back brake as speed control.

A little practice and you can even stop/start for several seconds without putting a foot down.

[MrGrumpy]

A little practice and you can even stop/start for several seconds without putting a foot down.

Now that I've never managed (not that I've tried that hard). There again, with the quite high seat on the TMax, I probably have to lean the scoot slightly to the side to get my foot down anyway.

[Bluebottle]

Like most people say - go for a manual licence if possible.

Also the big Burgmans low centre of gravity and lonv wheelbase will go against you in a slalom. Just makes it harder for no reason.

Obviously it can be done though

[BBvideo 560,340][/BBvideo]

And a better one doing it in competition on a Silverwing

[BBvideo 560,340][/BBvideo]

[DougL]

Quite interesting that DVLA are now removing the auto restriction on bus and lorry licences if you already have a manual car licence.
So now you can sit a test in an auto bus or lorry and get a full manual licence.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chan ... t-rules--2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

So why discriminate against motorcycles?

Actually, I think motorcycles are quite different. I have a full car and had an auto m/c licence. I found the transition fairly hard work, not quite sure why.

[R1K SU]

The 650 is very flickable and handles quite well when pushed and doesn't touch down like the 400 does.

[SOLO]

I been weighting the options of the usefulness of a Manual license, the 3 bikes i liked for years are Burgman 650 Aprilia Mana and the Yamaha FJR 1300AE ( automatic version ), for a test to see how my leg worked, i toke out my mates 600 bandit, after a ride down the road i could not safely press the right brake pedal with my leg due to restricted movement and so i was unable to stop properly and had to be helped off the bike as my leg sized up and was in pain with my hip after just about 400 yrds on the bike down the road i then swapped over and tryed mates GSX650F, it was longer for my leg to bend and could oporate it but the pain was still there due to the folded leg seating position

I think the only usefulness for me getting a manual license is for the Honda goldwing, but that dream i am throwing out the window, as my leg is bad and does not like weight or gears or brake pedal, my disability that i got for life would mean manual bikes are useless to me, therefore an automatic bike is a better option as my legs only are needed when i come to a stop and i can put them stretched out on the floorboards.

It depresses me knowing i have a life long disability and annoys me that i prob wont be able to ride a dream bike like a goldwing, but i got to make do .........automatics is it i think.

[Gerard C]

When I did my IAM course slow riding was part of it. With practice and dragging the back brake it was easy.
Ride safe are a training company in Bradford who have bought in a Burgman 650 for those who want to take the auto test on a larger capacity bike. If you ride a small 125 scoot you are used to the auto feel. My Son was going to take his test on a 125 - it's cheap and you get rid of L plates. In the event he took a couple of rides with Ride safe just as a check. Took the test and aced it. That was on a Burgman 400 . Getting to ride a larger capacity geared bike would have taken more time and cost more than he had available. I've been on rides with Solo if he followed the same route he would be fine.

[gn2]

for a test to see how my leg worked, i toke out my mates 600 bandit, after a ride down the road i could not safely press the right brake pedal with my leg due to restricted movement and so i was unable to stop properly and had to be helped off the bike as my leg sized up and was in pain with my hip after just about 400 yrds on the bike down the road i then swapped over and tryed mates GSX650F, it was longer for my leg to bend and could oporate it but the pain was still there due to the folded leg seating position

It depresses me knowing i have a life long disability and annoys me that i prob wont be able to ride a dream bike like a goldwing, but i got to make do .........automatics is it i think.

Is the problem actually operating the foot controls or is it more about the leg/foot position?
Maybe try a cruiser which has a similar foot forward riding position to a maxi scooter.
Something like a Honda Shadow or a Yamaha Dragstar.

[macamxthe1st]

After many years on conventional bikes of all types I was starting to suffer a lot of discomfort in different area's due to injuries sustained as a young man. I love riding but the joy was being completely destroyed by the discomfort. Bought a Burgman 650. Complete and total fix. I earlier said to go for a full open licence but having read your subsequent post I would now say that an auto licence would be a better bet. You also say your dream bike would be a Gold Wing. For a third of the price I honestly believe the Burgman to be a much better real worl purchase.

Geoff.