VOL. 50 ISSUE 46 NOVEMBER 19, 2013
get past another vehicle. Once
things spread out and speeds
increased, I'd go back to the
standard mode, which feels as
though you're clicking into overdrive.
Manual shifting is also available with the SECVT "five-speed"
transmission, via two thumb buttons on the left handlebar, but I
hardly used it. At first it was kind
of fun banging the buttons to
change gears, but the novelty
wore off quickly; and once I started really living with the Burgman,
I completely forgot about the
manual shifting mode. Besides,
the upshift and downshift buttons
are placed way too close to each
other and it can be difficult to tell
which one is which by feel (especially with thick gloves on) so you
actually have to eyeball them as
you shift. A trigger switch for upshifting would be a much better
idea.
P53
Another novelty that I never
really used much was the Burgman's electronically folding mirrors. Again, it's a nice feature
but… really? I guess in Europe
lane splitting can get a little tight,
as can parking your scooter
among a thousand other scooters by the outdoor cafes.
As mentioned earlier, the
Burgman is very stable at speed
- even with those small 14- and
15-inch wheels. It also feels well
