Japanese motorcyclesSuzuki motorcycles
Scooters and mopeds have always remained popular since their inception, despite their unsightly technical performance.
After all, their advantages more than offset the lack of technical equipment. Small, maneuverable and very economical, they will always be in demand.
The Japanese, as the most massive consumers of such motorcycles, decided not to stop at small scooters and began to create equipment that is not inferior to full-fledged motorcycles in technical terms.
A representative of a solid scooter is the Burgman 650 model from Suzuki.
This model appears everywhere as a maxi scooter; this class of motorcycle equipment has received the nickname “Sofa”.
If we give a general assessment of the Burgman 650, then it is rather a motorcycle, structurally made in the form of a scooter .
The same stool seating and concept, but its size, functionality and comfort are not inferior to “Tourer” class motorcycles .
An interesting fact is that in its homeland this maxi is called Skywave, and the first name indicated is for models intended for Europe and the USA.
We have these scooters with both names.
There are practically no differences between the Skywave and Burgman models , with the exception of very minor differences, for example, in the form of turn signals of different colors.
What is a maxi scooter
When you first look at a scooter with impressive dimensions, a voluminous body kit and two comfortable seats, you immediately understand that this is a maxi-scooter. It’s not for nothing that motorcycle enthusiasts often call large scooters “sofas,” which is due to their increased size and increased degree of comfort.
Suzuki Burgman 650 is one of the largest production models of maxi-scooters
Large scooters have a powerful and energy-intensive suspension, increased wheel diameter, and the engine cylinder is not inferior in cubic capacity to a powerful motorcycle and develops a fairly large torque. At the same time, there may be no traditional motorcycle gearbox, instead of which an automatic transmission is sometimes installed.
The braking system on maxi scooters is more reliable. After all, when driving at high speeds, it is important to be able to quickly stop the vehicle. This is why drum brakes are not installed on large and massive scooters.
Typically, there is a disc brake consisting of one or two discs on the front and rear wheels.
In a large scooter, everything is done for convenience and safety during long trips - the trunk has increased capacity, a comfortable backrest supports the driver’s back, and protection from precipitation and wind has been thought out. Riding a maxi scooter around the city is inconvenient due to its increased size.
Having figured out how a maxi-scooter differs from a regular one, let’s dwell on the features of the Burgman 650 model, manufactured by Suzuki.
During long journeys, a large scooter is comfortable and safe
Photo gallery
The Suzuki Burgman (Suzuki Skywave) 650 fascinates with its impressive dimensions and vaguely resembles full-size tourist cruisers. Leadership in the class is ensured by outstanding driving performance, and dynamic characteristics are not inferior to mid-sized motorcycles. And you can get acquainted with its excellent design in our selection.
A Brief History of the Suzuki Burgman Model Range
Suzuki specialists, who have perfectly mastered the production of scooters for mass consumers, decided to create equipment that is not inferior in technical characteristics to motorcycles. The first models of large scooters, called Burgman, were released 20 years ago. After the appearance on the market in 1999 of a modification of the Suzuki Burgman under the AN250 brand, the engineers did not stop there and released another model, the AN400.
Developing the model line, a few years after the release of the first maxi-scooters, the AN125 model was manufactured. In 2002, it made an impression on fans of large devices. However, this modification did not remain a new development by Suzuki specialists for long. A year later, the Suzuki Burgman 650 model appeared, and in 2004, a modernized version of the 650 model called Executive.
Modifications
The motorcycle was produced in 3 official and one additional modifications.
Since the beginning of production, 2 main ones were produced, in 2008 a third appeared, which lasted on the assembly line for only a year, until 2009.
in 2009, regardless of the third official one, an additional one will be launched for the US markets.
The main ones are:
- SV650 - Naked version . Basic model. Closed in 2009.
- SV650S - Sport version . Second main model. Lower handlebars, higher footpegs, greater demand and the model lasts until the end of production. Closed in 2012.
- The third main modification lived only a year on the assembly line. Full fairing, wind protection, additional electronics. Started in 2008, closed in 2009.
Additional development
SFV650 Gladius . Produced based on the components of the main model. In the USA it became a full-fledged separate model. Closed in 2015 .
Suzuki SV line
The SV line includes three models.
- SV 400 - Japanese version. Copy of model 650.
- SFV650 - export version (described).
- SFV1000 - launched in 2003 as an older sister, but in pursuit of lower costs it did not receive an injector, SDTV, or instrument updates. It was not in great demand and was closed in 2007 .
General description of Suzuki Burgman 650
Trying to characterize the 650th model, it would be more correct to call it a motorcycle that looks like a scooter. After all, the driver’s seating position is the same as on a regular scooter, called a “stool.” At the same time, the level of functionality and comfort corresponds to touring motorcycles. In the Japanese market this scooter model is called Skywave, and in European and American markets it is called Burgman. Structurally and externally, both models are identical. Let's look at their design and construction.
The shapes of the 650th model of the Burgman scooter are expressive
Appearance and design
Looking at the 650th model of the Burgman scooter, you are surprised at how expressive the shapes and impressive dimensions are. Noteworthy is the volumetric lining made of high-quality plastic, which gives this model solidity. The aerodynamics are well thought out - the windshield is like a visual continuation of the skin and gives the front part an arrow-shaped shape. Two powerful headlights located above the front fender provide good illumination.
Bright turn signals are located in the folding side mirrors, located slightly above the headlights. There is an electric drive for changing the angular position of the windshield, which increases comfort while driving. The windshield covers the dashboard display, which provides essential information about the scooter's operation. The space between the steering column and the driver's seat is used to accommodate closed storage boxes.
The comfortable seat has a stepped shape and is equipped with a driver's backrest with the ability to adjust its position. For the convenience of passengers, there are two handles on opposite sides of the plastic body kit. Comfortable platforms are provided for the feet of the driver and passenger. Under the seat there is a storage container with a volume of 56 liters.
Japanese engineers thought through all the components of the maxi-scooter in detail.
Design
Japanese engineers thought through all the components of the maxi-scooter in detail. The supporting structure is made of a tubular profile and forms a rigid frame to which a plastic body kit is attached. Unlike the typical small scooter arrangement of the engine located next to the rear wheel, the maxi scooter has the power unit located under the driver's seat.
To maintain the operating temperature of the two-cylinder engine, a liquid cooling system is installed. The radiator is conveniently located at the front of the scooter in close proximity to the front wheel. It receives a powerful air flow, providing effective cooling of the motor. Externally, the radiator is not visible, as it is successfully hidden under plastic.
The developers used the right side of the scooter to locate the exhaust pipe. The possibility of burns from the top and side parts of the hot muffler, which are hidden under the protective cover, is eliminated.
The scooter is equipped with a CVT gearbox, which differs from a classic motorcycle with a gearbox. It provides quick acceleration and the ability to ride comfortably on a maxi-scooter. The transmission can operate in two modes, one of which is automatic and the other with manual gear shifting.
The scooter is equipped with a CVT gearbox
The pendant has a classic design. The front wheel is mounted on a telescopic fork, and the rear wheel has a pendulum suspension and is mounted on two lateral shock absorbers. The front wheel of the scooter is locked by two disc brakes, and the drive wheel by one.
Suzuki Burgman 650 – technical specifications of the scooter
The Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive scooter has quite impressive dimensions. The length of the vehicle is 2.26 m, and the width and height are 0.81 and 2.26 m, respectively. The driver's seat is located at a distance of 75.5 cm from the road surface. The distance between the axles of the front and rear wheels is 1,595 m, and the ground clearance reaches 13 cm. The curb weight of the maxi-scooter does not exceed 280 kg.
The four-stroke two-cylinder engine has a fairly decent cubic capacity of 638 cm3 and develops a power of 54 hp. This allows the massive device to accelerate to 190 km/h. Only an experienced driver can operate a heavy scooter at high speed.
The engine with an injection power system has a double-row cylinder arrangement and liquid cooling. The power unit is started from an electric starter.
The engine design, developed for sports motorcycles, has not changed since Suzuki released the first maxi-scooters. Transmission of torque from the engine through an automatic transmission allows the engine to reduce gasoline consumption in the Burgman model by 14-16%. Depending on the driving style and speed limit, the engine consumes from 3.8 to 6.5 liters of gasoline per hundred.
The 650th modification of the Burgman scooter is suitable for long trips
When looking for a motorcycle for a long trip, you should pay attention to the 650th modification of the Burgman scooter, equipped with a comfortable seat, a 15-liter fuel tank and a powerful engine. The capacity of the fuel tank allows you to easily cover long distances with one refueling.
Classmate
Suzuki positions its Executive as a device in the top segment of the market, so it only makes sense to compare it with another serious player. Luckily, BMW has the C650GT, which makes the Executive very easy to match. The devices are almost identical in their characteristics, both have high windshields, mirrors on the fairing with built-in turn signals, and a driver’s backrest, but in terms of the presence of a passenger backrest, BMW is behind. The BMW's suspension is more typical for a scooter, with a single engine-transmission-wheel unit, so it has more unsprung weight. The braking system is almost the same on both vehicles, including the presence of ABS. The GT engine has a little more horsepower - by as much as 4 - and almost the same torque as that of its competitor, so it essentially does not provide any gain in power. It turns out that when choosing one of these devices you need to be guided by taste, not characteristics.
Review of advantages and disadvantages
The Suzuki Burgman 650 maxi-scooter has a number of serious advantages. Main advantages:
- automatic variator with the ability to switch to manual mode;
- powerful power plant providing quick acceleration;
- the ability to work on gasoline with an octane number of 92-95;
- heated steering grips and seat surfaces;
- high-quality optics that allow you to drive in low visibility conditions;
- increased volume of the luggage compartment, allowing you to place helmets and things;
- convenient placement of mirrors providing increased visibility.
In addition, the thoughtful placement of the seat and steering wheel ensures a comfortable driving position, which is important when covering long distances.
The Suzuki Burgman 650 maxi-scooter has a number of serious advantages
Along with the advantages, this model also has weaknesses:
- increased weight and dimensions make it difficult to control the vehicle, especially in heavy traffic;
- deterioration in scooter controllability for a short period of time when quickly reaching the speed limit;
- the possibility of losing control of a vehicle stopped by emergency braking at high speed.
Controlling a scooter takes some getting used to - the many switches located on the steering wheel sometimes make novice drivers think. In addition, a tall driver will have to move closer to the passenger seat to ensure a comfortable foot position on the platform.
Test drive Suzuki Skywave 650 Burgman
The Suzuki Burgman 650 2021 scooter is easy to control at speeds up to 100 km/h. Exceeding this threshold forces the driver to strain, as difficulties arise in maneuvering while driving a massive and oversized vehicle. At low speeds the driver feels comfortable. However, when cornering, the heavy scooter moves rather sluggishly, as the driver has to maintain its balance.
A test drive of the scooter showed that it is quite dynamic, but requires driving skills for safe operation.
