Especially when one considers that in what amounts to the auto industry’s version of an echo, Suzuki has solidly launched the new 650 Burgman in maxi-scooter field without any hoohah or at least without letting the press in on it. Appearing in showrooms all the same, without any firework opening ceremonies or press releases to send it on its way, this two-wheeled beefcake has created waves among the ranks of hungry fans.
I stared in amazement at the shining lines of the Burgman 650 as I patronized a local agency yesterday: Why has Suzuki chosen this restrained approach for what seems obviously to be their primary scooter model offering?
Perhaps they wanted the product to speak for itself.
And speak it does, with a design language that exudes luxury on all counts. While the Burgman name has always been synonymous with Suzuki’s high-end scooter line, this new 650 model moves the goal posts for that marque right up another notch.
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The Evolution of Luxury and Technology in Harmony
At first sight, the new Burgman 650’s imposing presence can’t help but catch the attention. This maxi-scooter has all the dimensions of a bike instead of a scooter but has quietly entered the niche.
The graceful LED headlights are housed in a front fairing that sweeps backward and lends a sense of movement to the scooter even when it is standing still. I ran my hand lovingly down those sculpted sides, taking delight in how well suede-like materials pair with translucent ones: This is quality material throughout.
The saddle, big and luxurious, feels more at home in a high-class automobile than it does atop a machine with only two wheels. So it’s clear that Suzuki’s designers had long distance comfort uppermost in their minds when they included an adjustable backrest for the rider alongside all that space.
One of the strong points of the Burgman has always been storage space and here it continues that tradition. In this class, the 650 features what may be most generous under-seat compartment of its kind. On my inspection, I was surprisingly able to drop a full-face helmet into this locker with room for other essentials.
But what really makes this release different is the remarkable efficiency that Suzuki has been able to achieve with this big bike. The Burgman 650 gives 50Kmpl (kilometers per liter), which is far beyond what most people would expect from such a scooter in size and power class.
This efficiency figure is especially impressive given that this liquid-cooled, fuel injected parallel-twin engine has the performance capabilities to match a much larger capacity motorcycle. In a brief test ride, the smooth delivery of power was immediately apparent and it gave confident acceleration without any of the aggressive jerkiness that often characterizes high-performing machines.
The transmission merits special mention. Equipped with their advanced SECVT (Suzuki Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission), Suzuki has equipped the Burgman 650 in both automatic and manual shift modes. It lets riders flick a switch to switch between comfort or sportiness – a thoughtful feature that adjusts to all riding situations and rider preferences.
New Features and Rider-Focused Amenities
The first time you climb aboard the Burgman 650, it feels less as though you are getting onto a scooter than settling down in a moving command center. The instrument panel has a full complement of meters supplementary by central digital display that gives comprehensive information at glance.
Thoughtful touches abound on my test ride: heated grips and seat (a great boon for those early morning commutes), electrically adjustable windscreen, cruise control that makes long stretches of highway riding effortless.
The care and attention to detail even extends to practical matters. The Burgman 650 has a handy parking brake system which guarantees stability if you park on a slope – something I tested out at an inclined driveway with complete peace of mind.
Also, Suzuki has addressed security concerns with an immobilizer system that works with an electronic key, which should ease any worries about parking in town.Handling such a big scooter could have been a problem, but the Suzuki engineeering team has worked wonderfuly well with the chassis.
For its size, the Burgman 650 feels strikingly easy to handle when running at low speeds and has its center of gravity placed to give confidence in slow-speed maneuvers.With telescopic forks at the front and twin shocks at the rear, the suspension system Suzuki has set up is simply wonderfully balanced as well as firm.
On some roads which were less than perfect, I sampled it and found that the imperfections in the surface were being absorbed by this system, without transmitting back to you as rider any harshness.At the front, a set of 310mm discs handle braking duties–aided by ABS.
Tight control is necessary in conjunction with the scooter’s high performance; Suzuki has matched the scooter’s capabilities for deceleration without losing any of its strength.
Why Suzuki decided to release such an impressive machine with so little fanfare is a question without an answer for now.
A few dealers I’ve spoken with suggest that perhaps the Japanese manufacturer sees this as a soft launch aimed at testing the waters before going on to make a more serious move.
To sum up, as more and more people find out about this unknown treasure in Suzuki’s range of models word-of-mouth should begin to carry some real weight.
The Burgman 650 combines many features you’d expect only in high-end products, has excellent efficiency and performance: it’s a lovely choice for the rider who needs something comfortable enough to take into her daily life yet without being at all afraid of going on touring trips at weekends.
With a price tag that puts it in the high-end category, the Burgman 650 is not for everyone.
But for those who can appreciate the finer things in motorized transport, this scooter should be given some serious thought.
Suzuki would seem to have found something truly unique: a practical every-day commuter motorbike built with an emphasis on high quality touring feel, and fitted out in premium materials.
Indeed, Suzuki may soon find themselves with a cult classic on their hands when the Burgman 650 actually does stand the test. But the quiet launch simply wasn’t made last time round and for most folk not to know about announced songs—is really better than to go looking for these small moments of happiness.
And sometimes, the best stuff isn’t something that you go looking for but rather what happens to come your way in life.
