With one of these:
😀
It’s a 2004 Suzuki Burgman 400.
We’ve talked and talked and talked about it for a long time, and had some false starts, but today was the right time. Apologies to the dealer, but he really cut me a great deal. I guess it was the after-Christmas doldrums and the snow wasn’t helping his bottom line for January. He started cutting the price from the word “go”. I had already been talking to SG Power about the Yamaha Majesty 400, which is a very similar bike, and I picked up the Suzuki with an electric vest and heated handgrips for $500 less than the basic Yamaha.
So what’s with this bike? Why does it look funny?
It’s a scooter. A 400cc single-cylinder with a large, full fairing, three glove boxes, and a huge trunk under the seat. It’s not a sport bike, but it looks sporty. It has an automatic CVT transmission, which I’m fairly neutral about, but a plus for such a small engine.
It’s ideal for what I want it for: regular commuting. I anticipate getting around 60 mpg, and the insurance for the year isn’t bad: $774 for full coverage. Parking is across the street from my office, and $3 per day under cover.
I don’t have it yet: it’s still at the dealer. They’re going to install the handgrips on Tuesday, and I figure I’ll pick it up on Saturday. It’s snowing outside right now, and it’s supposed to rain all week. I’ve still got a bus pass for the remainder of January…
Your a braver man than I. I wouldn’t ride that around here; mind you I’m not one for Motor bikes anyways. Can’t beat the fuel economy though…
Your going to have to get a Side car for it so you guys can take Miranda with you… 😛
Ha! 🙂 I don’t think that Miranda will ever be on it (besides yesterday: I sat her on it in the dealership). By the time she’s old enough to be a passenger, it’ll be replaced or gone, probably.
I have discussed the topic of Tammy riding it from time to time. She’s not keen on it, but the seat is pretty low to the ground. Would need to get her a new helmet. Heh, you should see my new one. Ordered it in specially at SG Power: it’s a take-the-batteries-out yellow. Visibility is assured..
Cool, your helmet will give drivers something to aim for….
Seriously, ride safe out there man, there are a lot of stupid drivers in this town.
You have no idea. It’s not until you get into the mindset of being the smallest thing on the road that you realize how bad it is. Defensive riding and awareness is the *only* rule.
That having been said, I maintain that my riding to and from work on the Gorge on my bicycle was more dangerous. At least on a scooter you’re in the flow of traffic, not an obstacle to it.
So seriously, enlighten me. Several months ago you were talking bike, but it wasn’t in the cards….must be the new job . Maybe some more green? Well it’s about time you got out of Timberline/Inform anyway.
You’re right. It’s the new job and the new financial reality that is making this (and more importantly, Tammy staying home) possible. The truth is we probably could have afforded the bike in August, but at the time we hadn’t analyzed our finances.
Throw in a pay upgrade and the dealer cutting me a it’s-January-and-I’m-desperate deal, and Bob’s your uncle.