All Tests – 2013 Suzuki Burgman 650 Test: maximum service! – A large, complete and practical scooter

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2013 Suzuki Burgman 650 test: maximum service !

All Tests - 2013 Suzuki Burgman 650 Test: maximum service! - A large, complete and practical scooter

Launched in 2002, the Burgman 650 has survived the last decade becoming the limousine of maxi-scooters. In response to the arrival of serious competitors, Suzuki has appropriately accentuated its strengths and erased some of its weaknesses. Successful bet ? Test.

A large, complete and practical scooter

Gently stopped at a red light in front of the Colosseum in Rome (Italy), the Suzuki "mega-maxi-scooter" unveils another aspect of its general progress: the indentations in its floor have been redesigned in favor of accessibility.

Thus, despite a very wide saddle (but low: 755 mm on Genuine and 5 mm more on Executive because of the heating system), a 1.75 m rider’s boots come naturally and completely in contact with the asphalt..

And this, even while remaining well installed at the bottom of this very comfortable seat, the lumbar ones well maintained by the pilot backrest. Equipment whose position can vary by 50 mm in the longitudinal axis, in order to take advantage of the large space between the saddle and the apron to comfortably extend your legs.

The upper body also enjoys a princely reception: even with the bubble in the low position, the bust is perfectly sheltered and is not subjected to any constraint, while the well-defined branches of the handlebars can be caught effortlessly. Only downside concerning the handlebars: its width and its distance vis-à-vis the pilot require having "the long arm" to accompany the outer branch in abutment during a U-turn.

On the other hand, the Burgman 650 offers an excellent turning radius and the width of its handlebars improves the lever arm, favoring maneuvers at low and medium speeds. The adjustable brake handles and two easily accessible 1.3-liter storage compartments complete well-thought-out ergonomics.

Despite their many controls (ten buttons on the left handle of the Executive!), The controls remain functional but lack elegance. The use of multiple colors (blue, gaudy orange, bright yellow, black, light gray and red!) Visually swears. This does not play in favor of the perceived quality, nor the "plastoc" side of certain plastics (storage pockets and handlebar cover, in particular) or the cable surrounded by chatterton coming out of the basic control of the heated grips..

A glance at the new on-board console tells you about … almost everything! The dials for the speedometer and needle tachometer frame a digital display showing the time, fuel level and consumption, engine and air temperature, total mileage, two daily trips and " gear "engaged in manual mode. A warning light comes on even when the outside temperature drops below 3 ° C !

For 2013, two new features are emerging: a maintenance message appears at the bottom left of the digital window every 6000 km to signal the need to change the oil, while a green "Eco" symbol appears. lights up when the behavior adopted saves fuel consumption.

Readable but a bit austere, this automotive-inspired instrumentation only suffers from one flaw, rather annoying on this type of "Premium" scooter: the impossibility of scrolling through all this information from the handlebars. To make matters worse, the buttons assigned to this function on the dashboard are small and difficult to access while driving, due to their distance from the pilot..

In terms of unfortunate practical details, let us also mention the absence of a hinge on the cap of the 15-liter gasoline tank or of an angled valve on the 15-inch front wheel. Too bad, because the 260 mm floating brake discs (fixed before) do not leave much room to check or modify the pressure … At the rear, the 14 inch wheel benefits from this attention..

Now installed on the left under the saddle (on the right on the apron in 2012), the small parking brake control is not an accessibility model either. Its positioning outside the pilot’s visual field combined with the poor visibility of the engagement warning light on the instrument panel make it easy to forget to loosen it before setting off again. An automatic parking brake as on the BMW C650 would bring real convenience, while avoiding this kind of little hassle.

Finally, if the volume (5.2 liters) and the practicality of the lockable glove box equipped with a 12V socket are renewed, the reduction in the carrying capacity of the trunk under the saddle may be a source of concern. a few. Due to the refinement of the rear, the volume of the cargo hold of the Burgman 650 in effect goes from 56 to 50 liters. Or when form takes precedence over function…

No worries, however, MNC has checked: it is still possible to slip two full-face or modular helmets in this illuminated space, the opening of which is controlled by the contactor. And there is still room to accommodate gloves or rain gear, which is more than enough for everyday use.

In use, owners of the new Burgman will also appreciate the appearance of a small inspection hatch to check the oil and cooling levels on the left front side. A commendable initiative, knowing that these checks previously involved dismantling part of the floor !

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