BKB Announcement

Introducing the Burgman Knowledge Base (BKB).

New software has been added to the Burgman USA (BUSA) website that will function as a repository for user submitted information related to the Burgman scooters. This new feature will not compete with the forums as you know it, instead it will be a complement. It will be a place to have all of the good information on the forums, but without all of the conversation and multiple threads to wade through.

What is formerly known as the "Pop Top", an index of 650 topics worth cataloging for others to easily find, will be taken down as it has been fully integrated with the BKB. The Pop Top was launched only 1 year ago, and now has over 500 links.

What are the advantages? This website has a "wiki" format (like Wikipedia) that allows multiple contributors (that means YOU) to edit information. Unlike my Pop Top, the BKB will no longer be limited to a single contributor, nor will it be be limited to the 650 model. Yes, that means that 400 owners will now have their own section! Using this system, a select group of BUSA's members will be able to contribute to the popular topics index and other sections. As a result of this new software, the current FAQ section of the forums will be integrated and eventually removed. Adding a "wiki" style setup for the BKB, we hope that information will be more thorough and up-to-date than single post on the forums. If a section is missing, add it! If someone gave misleading information, correct it! That's how it works, by reviewing the information by multiple contributors, we can have information that is correct and robust.

Here are some of the features we have set up on the BKB:

Diagnostics
When people have trouble with their Burgmans, they'll be able to follow steps in order to figure out the problem. This feature will require contributions from members with mechanical knowledge of the Burgmans. How many times have we answered "Check the kill switch". With this key, members will be able to go step by step to determine the problem.

Maintenance
Tutorials on maintenance and accessory installations have been popular on the forums. We now have a centralized place for all members to post their DIY methods. Instead of reading multiple threads about how one guy does an oil change, we can now have one document that shows how multiple owners do an oil change.

Accessories Installation
Similar as above, except it will include a how-to on installing our favorite farkles.

Which brings me to the next section...
Common Terminology
Wondering what a "farkle" is? How bout an OP, PM, WS, SECVT, ATGATT, or Lardy? We've got a place for that, too!

Other sections under construction include:
Burgman Model Comparison
What You Need To Know Before Buying a Burgman
Meaning of the name Burgman
Towing Burgmans

Hopefully you will see that the BKB will be another powerful tool for Burgman owners. I strongly encourage all of those that are knowledgeable about Burgmans to contribute some of that knowledge towards the BKB. "Hey! How comes there's no info on the 400s??" That's up to some 400 owners to contribute. I know there are lots of empty holes in the BKB as it is now, but I can assure you that with each of us contributing a little at a time, every page could be filled out relatively quickly.

Who can contribute?
We will limit contributors to members that have demonstrated their knowledge and are in good standing with the moderators and administration. How that is determined will be up to the discretion of the BUSA Administrators and may change at anytime. If you don't see an invite and you feel you can contribute, please send me a PM. You don't even have to have a lot of posts to meet the above requirements. Being a computer wizard isn't needed to contribute, either. If you've been able to do some coding on the forums (like adding an inline photo), the BKB isn't that much different!

http://burgmanusa.com/bkb/tiki-index.php

PS- I recommend only bookmarking the home page, since individual page's URLs are likely to change as we begin this process.

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