Review by:: This is my seventh bike... I am 59 years old and
have been riding off and on most
for of my life. The Burgman integrates speed, comfort, and practicality
for short jaunts around town as well as touring. My only addition
is a GIVI windshield which provides as much or as little protection
as I want with the adjustable windshield on the Executive model.
I can easily cruise at 75-80 on the interstate and I use a bungi
net to hold two round leather bags on the back seat when touring.
I have better range (170 - 190 miles) than I had on my HD V-ROD
and better luggage capacity. Yeah... a HD to a Suzuki scooter!
No heat emanating between my legs on those 90 degree days, no
noise, and more nimble around town as well as less weight at
stop lights. Check it out if you have an open mind... you will
be pleasantly surprised.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Review by:: Whatever.. but its NOT a motorcycle.... Well....
The new "maxi-scooters" are not trying to be motorcycles in
the traditional way. They are, in fact, a new concept in the
world of two-wheeled transportation. Just like a Goldwing is
not a sports bike, these "scooters" are in a class of their
own as well. There are many characteristics that are unique
and outstanding to this design. Some of these characteristics
will almost seem more akin to an automobile than a motorcycle..
Most noticable is the foot-forward design, but that is just
the beginning, especially with the Burgman 650 Executive.
The 650 has an easy to clean, rustproof body that protects you
from the wind, rain, and road debris as well as the engine heat
which just flows under the bike and not over you on those hot
summer days. Need storage? You can't even see the waterproof,
lighted ( for night use) underseat storage that it is enough
to hold two full sized helmets ( 56 literes/14 gallons).. That's
about 3 large bags of groceries. There's front storage with
a DC outlet for everything from your sunglasses, maps, loose
change, rain jacket to charging your cell phone or GPS. You
have a full LCD display dash... rpm, fuel, water/oil temp, ABS,
high beams, transmission settings, outside air temp, MPG computer
and more... Dual head lights, and tail lights for exceptional
day/night visability, electric adjustable windshield and folding
mirrors. Anti-Lock-Brakes that secure the twin front and single
rear disc brakes.
The engine provides 50+ horsepower to the transmission. Its
a twin cylinder, watercooled, fuel injected 8 valve overhead
cam engine that redlines about 8500rpms, and with the stock
muffler, you mostly hear wind and road noise at all speeds except
acceleration which has a low powerful growl... very quiet! The
transmission is really the unseen marvel. You don't have to
worry about shifting.. just turn the throttle and experience
a seamless, computer controlled transmisson of power from engine
to the wheels. If you think you can't live without the fun of
pushing the engine to the max , you still can "shift" with the
manual mode controls. If you are feeling the "need for speed"
most people report the "power" auto mode will out perform what
you can do manually. It's no wonder when you see how many variables
are calculated by the "computer" to controll the variable ratio
transmission. If you really push it... your milage will be in
the high 30s.. if you are conservative and stay 65 - 70mph or
lower, you can get in the mid 50mpg range and even higher depending
on other factors. The four gallon tank will give you a reasonable
range too. Well.. all this means nothing if it is not safe,
dependable, and FUN to ride. Its is so practical, it can easily
substitute for any four wheeled transportation. Not just a "fair
weather" machine, but one you can use daily as you would your
car or truck. If you enjoy the experience only two wheels can
provide, you will not be disappointed. It is a such smooth,
precision, powerful, comfortable, quiet experience, you will
honestly look forward to any time you ride. And it has the power
to easily take a pillion rider as well. Multi day/ long distance
touring is common with the 650. But it is also very manueuverable
in the city as well. The very low center of gravity and low
seat height makes the incredible 650 lbs of bike seem more like
400 lbs. Yet this weight takes wind and road bumps better than
a lighter bike. The low center of gravity also adds to it's
resposiveness and controlability that all tie into the what
makes this an extraordinary new concept in two wheeled transportation.
It's NOT a motorcycle.. in the traditional sense. But then,
those other motorcycles are NOT a Suzuki Burgman 650 executive.
There is truely - nothing like it - on the road today. It may
be exactly what you are looking for.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Review by: by Pat
Many folk report downsizing to the Burgman 400 after a season
of riding the 650. Truly, if you put side cases on the 650 and
a largish top box the scooter/bike could be mistaken for a Goldwing
in a dark parking lot. And while it wouldn't be confused with
a Goldwing and it's 1800cc engine while purring down an interstate,
in many ways it drives the same. I do too much moving around
town to have to deal with the Burgman 650's size and weight
and will be downsizing to either a 400 Majesty or a 400 Burgman
this next riding season. Those are WONDERFUL scooters !! |
