All Tests – 2013 Suzuki Burgman 650 Test: maximum service! – A really maxi maxi-scooter!

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2013 Suzuki Burgman 650 test: maximum service !

All Tests - 2013 Suzuki Burgman 650 Test: maximum service! - A really maxi maxi-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 really maxi maxi-scooter !

"Ho-hoist"! First observation by removing the new Burgman 650 from its production unit, then by operating it at a standstill: the first overhaul granted by Suzuki on the spearhead of its scooter range hardly benefits its overweight (read in particular our ).

With 277 kg all full made for the Burgman 650 Executive (with seat and heated grips and passenger backrest as standard) and 275 kg for the standard version (Genuine), the maxi-scooter GT in the Hamamatsu crest remains a "heavyweight" of the category. A judgment confirmed by its imposing appearance: 2265 mm long, it occupies only 430 mm less on a parking space than a Smart Fortwo Coupe, the "micro car" of the Daimler group !

Fortunately, the excellent system of retractable mirrors (with a prolonged pressure on the left stalk) is renewed: with the total width (810 mm) and the "automotive" volume of its very efficient mirrors, this makes it easier to climb back up or down lines. parking lots in tight places. Good news: this device is now fitted as standard on the Burgman 650 Genuine, as is ABS and the electrically adjustable windshield..

Even if its excellent balance and its very low center of gravity help to quickly forget its curves, the fact that it has not lost an gram is a little surprising: according to Suzuki, the facelift granted to the rear part (less wide by 25 mm) would however have made it possible to lighten the buckle by removing reinforcements from the steel frame. In addition, the new ABS central developed by Bosch would weigh "55% less", assure the Japanese engineers.

"Yes, but the weight gained on these points is unfortunately compensated for in the exhaust. We’ve completely redesigned it – inside and out – to meet the toughest anti-pollution standards, and that translates into extra weight.", replies Etusji Kato, the" Senior Advisor "of the engine division at Suzuki Moto. In fact, the catalyst of this silencer covered with an elegant chrome cover is 20 mm longer.

Speaking of elegance, the facelift enjoyed by the Burgman 650 gives it a welcome facelift: the front and rear gain in fluidity thanks to tighter lines. The redesigned headlights also bring a touch of modernity, which Suzuki could perhaps have pushed further to mark the split from the previous model..

From a technical point of view, the Burgman 650 renews its main characteristics almost as they are: the 638 cc in-line twin engine develops exactly the same power and torque values ​​(55 hp and 62 Nm), but would prove to be more fuel-efficient "15% in automatic Drive mode"thanks to the use of more efficient injectors with a smaller diameter, more flexible valve springs and new segments on its two pistons.

CVT: the black box…

Since its release in 2002, the Burgman 650 has received little criticism regarding its reliability, with the exception of its continuously variable CVT transmission which offers three drive modes: two automatic (Drive and Power) and a shift function. manual of five "reports". Concretely, this belt transmission varies the spacing of the flanges of its variator according to the modes or "speeds" engaged, which gives the impression that the final transmission ratio changes (as on Aprilia Mana). By switching from "Drive" mode (switched on by default at start-up) to "Power" mode for example, the engine speed increases by around 1500 rpm at the same speed: the pick-ups gain "automatically" in liveliness. Unfortunately, this CVT quickly showed signs of weakness: in some cases, the transmission had to be replaced following a breakage of a stop screw located on a bearing. Suzuki rectified the situation by reinforcing the offending part and the device would now be 100% reliable. "The fact that Suzuki offers a two-year warranty extension (for 392 €, Editor’s note) on the Burgman 2013 also tends to prove that they are completely sure of the reliability of the system", specifies a member of the technical team of Suzuki France.

Likewise, reducing friction at the clutch discs (-35% friction thanks to a new surface material) and the final transmission by pinions would help reduce fuel consumption. Unfortunately, this announced progress could not be verified, for lack of being able to refuel during the test. As an indication, the average consumption indicated on the dashboard after 225 km traveled at a good pace varied from 5.6 l to 6.5 l / km depending on the testers..

Finally, the continuously variable transmission "CVT" has also undergone an upgrade aimed essentially at smoothing its operation in automatic mode (read in particular the box opposite).

Thanks to a reduction in engine speed at low speed and a new injection setting, Suzuki sought to reduce – or even eliminate – the jolts felt on the previous model, especially during strong revivals or decelerations. And the efforts made by the engine manufacturers are immediately noticeable: the acceleration is more easily dosed and the acceleration / deceleration phases are perfectly transparent..

When the throttle is cut below 20 km / h, the freewheel phenomenon felt when the variator “stalls” is also much less pronounced. Approaching an intersection, the new Burgman 650 is more flexible, because its engine brake management is much more finely controlled: a real plus in terms of driving pleasure..

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