THIS is the future. I’ve tasted it.
"Proper" bikers may turn up their noses at Suzuki’s Burgman just because it’s a scooter, but lets get this straight right from the off - I loved it.
Small-wheel machines like this one have never really caught on in the UK to the same extent they have in continental Europe.
But on the evidence of the 650 Executive, I really can’t understand why.
What’s not to like?
First of all, it’s no slouch. Far from it. The 638CC motor achieves 54bhp at 7,000rpm and will easily top 100mph.
There’s no clutch. Set it in Drive mode for fully Automatic or Manual if you want to shift gear yourself by clicking the Up or Down buttons next to the left grip. Even in Manual, it will downshift automatically if you leave it too long.
The engine moves smoothly through the gears and it accelerates surprisingly quickly - especially if you engage the Power mode, which essentially ups the revs, making it even more responsive.
I found little need for the Manual gear change, instead using the Power mode whenever I required an extra boost of speed.
The ride is very comfortable, with any bumps being soaked up by the excellent suspension.
The long footboards mean you can move your feet and legs to any number of different positions, including almost fully stretched out - a real boon on longer journeys.
And the handling is truly impressive, gliding effortlessly round bends at speed and coping perfectly at low velocity in town and traffic.
Triple disc brakes are perfectly adequate to halt the progress of what is a relatively heavy machine - and there’s ABS in case of difficulties.
The Suzuki Burgman has a veritable host of features.
There’s the heated grips and heated saddle - front only or front and pillion.
Lift the seat to reveal a luggage compartment - or “trunk”, as Suzuki call it - which is big enough to take two helmets.
It will also - much to the delight of my pillion Miss W - hold a fully laden handbag.
If the bag and inevitable shopping take up too much room, there is an exterior helmet lock, with cable provided.
You can use the handbrake to prevent any unwanted movement while loading up.
Up front there is more storage - two small gloveboxes left and right, and a bigger central one which is lockable and contains a useful power source.
Need to nip through a smallish gap while riding around town?
No problem, simply press a button on the left handlebar and the mirrors automatically fold in. Press again and they’re back in business.
A button on the right bar controls raising and lowering the windscreen.
My one niggle was that the screen didn’t extend quite high enough, so that at high speed there was some turbulence around my ears.
The tank holds 15 litres and it’s easy to achieve 50mpg - meaning around 150 miles before having to refuel.
Economy can be improved by riding more conservatively - you’ll know when you are doing so as the green Eco light on the dash will illuminate as a reward.
But, frankly, the Burgman is just too much fun to ride to keep restrained.
Bung a picnic under the seat, click that Power button and scoot for the hills - it’s the future.
Pillion Opinion with Miss W
Very comfortable, roomy and relaxed. I particularly liked the footboard and adjustable backrest. Heated seat perfect for winter. Loved the impressive storage capacity.
The Facts:
Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive ABS
Engine: 638CC
Colours: Grey, white, black.
Price: £8,799