Had my 650 for just over 4 and a half years and I still love every minute I spend on it. She's never let me down (apart from two flat tyres) and there is nothing I don't like about it. More than enough power, great weather protection, tons of storage space and just a pleasure to ride. It was my first bike and has set the bar high if I ever consider replacing her. Not that you can buy them new at the moment, so hoping Suzuki announce a successor at some point 🤞
The 650 Burgman is a great bike. My experience with a 2017 model has been wonderful. They seem to be overlooked by many big bike riders due to the sort of step through design and the CVT. After more than 28K miles it is still a wonderful ride and more than capable as a tourer and also a commuter without equal in the two wheeled world. There is plenty of room for your laptop and whatever else you might need plus your lunch to go under the seat and be weatherproof and secure.
Really Great video, thanks. Some really beautiful scenery also. Just had my Aprilia Atlantic 500 sprint written off, I'm looking to upgrade to s Burgman 650. Thanks for the review.
Thanks Michael. I previously had not the Aprilia but the Gilera 850 which was also a great bike but much faster than the Burgman, another worth looking at. Regards Ken
Had every 200 made and a gp225, still building them now also have a 79 vespa PX125 converted to E and175.Had a lambretta and vespa dealership in the 80's Edmonton , London.
On 6/27/22, about two weeks ago, I bought a 2017 Burgman 650 Executive. Haven’t ridden it yet since it’ll need the fluids changed because it only has 14 MILES on it. Seriously - 14 (it had 7 on it when they first advertised it). Found it in California and shipped it to TX. Going to do a couple of upgrades and get it broken in. Yeah, I have to break in a five year old bike. Can’t wait for the highs here to stop hitting over 100°!
Great review imho probably the best on RU-vid . I have a 2016 model and it was the best thing I ever did going from a bike to the big maxi scooter, like you say “ it’s like riding in an arm chair “ Glad you sorted the power button out, it’s for taking off like a rocket from traffic lights from a standstill, you won’t notice much if you are already going along. These make great second hand buys now , fantastic machines.
A Great Video and well presented and being a Lincolnshire Lad related to the area you rode. I really miss being out on the open road and as I've recently retired with plenty of time on my hands a friend suggested I look at the Burgman 650. Your video has convinced me that the Burgman 650 is the bike for me.. Many thanks indeed, I hope to see you around Lincolnshire soon.
Hi Steve. Thanks for the kind comments. I often ride round the Lincolnshire Wolds anywhere between Hatcliffe to Horncastle away from the traffic. Can't beat it but don't tell anyone. Ken
Hi Steve. Thanks for the kind comments. I often ride round the Lincolnshire Wolds anywhere between Hatcliffe to Horncastle away from the traffic. Can't beat it but don't tell anyone. Ken
@@kennuff2 got my 650 last week so only been out three times so far. Yorkshire wolds, Yorkshire Dales and today I headed to your neck of the woods ! Really enjoyed the roads and the bike just gets better each time I ride it 👍👍👍
The first thing potential buyers should consider is that the Burgman 650 is a touring scooter. It is not a machine bought to flit around town or to deliver pizza. It can do both of these things but given the engine size and the comfort level it is meant to be ridden on the open roads and back roads as a touring machine. The engine is plenty powerful that can hold its own with the big cruisers, tourers and sports bike. A CVT is responsive and quick off the mark at the lights. I've not noticed any lag in the changes either up or down in auto mode, the power button provides more revs when in auto mode for over taking. For those who like to be in charge there is a manual mode. Braking is well managed with ABS, two discs up front and a single one on the rear that are all linked - there is a parking brake for when the bike is on the stand. Brakes are operated by levers on the handle bars as with all bikes manage the levers to reduce the lurch on the front wheel as the bike comes to a stop. The windscreen is electrically adjustable via a button on the right hand cluster - this is ideal for keeping wind off the chest and reducing strain on the arms and shoulders, lowering it will give better air flow at low speed. Storage is ample with two small latched pockets for phones and similar sized objects and a lockable compartment all in the dash. Under the seat two full face helmets an be stored - a top box replacing the pillion back rest provides more storage. A 14litre fuel tank gives a range of about 200kms which equates to about 2 hours riding just about the right time for a rest. Forget the bike v scooter thing just ride what you like, what you can afford. Choose the machine that will take you where you want to go in the style you want to go because it is the ride not the destination, it is the journey not how fast you get there or how quickly you arrive
Nice comments. I own a 2004 with about 35000 km. On it, i really like it. I will never understand what i sometimes hear as a scooter stigma. This thing is a motorcycle & will go almost anywhere an mc. WILL GO. I ALSO HAVE A BV 500 PIAGGIO, LOVE THEM BOTH. AS AN OLDER RIDER, THE ''SCOOTER'' FITS TO A ''T''. AS A YOUNGER GUY I HAD ALL THE STANDARD MC'S SO I CAN MAKE THE COMPARISON. THANX FOR THE RANT TIME. BYE.
Roger Smith: Hi. My Burgy 650 Exec and my previous one get 250 to 300 km on one tank. 200 seems very low. Only city stop-go riding perhaps? My brakes are not linked at all. Nor were they on my previous model I prefer it that way too! I retired 2004 and have had 2 Burgy 650s. Wonderful tourers and perfect in cities too. Nimble enough with acceleration that leaves the rush hour traffic in the distance behind you. Keep safe.
Yes for town the 400 would be better. I had an old an400 and at traffic lights it was quicker than my 650. To be honest off the mark I was a bit disappointed but great on the open roads.
@@is3260 Sadly, in Australia the 650 in any versions ceased to be available after 2018. I love mine, I always enjoy getting out on the road on it be it a long ride or just a short trip around town.
Good video. Lovely day. Great bike. Living in Southern Spain I find manual really useful in the ubiquitous twisties with better engine braking. Also the auto setting tends to hang onto 5th when cruising so I flickover to manual and click up to 6th. Cheers. BTW, the wheels are 15" front and 14 rear👍
I have had ( 4 ) 650 Burgmans! I don’t know of another standard manufactured bike that has as much carrying space! The Low gravity of the engine makes the Handling and cornering Great! All Burgman owners put on tons of miles as they are so easy to get out of the Garage and use! Top end speed is about 110 MPH but as its 70mph plenty left! + 50 + to the gallon, only drawback is the small wheels and they are a bugger to get down and clean! Wish they had left the original, (Gripe! ) large Digital MPH central Display as in the old models, this new small reading speedo clock version is crap!!! (not thought out at all ) especially with all the traffic control cameras about! But a Fantastic Bike at app £9300 still an expensive Bike! But everything you will ever need , heated seats, Folding mirrors, Electric screen, still the Best Buy in my opinion for easy Riding! I go out riding the Bergman like a Lamb but on the way back home you had better watch out its no tortoise, passing many a motorbike is my aim giving them the proverbial Winston chuchills two fingers solute ! Especially the BMW Grammar school Boys!!! My only practical Gripe is the poor effectiveness of the brakes! Yes they are adequate but in a second clinching important emergency its like pulling up on a wheel barrow!!! All said and done a great piece of Kit, have nice day Pete!
Hi Piere. Yes I agree with all you said especially about cleaning the small wheels. Re the price I was lucky and bought a brand new one out the showroom but pre regitered and zero miles for £7200. The seat alteration I made for it made it a lot more comfortable for long rides. Regards Ken
Sorry Piere. They only had the one in stock at the Grimsby dealership. Apparently Suzuki make the dealers register so many bikes for demonstration purposes. Mine was never used and had zero miles on it so I guess I was lucky. Ken
Thanks buddy, great video. I love mine but may I ask, is your helmet a flip-top helmet and if so, was your camera easy to attach in the right position? I've tried before but completely messed it up. Also, what sort of mic setup do you have - your voice is very clear and I've tried to find a simple solution with no joy - at least, unless you want to pay through the nose for it!! Thanks again for the video - superb!
Hi .Thankyou for your comments. Yes my helmet is the Givi fliptop. I just stuck the gopro bracket on the side of the helmet but initially found as I think you are suggesting the camera was in the way of the flip up front. I had to use another couple of the little brackets with the screw hole in them to lift it away from the helmet. It looks a bit unwieldy but it doesn't vibrate at all. The microphone is a standard gopro one I picked up on Ebay, other types don't work, at least my first one didn't so I got the gopro but it was only about £5. I then used a bit of duct tape to fasten the cable to the outside of the helmet then just clipped the mic near my top lip in the helmet, leaving enough cable to open the front of the helmet. The mic came with the clip attached. I hope this helps. Yes I did hear from my dealership that they are not being made any more, pity they are great bikes. Regards Ken
Yes ,there is a clip on one as well as the screw on version. I thought the screw on would be stronger. Just take your time with the drilling and it is easy. You get a template with the screen. Thanks for the nice comment. Ken
hi, mikw here from currently Bali in Indonesia (on holiday). I was originally from Leeds, but now live in NZ. I really want a burgman just like yours, but they do not import the white ones into nz. Can you advise on the mods you made in more detail IE, the backrest extension and wooden bar on the handle bars. cheers Mike
What was the Cruise control ? I did not catch if it was and aftermarket mod of come with the bike? I have a 2009 650 Exec and love it. Thinking about getting a new one.
The 'cruise control' is just an alloy clip if you like that fits on the throttle and when you push it forward with your thumb it temporary locks the throttle it that position so you can take your hand away and the bike will continue at the same speed. As soon as you close the throttle it will go off again. Look closely at the throttle lever. I got it on Ebay for twelve pounds. As regards a new Burgman I think they have stopped making them but you could find a good late model.
I’m looking for another scooter , I’ve only had my Vespa GTS 300 for a couple of months for my daily commute and general runabout but now I’m getting old it gives me a back ache in about ten minutes and it doesn’t matter how I move about . I’ve looked at all the maxi scooters even those it’s pig ugly it’s still the best of the lot , I road along side a elderly gentleman on a Bergman Executive and he looked like a cat that had got the cream. I’m gona trade in my Vespa and get myself one . 😁🇬🇧🏍
Owned a 650 Burgman for almost 10 years. A very informative blog is the "Burgman USA" site with a wealth of info. I understand that the special kevlar drive belt is designed for the "life of the bike", hence it does not get mentioned in the service manual.
Just an extra thought Ken, we always fight our corner for the 650 Bergman as it gets a lot of stick from wood be bikers! Not sure you putting a whoopee cushion on the bike does it any street cred ! You are not trying to make the bike into an old folks home are you???
Was driving my executive on the Interstate 5 between Gorman and Castaic California. I passed a car and the kid in the passenger seat was pointing at me as were the other passengers, I thought wtf and then looked at the speedo I was driving my armchair at 105 mph on the speedo.,
@@kennuff2 it should be 3 lights each of them has two stages. Half bright and full bright. It's very strange just 3 stage. I'm not saying you are wrong. But maybe something is different in your bike.
On a burgman why why do people say the rear brake is on the left. When the left brake is linked 75% rear and 25% front. And the front brake is on the right that is 100% front just saying guys.
Just got my Burgman as I am becoming old, only getting about 40 mpg but I live in Scotland and use power button a lot through the twisties, does anyone else go Harley baiting?
