Got to ride the new model Burgman 650 today on a favourite set of local twisties.
The immediate difference is that the seat is lower than the BMW's (and 530 TMax), I was able to flat foot on the machine, whereas I flat toe on the GT.
On the road it is very quiet, with none of the guttural feedback from the Beemers (which I like). It's smooth and just goes about it's business. Handling was competent, but set up differently. The Burgman will drop into a corner much more readily, almost as if you have to pick it up once tipped in. It tracked true and was not affected by mid corner lumps and bumps, keeping it's line under those circumstances. The suspension is not as compliant as BMW, being a bit more harsh after the initial bit of dampening.
It does not have the acceleration of the BMW's, sitting somewhere in-between the TMax with it's 530 cc's and the BMW, but the power delivery was smooth and linear. I did not play with the gear features, just hit the Power button and rode it just like I would the C650.
The screen is more raked and did not provide the same level of protection that I get on the 650 GT, I just make it into the bubble on the GT when the screen if fully extended. The extra buffeting on the Burgman was noticeable.
I enjoyed the ride and would still smile as I walked up to it, if it was the only ride in the garage. But the 650 GT for me was the right choice, BMW really did nail the C scoots. Quite glad I got to try the Burgman out though. No one would be sorry that they'd bought one or the other machine, if you find the BMers too tall, just go the Burgman.