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  • 1 Post By Mr Sloane
  • 1 Post By guzzi vince
  • 1 Post By Quijote routes
  • 2 Post By John933
  • 1 Post By Walkabout
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  #1  
Old 12 Sep 2014
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Hello to all on the forum. I am planning a long tour round France into Italy and across to Greece. Taking it easy on two wheels as I suffer from spinal problems and although good for riding on tarmac any off road riding is out- plus the machine I want to use has to be very comfortable- thus looking at a 650 Burgman. Yup a scooter- never thought I would be going down that route being an old rocker from the 1960s. haha they were the days.

Having ridden old British bikes for more than 55 years [indeed still have two 750 Triumphs as well as a 1960 500]- but the days of kickstarting bikes every morning on a tour are over. Enjoy riding and despite my spinal problems still want to enjoy touring. Not giving up that easily.

My handle here is Mr Sloane- aged 67. Live in Scotland
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  #2  
Old 12 Sep 2014
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No shame riding the big Burgman. It's a fun scooter IMO. A good friend of mine has one ... and as he's gotten on in years it's become his favorite "everyday" bike. He's 70.

He also owns a '05 R1200GS and a 2013 Triumph Explorer. Both BIG - Heavy bikes. BOTH are now for sale ... but he's keeping the Burgman and will soon leave to ride it down from Northern California to his house near San Felipe, Baja, Mexico. (800 miles one way)

I've done several long stints on the Burgman ... and I liked it. Takes a bit of getting used to but has everything a good touring bike needs. I loved the paddle shifters and the power is pretty good. It's smooth as silk and handles well enough if not pushed too hard. Lean angles aren't bad either but BIG bumps whilst hauled over can upset it and it can bottom out. That's the only fault I found.

It's far better than the Burgman 400, which I did not like much at all. The suspension on the 650 is better than the 400.

For me the riding position took getting used to and I had to learn to use the parking brake when stopped.

Good luck!

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  #3  
Old 11 Jul 2015
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Back on the road again- rode my Harley managed 320 miles today- couple of stops for lunch and petrol/coffee. Successful surgery a few months ago and no more spinal problems- off tomorrow for 285 miles heading for London. Started off from north Scotland- took the motorway down- but my return journey will be via "A" roads and visit Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and Scottish borders. Camping.

This is me in preparation for a European tour next year- testing me, the bike to see if I am capable at the age of 68 and can I do camping. Been many years since I last camped. Determined though.

My thoughts of a Burgman - gone now that I and the Harley are good for long distance riding
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  #4  
Old 18 Jul 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Sloane View Post
Back on the road again- rode my Harley managed 320 miles today- couple of stops for lunch and petrol/coffee. Successful surgery a few months ago and no more spinal problems- off tomorrow for 285 miles heading for London. Started off from north Scotland- took the motorway down- but my return journey will be via "A" roads and visit Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and Scottish borders. Camping.

This is me in preparation for a European tour next year- testing me, the bike to see if I am capable at the age of 68 and can I do camping. Been many years since I last camped. Determined though.

My thoughts of a Burgman - gone now that I and the Harley are good for long distance riding
Well done young man, take it easy in the first days, don't strain the back, give nature, after the NHS a chance to do it's work

Nice to see that you are back on the road again & the determination is still there
Enjoy the trip..... Vince
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  #5  
Old 4 Aug 2015
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Location: Madridejos(Toledo)
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Hello and from Spain..
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  #6  
Old 4 Aug 2015
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Location: King's Lynn UK
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Sloane View Post
Hello to all on the forum. I am planning a long tour round France into Italy and across to Greece. Taking it easy on two wheels as I suffer from spinal problems and although good for riding on tarmac any off road riding is out- plus the machine I want to use has to be very comfortable- thus looking at a 650 Burgman. Yup a scooter- never thought I would be going down that route being an old rocker from the 1960s. haha they were the days.

Having ridden old British bikes for more than 55 years [indeed still have two 750 Triumphs as well as a 1960 500]- but the days of kickstarting bikes every morning on a tour are over. Enjoy riding and despite my spinal problems still want to enjoy touring. Not giving up that easily.

My handle here is Mr Sloane- aged 67. Live in Scotland
There is not many of us left at your age still traveling in Europe. Keep up the good work, and fly the flag.
John933
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To buy petrol in Europe. Pull up at station. Wait. Get out a 20 Euro note, then ask someone to fill up the bike. Give person money. Ride away. Simple.
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  #7  
Old 4 Aug 2015
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Originally Posted by John933 View Post
There is not many of us left at your age still traveling in Europe. Keep up the good work, and fly the flag.
John933
Well, I'm another one in this bracket.
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Dave
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  #8  
Old 9 Oct 2016
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Location: Way up north Scotland
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Update. Been an eventful year for me - my plans of a European trip had to be put on hold. Had both knees replaced - left knee a few weeks ago the right last December - which prevented me getting out this year. My Harley sold on after 15 years of ownership - sad really but with all my camping gear found her just too heavy to hold up at stops/junctions etc I knew i was going to drop it - though did manage a long tour last summer before she went to a new owner -My touring about revealed I like my camping comforts too much and unable to fit it all on a solo bike

So not to be defeated - with the proceeds of the Harley sale bought a Triumph America with a Monza sidecar. Now i won't drop her at stops - and can carry all my gear. Folding chair and small table, a decent mattress , good sized sleeping bag, larger cooker and so on.

Been getting some "piloting"practice on the outfit recently in preparation for next years European trip - plans to celebrate my 70th birthday on the road.
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