2003 Suzuki Burgman 650

Summary:

Don't buy Suzuki

Faults:

At 42,000 miles transmission problems. Contacted Suzuki and they will not help with the cost. Defective parts in transmission with the primary pulley. Will never buy another Suzuki product. Suzuki needs to step up and be held accountable for manufacturing defective parts.

General Comments:

I like the bike a lot. The bike is great for local rides and long distance rides, but because of Suzuki's lack of being responsible for the product, I would never buy again!

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 21st March, 2009

25th Mar 2009, 22:05

42,000 miles?? Aren't you being a bit hard on Suzuki? That's actually pretty good if that is the only problem you have had with the bike! The bike is, after all, 9 years old. Most warranties have long run out before then. I think you need to rethink your review.

10th Oct 2010, 16:22

You really want Suzuki to pay for a repair after 42000 miles driven? Do you know of any company that would do that? We should be fair.

21st Feb 2011, 00:06

Try buying a Harley, and see how many miles it lasts.

I just today bought my third Burgman, and won't ever ride anything else.

I've riden Harleys, Yamahas, Hondas, you name it. This amazing scooter is the best!

15th Jul 2013, 21:17

I bought a used 2006 650 Burgman with 5000 miles on it, and now with 6800 miles, it has major transmission problems , I haven't decided if want to tear down and try to fix it, or just sell it as is! My first scooter is a big disappointment and is probably my last; it was fun while it lasted.

I am 60 years old, so it not like it was used rough, and the other previous owner had health problems, and was about the same age.

In reply to 15th Jul 2013, 21:17

21st Feb 2015, 01:04

Take your Burgman to a good Suzuki dealer. Most likely it's a sensor or some other small problem. I had a similar problem, and it turn out to be a wire or something coming from the belt. Whatever you do, do not tear into this engine or transmission yourself, that is unless you have a Suzuki dealership. Give it a try, you might fall in love again.

Happy Scootering, Dane ph 740 703 2656

19th Sep 2017, 04:40

I have driven the Police Harley, four brand new HDs of my own, BMWs and just about everything down to a moped. The Burgman 650 doesn't take a back seat to any of them. I absolutely had no problem keeping up with the tuff guys on older HDS and even beat many of them. More comfortable, more reliable and plenty fast enough. Great machine!

2003 Suzuki Burgman 650

Summary:

Well made and definitely well thought out. You'll love it

Faults:

Not one thing :oj

General Comments:

I researched for a couple of years about the type of "bike" to get back onto after a 30 year hiatus. I looked at Honda GW & BMW cruisers in my final checks. I was close to a decision till I came upon a scooter rally in the Denver area. Something like a Harley-went-wrong type of thing. One thing lead through another (too small for me and I moved up) and found out about the Burgman class. Never looked back. I did my research based upon many things such as dependability, ride, looks, ability (of the bike), handling and economy. www.burgmanusa.com was an excellent resource, and very decent people informationally speaking.

I also took a hard look as to what I was going to use the transportation for. Realized I would be a commuter about 99% of the time, and in Denver with traffic (quick stops & maneuverability), as well as the mountains (going from 5280' to 14,000'), long road trips across the prairie (motor to handle it at speed), as well as the quick stop at the local store (easy in & out/nimbleness). I knew I wanted on board storage for the laptop and various weather gear. Well this motorcycle has enough for 2 full faced helmets or about 6 (+-) bags for groceries or a full sized water melon. The lit 55 liters of trunk allow for variety. The 3 glove boxes (1 lockable) are an extra bonus and has a DC port for your devices too. It hits on all cylinders (2) with all the other things I needed. Heck, the last time I rode, a 650-750 WAS a big bike.

Lastly, I went for a ride with all my friends from church with all their various bikes (every brand represented). The eyes rolled as they thought of an underpowered "scooter" in the midst, and the idea of having to "wait" on me was prominent. Well elevation to 8,800' and 1.5 hours "twisty" corners later and out came the questions to every degree. The Burgman 650 kept up more than fine, and I found myself rolling off the throttle as I awaited their shifting. Without it you spend more time thinking about the road. Leaning into switch back curves only scraped the air, and she handled beyond what I thought it would. We as a group have ridden together without comment since, and are all going up to 10k this week with our church for a camp out. Funny how everyone sees it as a bike and not a scooter.

Buy one and don't look back. I will be buying another one of these but only when mine dies out. I anticipate with excellent maintenance that I will have this one for quite some time. I simply have a "Burgman Smile".

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th July, 2008

21st Oct 2016, 16:59

Great write up, thank you.