UK riders just don't seem to get big scooters. Our European neighbours (especially those Italians) go bonkers for the likes of the Yamaha T-Max, Suzuki Burgman and Aprilia SRV850. But here in the UK Suzuki reckons on selling about 100 Burgmans a year, while BMW is also struggling to convince any riders to try its C650/600 models. What is the stumbling block? Perception, reckons Suzuki UK.
A scooter out in the wilds - a rare sight indeed!
The UK bike market remains highly compartmentalised. A sports bike is a weekend toy, a tourer goes touring, a big scooter is a city tool and an adventure bike is for doing it all. In Europe, however, they are far more open minded when it comes to two wheels and are keener on looking at bikes as vehicles that do everything. Why can't you commute on a sports bike? And what's wrong with taking a big scooter touring? Step up the updated Burgman 650 Executive and a hope that, UKIP or not, British riders can adopt a more broad-minded European attitude.
What's a Burgman and what's new?
The Burgman 650 was revealed in 2002 as the first 'big' scooter. Using a 638cc parallel-twin engine with a CVT drive (twist and go), the Burgman came with buttons to allow you to select 'power' mode to reduce the CVT's ratio and give a more impressive burst of acceleration as well as an option to manually change gears using buttons on the switchgear. Features that are all retained on the updated 2013 model.
Although it has remained pretty much unchanged since its launch, the stock Burgman was dropped in 2004 and Suzuki UK now only imports the Executive version, which is basically a specced up model. With the Executive you get heated grips, heated seats, an electrically adjustable screen and retractable mirrors, back rests and a few other bits of bling.
More boot space than an F-Type, possibly
New for 2013 the Burgman gets ECU tweaks claimed to boost economy by 15 per cent, alterations to the valve springs and CVT system to reduce drag, a sharper look, new lights and clocks and a new chassis with sportier geometry and a bit of its weight repositioned. Although the bike still tips the scales at 277kg, the weight distribution is better to improve handling. With so many Burgman owners (83,000 and counting since the bike was launched) Suzuki has basically asked them what needed updating and responded to criticisms, which is why the pillion footboards are also 10mm higher and the parking brake's lever relocated. Quite why they didn't also ask for a slightly less daft name is a mystery...
Out of town
Riding big scooters is always a bit of an odd experience if you are used to more conventional motorcycles, however you soon adjust and the Burgman is a very pleasant machine to ride. Although not as sporty as the T-Max, the Suzuki still handles far better than you may at first expect. The small 15-inch front and 14-inch rear wheels look like they will deliver a slightly insecure ride. But when you start to learn what a big scooter 'feels' like they can be pushed quite hard. We rode the Burgman around some wet and twisty Scottish roads at quite a pace and speed wasn't an issue, even if the ABS felt a little crude. One benefit of the scooter style is that you have both the front and rear brakes at your fingertips, meaning it's easy to drag the rear into corner or apply both in an emergency.
Who rides a scooter in the Highlands? PH2 does!
Scotland in April provided plenty of opportunity to test the Burgman's weather protection, the fairing doing a great job of protecting feet and body but the screen a little low for your six-two correspondent. Shorter riders seemingly suffered less, er, helmet-related turbulence.
Manual override for a CVT gearbox seems a little nonsensical but others who've spent more time on big scooters say it's helpful for overtaking. Sticking it in the Power mode seems to do the trick though, which is worse for economy but the more responsive acceleration and greater engine braking make the Burgman feel more like a 'normal' bike as a result. Even in power mode we saw an easy 50mpg.
Can it really tour?
Pitching the Burgman as a tourer is seemingly an odd one but under the seat is 50 litres of storage while a optional 42-litre top box boosts this even further. The two small and one larger (and lockable) front compartments can also be used for items such as iPhones while the power socket means heated clothing can be plugged in. So yes, I guess you could go touring on a Burgman. Would you want to? It's comfortable, practical and handles pretty well. If you dumped your luggage at a hotel then you could use the underseat storage for helmets etc, leaving you to wander around tourist attractions minus your riding kit - which is excellent.
Don't worry, he's back on a Panigale now
At £8,799 the Burgman is not only one of the cheapest big scooters but also the one with the highest specification of kit. The electrically retractable mirrors are essential for town work, the huge underseat storage (enough for two full face lids) puts the T-Max to shame and the look is stylish without being too odd. It's unlikely to win converts from conventional machines but existing owners will see the benefits up upgrading to the new one and it might convince a few scooter-curious folk. Are big scooters set to take off then? Aprilia, BMW, Suzuki, Yamaha and Honda all make 'em. Must be something in it..
SUZUKI BURGMAN 650 ABS EXECUTIVE
Engine: 638cc 2-cyl
Power: 54hp@ 7,000rpm
Torque: 46lb ft@ 5,000rpm
Top speed: 115mph (est)
Weight: 277kg (wet)
MPG: 50mpg (est)
Price: £8,799