03 Burgman 650 V 14 Burgman 650
Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2015 3:13 pm
Some observations on the two machines.
I got the 03 to keep the mileage down on the new one which was to be kept for longer fair weather trips - if we ever get any!
Norway next Month!
The 03 is the AN model not the executive so its basic. Standard screen etc. It has had Oxford heated grips installed. The 14 has the lot including Givi touring screen and side wind deflectors. The first thing I noticed on riding was - I got colder faster.
Despite a very low mileage the 03 suffered from the diesel noise so I had it modified using the Polish kit. The transformation was amazing and well worth it.
The 03 has a carb. I expected the performance to be somewhat down. In reality its a rocket. I cant ride the same ride twice but my honest impression is that the 03 accelerates faster than the 14. It feels more "grunty". The legendary engine braking is significantly more pronounced than on the 14. You have to be aware that drivers or riders following might not notice you slowing so twitching a brake lever is wise. Handling on the 03 needs more input, not exceptionally so, but its there.
Brakes are not ABS bit are amazingly effective. Both bikes stop well but the reassurance of ABS on the 14 is good to have.
All in all the difference between the two under way is not that great. The 14 feels lighter moving about on parking but what is interesting is that the 03 is not that bad at all. My first 650 was an Exec on a 10 plate. I remember that as being something you parked carefully to avoid pushing. Anyone know what the difference between the 03 and 10 would be? (Please don't say 07).
Hope fully both Bikes will be coming to Duxford so that will be an opportunity to check MPG. Not something that really bothers me but the comparison will be interesting.
I got the 03 to keep the mileage down on the new one which was to be kept for longer fair weather trips - if we ever get any!
Norway next Month!
The 03 is the AN model not the executive so its basic. Standard screen etc. It has had Oxford heated grips installed. The 14 has the lot including Givi touring screen and side wind deflectors. The first thing I noticed on riding was - I got colder faster.
Despite a very low mileage the 03 suffered from the diesel noise so I had it modified using the Polish kit. The transformation was amazing and well worth it.
The 03 has a carb. I expected the performance to be somewhat down. In reality its a rocket. I cant ride the same ride twice but my honest impression is that the 03 accelerates faster than the 14. It feels more "grunty". The legendary engine braking is significantly more pronounced than on the 14. You have to be aware that drivers or riders following might not notice you slowing so twitching a brake lever is wise. Handling on the 03 needs more input, not exceptionally so, but its there.
Brakes are not ABS bit are amazingly effective. Both bikes stop well but the reassurance of ABS on the 14 is good to have.
All in all the difference between the two under way is not that great. The 14 feels lighter moving about on parking but what is interesting is that the 03 is not that bad at all. My first 650 was an Exec on a 10 plate. I remember that as being something you parked carefully to avoid pushing. Anyone know what the difference between the 03 and 10 would be? (Please don't say 07).
Hope fully both Bikes will be coming to Duxford so that will be an opportunity to check MPG. Not something that really bothers me but the comparison will be interesting.
