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Is this the bike for you?

It all depends what you want out of your bike. What I want, I have found in the Burgman 650. Many people don't know what to compare the "maxi-scooters" to because they are a new category of bike. The old image of "scooter" blinds many to what these bikes really are.



I have a 2...009 Executive model because I wanted the ABS for added safety since this is my primary trasportation during the season (April - November).

What sets this style bike apart from the others? It is a very worthy substitute for its four-wheeled cousins.

It is a very comfortable bike. Great suspension, and stability even at higher speeds of 90+mph. The foot-forward seating is more like being in a car. Great protection from the elements, light rains, road debris, wind etc. Back rests for pilot and passanger. Floorboards to rest and move your feet around a bit.

It is a very safe bike. ABS- anti-lock brakes(executive only)offer safe and effective braking. Good day/night visability (bright head/tail lights)and turn signals on the mirrors. Excellent stability/control both on the highway and in parking lots. It has the engine power to control your position in traffic. The auto transmission means you are always in the right "gear" and lets you consentrate on other things. Adjustable windshield (executive only)lets you adjust visability and protection as you ride.

It is a very functional /practical bike. You have lots of storage for weekend trips, or grocery shopping. Storage up front for cell phones, sunglasses, pens for banking, bills/change for the drive thru's, letters for the mail box etc. It even has a 12v receptical to charge phones/GPS/ run small air pumps etc. It's bodywork is a durable, rustproof plastic that is easy to clean and wax. The 500 watt alternator means you can add heated seats or handlebar grips, fog lights, etc. My insurance rates are around $200/yr for $100 deductable with roadside assistance. Fuel milage depends on average speed/ speed of acceleration. 50 - 55mpg is common for conservative riders. The gas tank is 4 gallons.

Well built and designed. Even non-mechanical people can perform engine/transmission/final drive oil changes and clean the air filter. This engine and transmission have more in common to its four wheeled cousins. Twin cylinder, water cooled, fuel injected, high compression +performance 4 valve/ cylinder engine. These engines will go 100,000+ miles with proper care. The transmission is state of the art and very reliable. It is so quiet and smooth wind and tire noise are more noticable.

What all this adds up to is a comfortable, safe, functional, practical ride. Its not just for fair weather days, but a bike meant to be used daily. For those who have never ridden a bike, it is an experience four wheels can never match. With a bike like the Burgman 650, you become one with the bike, and your environment. Transportation becomes both mentally and physically enjoyable. You find yourself not caring where you are going because you so enjoy the moment.

A word of caution is always in order. Safety is always first. The power of a 650 can get you in trouble before you know it. Some even advise beginners NOT to start with this size of bike. I say it depends on the individual. Bikes are a different form of transportation and require totally different sets of knowledge and skills to use safely. As different as learning to fly a plane. Do the wrong thing at the wrong time and your dead. It's not a game. But done right, it will one of the most fun and rewarding decisions you've made in your life. Read Full Review

Burgman Fantasy

I have been riding bikes for 30 years, pretty much owned most types and ridden those I have not owned. I have enjoyed all of them from my first 50cc to the big Harleys. They all are bikes and therefore fantastic. Then I came across the Suzuki Burgman. Firstly anyone can ride one who has ridden even ...the most basic of motorcycles. Secondly, I don't have to get dressed up like I a some kinky damn stunt rider in full leathers. I climb on and ride! Motorcycles are about FREEDOM not bondage! Look at us these days! Anyway, back to the Burgman. I still love bikes but this thing ia amazing experience. Intensely practical. Faster than most cars too 100km/hr. More comfortable than all but the Gold Wing, BMW LT and Harley big guns. It is more manoeuverable than anything bar light motocross bikes. It filters as easily as any 125cc scoot and is extremely light on its feet. You can take your wife (umm, partner shopping...!) and there will always be sufficient place for everything! Its agile, brakes well, is balanced two up, cruises easily at 180km/hr and feels like you should have a television in front of you it is so relaxing. No bike feels like that. I don't care how hairy you are, how mucho, how attached to your club colours/patch you would have to be a moron to not seriously enjoy riding one of these! It transends the zen of motorcycling! Read Full Review

Burgman 650

I purchased a used "04 with about 1k miles on it in '08. I can't say enough good things about it. No, it is't a motorcycle per se, but in alot of ways that makes it better. The very useful underseat storage and 3 glove compartments are very handy. It has more power than you really need, gets a ...realistic 50 mpg and is a hoot to ride. The stock windshield could be larger if you're on the freeway alot, but I went for an impromtu 400 mile ride one day and the wind buffeting was tolerable, if not welcome. It was great being able to move my feet forward or back along the generous footboards or lift my sweaty butt off the seat by locking my feet along the front floorboards and my back against the backrest. I could stretch my back while riding! My rear was a bit sore at the end of the day (not that bad) but I think that's common for most bikes with a stock seat.I also wish it had an anolog dash, like the 400, otherwise, there really is'nt much to fault. The best description I heard of the 650 was that it was a combination of a sport bike, a cruiser, and a scooter.The worst thing about it is feeling like you have to apologize for riding a scooter,especially to the HD crowd.On the other hand, you don't have to wear a pirate costume to ride it. Read Full Review

First impressions Review

I just purchased a new 2009 650 Burgman. I only have 94 miles on the bike so I'm calling this a First impressions review. Let me first give you an idea of my riding experience. I've been riding for 35 years, both dirt an road and have accumulated around 150,000 miles traveling all over the states. I... once drove from Upstate Eastern NY to Denver Colorado in two and a half days. That's 860 miles the first day 830 miles the second and a short 650 the third. I've owed dual sport bikes, sport and standards. My last bike was a 2003 Suzuki SV1000s setup for sport touring with Givi Hard bags.

At 6' 1" and with back and leg problems a new bike was much needed in order to bring back the enjoyment of riding. It was important for me to find as lite weight of a machine as possible with plenty of leg room and good back support. Researching the purchase of a new bike to meet my current needs led me to the Burgman.

Ergonomics meet most of my expectations but for the seat, which will soon be remedied with an after market seat. There is surprising power for passing and cornering meets my needs. Passenger comfort is excellent although hard to mount compared to some other types of machines. A Givi mount and bag should make our long trip storage and passenger backrest needs complete.

So far I'm impressed with most of the AN650's features. The bike give's the rider a feeling of confidence and is very fun to ride. I think for the money you can't go wrong buying this scoot, if your new to riding or a veteran rider. Read Full Review

In a word...

WOW!



It's an experience unimaginable in it's class; a mix between a 600GSX-R Sport bike and a Goldwing Tourer.



If this is the future direction for Suzuki, then I'm a customer for life! Now, let's see what they can do about a full sized, tip-tronic style tourer to compete with the Goldwing! ... I'll be one of the first in line! Read Full Review