Yeah...I did it.

az_slynch · Post by **az_slynch** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 1:50 am

Yes, but is it a real GT?

Congrats on the Bummer.

jrsjr · Post by **jrsjr** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 3:09 am

Very, very nice! Congratulations!

Is it comfy?

JHScoot · Post by **JHScoot** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 3:36 am

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 3:42 am

nice!

What was the OTD price on THAT bad boy?

siobhan · Post by **siobhan** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 3:51 am

Let's hear why, as I felt the Sport was much more fun. I just couldn't get into the GT...what'd you love about it? And please don't take this as a dis...genuinely curious!

TroutBum · Post by **TroutBum** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 4:54 am

Nice! That should make for a nice cruiser. Congratulations to your new addition to your stable.

neotrotsky · Post by **neotrotsky** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 5:00 am

OK, my somewhat-dislike of maxi-scooters is put aside since it is BMW/Kymco (at least I hear that Kymco builds their engines) and those are very good things:

So how does it run!?!?! I won't be able to ever get the cash to get one of these with the debts I have, so give us all the gory details so we can live vicariously through you

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 5:14 am

Wow, nice new toy!!! Most excellent. Me thinks you have a very fun summer ahead!

phatch · Post by **phatch** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 5:28 am

rsrider · Post by **rsrider** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 7:26 am

That thing looks like you could go across country with it. Impressive. And yeah, OTD?

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 10:28 am

siobhan wrote:Let's hear why, as I felt the Sport was much more fun. I just couldn't get into the GT...what'd you love about it? And please don't take this as a dis...genuinely curious!

Two reasons for the GT over the Sport.

First is the rolling storage. This is a replacement for the Burgman Ex (more on why I traded it at 37K later) which was my commuter; 70 miles a day at 65-80(shhhhh) mph. I need to carry a laptop, sometimes hard hat, rain gear etc. The GT just offered much more room rolling...the sport more storage parked.

The second was the pillion seating. The Sport has standard pegs where the GT has floor boards for the passenger. Bocette has taken to riding two up more often so I took her comfort into consideration. An important thing to do when your wife says "You need to buy a new scooter"!!!!

I also think that the GT has a bit more wind protection and with the Ex I got spoiled with the electric windshield. I bought the Ex for the ABS and figured I would never use the electric windshield. Turned out I used it all the time! I mean...ALL the time..low on surface streets, up on the interstate..up, down, up, down.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 10:31 am

az_slynch wrote:Yes, but is it a real GT?

Congrats on the Bummer.

As a Vintage Vespa guy...nope...not a "real" GT and to the majority of the BMW crowd...not a "real" GT there either!
Do I care...nope!

Wolfhound · Post by **Wolfhound** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 11:08 am

Outstanding!!! The BMW scoots are new to the market as I understand it
but should be a quality built unit. Not inexpensive, priced in the 9-10 thou
area from what I have read and a definate cross country rig. If I were younger and rich (!) I would get one. Congrats and keep us posted on the
important data, top speed, gas milage, serviceability, riding comfort.

Scooterboi · Post by **Scooterboi** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 12:24 pm

. . . . and MORE PICS!!

(Damn. I like the look of that thang.)

bgwss · Post by **bgwss** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 12:33 pm

Cool!

charlie55 · Post by **charlie55** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 1:04 pm

I suppose now's not a good time to hit you up for a coupla bucks 'til payday huh?

That's one gorgeous ride you got there. Ride safe and enjoy it for many years to come.

MGM · Post by **MGM** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 1:08 pm

BMW partnered with Kymco to have them manufacuture a BMW designed engine. Probably for cost and capacity reasons. I don't think that justifies a "BMW/Kymco" title.

Wolfhound · Post by **Wolfhound** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 1:14 pm

Agreed. From what I understand Kymco makes good products and I would
guess that BMW kept watch over the manufacture of their engine.

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 1:21 pm

Nice machine and congrats.

I'm more smitten with the short sleeves on the 13th of March part........show off!

LOL,
Rob

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 1:29 pm

OTD was $12,167

I got a decent amount for the Burgman, very good deal on Top Box and free installation and wiring of my GPS, HM and back off.

Of course I played the "superior status in the scooter community" card and invited them to attend (and sponsor!) Scooter Encounter which is pretty much a modern scooter rally with many maxis.

http://www.scooterencounter.us/

Be There Baby!!!

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 1:45 pm

Wolfhound wrote:Agreed. From what I understand Kymco makes good products and I would
guess that BMW kept watch over the manufacture of their engine.

The Kymco engine meeting BMW requirements doesn't bother me at all. Kymco makes a great product on their own. It's not like this is a new thing to do in the scooter, MC or auto business. A lot of Harley riders would faint if they knew how many parts were made in "other" countries!

Don't forget that PGO entered into a technical collaboration with Italy’s Piaggio (the manufacturer of the Vespa) that lasted from 1972 to 1982; it is also from there that the company gets its name (P iag G i O).

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 1:46 pm

Robbie wrote:Nice machine and congrats.

I'm more smitten with the short sleeves on the 13th of March part........show off!

LOL,
Rob

We call that outfit our Winter Gloat!

Honestly...it is prime riding season here! I know that many have bad winters...but we do get hammered in the summer with heat, humidity, and rain....lots of rain!

Wolfhound · Post by **Wolfhound** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 2:39 pm

Missed my estimate on the out the door price. Did that include the extras?
In your opinion how does it compare to the Bergie overall?

MGM · Post by **MGM** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 3:01 pm

For those of us looking for something just a little less "maxi"; on my last Asia trip, the scooter riders at our Taipei office claim that there's a BMW/Kymco project for a 400cc product. Could not get details, except is was a scooter and not a small motorcycle.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 3:13 pm

Wolfhound wrote:Missed my estimate on the out the door price. Did that include the extras?
In your opinion how does it compare to the Bergie overall?

That included heated grips and seat (used them this morning) tire pressure monitoring and chrome floorboard inserts. Plus the usuals...dealer fee, title, etc. A little more than a new exec...but not much.

I can't do a full comparison to the Burg yet as I haven't had it over 50 mph or on the highway yet. I'll give a ride report after I get it broken in. However:

Low speed handling is much better than the Burgman. The Burg engine braking always made low speed kind of "chug and stutter"

Suspension is much better than the Burg...that was always my main complaint...way too soft.

Even at 40-50 mph handling is much crisper on the GT

More leg room on the GT and not as much reach to the bars. Even with 1" risers it was always a little reach on the Burg for me.

The GT is a little taller..I can just flat foot it, the Burg had a bit better floor board design for planting your feet.

The GT stock winshield seem pretty good so far. The Burgman OEM is just a disaster...I replaced with a medium clearview with a Goldwing vent.

Don't get me wrong...I loved the Ex the problem was with the ECVT tranny. I had a clutch bearing go out at 24K miles...$3,000 for repair...luckily I was under extended warranty so it cost me $0. I was starting to hear a couple of trans squeeks (bearings?) and once in awhile a final drive clunk.

Some people think that after 35 or 40K miles a Burg 650 should be considered disposable. If the ECVT goes it's not worth getting repaired. I decieded to get rid of mine while I could still get something out of it.

The Burg 650 hasn't really had a redesign in about 13 years now...a few things here and there...but not much. If a redesign had been released I would have considered it. I would have also considered the Honda Integra...if available.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 3:57 pm

BuddyRaton wrote:The Burg 650 hasn't really had a redesign in about 13 years now...a few things here and there...but not much. If a redesign had been released I would have considered it. I would have also considered the Honda Integra...if available.

Good comment about the Integra, asnd I certainly agree. The 600/650 Beemers prove there is a market here for a new upscale maxi-scooter. Don't know what is stopping Honda regarding the Integra. The model is already in production for Europe, and Honda is already importing two other models to the US with the same engine and drive train.

Wolfhound · Post by **Wolfhound** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 3:59 pm

From what you are saying I would go with the BMW myself. At 6'1" leg room
is a bit iffy for me on a lot of scoots. Highway pegs help me some. Thanks
for the up date.

madtolive · Post by **madtolive** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 4:03 pm

That is an incredible machine! Congratulations, and remember to keep the rubber side down.

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Wed Mar 13, 2013 10:52 pm

Great looking ride! Now it's time for a road trip.

Rob

Post by **ericalm** » Thu Mar 14, 2013 5:42 am

Congrats!

Please tell me it was my ridiculously long review on ScooterFile that helped you make your choice.

I spent m,ore than 2 months riding the BMWs. I think you'll love it!

mattgordon · Post by **mattgordon** » Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:19 pm

Wolfhound wrote:Agreed. From what I understand Kymco makes good products and I would
guess that BMW kept watch over the manufacture of their engine.

This isnt BMW's first collaboration with KYMCO.

KYMCO builds the engines for the BMW G650 GS dual-sport motorcycle and has for some time so there is obviously a comfort level between the two companies and good reason BMW went back to KYMCO for more.

Drum Pro · Post by **Drum Pro** » Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:51 pm

Nice scoot to the max! Although I keep waiting for it to transform and smite your enemies!!!

BootScootin'FireFighter · Thu Mar 14, 2013 3:06 pm

Congratulations John!

Wolfhound · Post by **Wolfhound** » Thu Mar 14, 2013 3:26 pm

For the real skinny on the BMW scoots check out Ericalm's article on testing
the two scoots on www.scooterfile.com. Eric may be the best writer on things
mechanical since the days of Tom McCahill. For you young whippersnappers
check out McCahill on Wikipedia. Eric gives as good an evaluation as I have
read, honest, to the point, and tells you all that you want to know about the
scoots.
Disclaimer:
(I have not received any financial reward for this comment!! Not that I would not accept it!!!) 8^)

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Thu Mar 14, 2013 4:05 pm

I liked the article too. If I had a hojillion dollars burning a hole in my pocket I would love to pick one up.

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Thu Mar 14, 2013 4:38 pm

BootScootin'FireFighter wrote:Congratulations John!

Thanks Dude! But CBR will still be Vintage or Buddy!

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Thu Mar 14, 2013 5:01 pm

ericalm wrote:Congrats!

Please tell me it was my ridiculously long review on ScooterFile that helped you make your choice.

I spent m,ore than 2 months riding the BMWs. I think you'll love it!

Oh I spent a lot of time reading and of course I read your article! Excellent job! I did read it from the perspective of someone with over 37K miles on a Burgman Ex knowing that you are not generally a big fan or rider of of maxi scooters! Knowing that I think you gave a great assessment...it was just kind of fun having the "insider knowledge while reading!"

I do have a couple of comments (of course!) Stepping through may take a little practice but for me it's really not a big deal. Maybe I have just figured out an easier way over time. I'm trying to think of how I do it but I'm not sure right now! I'll report later. I find the BMW about the same to step through as the Burg Ex was.

The power port is inside the left cubby. For me that's fine. My Zumo is wired in and I really don't need any more gadgets but I can understand some wanting an "outside" port. Compared to the Buger...vast improvement!! With the Ex if you plugged anything in you couldn't close the lower door because the plug would be in the way. It was moved way forward in order to fit the ABS system behind it. Now I can at least charge my phone, leave it in the cubby and BT to Garmin to Cardo.

The C650GT is MUCH easier to get on the center stand than the Burg. That thing was a true fight...upright on stand and pull up hard on left grip and passanger grab. The 650 still takes some effort...it doesn't just pop up like a Buddy! but it is much much easier.

The side stand brake is a little strange to me. Probably not a bad idea...but may take some getting used to. The Burg had a seperate hand parking brake that came in handy sometimes while running (like waiting on the up ramp of a drawbridge for it to open and close). The GT side stand also keeps the bike up very straight, not much of the traditional lean.

madtolive · Post by **madtolive** » Thu Mar 14, 2013 5:27 pm

From eric's review:

As this will both seem a bit goofy to onlookers and possibly call unwanted attention to your unusual scooter mounting method, you need to own the situation. Pump your fist triumphantly in the air while shouting, “Sküter Fahrvergnügen!” (or something similarly Germanic-sounding) then swing your right leg over and sit on the scooter. Get it started and off the stand, then peel away before anyone knows what’s going on. The downside to method three is the increased likelihood of falling off or knocking the scooter over while making a public display. Use with discretion.

I would like a video demonstration, please. Heavy on the fist pump.

Post by **ericalm** » Fri Mar 15, 2013 12:23 am

Wolfhound wrote:For the real skinny on the BMW scoots check out Ericalm's article on testing the two scoots on www.scooterfile.com. Eric may be the best writer on things mechanical since the days of Tom McCahill. For you young whippersnappers check out McCahill on Wikipedia. Eric gives as good an evaluation as I have read, honest, to the point, and tells you all that you want to know about the scoots.
Disclaimer:
(I have not received any financial reward for this comment!! Not that I would not accept it!!!) 8^)

WOW. Thanks so much for the compliments. Honestly, after writing all that, I thought, "Uh, is anyone going to get through this beast?"

BuddyRaton wrote:Oh I spent a lot of time reading and of course I read your article! Excellent job! I did read it from the perspective of someone with over 37K miles on a Burgman Ex knowing that you are not generally a big fan or rider of of maxi scooters! Knowing that I think you gave a great assessment...it was just kind of fun having the "insider knowledge while reading!"
[snip]
I do have a couple of comments (of course!) Stepping through may take a little practice but for me it's really not a big deal. Maybe I have just figured out an easier way over time. I'm trying to think of how I do it but I'm not sure right now! I'll report later. I find the BMW about the same to step through as the Burg Ex was.

Thanks!

You're a taller, longer-legged guy than I am, and I'm above average height. All torso, though.

The experience was really interesting for me. The BMWs are even bigger/heavier than similar-displacement MCs I've ridden. But I came around to these, especially the Sport. Probably best that I not own anything quite that fast as I fight my speed demon urges all the time. That's one reason the Stella's my daily rider!

CEZ2011 · Post by **CEZ2011** » Fri Mar 15, 2013 3:25 am

Schweet.....My wife wants to trade her Buddy in on the GT. Most likely at the end of summer.

Congratulations and enjoy the new ride.

viney266 · Post by **viney266** » Fri Mar 15, 2013 4:23 am

BuddyRaton wrote:
BootScootin'FireFighter wrote:Congratulations John!
Thanks Dude! But CBR will still be Vintage or Buddy!

^^^AwESOME!....and congrats on the new wheels!

Swordsman · Post by **Swordsman** » Fri Mar 15, 2013 2:19 pm

Since BMW and Kymco are on such good terms, maybe BMW could loan them a few marketing guys to revamp their scooter names here in the States.

~SM

Post by **ericalm** » Sat Mar 16, 2013 4:20 am

People really get all fixated on this Kymco thing. BMW simply contracts with them to build their engines that they design. MANY companies do this, including Honda and Vespa.

michelle_7728 · Post by **michelle_7728** » Sat Mar 16, 2013 8:07 am

Nice looking bike. Congratulations!

Motorized windshield? Wow. Never heard of that before. Very cool.

I had a Majesty 400 a while back and really liked it (the closest I can get to a comparison of your bike), so I'm sure you are going to enjoy your new bike.

I've been waiting for a blue Aprilia Scarbeo 500ie to come in at the local dealer, and it finally did, so I get to pick up my new (well new to me...it's an 08 with 37 demo miles on it) bike tomorrow.

Love the idea of heated grips...I put them on both of my Buddys. That will be one of my first mods on the Beo.

Have fun, and post more pictures from other angles!

spodgorski · Post by **spodgorski** » Sun Mar 17, 2013 12:33 am

Nice!!!

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Sun Mar 17, 2013 6:02 pm

michelle_7728 wrote: Motorized windshield? Wow. Never heard of that before. Very cool.

Have fun, and post more pictures from other angles!

The Burgman Ex had a motorized windshield. I thought of it as a gimmicky add on (I went for the Ex for the ABS) but I found I used it all the time. Lower on surface streets....up for the freeway...up ,,,down...up....down. It was one of the things that swayed my decision to the GT over the Sport.

More pics? Sure!

Bocette says it is way comfy back there....better than the Burg. At high speed on the Burg the wind would try to blow her feet off the boards..the GT has a little body work back there to act like a stop

Saturday will be first service and top box install. I'll post more photos then.

I picked it up on Monday and they said when I was ready for first service at 600 miles to call 2 weeks ahead. I told them to book me for a week from Saturday. "You think you'll have 600 by then?"...."Yeah"

This Saturday I turned 400...with a week of commuting left to go!

jamespolk · Post by **jamespolk** » Sat Apr 27, 2013 12:33 am

That's a very nice scooter you bought! Be safe and enjoy! 8)

Modern Buddy

Yeah...I did it.

Yeah...I did it.

Waaay cool!