I need advice on buying a cheap small tourer.

[MarkH]

I have been away from bikes for far too long. In a couple of months we will be in fine weather and I would like to escape from my cage! I wouldn't mind getting a 600-750 sports bike, but I fear I would lose my license within a few weeks if I rode one of those. :Police: :weep:

What I am considering is trying to find a cheaper Suzuki AN400 Skywave/Burgman :scooter: to use as a fun wee cruiser. Currently I am looking at a 1998 model with low k's.

What I want to know:
How are these 400cc scooters for . . . well . . . everything? I don't need to ride at 300kph or race around a track - but I would like to be able to go on a decent ride for a few hours at 100-110kph. I would be looking at cruising around Auckland (city & motorway) and heading out of town on a nice day. I also would like to use it for work (onsite computer tech) and my idea would be to go to the customer's site, store the helmet, jacket & gloves under the seat - then go into the customer's place and sort their computer probs.

Also - is buying a 10 year old scooter going to be a problem to me? Is there that much difference between the '98 & '08 scooters?

I asked at a bike shop about a Givi topbox - apparently only a couple of hundy. Is the underseat storage all I would ever need or is it worth adding a Givi topbox for the extra storage capacity.

Help a man escape from his cage and give me some good advice here guys! :wavey:

[MSTRS]

.....*SNIP*.... give me some good advice here guys! :wavey:

ATGATT cos they are trying to kill you...
If you want the wind in your hair but convenience of a cage, get a convertible.

[Badjelly]

I haven't ridden one of these myself, but from what I've heard it should be perfect for what you want to do with it. Very good for open-road cruising, apparently. But just remember, Burgmans are never cool.

[kickingzebra]

buy my k6 gsxr 600, they only go as fast as the twit twisting the throttle...
5000 ish kms, never looped the loop... more than than twice anyway, and never been wheelied in 6th.
will be mint as come sale time, 12 g or so

[MarkH]

ATGATT cos they are trying to kill you...
If you want the wind in your hair but convenience of a cage, get a convertible.

If I wanted the wind in my hair I wouldn't be looking at 2 wheels and a helmet now would I?

I have the convenience of a cage - cause I already have one. What I am wanting is another option - the fun of riding on 2 wheels.

[MarkH]

But just remember, Burgmans are never cool.

If I cared about looking cool I would probably buy a Harley or something. I am old enough to be over what every other prick thinks - I am looking out for me and I want to have some fun!

[Badjelly]

If I wanted the wind in my hair I wouldn't be looking at 2 wheels and a helmet now would I?

Well you did ask for good advice.

Here's some more:

Never play cards with a man named Doc. Never eat at a place called Mom’s. Never sleep with a woman whose troubles are worse than your own.

[MSTRS]

Yea yea I know...it's KB tho innit. Not where you come for sensible answers....
It's a tough question tho...you kinda need 2 bikes to cover your requirements.
Maybe you'd be better off with a mid-sized cruiser with hard luggage attached?

[MarkH]

buy my k6 gsxr 600, they only go as fast as the twit twisting the throttle...

Yeah, unfortunately that's the thing that concerns me! :whistle:

I have been around for a while now and I have paid THOUSANDS in tickets and lost my license twice. :Oops: When I got my license 25 years ago they didn't have the demerit points system, if they did I would have lost my license a couple more times.

Also 12K for a bike is over twice my budget, but thanks for the offer.

[Badjelly]

you kinda need 2 bikes to cover your requirements.

Nah, I reckon a maxi-scooter can cover all his requirements. Bearing in mind that looking cool isn't one of them :rolleyes:.

[MSTRS]

This would be a good setup http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/twinrider/VersysGivi.jpg
Or this with side ones added http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii109/jaggeddawg/Image012.jpg
Just drop the panniers off for weekend blasts

[MSTRS]

Nah, I reckon a maxi-scooter can cover all his requirements. Bearing in mind that looking cool isn't one of them :rolleyes:.

Seriously naff
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_0vAERDDZorE/Rw4ni7jSqZI/AAAAAAAAAt4/G-7_dnkEmCk/2992D98F82.jpg

[MarkH]

Yea yea I know...it's KB tho innit. Not where you come for sensible answers....
It's a tough question tho...you kinda need 2 bikes to cover your requirements.
Maybe you'd be better off with a mid-sized cruiser with hard luggage attached?

Actually I had thought of that idea - basically if I had the spare money I WOULD get 2 bikes (Maybe a new 650 scooter and a new sports bike).

I am thinking at this stage of getting back into riding and maybe later as finances allow move up to something better or even just add another 2 wheeled vehicle to my fleet. But if I at least get something now and buy some gear (helmet/gloves/jacket/boots/wet weather gear) then it would be easier to migrate to another bike/scooter later.

What do you mean by mid-sized cruiser? I really need to keep my spending below $5k here. I was hoping that something like a 400cc scooter would be likely to be cheap to run with not much maintenance required (no chain to lube for a start) over and above normal oil changes. I hear they do better than 20kms per litre - at current and future petrol prices that is not a bad thing. I have read in some forums/blogs/where ever about guys with several bikes buying a scooter and then using it more often than the bike because it is so easy (twist & go) and fun.

[Badjelly]

...Just drop the panniers off for weekend blasts

He didn't say "weekend blasts", he said "a decent ride for a few hours at 100-110kph". It depends what he means by "decent ride".

I've read magazine articles, and KB postings, that say the maxis are very capable of open-road trips, but they're not sports bikes. MarkH, nobody but you can judge whether you're going to enjoy the feel of a maxi on the open road. Any chance of getting a decent test ride on one?

[MSTRS]

This would be ok - at the start end of his asking price. Shaft drive too!
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Cruiser/auction-169667502.htm

[MarkH]

MarkH, nobody but you can judge whether you're going to enjoy the feel of a maxi on the open road. Any chance of getting a decent test ride on one?

Hmmm, that's not a bad idea:
http://www.colemans-suzuki.co.nz/content/rentals-entry.aspx?entryPK=1535
about $80 to rent one for a day - could be worth it.

I only worry that if I rent a 650 I might be spoiled by the experience and not be happy with a 400 - maybe I should pop in and see if I can rent a 400.

[Badjelly]

DougB seems pretty happy with his Burgman 400

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=66081

PrincessBandit enjoyed her ride on a 650

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=73365

I remember someone on KB saying he prefers the 400 (or was it the 250?) because the 650 is just too bloody big.

Things to think about...

[Badjelly]

By the way, I saw a reference to the 2007 Burgman 400 having more power than its predecessors. You were thinking of a 1998?? Maybe that will be significantly slower.

[MarkH]

By the way, I saw a reference to the 2007 Burgman 400 having more power than its predecessors. You were thinking of a 1998?? Maybe that will be significantly slower.

The 2007 got a new motor and larger storage - but the 1998 has 32hp & 32Nm while the 2007 has 32hp & 34Nm. A bit more torque for the new model and the same hp - I don't think that the '98 would be significantly slower. But certainly the '07 would be better if I had more money.

[portokiwi]

:2thumbsupMaha's got one for sale lol. at least he was selling it on his birthday:lol: The more he drank the cheaper it got:whistle: My wife was so tempted but it was to big for her.
I didnt want another big thing throbing under her:whistle:

[jafar]

Hmmm, that's not a bad idea:
http://www.colemans-suzuki.co.nz/content/rentals-entry.aspx?entryPK=1535
about $80 to rent one for a day - could be worth it.

I only worry that if I rent a 650 I might be spoiled by the experience and not be happy with a 400 - maybe I should pop in and see if I can rent a 400.

Riding a scooter is like riding a fat chick, great fun until your mates see you :Oops:

Seriously, take a few out for a ride before you decide.:scooter:

[Pogo2]

You are right about performance, they're not sportsbikes and they dont claim to be. There are possibly more 400cc one's around that the 650 as they weigh a little less and the performance is ok. Yes they will do 100-110 kph all day and the underseat store at 67 litres is alot bigger than some top boxes.

Automatic is great around town. One of the best feature IMO is the seat. So comfortable with the small backrest/lumbar support. Also you can more your feet around on the floorboard to give you several riding positions. A good feature on a long trip. There are some major differences between the 07 and pre 07 models. Mine is currently doing in excess of 70mpg.

Scooters may not be cool but they are extremely practical. After years of a CBR600 and a BMW K100RS I really enjoy my burger and my back enjoys my burger as well.

Take one for a ride and see what you think ( and make up your own mind).:scooter:

[Gizzit]

Hi Mark,
The scoot you have picked out ... Burgman 400, would be fine for you needs. I test rode one of those several months ago, as well as the 650. Of course the bigger Burg had more grunt, but the 400 gets along real well. According to some reports I have read, the 400 sells way more than the 650. Check with the local Burg dealers/riders.
I'm not biased, as I ride an 08 DR650SE and also use a PGO 150 T-Rex scoot for commuting. While the bigger scoots aren't seen as "cool" in NZ yet, ... they will! I have recently returned from a trip to Asia and Burg's are the business over there, and in Europe ... where big scooters have been the choice of many riders for a very long time. You will find some bike snobs on here, but tell them to fuck off. Everyone who enjoys riding two wheels and their choice of bike/scoot is just fine by me. It's about enjoying life and having fun.
I hope you enjoy whatever you choose to buy.
Cheers,
Grant.

[MarkH]

Thanks for the replies guys - I will see if I can get in this week to the bike shop and arrange a test ride - maybe even rent one for a day and get some decent riding in to test city/motorway/open road.

As far as scooters go I can see the lack of cool - the 50cc 4 strokes are downright slow & gutless - only good for urban use for riders without a bike license. But the 125cc scooters are great little urban commuters and the bigger scooters work fine on the open road. Since I have a full license (since over 22 years ago) I wouldn't personally consider a 250cc - they cost the same as the 400 and have to work harder to do the same job. I think the 400cc scooters would be working too hard to keep a constant 140kph, whereas the 650 could do that speed all day long - but I can do without the grief from the :Police: so I want to keep under the 110kph and just cruise along happily, for that the 400 would hopefully be a great machine. Personally I think that many people just don't understand that the 400cc and above scooters are not really designed as a little urban transport - they are designed as more a small/mid tourer and plenty of guys in the USA use them to tour all over the country running up a LOT of miles.
I wonder if these bigger scooters are starting to sell well here - I have seen quite a few around the place over the last few months. Just yesterday I saw a Burgman 400 on the southern motorway and I have seen a few bigger scooters around the place in Onehunga.

I have a friend that hasn't ridden a bike since a drunk driver cost him half of his right leg (just below the knee) - if I get a burgman/skywave I will see if he would be keen to get one too. Am I right in thinking that there is nothing for the right foot to control?

In January I get almost no work - I am considering doing a trip to the South Island by scooter - presuming I buy one before then. But I would want to do a bit of riding before that to get comfortable on the machine.

[Gizzit]

You are right. Nothing for either foot to do ... apart from stick them out occasionally to stop you whacking your ear on the ground when you are stationary !! ;) I'm sure the 400 Burg or similar will be a lot of fun. I certainly will consider one again, but right now I'm happy with what I have.
Best of luck with your purchase and adventures!

Grant.

[spacemonkey]

This would be a good setup http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v153/twinrider/VersysGivi.jpg
Or this with side ones added http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii109/jaggeddawg/Image012.jpg
Just drop the panniers off for weekend blasts



G'day,
I've been thinking of getting one of those BMW's when I get my full in December.

How are the BMW's on the reliability front?
Are the belt drive better than the Chain?
And what are they like for servicing cost's?

Cheers
Dave

[MarkH]

By the way, I saw a reference to the 2007 Burgman 400 having more power than its predecessors. You were thinking of a 1998?? Maybe that will be significantly slower.

It looks like the 2nd hand 400 Burgmans are selling for just too much money- the cheapest I've found is on trademe with a current bid of $4500, but is ten years old. So I've decided to flag that idea completely and look to buying a new Burgy.

I went for a test ride :scooter: today on a Burgy 400 K8 - 2nd hand but only 3 months old and less than 1000 kms on the clock, apparently the owner bought it then decided he wanted more and traded up to a 600 Silver Wing. The test ride convinced me of one thing - I want one! I took it onto the northern motorway, went north 2 off-ramps and took the upper harbour highway exit, went right then right again onto the onramp. With a steep uphill climb to the onramp the scooter accelerated smoothly to 120 and cruised along the motorway at comfortable cruising speed. It had been about 20 years since I last rode, but I got the hang of it pretty quickly. Now I miss riding more than ever :weep:. I didn't even have proper gear on except a helmet and I didn't feel particularly cold - I would happily use a scooter for most of the year. It really didn't feel very heavy and was a pleasure to ride on.

Now we are only about 3 weeks from Spring time and I really want to buy a scooter soon - my finances would allow me to get one if I don't mind incurring a butt load of credit card debt. My current feeling is that I want the scooter enough to be willing to pay a ton of interest if I can have one now. I might have a talk to my lovely mother about the idea of a low interest loan to clear the credit card - better to give her 10% than give Visa 22%.

Now I'll check around for the best deal I can get and accept the hit to my finances when I make the purchase.

I think people that don't ride just don't understand how strongly the people that do ride desire getting out on the road on a bike - I don't think I can really explain the longing I feel. It really has been too long since I was cruising around on a bike enjoying the journey more than the destination.

[shafty]

Seen this? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-170828284.htm

A tiny bit above your budget, but oh so nice.........


OR....

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Scooters/auction-170003887.htm

[Pogo2]

Other riders will bag them but, for around town and further afield they are great. Simple to ride, not too heavy, good protection and enough power for most situations.

Yesterday I rode Scenic Drive - great day and no traffic and the bike was great to ride.

Who did you take the test ride with. I found Haldanes quite accomodating!

[vifferman]

Now we are only about 3 weeks from Spring time and I really want to buy a scooter soon - my finances would allow me to get one if I don't mind incurring a butt load of credit card debt. My current feeling is that I want the scooter enough to be willing to pay a ton of interest if I can have one now.
Check out the MTF loans most of the dealers offer - they're not too bad. I bought my last bike with a trade-in for half the value, then another quarter on the card, and the last quarter on an MTF loan. I can't remember the loan period (a few months??), but it cost me only $30 in interest.

[Gizzit]

...... So I've decided to flag that idea completely and look to buying a new Burgy.


Good decision! I bet you won't regret it. They are a lot of fun, and loads of bike riders don't know how good they are to ride, simply through ignorance or prejudice towards scooters. I really enjoyed my test ride, and I will get one one day, .... when I have got a little more "hoon" out of my system !! LOL.

........



Now we are only about 3 weeks from Spring time and I really want to buy a scooter soon - my finances would allow me to get one if I don't mind incurring a butt load of credit card debt. My current feeling is that I want the scooter enough to be willing to pay a ton of interest if I can have one now. I might have a talk to my lovely mother about the idea of a low interest loan to clear the credit card - better to give her 10% than give Visa 22%.


Why not get a low interest card ? I know the BNZ were doing a card that was around 12 - 13% interest rate. A special card thats low on fees, and used for one off large purchases. Other banks probably have their own versions. Kiwibank has a low interest rate mastercard. So the bike finance or a decent credit card could help your situation.
Remember to factor in your riding gear if you haven't got it !!



Now I'll check around for the best deal I can get and accept the hit to my finances when I make the purchase.

I think people that don't ride just don't understand how strongly the people that do ride desire getting out on the road on a bike - I don't think I can really explain the longing I feel. It really has been too long since I was cruising around on a bike enjoying the journey more than the destination.

Loads of us .... that ride (me at least 5 days a week minimum), know about the need to get out on a bike and ride! I don't care about the weather ... just have the right gear and nothing can hold you back!!!
I hope you can get mobile shortly, and you enjoy your scoot!

Cheers,
Grant.

[MarkH]

Seen this? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-170828284.htm

A tiny bit above your budget, but oh so nice.........


Wow - that's not bad!

I had revised my budget to go to a new scooter, but would be stretching the finances rather thin - I might be going on a trip to Tauranga soon!
Also thanks for the link - that scooter is not listed under scooters so I didn't see it.

[MarkH]

Why not get a low interest card ? I know the BNZ were doing a card that was around 12 - 13% interest rate. A special card thats low on fees, and used for one off large purchases. Other banks probably have their own versions. Kiwibank has a low interest rate mastercard. So the bike finance or a decent credit card could help your situation.

Yeah, it gets a little tricky. Technically I don't have enough income to qualify for a 20K + credit limit - so I can't really borrow that much or get any card with that limit. But my existing card is one that I have had for about 23 years and they have kept increasing my limit - I just can't get that much credit if I apply for it, but I can keep the card I have and have that limit as long as I keep paying money into it.

I'll talk to my mother - she is much nicer than any finance company or bank.

[McJim]

I'll talk to my mother - she is much nicer than any finance company or bank.
I couldn't be bothered looking through all of this thread to find out your price range - how about a proper tourer as seen in the link in my signature?:)

[MarkH]

Seen this? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Tourers/auction-170828284.htm

Actually that looks a lot like my scooter :2thumbsup

I'll see if I can get to Mt Maunganui tomorrow to pick it up.

[Gizzit]

Actually that looks a lot like my scooter :2thumbsup

I'll see if I can get to Mt Maunganui tomorrow to pick it up.

Well done. That looks like a real nice scoot !! Enjoy your ride home !! :niceone:

[shafty]

Actually that looks a lot like my scooter :2thumbsup

I'll see if I can get to Mt Maunganui tomorrow to pick it up.

Congratulations Mark - it does look GROUSE! - and a bloody good deal too, - enjoy - see you on the road sometime.

[Pogo2]

Actually that looks a lot like my scooter :2thumbsup

I'll see if I can get to Mt Maunganui tomorrow to pick it up.

Looks great and the top box is a real bonus. Very good price too!

Enjoy and see you on the road

[MarkH]

I've been to Mt Maunganui and I am now home. It was windy and rained on & off, but I had wet weather gear on and stayed dry and not too cold. The scooter had a reasonably full tank when I picked it up so I was able to ride 210kms home without having to fill it with go-juice.

The ride was so-so until I got past the Otahuhu off-ramp, then I came up to 3 lanes of almost stationary traffic. Then I had a decision - do I waste a ton of time sitting in the queue barely moving or do I utilise the narrow vehicle advantage and filter through the traffic. I decided that I'd be :buggerd: if I was going to waste the opportunity to get home 15 minutes (or more) earlier. So I started filtering through and GOD-DAMN it was FUCKIN' GREAT! If the cars are moving at 5kph and I'm moving at 25kph then I am ripping along the motorway at 5 times the speed of the poor cage drivin' saps! :niceone:

Naturally I am a law abiding motorist and refrained from opening up on a straight to find that the 400 Burgy can get 155kph indicated speed. But I am sure that if I wasn't so law abiding that is what would have happened.

It does tick along at the speed limit quite nicely though.