New Suit for an Old Friend.

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Suzuki Burgman 650
★★★★★
4.6
95.0% of users recommend this

Hanspluygers's review of Suzuki Burgman 650

“New Suit for an Old Friend. ”

★★★★☆

written by Hanspluygers on 12/04/2013

Greetings fellow Scooter Drivers. I wanted to share this review with you, because I think it is important. For those of you who are familiar with the Suzuki Burgman 650, you may realise I reviewed the scooter back in 2005 and again a few years later. Today, I had the pleasure of driving the brand new, updated version of our old friend. Here in the Netherlands it has just been launched. I've searched the internet but as yet I haven't read an 'owners' review, only those of motor cycle journalists. So, here's my review following on from many years of already owning this particular Suzuki.

Lets start with the looks! The Burgman is no beauty, more a rather fat frog on two wheels, but hey, this bike is about practicality, so give her a break. The NEW MODEL has had a face lift. Botox did the job rather well, giving accent to several lines, pulling in the fat with a few tucks here and there and added a bit of new make up too. The result is pleasant. She's lost her big fat bum, without any compromise on under seat luggage space. Up front, the lights are slightly different, the mirrors (still electrically folding) are more 'modern', the switch gear remains the same and most notably, the full Digital Dash has given way to a half analogue, half digital affair. Speedo and Rev Counter are now traditional clocks. The rest of the buzzers and bells are exactly the same as the old set up, just a different look. Wheels have been painted in black which is an improvement and if you are into a mat finish, the silver model comes without shine!.. Personally, I like the deep black, because it shines. So, that's about it with looks. If I were to score it on looks, the old model got a 5, the new model a 6.5. Quality of finish seems fine.

What has been sorted, what has not!.... Down to the practical stuff then.

Sorted!...... The switching between automatic and manual has been greatly improved. For those who don't realise, the is a switchable CV gearbox, so you can run her on fully automatic or has step-tronic in manual mode. I actually use mine in both, really!....., and the new model handles the switch over much better than the old! Gearing remains excellent, not too high, not too low. BMW could learn something from Suzuki on their big new scooter!

Another point that Suzuki have sorted it the rather excessive engine breaking that is apparent when you shut the throttle down on the old model. It took a bit of getting used to, as this was a bike you rarely had to use the brakes on. The engine did the breaking a bit too well at times. However, on the new model, this is much more gentle, giving a more relaxed feel especially when negotiating city traffic. I noticed I had to use the brakes more, but enjoyed the more 'free' feeling of the over-ride. Those who have driven the Burgman for years will know exactly what I mean. Also, the wet-clutch-drag has all but disappeared which makes moving her backwards with the engine running far more easy.

The 12v outlet in the lower glove box has also been sorted!... now you can actually charge your phone without having to leave the flap open. A very annoying problem on the old model. And yes, Suzuki have moved the handbrake to a new left hand side position. I'm not sure about this, as its now tucked under my left knee, so it's a bit difficult to get a decent hand full of it, but hey, it's OK. The handbrake is always very useful.

New Annoyances! Suzuki have built in a 'guilty' green light. It comes on when you are driving in a 'green' way. i.e., on almost closed throttle. However I drove her, she still uses about the same fuel as she ever did, so I estimate 18kms to 1 litre of fuel. I have no idea what that might be in imperial terms, but I think it's OK. There are drivers who claim to get over 20-1, but they drive like pussy's. The Burgman isn't the most economical of machines, but fun to drive hard.

Sorted or Not Sorted?..... Nothing has really changed. It all just looks a bit different, but is really just the same. Wherever you poke, prod or look more deeply, you'll recognise it all. After all, the original concept was absolutely brilliant, so in all honesty, there wasn't that much to do. The legendary luggage space remains the same, legendary. No other Scooter manufacturer even comes close!. Fact. Two Full Face Helmets will disappear under the seat, no problem, plus some shopping too. Great!

And finally... should you change up to the new model?

Well, this has me wondering. There is a glut of 2011 & 2012 Burgman's around here that are not sold as yet, because of the 'crisis??'. So, you can buy a brand new 'old model' for considerably less than the new model & in all honesty, these models represent great value for money. If you 'have' to have the latest model, you are going to have to pay the full whack & if you go to exchange in your old Burgman, be prepared for a nasty shock. Second hand trade in prices are awful. Such are the times and the fact that the Burgman has sold in the thousands., so there's plenty on the second hand market.

Am I going to change up?, NO. But I'd like to, but can't warrant the difference in price. Despite being a wonderful update, it still isn't enough to go spending difficult money.

The Burgman 650 was a great bike and it continues on to be the worlds No1 Super Scooter. It deserves all the praise, looks or no looks, it simply works brilliantly.

Enjoy. Mark Hans Pluygers. Amsterdam. 12-04-2013.


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Lou2Loops's Response to Hanspluygers's Review

Written on: 28/04/2013

Thank you Mark for your review of the new Burgman 650. It's given me a real insight into what to expect from the new Burgman when it launches here in Australia sometime soon. I've had two Burgman 650's over the last 10 years and I'm certainly hooked on them. My last one was unfortunately stolen and knowing that a new one was in the pipeline, I decided to wait for the new model to launch. Just about the only gripe I ever had with either model that I owned was the seemingly feeble petrol filler flap. On both of my previous bikes, the flap broke in exactly the same place and that's even with very careful handling. Apart from that, I have enjoyed them both and I'm sure I'll enjoy the new one when it launches here which I understand will be May or June 2013. I'll write my own detailed review then.

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Polmer's Response to Hanspluygers's Review

Written on: 13/07/2013

Well I read your review with interest. I took delivery of my new Matt Silver 650 at the end of May having owned a 2011 650 since Sept 2011. A bit extravagant to change but hey. So here are the plus points: prettier, lighter and 15 percent better fuel consumption. But here is the really bad point. The gear box is apparently out of a Nissan Micra. For economy reasons, it changes gear from 3 to 4 and 4 to 5 way too early. The result is an uncomfortable ride around town with an engine that cause uncomfortable vibration and a constant rumble from a machine that used to be smooth as silk in town. The upshot is that I am changing the bike this week for a new old model! Suzuki know about the issue. They call it a characteristic of the new Eco rules. For those of you looking to drive in traffic on one...don't buy one. For those looking for comfort on fast highway driving it is great.

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