2009 Suzuki Burgman 650

Summary:

The Suzuki Burgman falls short of reviews I've seen and hype I've heard

Faults:

I traveled 200+ miles yesterday to purchase this used Suzuki Burgman 650. So having had it only 1 day I cannot give a well-informed review. But having rode it home for 200+ miles I can say the fuel economy is not what it's hyped up to be. I've seen factory fuel economy ratings and those posted by people who have purchased one of these. The previous owner had just tuned this up by a professional dealership and put new tires on it. I got a meager 45mpg on the highway coming home as opposed to the claimed 55-60 I've seen in reviews. And having spent 3 hours on this machine I feel qualified to testify to its comfort (or lack thereof) on rides greater than a quick jaunt to the supermarket. This thing is awful as far as bum comfort goes. The seat is flat and (trust me) your bum will be too after 3 hours in the saddle!! I found myself stopping every 50 to 75 miles to squirt $6-$8 gas in the tank and just enjoy standing up for a few minutes! But I purchased it for commuting back and forth to work and I think that I can live with riding it 50 miles (round trip) to work each day. As a commuter I would rank it as "okay". Definitely not something I will ever take out of town ever again. I'm 62 and have ridden motorcycles since the age of 17. Compared to other motorcycles I've owned through the years I'm going to give this one a (precarious) thumbs up. It seems to make more noise out of the front of the bike than out the tail pipe. But it's still very quiet overall in terms of "2-wheelers". Would I buy it again today? No. But I'm stuck with it now so I will try to "learn to love it".

General Comments:

It's an okay mode of transportation if you're just looking for something to get you back and forth to work more economically than the family sedan. But if I had it to do over I would opt for a mid-size cruiser like the Suzuki Boulevard C-50 or the Kawaski Vulcan 900. They cost about the same with comparable fuel economy and power... but they are miles ahead in terms of comfort!

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th July, 2022

2009 Suzuki Burgman 650

Summary:

Absolutely Fantastic !

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

It is very fast and very smooth.

Handles beautifully, and has low center of gravity, which makes it very stable.

I get about 50 mpg on the average with regular gas, which is what is recommended.

I find the windshield does contribute to wind buffeting along the helmet, but so far it is tolerable. There is no wind in my face or against my chest.

Storage is great under the seat, and in the dashboard, which has 3 compartments for keeping small items.

I have no trouble lifting the scooter off the center stand, however I normally use the side stand, which also has a safety switch not permitting the scooter to start with the side stand down.

I never use the parking brake, since I never park on uphill or downhill streets.

The only slight thing I had to get used to, which was no big deal, was the downshifting of the engine when you come to a stop. I am now used to it.

I have had over 40 motorcycles, from the Yamaha 70cc to the Honda Goldwings with 1500cc. I didn't buy any of the new ones, since they were too heavy for me to push around and make tight u-turns.

Buying the Burgman 650 gave me all the basics of a large motorcycle without all the weight. The feet positioning on the Burgman 650 is very very comfortable, and I love using the handbrake levers. It stops on a dime with NO forward lunging.

Overall, it is the best bike I have ever owned. I never had over 1200 miles on ANY cycle. Now I almost there, and have had the scooter only a couple of months. Good job Suzuki.

"SCOOTERMAN"

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th November, 2010

11th Feb 2011, 16:39

Yes, a few years back I test rode one with my girl friend of the time 2 up. It was surprisingly peppy, and the auto trans. a delight. I've had a stroke, so if I ride again, it will have to be an easy peezy auto machine, that's a Burgman in my book.