From Burger650 to Swing600

In another thread,

JeffR_ wrote:

Colin B,
Tell us how you like the Swing when you get it? I like to read posts that compare the 2 bikes.

Having changed bikes today (and bear in mind that I've ridden only about 20 miles on the new one) here are my first impressions.

As I rode off the dealer's forecourt, my immediate impression was that the Swing seemed lighter to handle, with a higher centre of gravity. I wobbled a little as I wove slowly around the new cars! That said, I felt closer to the ground than on the Burger and can easily get both feet down with knees still flexed.

I felt a little uneasy at first as I pulled out onto a busy cross-London route, but it soon passed. I think I just have to learn again - I've been on Burgmans for 7 years.

After a mile on "main" roads I was soon on the motorway (freeway) and opening the throttle. Performance seems as good as the Burger.

I'm pleased to say that the mirrors did not prove as problematic as had been suggested. Once adjusted, they gave a good view, though the line of sight is different and moves with the bars. But being higher than the Burger's, they should make filtering through traffic a little easier.

Also, the screen seemed fine and certainly no worse than the stock Burgman screen. For a while, I had a tall Givi screen on my Burgman. Great protection, but the vortex rolled over my head and pushed me forward.

Leg room seems about the same.

One thing is FAR better on the swing....the clutch. It's much smoother than either of the Burgers I've owned. It was very difficult to pull out of a junction if the clutch had just dropped out but the engine was still turning at more than idle speed. Opening the throttle would cause the clutch to snatch and the bike leap forward a bit. One had to be very careful with the right hand.

No problems like that with the Swing.

There is a little more engine vibration on the Swing, but the engine/transmission/exhaust noise is nicer than the Burger (which tended to whine); it's more of a roar - how a bike should sound.

The Swing's instrument panel is nicer. I never liked the digital speedo. I find a pointer far easier to read, but I don't know how accurate it is. Burgmen all read 10% faster than true speed. When I receive the GPS mount from DennisB I'll be able to make a comparison.

The Burgman has a wider seat, but I always found it hard. The Swing is narrower, but softer. Time will tell.

One thing is certain - I need a back-rest. I had a Three Brothers version on the Burgman. I took it off before the exchange and kept the parts, so I may try to modify it for the Swing.

I think that's about it for now. If you're wondering why I've ridden only 20 miles on my shiny new bike, have a look at our weather. It awfully cold and no fun at all. When I reached the dealer this morning, having ridden into a biting easterly for half an hour, my tiny hands were frozen!



Early days yet and of course the first thing one notices is the difference in handling. I was used to the old Burger, it fitted like a glove, and after my initial wobble, I couldn't help wondering if changing had been a wise move. All things considered, I'm sure it was. I'll soon get the feel of the new one, if the big freeze goes away.

As was said elsewhere, the Swing has fewer bells and whistles, but it's bullet proof.


Will that do Jeff?

Colin,

Thanks for the write up. I know some say the B650 is a bit smoother on the interstate but I also read that the SWing has a very smooth transmission. I think it has a smoother transmission than the Reflex and Majesty I had, but they were both really good though.

I had a few screens on my SWing and when I had the standard Givi screen I would get some back pressure too. I have the Givi AF and it is the best screen I have had. If I had to have a screen other than the Givi AF I would go with the Clearview. It doesn't give any back pressure at all. But I must say that the back pressure I got with the standard Givi was very small but would gently push the back of my head forward.

If you think the mirrors may vibrate a bit more than you want you may want to get bar weights. These just replace the existing bar ends but are much heavier.

Thanks for the write up and hope you will be active here.

I was wondering about bar weights as I intend to fit a Givi rack to the back.

I intend to be very active here, thanks.

Colin B wrote:

I was wondering about bar weights as I intend to fit a Givi rack to the back.

I intend to be very active here, thanks.

FWIW, I fitted a set of these heavier stainless steel bar weights to my Wing - certainly lessened the vibrations. http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/73779 The Honda rack and OEM topbox was already fitted when I bought my Wing.

The other thing I found made a difference was Puncture Safe in the tyres - really smoothed out the ride!

Graham

Thanks Graham,

Puncturesafe is on the list.