68 replies to this topic

[Pict]

As many will know, I'm an inveterate pootler - a combination of personality, enjoyment of the countryside, age and increasingly problems with my stiff right arm and balance, resulting in a growing lack of confidence. So I've been thinking of giving in to reality and moving into the maxi-scoot world. . I'm prepared to take a big drop in power for the sake of practicality - maybe even persuade the missus to ride pillion for once - and a decent onboard carrying space - so have been thinking of the Burgman or Majesty league rather than the T-Max, and will be going tomorrow to check out a virtually new (May 2007) Burgman 400 that's currently on an apparently good offer. Looks nice in black (though that exhaust is the first target for replacement!!).



I'm aiming to give this a go for a while to see if I can get along with it - knowing that it'll be nothing like my TDM friend - then consider selling off the 900, maybe in the Spring., as I'm not sure I'll be able to afford 2 bikes. So watch this space for the possibility of a good bike and various bits. Some good things come along just too late in life, I guess.

If anybody out there has any advice on the Burgman 400 please let me know asap - not the 650 as it's too heavy, much as I'd like the extra power. Thanks to poldark, paulb and aitch meanwhile.

PS The Gilera Fuoco looks like an evil barrel of fun (especially in matt black) if you can spare 5.5 grand:



These mp3's handle interestingly: see http://www.youtube.c...feature=related and

[Pict]

Thanks Emmett. Guess I'm just wrestling with an opportunity at a good price, trying to aim for the best. None of these maxi's seem thick on the ground to choose from - maybe it's the time of year. Have heard good things about the T-Max right enough, though the economy seems a bit low.

does the walking stick come as standard with this one?

Now, now, don't mock the afflicted just 'cos they're different!

[catsbum]

The sad thing is, I also like Maxi-Scooters. Perfect for getting to work and putting kit in. I'm getting old, just need to accept it now.

[Matlock]

That Gilera looks like Darth Vader - I like it I must be honest, I've never even looked at a scooter until recently but I'm impressed with the Burgman and the T-max. If all I did was commute I'd consider test riding one because of the weather protection and built in luggage capacity. What are they like in high winds though? They seem to have the acreage of plastic associated with a Gold Wing, but not the weight.

[tdm850rider]

Have you consisered a TDM with a side car?
Friend with a spine prob rides scooters, nice low CG. He has an ols(er) Honda Maxi-something.

[Stuart-900]

Hi Ian,

Don't be too disheartened at the thought of moving over to the equally dark world of maxi scooters: whenever I've come across them in the past I've been quite impressed with their abilities. Although obviously not quite in the same league as a "proper" bike, they go OK, handle fairly well and have enough storage space to impress Pickfords!

Give them a go with an open mind and you'll probably be fairly impressed. If not, slap a sidecar on your TDM

Failing that, if you decide to part company with yours, let me know as I'm looking to get a new(er) TDM next year

Cheers - Stuart.

[stu]

Scooters don't mean less fun



If the Burgman falls thru', I've heard good things about the TMax too, from a FF proponent.

[phoneman]

Anything with 2 (or 3) wheels is better than a car. I even nod (occasionally) at 16yr old scooter riders........ after all I was 16 once and rode a Honda C100. I think some of the Maxi Scooters are just as capable as most bikes on the road. When I was in North Wales this summer there were at least 6 Italian registered scooters complete with panniers obviously on a major european tour. Buy and ride what you fancy and don't worry about what any narrowminded bikers think.

[Mandi]

As an former maxi scooterer I have to throw in my tuppence worth. I did 24,000 miles on a X9 500. The TDM believe it or not was the nearest in comfort I could find and I did test ride alot.

I never felt under powered when sitting at the traffic lights next to a Fazer or the like, and in fact could normally beat the guys to about 50 mph because they had to keep dropping the revs to change gear. I am not a speed freak but once did about (indicated) 109 mph on mine and it was just like sitting on a sofa on a breezy day. And then there is the economy 75-80 mph. Next luggage, I only had the underseat compartment, no top box, but this gives acres of space - two full face helments for example. I once picked up one of my sons and packed a helmet, boots, gloves, trousers and jacket with armour in the underseat compartment for him to wear. The X9 also has lots of toys, like a radio, pilot/pillion intercom which can be linked into mobile phone for which there is a special compartment, electric centre stand and onboard computer gismo which will work out average speed, air temp gauge and loads more useless stuff. (acually I really miss the air temp guage). The best bit is, no wet feet on a rainy day.

So... I hear you ask why did you change to a TDM. Well the X9 is Italian and as the mileage got higher I was finding myself on the side of the road more and more often. To be honest the toys are a waste of money and I just fancied a change. If I was going back to scootering I would look at the Tmax although a Yammy dealer told me once that compared to the X9 it was rubbish but then maybe he was trying to butter me up.

The most stupid thing is that there is a stigma attached to scooters. Most bikers would not be seen dead on a scooter but I would say to anyone "don't knock it until you have tried it". I get a completely differnt reaction from people when I tell them I ride a 900cc bike to when I told them I rode a 500cc scooter, although 500 and scooter did confuse some. Scooter, and they would change the subject, 900cc bike and the reaction is one of suprise, admiration and respect. How silly people are eh?

[Mitch]

off topic: last nite i took out me mate's 1981 Z750E - boy whatta bike!! my back tingles just thinkin about it!

Noroc!

Marius

I have one of them there things

[dandywarhol]

T Max sems to be the one according to a FF friend of mine (EVEN WEE'ER MAN!)who is also a Ducati pervert. It must be good if he rates it!

[TDMTAM]

The T-max is supposedly the best handling scoot, as the engine is mounted in the frame, not on the swing arm. The engine is a twin with an extra "fake" cylinder at 180degrees to act as a balancer, which makes it very smooth. although this makes it rather long, it still handles better than the other scoots, and is extremely stable.

Or so I've heard from a fellow I work with who's recently changed to a t-max from a burgman.

My new Boss has a yella Tmax( as well as a VFR) & he says it is a great bike for commuting, verry nibble & more than fast enough.
TAM

[dapleb]

(EVEN WEE'ER MAN!)

[Yellowasp]

]

That is one fecking ugly bike, sorry !!

Looks like the mother in law

[danceswithmopeds]

It's so ugly I think I like it.