Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive – Road test

You will hardly find anyone uncertain when choosing between Burgman 650 and T-Max. As often happens in the world of motors, as between 500 and Mini, Ferrari and Porsche, BMW and Mercedes, just to mention some historical dualisms, the audience is divided, almost like football support. Here, however, the motivations are based on questions of substance. While the two maxi scooters may come close in terms of performance, the difference lies in the comfort/sportiness ratio. A T-Max is definitely more “bad”, starting from the aesthetic side but also in driving, and it doesn't matter if the under-seat compartment isn't gigantic. The Burgman 650 instead it is more mammoth, weighs 277 kilos, is less sporty and graceful from an aesthetic point of view, but it will allow you to travel with an unparalleled level of comfort. Under the large saddle we find a compartment of over 50 litres, where two helmets can be comfortably accommodated, but which allows you to go shopping at the supermarket and not have to have the inconvenience of having to put bags between your legs. There are then three compartments in the back of the shield, one of which is equipped with a 12V socket and lock and for a total of another 6,5 litres. The windshield is electrically adjustable in height, the electrically foldable mirrors, grips and seat, including the passenger seat, are heated.

Aesthetics and finishes:

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The evolution and refinement of a successful model

The 650 Burgman 2013 isn't completely new, the chassis changes very little, demonstrating this, but otherwise the innovations are many and significant. What Suzuki wanted to do was improve the existing model, without revolutionizing it. We are talking about the high-end scooter that has remained the absolute reference for all competition for over 10 years, it would have been crazy to do it again from scratch. However, he is surprised by the final result, which is very different from the starting point, giving the idea of ​​a product from decidedly more modern look, with attention to the smallest detail, with a perceived quality that is decidedly at the top. The nose has been completely revised, with the aim of giving it a markedly sportier connotation. With the windshield lowered it looks decidedly aesthetically pleasing more compact and dynamic than the old model. To some it may perhaps seem too "bad", but tastes are subjective. The dashboard is completely new, with two large and classic analogue indicators for speedometer and tachometer, in our opinion much more pleasant from an aesthetic point of view, as well as more comfortable and immediate to keep under control. Dimensions are important, both in length and width. In fact, it is not uncommon to see owners of this scooter circulating with their mirrors closed, to get into city traffic more comfortably. The lines are now more streamlined and better hide the bulk of the "Ciccio", as some fans of the Burgman 650 like to call it. Especially at the rear the "diet" was more noticeable, to the benefit of the appearance of the scooter from the Hamamatsu company. The saddle is also narrower at the sides. It is now easier to manage maneuvers when stationary, with your feet resting more comfortably on the ground even if your height is not your strong point. Also new is the handbrake control now located on the left of the saddle. The size of the front light cluster increases, while the rear light cluster decreases. Also thanks to new technologies and LED lights.

Engine and performance:

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Power and torque in abundance, in addition to comfort there is performance

The Burgman 650 is Euro 3 approved, but could now also comply with the Euro 4 standards which will come into force in 2016. The 8cc 638-valve twin-cylinder has been refined, but it always delivers 55 horsepower, if possible it is even more reliable and is always equipped with a cascade of gear final transmission. The transmission is one of the exclusive aspects of the Burgman 650, with a true 6-speed sequential gearbox, which can be used with three shifting modes, two automatic and one manual. It's just a shame that manual shifting cannot be "forced" when using the two automatic modes. However, if you want to downshift a gear without switching to manual, you can do so by switching to the power sports mode, which can be engaged at any speed, which keeps the engine speed higher by around 1000 rpm, also increasing the responsiveness of the throttle control. Let us then remember that the Burgman 650 is the only scooter without an actual drive belt, typical for this type of vehicle. Today the Honda Integra is also an exception, but it is a scooter built on the chassis-engine-gearbox platform of a real motorbike. There is a belt on the Burgman 650, but it is so particular and works so differently compared to the classic transmission with variator, belt and centrifugal clutch, that Suzuki recommends periodic checks but does not provide for its replacement. In fact, if you ask in a Japanese company workshop, very few are replaced and only in the case of very high mileages, we are talking about over 100 thousand, or in the case of mechanical failures where, with the engine disassembled, the customer is advised to take advantage of it to replace it. According to some, while on the one hand this solution distinguishes the Burgman 650, on the other it was one of the main defects of the Suzuki maxi scooter. It was in fact quite heavy and a source of power absorption and reduction of the smoothness of the rear wheel. Now however, with a new clutch and improved transmission, a 35% reduction in resistance given by the sliding of the gears was achieved, with the result of reducing consumption by 15% and being able to maneuver more easily in traffic. For those who don't know it, the Burgman 650 is also unique for its engine braking, thanks to its transmission, it is the only scooter in which the braking effect of the engine is felt, especially when using the Power mode or by keeping a low gear, in mode manual.

Ride and handling:

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He was born a citizen but it is on the motorway that he gives his best

Weight and dimensions are important, but also in city traffic, once they gain a little confidence and an eye on the measurements, you can move comfortably. If a small scooter with high wheels, which has a smaller footprint, goes where you can't, we're sure the comfort and practicality of the Burgman 650 won't make you worry too much. On open roads it is clear why it is a reference for the competition. You will hardly be able to find a two-wheeled vehicle that is both so comfortable but also allows you to ride sportily, and in this the sequential gearbox also makes the difference. The braking system has 3 discs, now semi-floating, supported by a new Bosch ABS system, whose weight is reduced by 55% compared to the Nissin it replaces. Given the size of the anti-lock Burgman, it couldn't be done without it. Braking is excellent, although you must always be careful, especially in the city: at excessive speeds you can feel the size and the physics do not allow such short stopping distances. We noticed, in the case of braking at the limit which in daily use should not happen often, that when the automatic transmission releases the clutch after having engaged the lower gear, the engine tends to "push", slightly lengthening the spaces of arrest. In the Suzuki workshop, however, they say they have never heard anything of the kind and raise doubts that it could be a malfunction of the sample being tested. The chassis was not affected much by the modifications. The classic tubular structure remains, with a motorcycle fork with double fixing plate at the front and a real swingarm at the rear, completely new, which integrates the gear cascade of the transmission. The engine was and still is integral with the chassis, as on other sports scooters, such as, for example, Yamaha T-Max, BMW C600, Honda SW-T and Integra. The results are especially appreciated around the bends, where you can work off some whims: with the "Ciccio" you can travel mountain roads at a speed similar to those of sports bikes, thanks to the torque but also to excellent chassis. On the motorway it has no rivals, at 130 km/h you travel in total comfort, with excellent aerodynamic protection and the absence of annoying noises, to which scooters with the classic variator transmission are instead subject.

Price and consumption:

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High price, but justified, low consumption

We are at the top and the price reminds us of this. The promotion for the launch of the new model is over, now the price is set at 10.790 euros for the Executive version, 800 less for the base, without backrest for the passenger and heated saddle and grips. However, consumption is surprising in light of the weight and performance, both of which are high. On the highway at code speed you can easily travel 20 kilometers on one liter. In the city and on twisty routes it all depends on your relationship with the throttle. Especially on city routes, where it is easy to get close, even exaggerating, to go below, 15 per liter. The Eco warning light comes to your aid, indicating whether you are driving to reduce consumption.

PROS AND CONS
We like it:
Comfort at the top, it's really difficult to do better than this

We do not like it:
It remains a two-wheeled SUV, now much more dynamic in look, but it is gigantic

Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive: the Motorionline Report Card

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