Imagine a maxi-scooter that combines the best of both worlds: the practicality of a scooter and the performance of a mid-sized motorcycle. The Suzuki Burgman650 is that bike, offering a unique riding experience that’s hard to match.

With its powerful 638cc twin-cylinder engine, this scooter can reach speeds of about 110mph, making it perfect for both daily commutes and weekend adventures. Despite its popularity in Europe, maxi-scooters like the Burgman650 remain underappreciated in markets like the US.

This luxury maxi-scooter is designed to provide comfort without compromising on performance or style, making it an ideal choice for riders seeking versatility in their motorcycle.

The Suzuki Burgman 650: A Luxury Maxi-Scooter Overview

As the flagship of Suzuki’s maxi-scooter lineup, the Burgman650 offers unparalleled comfort and style. The Suzuki Burgman650 has evolved significantly since its introduction, representing the pinnacle of Suzuki’s maxi-scooter engineering and design philosophy.

The Evolution of the Burgman Series

The Suzuki Burgman series has undergone substantial development since the launch of the smaller Burgman AN250 and AN400 models in 1999. The Burgman650, introduced in 2003, marked a significant milestone for Suzuki, offering a more powerful and feature-rich maxi-scooter. The subsequent introduction of the Burgman650 Executive model in 2004 further enhanced the lineup with premium features such as ABS, heated seats, and an adjustable windscreen.

The Burgman650’s evolution is a testament to Suzuki’s commitment to innovation in the maxi-scooter segment. Over the years, Suzuki has refined the Burgman650 with various updates, making it a top choice for those seeking a luxury maxi-scooter.

Key Specifications and Features

The Burgman650 boasts impressive specifications, including a 638cc twin-cylinder engine that produces 54 bhp, enabling it to reach speeds of up to 110 mph. With a dry weight of 238 kg and a fuel capacity of 15 liters, the Burgman650 offers a range of approximately 130 miles, with an average fuel consumption of around 43 mpg.

• A steel tubular frame provides strength and stability.
• A relatively low seat height of 750 mm makes it accessible to riders of various heights.
• The Burgman650 Executive model features premium amenities, including ABS, heated seats, and an adjustable windscreen.
• The bike’s design balances comfort and performance, making it suitable for both commuting and longer journeys.

The Burgman650’s key features, including its substantial storage capacity and advanced transmission options, set it apart from conventional motorcycles and smaller scooters. With its luxury features and impressive performance, the Burgman650 is an attractive option for those seeking a high-end maxi-scooter.

Engine Performance and Transmission System

At the heart of the Suzuki Burgman650 lies a sophisticated engine designed for both power and efficiency. The Burgman650 is equipped with a robust 638cc twin-cylinder powerplant that delivers a substantial 54 bhp, making it capable of reaching speeds of up to 110 mph.

The 638cc Twin-Cylinder Powerplant

The Suzuki Burgman650’s engine is a 4-stroke, parallel twin that boasts impressive performance characteristics. With its smooth power delivery throughout the rev range, the Burgman650 provides rapid acceleration at all speeds, making it suitable for both urban commuting and highway cruising.

The engine’s refined nature ensures that vibration is kept to a minimum, contributing to the overall comfort during both short commutes and longer journeys.

Innovative Automatic Transmission with Manual Mode

One of the standout features of the Burgman650 is its innovative automatic transmission system, which offers multiple riding modes to suit different situations and rider preferences. The transmission system includes both normal and “Power” automatic modes, allowing riders to choose between fuel efficiency and more aggressive acceleration.

The manual mode option provides five push-button selectable gears, giving riders motorcycle-like control when desired without the need to operate a traditional clutch.

Fuel Efficiency and Range

The Suzuki Burgman650 achieves a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency. With a fuel consumption rate of just over 60 mpg during mixed riding, it is relatively economical for its size and power output.

This means that riders can enjoy the thrill of riding a powerful maxi-scooter without the concern of frequent fuel stops, making it ideal for both daily commutes and longer trips.

Design, Comfort, and Ergonomics

Comfort and style are at the forefront of the Suzuki Burgman650’s design philosophy. The Burgman650 is designed to provide a premium riding experience, focusing on both the rider’s and passenger’s comfort without compromising on style or performance.

Premium Styling and Build Quality

The Suzuki Burgman650 boasts premium styling with a robust build quality that is evident in its sleek lines and sturdy construction. The attention to detail in its design ensures that it not only looks luxurious but also feels premium to ride. While the build quality is generally good, owners note that the underside of the Burgman requires regular maintenance to prevent corrosion.

• The Burgman650’s design philosophy centers on providing premium comfort.
• The build quality is robust, with sleek lines and sturdy construction.
• Regular maintenance is necessary to prevent corrosion on the underside.

Rider and Passenger Comfort

Rider comfort is exceptional thanks to a plush, well-padded seat that’s often described by owners as feeling like “sitting in your favorite armchair” rather than on a motorcycle. The pillion accommodation is also expansive, especially with the optional top box back rest, making it comfortable for passengers as well.

• The seat is designed to provide maximum comfort for the rider.
• Passenger comfort is enhanced with a wide, comfortable pillion seat.
• The riding position is upright and relaxed, with a spacious floorboard area.

Executive Model Luxury Features

The Executive model of the Burgman650 elevates the comfort experience with luxury features including heated grips and a heated seat for both rider and passenger. The electric adjustable windscreen allows riders to customize wind protection on the go with the push of a button.

• The Executive model includes heated grips and a heated seat.
• The electric adjustable windscreen provides customizable wind protection.
• Powered folding mirrors make navigating through tight spaces easier.

Handling and Ride Quality

The Burgman650’s handling characteristics are a critical aspect of its overall performance and rider satisfaction. Despite its substantial weight of 238kg, the Suzuki Burgman650 offers surprisingly competent handling that balances stability and maneuverability. The scooter’s design ensures a comfortable ride for both the rider and passenger.

Suspension and Braking Performance

The suspension system of the Burgman650 provides a luxurious ride quality, with particular attention to absorbing road imperfections. While the front suspension is somewhat basic, the rear suspension features preload adjustment, allowing riders to optimize the setup based on load and riding conditions. The braking system is comprehensive and powerful, featuring dual 260mm discs at the front and a single 250mm disc at the rear, all equipped with ABS for added safety.

The braking performance is enhanced by the ABS system, which functions effectively even considering the Burgman’s substantial weight. This provides confident braking in all conditions, making the Burgman650 a safe choice for long-distance touring.

Stability at Highway Speeds

At highway speeds, the Burgman650 maintains composure even when faced with crosswinds or passing trucks. However, some owners note that it can feel less planted at very high speeds above 80mph. The scooter’s stability is excellent at normal cruising speeds, making it suitable for long highway journeys.

Maneuverability in Urban Settings

Urban maneuverability is aided by a good steering lock that helps navigate tight spaces. Although the scooter’s size and weight make it less nimble than smaller scooters in heavy traffic situations, it handles UK A roads surprisingly well and navigates corners and roundabouts with ease.

The combination of comfortable suspension, effective brakes, and a stable chassis creates a ride quality that many owners describe as akin to a luxury touring motorcycle rather than a typical scooter.

Storage Capacity and Practicality

The Suzuki Burgman650 stands out for its exceptional storage capacity, making it a top choice for commuters and touring riders alike. This maxi-scooter is designed to provide ample space for riders’ needs, whether it’s for daily commutes or extended trips.

Under-Seat Storage System

The Burgman650 boasts a cavernous under-seat storage compartment that can accommodate two full-face helmets or a substantial amount of cargo. This feature is particularly beneficial for commuters who need to store their gear securely. The under-seat storage is vast, easily enough for solo touring riders, and is highlighted by owners who use it to store musical instruments or other bulky items. For instance, one musician owner noted that their instrument, sometimes two trumpets, fits under the seat, locked up and out of sight.

Additional Storage Compartments

Beyond the main under-seat storage, the Burgman650 features additional compartments to enhance its practicality. These include a lockable glovebox with an accessory socket and two dashboard compartments for smaller items that need to be accessed while riding. These extra storage spaces contribute to the scooter’s overall versatility and convenience.

Touring Capabilities and Accessories

For riders who require even more storage capacity, the Burgman650 can be equipped with optional hard luggage and a top box. This additional storage capability makes the Burgman650 rival some small cars in terms of luggage capacity. The combination of under-seat storage and optional hard luggage makes the Burgman650 an ideal choice for touring, with many owners reporting successful long-distance trips thanks to its comfort, performance, and storage capacity.

The Burgman650’s extensive storage capability eliminates the need for backpacks or tank bags, allowing riders to store all their gear securely on the bike. With reasonable running costs, including fuel economy ranging from 44mpg in city riding to 68mpg during highway cruising, the Burgman650 offers a compelling package for riders who value versatility and convenience.

Conclusion: Is the Suzuki Burgman 650 Worth It?

The Suzuki Burgman650 is a game-changer in the world of maxi-scooters, offering a unique blend of performance, comfort, and practicality. With its powerful 638cc parallel twin engine producing 54 bhp, it can reach speeds of up to 120 mph where permitted, making it suitable for both highway cruising and spirited riding.

The Burgman650’s automatic transmission with manual override provides flexibility for different riding styles, while features like heated seats and grips, adjustable windscreen, and extensive storage make it exceptionally practical for daily use. Owner reviews consistently highlight the exceptional comfort for both rider and pillion, with the plush seat and effective wind protection making long journeys much more pleasant.

While the premium price point of around £7,000 for the Executive model positions it as a luxury option, many owners find the combination of comfort, performance, and practicality justifies the investment. Common criticisms include the substantial weight and some maintenance issues, but the Burgman650’s fuel economy, ranging from 44-68 mpg, makes it reasonably economical to run.

Ultimately, the Suzuki Burgman650 excels as a comfortable, capable, and practical option for riders who spend significant time in the saddle. Whether commuting daily or enjoying weekend escapes, it offers a unique blend of scooter convenience with near-motorcycle performance, making it a worthy consideration for those seeking a luxury maxi-scooter.

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