Posted by: ThunderBat
Burgman Strider - 06/05/05 07:01 PM
It seems that the word "scooter" is becoming more of a style of bike than a statement of size. The Suzuki Burgman 650 and the Honda SilverWing are redefining the term by offering much larger engines, high cruise speed capability and the user friendly auto trans, especially the Burgman 650 with its 5 range manual shift mode and 130mph top speed. I personally have long thought that you should be able to buy a bike that has touring ability without sinking the major bucks for a GoldWing or Ultra Classic. Even for simple commuting to work you need the capacity to carry a few things around with you and most entry level or up level cruiser bikes offer very little in this department. These new "SuperScooters" are offereing huge storage spaces under the seats and even some add-on luggage. The Honda Griffon and Suzuki Strider showbikes signal a new direction the bike market is taking. Soon I dont think they'll be able to call them "scooters" anymore, with 750cc's and higher on tap, this is getting into a whole new breed of machine. I read that Suzuki has decided not to build the Strider citing high sticker cost as its primary reason. I personally would still like to see some version of this bike because I would open my checkbook for it for sure. I did a rather rough chop featuring elements of both the "Strider" showbike and the Burgman 650 to try and come up with someting more "producable" or closer to what they already build...they could still pack the 900cc's if they wanted but even 100 less would make a strong street bike...check it out and tell what ya think.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/thunderbat/BurgmanStrider800.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v217/thunderbat/BurgmanStrider800.jpg