Burgman

Burgman 400

From the looks I got, you'd think I was riding a unicorn. Not that my bug-splattered two-wheeler was all that, aesthetically. I was riding a scooter, breezing along at a brisk 80 mph on the sort of in-the-sticks stretch of highway with two sorts of signs: the ones that give the speed limit and the ones that say "Next gas 36 miles."Think you can't tour on a scooter? Suzuki's Burgman 400 has been proving it's possible since 2003, when the manufacturer first brought its Burgman maxi-scooters to the U.S. Now, for its '07 model, Suzuki has upped the ante, with power, handling and emissions improvements that show it isn't just possible to scoot this four-stroke single across town or country, it's a kick.

Engine-wise, Meister Burgman has morphed from a 385 cc single overhead cam to a double with a longer piston stroke, an upgrade that jolts this mid-range maxi-scooter up a notch, allowing the Burgman 400 to finally live up to its name. And greenies will breathe a little easier knowing that the Burgman's new oval section exhaust system not only meets the current California Air Resources Board emissions standards but also the significantly stricter European requirements, known as Euro 3

Burgman 650

When you’ve got the attitude of a biker but don’t have the cash to support the lifestyle, try the Suzuki Burgman 650 Scooter 2009 on for size. Combining modern styling, scooter-style convenience and full-size motorcycle performance, the Burgman 650 is ideal for jetting around every day. Powered by a liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine, this Suzuki scooter features an electronic fuel injection system with 32-bit ECM, which offers easy engine starts, precise throttle response, reduced fuel consumption and low emissions. For your comfort and convenience, it also comes with enough seat room for two and plenty of storage space. Base price of $8,699.

After retiring from the Coast Guard in 1998, I finally finished my degree in 2000. I started my program in 1972 and started teaching in 2000. Good thing I knew what I wanted to do. Incidentally, 2000 was the same year that my grandson graduated from kindergarten. My wife has a very nice picture of me in my black cap and gown and my grandson in his burgundy cap and gown. I'm not sure which one of us that graduation was harder on. My degree is in Special Education, but I've been out of the field for over 6 years as I've been teaching computer applications and now computer repair at Murphy High School. While I did enjoy working the the special needs population, I think I've found my true happiness working with the computers. I suppose it was appropriate since I've got two brothers who build them from scratch. Must be a genetic thing. Anyone who works with children knows that they can be trying at times (yeah, right). So for relaxation, I ride a motorcycle to and from work. It works out to be about 50 miles a day so it's a lot cheaper then the gas from my Titan. I'd much rather get 50 miles per gallon from the cycle, then 13 miles per gallon from the truck.