Was new 400 Burgman, now new 650 Exec.

[poldark]

I ended up swapping the fork oil on mine, in an attempt to get better bump absorption, I think it helped and far simpler/cheaper than anything more significant (like Hagon springs).

Maybe worth checking your throttle cables (Push & Pull) to make sure the slack is at the right level, which might help with the slight lag.

The engine braking sure saves on brake pads, I think there's variation bike to bike as others comment less on this. Just remember to touch your brake lever to show the rear light when anyone's "up your chuff". I know for a fact that adjusting the TPS sensor (not that easy) can have major impact on engine braking characteristics, but you'll adapt and get used to it.

I know what you mean about slow speed stability, I filtered far more confidently on mine than the X8 400 I had before. Allbeit that the weight doesn't do you any favours if you try to push the thing!

[bornagainbiker]

I have not noticed any front suspension issues? It rides like a dream with steering in and out of corners superb, I thought much better than the 400ZA I test rode in June.
For even more engine breaking hit the Power button, it's like chucking an anchor out.
Just keep an eye on the wing mirror switch as they eventually tend to stick, I have just had the whole left switch assembly changed under warranty but they said it may do it again as there have been no updates to it. I learnt the hard way, clean the rear wheel with a pan brush as the abs ring is very sharp..... blood everywhere!
Lots more money but you will not regret the move up and it's got more toys. Enjoy.

[Data]

wuffstuff, glad you like it and feel excited about it. Always nice eh! Keep posting on your thoughts about it and tell us how you are getting on with it. We like your posts.

[wuffstuff]

So, on Day 2 of the 650 I've had a run from here to Bude in Cornwall through the heavy mist of Exmoor. From Bude to Hatherleigh, in the middle of Devon, and then to Great Torrington. From there, across the moors and home. Altogether 130 miles and it took me 3 hours, including an inevitable fuel stop.

On this trip, several things to be noted. One, it is still as hard as hell on the front end. Very bumpy indeed. Two, the power delivery is improving by the minute; there is less throttle lag now and when I slow to walking speed it is noticeably less hoppy. That might be me and my better understanding of the scoot. Three, cornering is amazing compared to the 400. Sweet in and out, very positive and very quick, even in tight bends. Four, it uses loads of fuel, even at low speeds, by comparison to the 400 and it took me ages to get the bloody petrol cap back on!

Although I'm currently limited to 4000 rpm I can feel the power difference and I'm ready for it. Tomorrow I'm off to Portsmouth (a 300 mile round trip) so on return the scoot will be run in 'ish. I'll go the long, and winding, way via Honiton, Dorchester and Poole so that I minimise the motorway bit. There is still 30 miles of 50-60 mph on the motorway each way, but at mid-morning I shouldn't irritate too many car drivers.

I've booked the 600 mile service for next Monday just a week after receiving it; after that I'm good to go.

[poldark]

Surprised to hear about using loads of fuel given you're running in, clearly it'll use more than the 400 but I'd expect 60mpg (650) versus 80mpg (400) subject to usual caveats about how/where you ride.

Hope it settles down and improves for you.

[Dave Weller]

Fuel filler has an arrow on it, it needs to point towards you. Common mistakes are walking into the open filler cap flap and snapping it off and opening the glove box when moving, the air filter cover flies off, I get good economy at less than 4000rpm.
Buy some plasters , the first time you wash it, the ABS ring on the wheels will get your knuckles, blood everywhere.

[MarcG]

Common mistakes are walking into the open filler cap flap and snapping it off

Been there, done that! £27 for a new flap and another £10 for the chromed '650' numbers.

[wuffstuff]

From home in Devon to Portsmouth and back today. Christ, it was cold this morning. Still having to travel at below 4000 rpm I took a slow and winding route across the south coast. The wind off the sea was very strong but the scoot wasn't bothered. I was though, it was even colder. After about 50 miles or so it warmed up a bit and the speed levelled off to a decent 60mph, still below 4000 rpm. Fuel usage didn't seem so high today so maybe that's improving. The suspension is still really hard; clearly this isn't going to improve and it does lead to hellish arse ache but that's how it is.

Of note is that the riding position doesn't engender back ache, which was really noticeable on the 400. And I love the footrests. Even the small cubby holes are lovely for my water and my lunch wraps (eaten in a picnic area near Lyme Regis, in the sun)

This machine seems to do everything perfectly and so smoothly. Putting even a small amount of throttle on at the bottom of a hill gives sweet joy at what is to come after running in - so much available power. I have tweaked a little over 4000 rpm (just one black rectangles worth) just to see what happens. The speed increased to about 67 mph. I'm left wondering what gains are coming after the 600 service?

Coming back through Honiton and all it's traffic lights was revelatory. The pick up from zero is superb with none of the vibration I had on the 400. Tight turning also seems less of an issue though I might be seeing this through rose tinted glasses with a large hint of purchasing self justification, though I don't think so.

To set my stall out, I'm small (5' 7'') and 64 Kg with a 28" inside leg, and I'm 57. I am almost unable to notice the weight difference between the two scoots but I notice that it is more difficult to paddle this scoot backwards to park it. Also the ground has moved further away and now I can only get one foot down on the right with a couple of toes on the left. It hasn't left me feeling any less secure but it's noticeable. To get it on the centre stand is easier than the 400; maybe it's a balance thing.

I'm up to 520 miles now in 3 days, and tomorrow I'm in the car to the smoke (loads of equipment to carry). The service is due next Monday so I'll keep quiet for a while.

[Deeping]

nice candid report

[wuffstuff]

First service carried out at 605 miles by Bridge Motorcycles in Exeter. Cost was £99 and it took two and a half hours. They were supposed to fit (2nd attempt) the top box removed from the 400, to the 650. Yet again they were unable to do this - they say they ordered the wrong parts again. They said that when I picked the bike up as new. Clearly they haven't yet learned how to order parts; they have been in business for 40 years though.

Interestingly they told me that my next service would cost £180, which seems a lot to me. However, when I queried how that was worked out I was informed the cost of labour was £60/hour, and it would be 2 hours plus parts. Fair enough I said, but I'm a highly qualified specialist and I don't earn £60 for an hour. I understand the profit concept but this is taking the piss. The mechanic will be paid hardly any of the £60 so it is mainly profit (or greed). They have you by the short ones though if you don't know how to do it yourself. They also give a lifetime warranty if you have the scoot serviced at the correct intervals by them. I'm not sure whether this is a good offer or a scam to keep you in their service loop. I'll keep you informed.

I'm away on the scoot to Portsmouth, Bournemouth and home again tomorrow (340 miles), and I can at last go above 4000 rpm. Should be good.