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Here's the Best Bike to Learn On

by Mo Berry
(Saugeen Shores, ON)

2008 Suzuki Burgman 400

I took a rider's safety course at my local college last summer. They supplied the bikes. I rode a 250 something or other. Just a small powered bike - perfect for negotiating the pylons, etc. I easily passed my test and now was hunting for the ideal bike to own.

My husband took me to lots of cycle shops and I tried out all kinds of bikes. I was thrilled he wanted to buy me one, but which to choose? I am about 5'3" tall, and some sat too high and my feet didn't comfortably set on the ground (you'll need to - for stops!) Some I couldn't reach the shifter with my left foot; often the culprit was the wide gas tanks. Some bikes were too heavy to push backward into a parking space, and this is something to consider as well.

One day, we saw a Suzuki Burgman. What a neat "bike". It is classified as a "scooter" but boy does it go! Read the rating results/comments on the Suzuki Burgman website. I ended up buying a 2008 400 cc. and it really is peppy and I can keep up with other bikes any day. After all, roads have speed limits where I live, and a good speed is generally 97 kms. per hour which the Burgman can do for as long as you want, no problem at all. The seat is super comfortable and I can ride for hours and not get "numb-butt". :)

It has fantastic storage capability (I brought home a pumpkin using under the seat storage last fall, and can do a ton of grocery shopping and put it under the seat as well!) There is a large expansive glove compartment below the instrument panel by the handle bars and a device to charge your cell phone while riding.

Now the best part! It handles beautifully, and is a smooth ride. The instrument panel has digital readouts and gives you all the information you need when riding. It is automatic and for those people with carpal tunnel syndrome in your left hand, your fingers won't go numb as there is no clutching to do. It is sleek and sporty looking - almost space-agey!

With this bike, you can practice your cornering and handling and how to drive defensively (looking out for cars and others on the road) while not worrying about switching gears.

Some people say "It's not a REAL bike" 'cause it's automatic". I tell them that if they have a car without a shifter, "Well it's not a REAL car, cause it's automatic". LOL!

Some people are what I call bike snobs. Unless it is a particular kind, they look down on you and don't offer for you to ride with them. This Burgman isn't a bad boy bike but as a female it is perfect for me as a newer rider. But you know what? Burgman's hold their value better than other bikes and are perfect for city commuters. Hey, maybe I need to start my own Burgman riders club!

The price of gas will be going up this summer they say, so whether it be a bike or a scooter, this mode of transportation will be the best way to strike back at the oil companies!

Comments for Here's the Best Bike to Learn On

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Jul 25, 2011

Reply to Bike Comments
by: Mo Berry

Hi! I wrote this article more than a year ago, and came across it again. I had totally forgotten about it and was heartened to see the positive comments made by people - especially the males! They came to my defense to say I should just ignore those people that look down on those of us that ride highway scooters. Thank you for this! Might I concur that indeed a 400cc CVT is just as dangerous to operate as a 400 cc "regular" manual motorcycle.

I did notice a similarity with the bike snob group: They were all female and judging by their writing, could use a good lesson in proper grammar. So you girls might be able to shift your motorcycle gears but "y'all need a little more educayshun" between the ears!. LOL!

Nov 10, 2010

Gotta Start Somewhere
by: Anonymous

I got the opportunity to see this bike up close and personal and seen the features on it. Let me tell you that this was introduced to me by a gentleman who owns Harley's and uses this bike during the week to commute to work. It has a "real" engine not a scooter little engine and it is legal for use on the freeways. Top speed this man has gone on this bike is 110 mph. He says it's very stable and even feels safer to ride this than the Harley at times. Don't get me wrong here...he LOVES his big bikes! I honestly think that for a beginning rider this would make a good commuter bike and prime anyone up to riding the bigger bikes. Safety, ease of control, and comfort can only lead to rider confidence and once you have that confidence than they can always take it to the next level of bikes. Confidence in your riding ability is key. Heck at least your riding!!

May 02, 2010

A scooter is just as dangerous as
by: Adrenaline Junkie

a motorcylce, so that means it just as exciting to ride....

Apr 04, 2010

Go Girl!
by: godessracing

I think the future will find more motorcycles that have automatic transmissions, or, at least automated manuals. The US government imposes restrictions on the amount of emissions any motorized vehicle can emit. Motorcycles are no exception. In order to meet these regulations there are certain areas that engineers can change. Transmissions are one. Transmissions is an area where emissions and fuel economy can be improved. In autos, the new trend is to have 6 to 8 speeds or more with "automated manuals". The driver can select manual or automatic.

However the computer is still in control and does not allow conditions that result in high emissions or foolish choices by the driver. The result is improved fuel economy. The computer actually memorizes the drivers driving style. I see this technology being applied to motorcycles. We will see more automatics, and automated manuals in motorcycles in the future.

We will see electrics and other sources of fuel. Many scooters also have higher horse power than some 250 or higher manual clutch motorcycles. Thus, what constitutes a motorcycle may be changed in the future. So don't laugh. (I ride a Honda VTX1300 and love it, but I don't laugh at those who like the automatics.)

Mar 30, 2010

Bike Snobs
by: Anonymous

I'm appalled by the comments made by "bike snobs." I ride a motorcycle, but don't feel the need to look down on or criticize those who choose to ride scooters. Why feel the need to judge those who are not riding a "big girl's bike?" It gives motorcyclists a bad name. You know those guys/gals who rev their engines really loudly at the red light to garner attention that nobody gives them because we all know they're overcompensating for some kind of deficiency?

Well, please don't be one of those people with your unkind remarks. Ride your motorcycle and try not to look down on scooter riders because when you're so busy looking down on others, you might end up hitting something. Pay attention to the road.

Mar 26, 2010

Your Scooter
by: Judy

It is a scooter and the riding endorsement in my state is a lot different than the motorcycle endorsement. So you cannot ride a motorcycle but a scooter.

However, they are fun and whatever you feel comfortable and have a good time on. Heck I ride a motorcycle with a side car but that is another endorsement. They handle different on the curves and you can ride off rode. As long as you are out there on the mean street and love what you ride.

Congratulations

Mar 25, 2010

It's Your Ride : )
by: Anonymous

I say ride it like ya stole it, if it has a clutch or not... it's all about the feeling of being on the open road.. Not what size your bike it, not what type of bike it is. I am going to make a wild assumption that most of the bike "snobs" keep their bikes clean and shiny all year round , maybe even spending more time on caring what others think of their bike then actually riding.. don't let any Debbie downers rain on your parade.. be safe and ride it hard :)

Mar 25, 2010

Best bike? Best Scooter!
by: Michelle

I think I am a snob too. Sorry but this is not a motorcycle.

I had a friend in my motorcycle learner's group and she was riding a scooter to work but wanted to learn how to ride a motorcycle. She was getting mixed up because there isn't a clutch on her scooter and the brake was on the other side. If you want to ride, ride. But I'm not waving at you.

Mar 25, 2010

Scooter
by: Anonymous

I guess I am also SNOB AS THIS DOESN'T count as a motorcycle . Sorry to burst your bubble, not to mention it is an automatic. I have had both hands released for carpal tunnel, and don.t have any issues riding my MOTORCYCLE. This is a scooter plain and simple. Maybe someday you can get a big girls bike . Enjoy

Mar 25, 2010

Burgman
by: Rocco

Oh hell, I bet you look great on that Bike, scooter whatever you want to call it, It's your thing and who gives a darn what anyone calls it. All that matters is your enjoyment of THE RIDE. There are so many new rides on the market today. 3 wheelers, 2 wheels front, one in back, automatics, ones that could be classified as cars, helicopter motorcycles for heaven sake! I love them all and we're all in it for the same reason. Get past the opinions and have fun girl........

Mar 25, 2010

Your Motorcycle Instructor
by: valerie

MO was my favorite "gal" student! OK, she was my only female in my male dominated course. You were the best student, and you were also the most improved student!! You should be proud, I wish all the female students were like you! Ready to learn, challenging yourself, first one there, and last to leave. No one was going to intimidate you.. You were awesome!! I loved it. PS.. that mean bike that you were learning on was a 125CC.. but sssshhhhh don't tell anyone .... Let them all believe it was a 600CC OMG mean machine.

Mar 25, 2010

Guess I am a
by: Rene L.

I guess I would be counted as one of the bike snobs, because that is a scooter not a motorcycle. If it what you choose to ride it is certainly your business, but it is a scooter, not because it is an automatic, but because it is a scooter, lol. Not the same thing no matter how much you want it to be.

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