Yoda
Site Supporter
Not too small. Not too BIG. Juuust right.
I sure hope so.
35 years without a motorcyle is a very long time. But, a year ago, after more than a full year of contemplation, reading reviews, and going to dealerships, I bought a new Honda PCX150 scooter. It would be perfect for around town, occasional runs on the highway, and even capable of two up with my wife. Or, not. That?s just asking too much of any 150 scooter. It is very nimble, easy to ride, and sips gas at 100 mpg. But, after several months, it became painfully obvious it wasn?t up to the tasks I had for it, and I needed to move up the food chain. The PCX was just too small.
So reading the online reviews started anew, talks commenced with other motorcycle ?experts?, plus many trips to the local dealers to drool over new bikes. I thought long and hard about upgrading to a maxi-scooter, like SilverWing, or Burgman. I even looked at a used Piaggio 500. Ugghh. But, my Honda dealer had had an NT700 in stock at the time I bought my PCX, and it had always caught my eye. What a beautiful motorcycle! On a service trip for the PCX last spring, he made me an offer I couldn?t refuse. And, I didn?t.
Coming from a background of enduro and motocross bikes, the NT700 was by far the most intimidating 2 wheels I had ever ridden. Not only heavy, but top heavy. Even though I am tall enough to flat foot the NT, I couldn?t even imagine how any mortal could handle something even heavier, like a GoldWing, or Harley dresser. But, I overcame my initial trepidation and rode it. I really wanted my new NT to be the perfect bike for me. A couple of thousand miles this spring. 2100 miles to Spearfish and return. Then another 1000 miles after I got back. I had the normal? couple of SAD experiences during the learning process, even one which included my wife on pillion. She took it amazingly well, considering.
In the back of my mind, I knew that the NT excelled at cross country touring. Ask Phil! Or many other riders on the forum. But for me, I needed something more comfortable for around town, and less prone to laying down on the job. The verdict was in: The NT700 was just too big and ponderous for me.
The search was on for ?just right.? I returned to my original thoughts of maxi-scooters, or maybe even the new NC700 DCT bikes. ANYTHING with a lower center of gravity! I pored over the NC-700 forum extensively, looking for owners with problems, solutions, and opinions. Yes, I liked the upright seating of the NT, and that it provided great fuel economy. No, I did not want the laid back, feet forward riding position of the new CTX700. I wanted better weather protection than the NC700X, but the ?scooter? version of the NC700 (Integra) isn?t being imported into the USA, for now.
So, that narrowed down the choice to a maxi-scooter with actual touring capability. I liked the Silvering, but not the fuel economy (less than the NT) nor the reputation of head shake problems (from the SilverWing forum). Plus, they cost more than the NT.
And then there are the Suzuki Burgman scooters. The BurgmanUSA forum was invaluable. Although the 650 was made for two up touring from the start, it also has its share of concerns. Fuel economy is on a par with the SilverWing (not so great), and a few 650?s have had very expensive CVT failures.
Knowing that both Daboo and Comanche (on the NT forum) had Burgman 400 scooters, I privately asked their opinions about the pro?s and con?s of the NT and Burgman 400. They were honest and forthcoming in their comparisons. Even though they had both toured on their Burgmans, and LOVED their Burgmans, they both moved up to the NT to have better high speed touring capabilities. How ironic . They moved up to the NT, and I?m moving up to the Burgman!
Anyway, the decision has been made. I am trading in my NT this week for a new Suzuki Burgman 400 scooter. I really hope it is the ?just right? solution to my situation. 80 pounds lighter than the NT700. MUCH lower center of gravity. Even better fuel economy. Capable of two up on the interstate. Massive storage capability. Impressive reliability. Excellent weather protection. Only time will tell if it is ?just right?. But, I do know one thing for certain, I?ll continue to hang around the NT forum for the sparkling conversations, deep knowledge, and strong opinions! Wouldn?t miss it. Hope to see everyone at Spearfish next July on my Burger. Scooter?s ARE welcome, aren?t they?!
I sure hope so.
35 years without a motorcyle is a very long time. But, a year ago, after more than a full year of contemplation, reading reviews, and going to dealerships, I bought a new Honda PCX150 scooter. It would be perfect for around town, occasional runs on the highway, and even capable of two up with my wife. Or, not. That?s just asking too much of any 150 scooter. It is very nimble, easy to ride, and sips gas at 100 mpg. But, after several months, it became painfully obvious it wasn?t up to the tasks I had for it, and I needed to move up the food chain. The PCX was just too small.
So reading the online reviews started anew, talks commenced with other motorcycle ?experts?, plus many trips to the local dealers to drool over new bikes. I thought long and hard about upgrading to a maxi-scooter, like SilverWing, or Burgman. I even looked at a used Piaggio 500. Ugghh. But, my Honda dealer had had an NT700 in stock at the time I bought my PCX, and it had always caught my eye. What a beautiful motorcycle! On a service trip for the PCX last spring, he made me an offer I couldn?t refuse. And, I didn?t.
Coming from a background of enduro and motocross bikes, the NT700 was by far the most intimidating 2 wheels I had ever ridden. Not only heavy, but top heavy. Even though I am tall enough to flat foot the NT, I couldn?t even imagine how any mortal could handle something even heavier, like a GoldWing, or Harley dresser. But, I overcame my initial trepidation and rode it. I really wanted my new NT to be the perfect bike for me. A couple of thousand miles this spring. 2100 miles to Spearfish and return. Then another 1000 miles after I got back. I had the normal? couple of SAD experiences during the learning process, even one which included my wife on pillion. She took it amazingly well, considering.
In the back of my mind, I knew that the NT excelled at cross country touring. Ask Phil! Or many other riders on the forum. But for me, I needed something more comfortable for around town, and less prone to laying down on the job. The verdict was in: The NT700 was just too big and ponderous for me.
The search was on for ?just right.? I returned to my original thoughts of maxi-scooters, or maybe even the new NC700 DCT bikes. ANYTHING with a lower center of gravity! I pored over the NC-700 forum extensively, looking for owners with problems, solutions, and opinions. Yes, I liked the upright seating of the NT, and that it provided great fuel economy. No, I did not want the laid back, feet forward riding position of the new CTX700. I wanted better weather protection than the NC700X, but the ?scooter? version of the NC700 (Integra) isn?t being imported into the USA, for now.
So, that narrowed down the choice to a maxi-scooter with actual touring capability. I liked the Silvering, but not the fuel economy (less than the NT) nor the reputation of head shake problems (from the SilverWing forum). Plus, they cost more than the NT.
And then there are the Suzuki Burgman scooters. The BurgmanUSA forum was invaluable. Although the 650 was made for two up touring from the start, it also has its share of concerns. Fuel economy is on a par with the SilverWing (not so great), and a few 650?s have had very expensive CVT failures.
Knowing that both Daboo and Comanche (on the NT forum) had Burgman 400 scooters, I privately asked their opinions about the pro?s and con?s of the NT and Burgman 400. They were honest and forthcoming in their comparisons. Even though they had both toured on their Burgmans, and LOVED their Burgmans, they both moved up to the NT to have better high speed touring capabilities. How ironic . They moved up to the NT, and I?m moving up to the Burgman!
Anyway, the decision has been made. I am trading in my NT this week for a new Suzuki Burgman 400 scooter. I really hope it is the ?just right? solution to my situation. 80 pounds lighter than the NT700. MUCH lower center of gravity. Even better fuel economy. Capable of two up on the interstate. Massive storage capability. Impressive reliability. Excellent weather protection. Only time will tell if it is ?just right?. But, I do know one thing for certain, I?ll continue to hang around the NT forum for the sparkling conversations, deep knowledge, and strong opinions! Wouldn?t miss it. Hope to see everyone at Spearfish next July on my Burger. Scooter?s ARE welcome, aren?t they?!
