Suzuki Burgman 650

As much as my motorcycle pedigree is about racing and talking up machines that go ridiculous speed around race tracks, there is another side to me — some might say a dark side… That is, I have pumped out a lot of kilometres on scooters over the years, particularly in Europe where they are an intrinsic part of life.

I used to go shopping on the scooter, run errands and even go sightseeing. Once, in Paris, we parked the motorhome and then rode our Gilera 180 to the base of the Eiffel Tower. We managed to do more in Paris in two days than a week spent walking or on public transport.

I used to love my Gilera; it sat on 140-150km/h on freeways no problem. In fact I liked it so much I bought one here in Australia. Needless to say, my scooter is now clogged up as it doesn’t do more than 100km/h because we all know speed kills (here in Australia).

A lot of people might look at a 650 scooter and ask why. I was the same until I started to live like the Europeans and realise how much fun, easy and useful they can be. The Suzuki Burgman 650 is your Rolls-Royce of scooters; it's swanky, classy and, above all else, comfortable. Not to mention the weather protection and storage options that it provides, all adding to its excellent touring benefits.

The machine has undergone relatively few changes over the years, but recent ones have included the adoption of floating front brake discs, a lighter anti-lock braking system, updated instrumentation (with ‘Eco Drive’ indicator), a new muffler, a redesigned park brake lever, electronic retractable mirrors, and some mechanical massaging that Suzuki says has reduced fuel consumption by 15 per cent over the previous model.

BURGMAN 650 IN BIKE SHOWROOM

The Burgman is a workhorse, but a workhorse with a difference. I wouldn’t hesitate to head off on a trip around Australia on this thing for all the aforementioned reasons, and also because it's such a beautiful example of the genre.

The Burgman 650 is fitted with a 638cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine with a power option button that works similar to the setup on a lot of automatic cars.

It really does give the Burg some extra push — not that it needs it though as I found most of the time I was in the ultra-comfortable cruise setting. The power button also gives you extra engine braking, which is useful in steep downhills as it holds the gear and uses the compression of the engine to slow the bike down rather than constantly dabbing the brakes.

If you want more exercise though you can from auto to manual mode, which gives you the advantage of holding a gear for as long as you want. I like the idea of options for different power maps, but in reality this thing is the Bentley, Statesman and Fairlane of scooters. You are never going to race one (okay, maybe the Bentley...), but once I got over the initial fiddling I just left it in lope-along fuel economy mode.

The electrickery continues with the Burgman’s retractable mirrors. Suzuki says these are just the ticket for parking the scoot in tight confines but they work when the scooter is in motion too — like when filtering in peak-hour traffic. The Burgman is wider than most scooters so this handy feature actually makes a big difference in the rush-hour crush.

The Burgman is big — my son says it’s the biggest bike he has ever seen. The wet weight confirms that (275kg), but you wouldn’t know it when you're on the go. Centre of gravity is low, making it very easy to balance, and at only a few clicks you don’t feel the need to drag your feet for balance.

This is without doubt the most comfortable motorcycle I’ve ridden, ideal for its mile-munching mandate. The seat is sensational and there is plenty of room to stretch your legs. The underseat storage is capacious at 50 litres, which is enough to put a couple of helmets and riding gear away.

There is more convenient storage in the cockpit, and a power socket for charging various electrical items.

The bike is also fitted with an electric screen, which for my liking could be taller to really take the wind away from your helmet.

Handling is fantastic. In the city it initially feels a bit wide to nip through traffic, but once you get used to it it’s no problem. On a twisty road the Burgman can be punted as efficiently as most road bikes. The maxi comes fitted with anti-lock braking as standard, which I tested when a car pulled out directly in my path while I was day dreaming. It works well.

The Bridgestone tyres are solid in wet and dry conditions, with reasonably good feel from the 120 aspect ratio front and the matching 160 rear.

The Burgman is certainly up there in the high-class scooter ranks. If I could ask Suzuki for one thing though, it would be a reverse gear. Suzuki has reduced drag by 35 percent over the old model which helps when pushing it backwards, but on something as luxurious as the Burgman you don’t want to push. Apart from that the Burgman has what it takes to be a serious contender. Its stylish lines and LED lights make it stand out in the crowd, and for the rider it makes life, well, simple and supremely comfortable.

TRANSMISSION
Type SEVCT selectable auto or five-speed manual
Final drive: Belt