2006 Suzuki Burgman 650
Faults:
No problems to this point.
General Comments:
I purchased the Burgman 650 after taking a long trip on the Yamaha 400. The Majesty, while a good all-around ride, was a little lacking in "cruisability", i.e., it was a bit hesitant at highway passing speeds and hill climbing. It also was a little slow out of the hole. I wanted something that had a little more power reserve.
I bought the Burgman 650 last August, and this one does the trick. Highway cruising is effortless - I can go 75 mph all day if I want. It's not quite as nimble as the Yahama, but it more than makes up for it for it in power and ride comfort. The suspension seems a lot smoother than the Yamaha as well.
It has a fair amount of engine braking effect, which takes a little getting used to. However, this can actually be an advantage in cornering and braking.
I find the seat comfortable enough, but the windscreen leaves something to be desired. You get some turbulence right around the helmet level. Unfortunately, the only after market replacement I've seen is too big for my liking.
Overall I'm very happy with my scooter and have received many compliments on it.
AL G.
Wisconsin.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 10th August, 2007
18th Aug 2007, 07:06
I bought my Burgman 650 back in May. It's now August and I have 5,700 miles on it.
I've taken 2 tours. One shorter one from Pueblo, Co to Albuquerque. And I just got back from a tour from Pueblo to Yellowstone, up to Montana, down through Idaho and Utah and back to Pueblo.
The 650 is a great scooter for touring. It handles well in the mountains and you don't even notice altitudes over 11,000 feet or 7% uphill grades. The power is exceptional.
It just takes off from other bikes at a stop, even much bigger displacement bikes.
On the interstate it cruises easily at 75 mph and would easily go faster, except I don't.
I've never seen another scooter out touring. People don't know what they are missing. 60 mph, great power, comfort.
The only complaint people seem to have is about the windscreen. I suspect this is by newer riders. After awhile, you don't even notice the wind. Or perhaps it's by those who don't wear full face helmets.
I also like the visibility of the big white scooter. People seem to see it real easily.
29th Apr 2009, 14:27
I've been riding various bikes for over 40 years. From dirt bike to Gold Wings. Once I reached 50 plus I wanted something smaller, but not slow and under powered. I'm now 56 and on my second 650 Burgman (sold the first to my brother while visiting in Florida) who also was getting tired of shifting.
I often ride with other people and let them try it out. To a person they can't believe this bike. Three of them have gotten on and love them. Two up riding no problem, power no problem, great gas mileage of 45-55, depending how it's ridden.
The transmission choices are really cool, and when you do miss shifting or want to cruise on the highway, the manual with the overdrive feature will let you cruise with any other bike out there.
Storage space is great, and I've done 350-400 mile day trips, no problem.
Lastly, I've also embarrassed several stock Harley drivers at the stop light, if you know what I mean. If you can drive one you'll be impressed... unless you really like noise, shifting a lot, and no storage features without spending more on accessories. Windshield isn't an issue with a helmet with a half shield or more, and I'm tall at 6'3".
17th Aug 2007, 13:09
All the top brand scooters can get new bigger windshields from Cee Bailey aviation. I got one for my BMW and it's great. I am getting one for my Suzuki 650 ($170). Hope this helps a lot of people.