Suzuki Burgman 125 ABS – Road test

The Burgman among scooters it needs no introduction. Born in 1998 with a displacement of 400 cc it immediately proved to be a "must" in the category. Highly appreciated by users which have given him a very high commercial success, as demonstrated by i around 200 thousand copies sold in the various displacements since its birth. He was even responsible for the birth of a new genre, that of Premium Urban Utility. In 2002 the first versions of the 125 and 150 were born, also very popular and sold. This new Suzuki Burgman 125 ABS, also available in the 200 version identical in everything except the engine, is the consecration of an "eternal" model, and Suzuki has been able to enhance the best features of the Burgman series and mitigate, if not even eliminate, its defects. The production site has moved from Spain to Thailand, maintaining however a constructive care above the standards and with a series of innovations and improvements compared to the previous model. Considering that 11 years after its introduction in Europe the Burgman 125 has reached 101.000 units sold, this latest model, so well looked after, can only be a commercial success too.

Aesthetics and finishes:

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Family feeling with the 400 and 650, slimmer look than the old model

In terms of lines the new little Burgman inherits the aesthetic characteristics of the larger models, the 400 and 650, recently renewed. THE split headlights both at the front and at the rear , streamlined and aggressive line, give the scooter greater lightness and also a little more character. Precisely because of its graceful and sporty lines, the new Burgman 125 looks smaller than it actually is, and this is precisely one of its strong points. We have rarely been so comfortable on a 125. The saddle is wide and welcoming, positioned 735mm from the ground. Together with the tapered footrest in the leg area, it guarantees easy contact with the ground during city maneuvers. The windshield, which gains 11 centimetres, offers excellent protection even for pilots of good stature, making the purchase of a larger one superfluous, which is often indispensable. Under the saddle we find a compartment that couldn't be more generous: 41 litres, capable of accommodating two full-face helmets and equipped with courtesy light. As if that wasn't enough, opening is as usual very practical, directly from the ignition lock. We also have 2 front compartments, one of which is now equipped with the inevitable and indispensable 12 volt socket and lock. The instrumentation is very accurate and complete, equipped with two circular analogue instruments for rev counter and speedometer, with a large display in the centre. Here we find information such as the time, the two trip odometers plus the total one, the petrol level indicator and the average consumption. Any anomalies and the expiration of the service are also reported, with the classic oil change symbol. Also useful green “Eco Drive” light which turns on when we are using the scooter efficiently, to the benefit of reducing consumption. The emergency light control, positioned on the right side of the handlebar, is also very practical. In general, the care that has been used is evident, both in the aesthetic choices and in those of the materials. An example of this is the saddle, covered in sturdy leather with double stitch stitching, as well as being comfortable and elegant, it is therefore also very resistant. The system certainly deserves a mention ABS with Nissin control unit, very effective and now absolutely necessary, inherited, imagine, from the "big sister" Hayabusa.

Engine and performance:

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The excellent 125 engine is substantially unchanged

The engine of the new Burgman 125 has not been changed compared to the last version. Few changes, just some refinements to make it even more reliable and also economical in consumption, specifically thanks to some improvements that improve the sliding between the moving parts. The power is 12,3 horsepower, substantially limited by the regulations that bind manufacturers to maintain the possibility of driving freely with only a B license. In the first test we did we were perhaps too little generous towards the engine. This because from the direct comparison with its brother 200 it came out really badly, but it couldn't be otherwise considering that it has about 50% more power. However, it must be considered that those who choose the 125 certainly do not do so for the 200 euros less, but precisely because of the need linked to the restriction imposed by the regulations. The comparison must therefore be made with other 125. In this case the Burgman, despite one of the most important dimensions, almost always comes out on top. At the traffic lights with almost all the competitors it comes out better in the first few metres, and continues to increase as the speed increases. When using it in the city you appreciate its very smooth delivery. Thrust is good up to the indicated 80 km/h, then the acceleration is less decisive, until it reaches 115-120 km/h, therefore also perfect for trips outside the city. Of course, if you have a long extra-urban route to get to the office every day, the Burgman 125 can adapt to your needs, but the 200 represents a better choice. This is demonstrated by the sales ratios between the two, which are around 1 to 5. We are telling you covertly, but not too much, that if you were choosing the 125 because your wife can drive it too, you won't regret the purchase, it's excellent compared to the competition of the same displacement. By buying a Burgman 200, however, perhaps you could make her understand that the time has come to get her A licence, it is so easy and easy to handle that with it a driving test is not complicated for anyone.

Ride and handling:

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Comfortable and functional, calling it the best in the category is certainly not an exaggeration

After having driven the new Burgman 125, it is natural to think that it is more a fashion than a justified choice that in Italy the sales leaders in the scooter segment are high-wheelers. Surely can find a justification for the subjective aesthetic taste, but not for a concrete greater practicality of the medium, and the writer is a happy owner of one of the best-selling high wheels. On the Burgman the position is more relaxed, natural, the low saddle and there is also the possibility of keeping the feet placed forward, in a raised position for longer journeys or for those who are tall and struggle to fit their knees under the handlebars. The difference, however, is made by an under-seat compartment with a capacity unknown to high-wheelers. Not even buying a top case can fill the gap. We tried putting on a chain, rain gear and two helmets or a laptop bag and a helmet. The test specimen was also equipped with a top case, making the capacity even greater, enough to be able to go shopping in it at the supermarket. THE 13mm rims at the front and 12mm rims at the rear, very aesthetically pleasing, allow a safe driving in the city even when traveling on the rails, and great maneuverability. Dimensions are important for a 125, even if it is slim and fits everywhere like and as much as a smaller high-wheeler. Furthermore, considering the remarkable ease of driving the Burgman 125, the dimensions are not a flaw, on the contrary. It will be a pleasant surprise for those who, even if they do not have an A driving licence, will be able to enjoy a scooter with characteristics of comfort, practicality and finishes worthy of a much higher volume. The front fork absorbs city hazards well. Potholes, cobblestones, rails, are digested without problems and above all without the wheel ever losing contact with the ground, a sign of the excellent construction quality. The double rear shock absorber, equipped with adjustable springs, is perhaps less up to par than the front fork, if we really want to find fault with it. The braking system instead, assisted by ABS with Nissin control unit, it deserves full marks. The anti-locking intervention is not never invasive, its presence is not noticeable in normal driving conditions. Braking is well modulated, never spongy and, in the event of sudden braking on surfaces with low grip, the safety that theABS coming from the Hayabusa is really top notch. Especially for the less experienced, perhaps the largest audience for a 125, this is an essential accessory. Even when cornering, the little Burgman doesn't do badly. Obviously, it doesn't have a sporty setting, being devoted more to comfort, but the new Burgman 125 rides very well, fluid in reactions and very stable. The passenger has a generously sized portion of the saddle at his disposal and the seat is comfortable and natural. Maximum comfort is also for him and not just for the driver.

Price and consumption:

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4.190 euros and "fifties" consumption

The price is substantially in line with the competition, identical to that of Yamaha's X-Max 125, perhaps the main rival, but with ABS included in the price (Yamaha offers it as an option for 400 euros). In fact, the scooter has a price of 4.190 €, certainly not a few if we think that it is a 125 and that a high-wheeler of the same level costs around a thousand euros less, but the new Burgman 125 only has the displacement, for everything else it has nothing to envy of scooters of much higher displacement. Its twin brother 200 costs a little more, being listed at 4.390 euros. Available in three colors: the white of our test specimen, or gray or black, in both cases in matt shades. Consumption is truly negligible, in the order of 30 km per liter. Even if you exaggerate and drive it in the worst possible way, it practically never drops below 25 km/l. If you then want to enjoy traveling with the Eco Drive light on, consumption will be further reduced, Suzuki declares consumption of around 3 liters per 100 km.

We like it:
Aesthetics and finishes, comfort, ABS operation

We do not like it:
Engine limited by regulations, rear shock absorbers could be improved

Suzuki Burgman 125 ABS: the Motorionline Report Card

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Test clothing:
Jacket: Urban Toucan Agos
Shoes: Xpd X-ZERO H2OUT
Gloves: Tucano Urbano Squid 9801
Helmet: Givi 20.6 Fiber-J2