Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive: The Ultimate Maxi-Scooter?

Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive: A Deep Dive into Maxi-Scooter Excellence

For those riders who have graduated beyond the limitations of smaller engine capacities, the allure of more power on two wheels is undeniable. Yet, the desire for comfort and practicality doesn't have to be sacrificed. Enter the Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive, a maxi-scooter that masterfully combines potent performance with everyday usability. This machine is engineered for long touring adventures, yet its user-friendly nature makes it an exceptional choice for daily commutes, regardless of the weather. Packed with thoughtful features and ample storage, the Burgman 650 Executive truly redefines what a scooter can be.

Licensing and Performance: Power at Your Fingertips

To wield the power of the Burgman 650 Executive, a full Category A motorcycle licence is required. Once this prerequisite is met, operating this scooter is remarkably intuitive, largely thanks to its twist-and-go Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). However, do not mistake its ease of use for a lack of vigour. The heart of the Burgman is its robust twin-cylinder 650cc engine, which churns out a healthy 54PS and 62Nm of torque. This output is more than sufficient to confidently leave most traffic in its wake from a standstill and provides ample oomph for swift and decisive overtakes on the open road.

Transmission Modes: Versatility on the Move

Adding a layer of versatility to the riding experience, the Burgman 650 Executive features a unique power button located on the left handlebar grip. Activating this alters the CVT's response, delivering sharper acceleration and more pronounced engine braking. Furthermore, a 'manual' mode is available, simulating the sensation of a six-speed gearbox. Gear changes in this mode are managed via thumb-operated buttons, also situated on the left grip. While an interesting feature, most riders will find the automatic mode to be the most effective and enjoyable, even when navigating challenging or winding roads. The seamless nature of the auto mode truly allows the rider to focus on the journey.

Handling and Stability: Agile Despite its Size

Despite its substantial dimensions, the Burgman 650 Executive exhibits surprising agility through corners. This is primarily due to its intelligent design, which concentrates the majority of its weight low down, beneath the rider. This low centre of gravity contributes to a confidence-inspiring and remarkably stable ride. Adding to rider confidence, the Burgman comes equipped with standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), providing an extra layer of safety. Its generous ground clearance ensures that scraping the underside during spirited cornering on roundabouts is a rarity, allowing for a more committed lean.

Pillion Comfort: A Shared Journey

The Burgman 650 Executive is exceptionally well-suited for carrying a passenger. The rear seat is wide and generously padded, offering considerable comfort for the pillion. Large, flat footboards provide ample support for their feet. Adjusting the bike for a passenger is also a straightforward affair. The suspension preload can be easily modified by hand, without the need for any tools, provided the bike is resting on its centre stand. With five distinct settings available, riders can tailor the suspension to accommodate varying loads and riding conditions. While riding at walking pace in town with a heavier pillion can be slightly more demanding, once up to speed, the Burgman feels equally at home and stable with a passenger as it does with only the rider on board.

Commuter Comfort: Features for All Seasons

As a tool for the daily commute, the Burgman 650 Executive is nigh on perfect. Riders are kept warm and comfortable during colder months thanks to heated grips and a heated seat. The windscreen can be adjusted electronically, allowing for seamless alteration of height to suit prevailing conditions. This effective screen, coupled with the broad leg shields, provides excellent deflection against the worst of the wind and rain. However, some taller riders might appreciate a slightly taller screen to further minimise buffeting at higher speeds.

Mirrors and Maneuverability: Practical Touches

The mirrors on the Burgman 650 Executive offer an unusually good view of what's happening behind – a feature often lacking on many scooters and motorcycles. A practical consideration for busy urban environments is their width. Fortunately, these mirrors can be electronically folded back at the touch of a button, a feature that proves immensely useful when filtering through tight traffic or when parking in a crowded motorcycle bay. The user-friendly centre stand is another example of Suzuki's attention to detail; it's almost as effortless to deploy as that found on a much lighter 125cc scooter.

Dimensions and Filtering: A Word of Caution

While folding the mirrors certainly narrows the Burgman, it remains a substantial and undeniably bulky machine, particularly for riders accustomed to lower-capacity bikes and scooters. Gaps that can be easily exploited by smaller machines may prove too restrictive for the Burgman. Therefore, if you are used to filtering through dense traffic, such as in Central London, a degree of extra caution is advised until you become intimately familiar with the bike's overall width and turning circle.

Storage Solutions: Practicality Reigns Supreme

Storage space is a hallmark of the Burgman 650 Executive. Beneath the instrument cluster, you'll find two compartments that, while lockable, offer convenient access for smaller items. Further down, a larger, lockable glovebox provides ample room for essentials. The inclusion of a 12V power outlet is a welcome addition, perfect for charging mobile phones or sat-nav units, or for powering heated clothing for year-round riding. Lifting the seat reveals a cavernous storage area, capable of accommodating a couple of helmets. A useful courtesy light illuminates the space, although the seat doesn't lift particularly high, which can slightly impede access to the deepest parts of the storage area. As standard, a pillion backrest is fitted, but this can be replaced with a spacious, lockable top box, offering further luggage-carrying capacity or space for an additional helmet.

Alternatives: The Burgman Family

For those who are drawn to the practicality of the Burgman range but have licence restrictions, Suzuki offers the Burgman 400, which is A2 licence-friendly, and the Burgman 125, suitable for riders with L plates. While these models may not possess the same level of equipment or outright capability as their larger sibling, they both uphold the Burgman reputation for comfort and user-friendliness, offering generous weather protection and storage solutions.

The Verdict: Is the Burgman 650 Executive Worth It?

If you possess a full motorcycle licence and are seeking the pinnacle of easy-riding scooter practicality, the Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive is exceptionally difficult to fault. However, its list price of approximately £8999 might be a significant hurdle for many potential buyers, especially those more familiar with the cost-effectiveness and practicality of traditional manual motorcycles. Nevertheless, one must ask: how many other motorcycles, at any price point, can offer such a high degree of comfort and practicality for year-round riding?

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What licence do I need to ride the Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive? You will need a full Category A motorcycle licence.
• Does the Burgman 650 Executive have ABS? Yes, ABS is fitted as standard.
• Is the Burgman 650 Executive good for long distances? Absolutely. Its comfortable seating, weather protection, and powerful engine make it ideal for touring.
• How much storage space does it offer? It features under-seat storage for two helmets, lockable gloveboxes, and the option of a top box.
• What are the key differences between the Burgman 650 Executive and other Burgman models? The 650 Executive is the flagship model with the largest engine, most power, and highest specification, including heated elements and electronic windscreen adjustment. The 400 and 125 models are aimed at riders with A2 licences or CBT respectively and offer a scaled-down experience.

For an entire generation of riders, the BURGMAN name has become synonymous with a redefined motorcycling experience. It has brought performance and comfort into an alignment previously unimaginable, presenting riders everywhere with new perspectives on the twin pursuits of pleasure and freedom. With the New BURGMAN 650 Executive, Suzuki continues to build upon this legacy, offering a maxi-scooter that truly stands apart.

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