Suzuki Burgman 650 Review

“I'm not going to repeat the other reviews... This...”

Written on: 06/11/2008 by TWG (1 review written)

Good Points
2009 burg. 650 exec. - Power, Fuel Economy 50+ highway, foot-forward desgin, wind/weather protection, visability (white model), Quiet, Comfortable, Smooth, BRIGHT headlights, Fantastic transmission (auto), Storage, responsive handling,

Bad Points
Nit picking... brighter lighting on the instrument panel, Stock windshield small w/ wind noise/buffeting. Either pillion backrest or luggage rack not both. Because the engine/transmission are enclosure in the "body" of the bike... self/maintenance is a bit more complicated.

General Comments
I'm not going to repeat the other reviews... This model has not changed much. Of all the bikes I've had, 2000 Goldwing, 95 helix, 04 Burgman 400, 07 Burgman 400... This is the best I've owned. It has the ride of a larger bike (611lbs, suspension, high speed handling, power etc) but the convenience of a smaller bike for in city use slow speed/ tight turns and does both ends very well. This cycle is in a class of its own so comparing it to other classes is difficult. Its not a sports bike, but fast and responsive, not a touring bike but comfortable on long trips and can be set up with comparable storage, not a marvel of chrome, paint and pipes... but has style. If you could design a bike with goals such as ' practical, efficient, fun, responsive convenient, " you would be hard pressed to find a design better than the ' foot forward" design. It almost crosses over into the conveniences of a car. It is quiet, you don't sit on a hot engine, and you have storage, weather protection. And comfortable seating. It is easy to clean, reliable. But of course delivers the thrills only two wheels can do. What really sets it apart is the low center of gravity. My Goldwing was 800 plus lbs.. And you felt ever lb of that if it got a little off center. You have more leverage/ control of the weight in this design. I can turn as tight as the 450 lb burg 400. The transmission also sets this bike in a different class. It is a wet clutch auto so it engages like a manual clutch not to be the feel of a centrifugal clutch (burg 400). You can barely feel the RPM of the engine change but no sense of shifting "gears"... Much less than even the auto Trans of a car. The power is impressive. Not the thrill of a sports bike, but plenty to get ahead of traffic or pass. (The 400 was also good, but this is a class above) Its acceleration can get you in trouble. You do not sense speed increases because of the smoothness. In a few seconds you can be 10 - 15 mph above posted limits. The engine is very smooth and quiet yet powerful. It has a deep voice on fast acceleration, but purrs in gentle acceleration and cruise speeds. The weight distribution on the 650 is much better than the 400 which is a bit light on the front tire. The suspension is very smooth BUT the smaller tires do not startle pot holes as well as larger tires but this is a minor difference. I had a 04 Burgman 400 and got a 07 which was a completely new design and a great improvement. We all know there will be a redesign of the 650 some day. If it undergoes the same level of improvement as the 400, it will be an awesome bike indeed.