Well after a difficult financial year I'm now looking into getting a new scoot. I have no idea which way to go, can anyone please give me some advice?
I sold my Tmax 500, which was on its last legs and bought a Suzuki Van Van 2003. I've had great fun on it but can't take the multitude of 6 gear changes on my 32 mile journey to work through London everyday! It's playing havoc with my slipped disc!
I need the easiest to service and cheapest to run (don't we all)!! No too fussed on style.
The journey I do is from Harringay to Wimbledon, its a good hour each way so so comfort is essential.
I know its all down to personal taste with scoots but any hints on the best buy would be appreciated.
I have attached pics of the 2 I am looking at, is there anything I should be looking out for?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251209460174? ... 1423.l2649" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111033925688? ... 1423.l2649" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The Burgman has gone. But there does seem to be a few other good ones on ebay round the £2400 mark.

I know you want comfort but is fuel consumption a major consideration?
Burger fans will say they get 75+mpg and that Silverwing is heavy on fuel. But ask someone who rides one to give their opinion.
Meldrews got one and I think Pikey did have one.

Everyone else will push you towards whatever they ride.
The sh125/300 people say those machines are the bees knees. Not sure about their comfort but they seem to be an excellent machine.
(If you're not bothered about style)

2nd one is finished (3 offers declined) already so you've got no chance but to buy the first one

Joking aside, as most of the muppets here will also agree, you'd need to ride both to have a feel on which one is the best for you. I rarely follow that advice myself and just go out and buy something without riding, but that's me, bit of adventurous and lazy really.

I never rode a silverwing but currently have a burgman 400 and used to have a burgman 650 and tmax 500. Burgmans are good bikes. I had issues with both my burgmans but many others don't, so it's a bit of a pot luck i guess. on the other hand, i rarely hear anyone having issues with silverwings. Burgman 400 would be better for a short commute as it's lighter and better on the consumption. Silverwing would be better on the motorways as it's got more punch. Also burgman 400's smaller diameter wheels compared to the 'wing would mean less comfort over bumps and holes.

As your examples show, you can get a newer burgman 400 for the money than a 'wing.

That's about it, i can't think of anything else... Go and test them out, that's the only way you'll know for sure...

To an extent, the 'wing and the big Burger are a bit over specified for a cross London commute - you wouldn't need the power and the top speed they produce - and fuel & maintenance costs will soon rack up. A back B.stone tyre for the Burgman 650 now costs £100 a time....Also, both of the Burgers (400+650) especially are big beasts so you might find them a bit bulky for inner city filtering combat, unless you are super confident. i think my inclination would be to go for a 250 or 300 for that sort of commute - enough power but cheaper to run. The Honda SH300 may have advantages, but it won't meet your comfort criteria!

Thanks Liam & Halfabusa, those little pointers really help with the big picture!
Liam - Fuel consumption is a consideration, now that you mention it. Looks like the Burger 400, is the safest route.
Appreciate your time.

Heres a link to someone comparing 400 and 650 Burgmans.
He does mention considering the Silverwing but discounted it.

Like Hayabusa,, I don't go in for too much in depth analaysis. I just bought a Tmax cos I liked the look of them.

http://www.max.grenkowitz.net/?topic=786" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Liam wrote:?......
The sh125/300 people say those machines are the bees knees. Not sure about their comfort but they seem to be an excellent machine.
(If you're not bothered about style)

I've got a B650 and a SH300i. I feel the Burg is too big and clumsy to use as a city commuter. The SH is just right I feel - a good mix of power, economy, nibleness (is that a word?) and with ABS brakes. Not much of a looker I grant you but reliable and functionable. Sod all storage under the seat due to the big wheels but they all come with a top box. If you do a lot of town riding and filtering I'd say keep away from big fat long maxi scoots and get a skinny short wheelbase scooter.

Liam wrote:Heres a link to someone comparing 400 and 650 Burgmans.
He does mention considering the Silverwing but discounted it.

Like Hayabusa,, I don't go in for too much in depth analaysis. I just bought a Tmax cos I liked the look of them.

http://www.max.grenkowitz.net/?topic=786" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

That's an excellent insight right there.
Thanks everyone.

Liam wrote:Heres a link to someone comparing 400 and 650 Burgmans.
He does mention considering the Silverwing but discounted it.

Like Hayabusa,, I don't go in for too much in depth analaysis. I just bought a Tmax cos I liked the look of them.

http://www.max.grenkowitz.net/?topic=786" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It's halfabusa, not hayabusa mate

btw, i didn't say i wasn't doing any analysis, it's actually the other way around, i am obsessed with all the details and reviews, videos, etc before buying a vehicle, but only do my research online, too lazy to go and try out for real, which can be a downside of not meeting my needs, but then i'm not too fussed if it doesn't come out as i expected, i like the surprise factor

to add to the comparisons between the two burgman siblings, here's another good write up from america: http://burgmanriders.com/suzuki-burgman ... -scooters/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I've had the Tmax, Burgman650 and a VanVan, I traded the VanVan for a S-Wing125 because the VanVan needed constant gear changes and was still slow through London.
I think the S-Wing125 ABS will do your distance commute fine, it is flickable through town, has good road present and at 100 mpg should save some cash. It beats most cars away from the lights, so you can filter right to the front, something I missed about the VanVan.
The Honda spare part prices for 125's are lower than bigger bikes. If you look at the second hand ones on ebay, they seem very reliable.