Suzuki Burgman 650 Review

Overall Rating

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,

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.

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.

Members' Comments onTWG's Review

• mrbios on 7th Jan 2009

  Great review thanks! You really tough on a lot of good points.
  I currently am driving an aging '92 bmw k75s. I want to get rid of the clutch. And the Burgman seems to have everything.
  Thanks,
  PaulC aka mrbios

• Burgmanman on 3rd Apr 2009

  I found this review helpful because I am looking for a 650 Burgman and it answered my queries.

• Rick Rollins on 24th May 2009

  I just sold my 2006 Goldwing...to heavy for the backroad riding we do and did not feel competent in tight situations in town..Am looking at the burgman 400 or 650 as a replacement..Thank you this was very helpful since you understand about the weight of the goldwing..which is a great bike if you stick to interstate traveling..for me that is..

• vilnisb on 7th Aug 2009

  I found this review very helpful because...it gives real perspective. I currently own anHD road glide(heavy and slow after riding BMW's for over a million miles) and just purchased a Honda Reflex (250cc). Have had a ton of bikes in the past, but the scooter is a blast to ride. Considering selling the HD and getting the Burgman.

• svein magnus larsen on 31st Aug 2009

  Interesting. I have a 125 Burgman, and will wait for the new 650!