Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive (AN650AK9)

Summary: My first impressions about the Suzuki Burgman 650 K9 (model 2009), which I bought in February 2009 to replace the Suzuki Burgman 400 I had for 2.5 years, after which I totalled it unexpectedly.

Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive © Suzuki Australia

Since February 27th, 2009 I am a proud owner of a Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive, a.k.a. as Suzuki Burgman 650A K9 (AN650AK9). 

On February 21st, 2009 I wrote off my Burgman 400 in an accident. I loved riding it. It did all I wanted it to do. Unfortunately, no Burgman 400 was in the country when I needed one, hence, the Suzuki Burgman 650 was the next best thing, or was it?

Well, four weeks and 1,900 km later I can truly say: It was the best thing I could settle for!

Huh, it is July 27, 2009… four months and 10,000 km later I can still truly say: It was the best thing I could settle for! 

Huh, me again! It is February 14, 2010… one year and almost 20,000 km later I can still truly say: It was the best thing I could settle for!  Something I cannot say for the workshop; but I am going elsewhere now.

May 11, 2010: huh, 30,000 km now and darn happy about my Burg! I am currently going Around Australia 

August 11, 2010: 47,000 km — Just came back from Birdsville!

Information

Information, more so detailed information, seems hard to come by; at least here in Australia. Yes, the  Suzuki Burgman 650 website lists most information, though it lacks some of the performance details / data (though typical for Australian sites), and had only one photo of the scooter (when I compiled this page originally in late February 2009).

I have therefore put my own technical specifications page together, providing you with much more detailed information (compared to Suzuki web sites or any other sources) about the scooter's specifications. The sales rap page provides general information about the Burgman 650 Executive features.

What a Ride!

I am not overstating when I say this is the best scooter I have had the pleasure to ride, and in this case: to own!

Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive © Max Gren•ko•witz

When do you know that a bike is right for you? I think you should like how it looks and how it feels. Comfort doesn't just apply to your riding position, but also your mental state. In this regard, the Burgman 650 offers easiest most hassle free riding I have ever done. Sure, the comfortable upright riding position with multiple choices where to put your feet is great, but the mental ease of riding this bike is just marvellous for those of us who want to do anything a street bike can do without trepidation.

I am glad I did not throw a coin to make my decicion between the Honda Silver Wing 600 and the Burgman 650 Executive. As it turned out the Executive deserves the crown. I updated this page after riding the Burgman 650 Executive for two consecutive day trips and some 600 km through the country — hence, I am now certain what I am talking about. 

I have found the Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive to be the bike for those who value comfort, convenience, and performance more than the approval of hardcore bikers. Its 638 cm³, twin-cylinder, fuel-injected, four-valve per cylinder engine is as quiet as it is powerful. Further convenience is provided by the onboard 12 Volt outlet.

Although many hard core bikers will recoil at the fact that it is an automatic, the Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT), electronically controlled, has a clutch-less manual mode for those times when one wants to "run it through the gears". I could not even be bothered trying! This particular CVT is so smooth, providing the right power at any opening of the throttle, in any situation; I simply love it. Ground clearance is good. This is where the ECVT Automatic Transmission is most impressive. You can go manual and treat it like a paddle shifter, you can go in power mode or leave it in standard mode. In all cases the transmission feels very intuitive. Just a roll off of the throttle seems to put the bike in just the right gear to negotiate a curve with the greatest of ease. Would it be crazy to classify this as a sport-scooter? I think that is a valid description.

It's large, padded seat and long floorboards make it easy to get comfortable and stay comfortable for hours at a time. The low, covered engine does not emit heat on the driver on hot days. The fairing and the electrically adjustable windshield provide substantial protection, which reduces driver fatigue on long trips.

The almost 60 litre under seat storage accommodates two full-face helmets or a helmet, jacket, gloves and other incidentals. Have a look at the picture of the gear I had with me on a recent trip.

In short, it is fun yet practical machine that can be used as a daily commuter or long distance tourer, and no doubt, for me: the Suzuki Burgman 650 Executive is simply "a better ride" compared to the normal motorbike.

Having also read multiple reviews of satisfied owners and not readily finding any reviews that pan this bike, I am thrilled that I own this machine. I can see this bike providing many years of satisfied ownership. At this point I can say this is my most favourite two-wheel machine that I have ever owned.

Coming up soon:

• I have plans to compile and link to the first riding reports… here a very exciting third ride-out 
• See below for my first 27 km quick trip "around the block"
• I have now written a comparison between the Burgman 400 and Burgman 650.

First Short Ride-Out

Yes, pain or no pain, how could I sit there and not go for a ride?!

Well, I put the gear on, and off I went. A short trip around the block, and 27 km later, I came home with the biggest grin  on my face you could imagine!

Burgman 650A Executive: "Lane Split Button" a.k.a. Mirror Flip Switch

What happened? Well, it was a very nice ride. Wobbly at first; I always have this experience for the first few kilometres… yes, new tyres, no real grip yet. The first thing to do was adjusting mirrors. These are the most important bits for me: my rear and sideway eyes!
The Executive was quietly humming along. It is breaking-in time. I had no manual that day, but half the maximum revs was my self-imposed — and I am sure sensible — limit for the first 1,000 km.

In essence: The 30 kilometres were comprised of suburbia in 50, 60, 70 zones, some kilometres on the freeway at 100 km/h flat, and back to suburban roads, plus some back streets in-between to do some figures of eight to get a grip on the handling, weight, balance, feel, etc.

But wait, where was this big grin  coming from I mentioned before? While I certainly enjoyed the ride, the Executive made my day when I approached some traffic lights: a bus on the left lane, some ten cars on the right lane, and I had to cut through, (with the Burgman 400 I would have); I pressed the button, mirrors rotated in, I went through like I would have on my 400, I snug through, incidentally got the green light, opened the throttle a bit, pushed the button again, and the mirrors came out again. Marvellous!
It is all too new to make further comments right now, but it felt good!

What a Fine Piece of Machinery!

Burgman 650 Executive: Step Through, Right Side

In March, when I lined my upper glove boxes with EVA foam sheets, I also removed the step-through cover; just out of curiosity. I sat there in awe for a while, pondering and admiring the engineering skills behind this machine. Yes, computer-aided design helps in the process of building these bikes, but it is still great to see the quality and precision that goes into the fabrication of this bike. The small tolerances, the different materials involved, and the craftsmanship are just mindboggling.

Burgman 650 Executive: Petrol Consumption

The petrol consumption of my Burgman 650 Executive has been much better than I originally anticipated. My initial assumption was close to 6 litres per 100 km. So far, after 2,739 km — admittedly mostly out of town and peak hour traffic, the petrol consumption sits at 4.94 l/100 km.

Burgman 650 Executive: Petrol Consumption for the first 2,739 km

Visitor's Comments

Entries are shown in the order of latest first.

Author Date / Time	Comment
MaxG from Brisbane wrote on Thursday, September 17, 2009 20:23	I would suspect that the service intervals and costs are pretty much the same; at least this is the case for the Burgman 400 and 650. I have focussed on my requirements and evaluated which bike offers the best bang for the buck and what I wanted to do with it. You may want to look at my Burgman 400 vs. 650 comaprison for more information. I had a 400 before the 650, and also test rode the Silver Wing. See the parent page for further comparisons. I am sure you will find details about the features on Suzuki websites. I have a link on this page to the Tech Specs in AU (see top right menu).
Joel from Milford, PA wrote on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 21:56	I am looking for a scooter and can not decide between the Yamaha Majesty or the Burgman by Suzuki (400 or 650). Yamaha has the manual on their website and Suzuki does not, so I can not see features and maintenance intervals. Do you or anyone have experience with both bikes. Primary use would be for commuting 50–70 miles to work and what ever else. Thanks
MaxG from Brisbane wrote on Sunday, March 15, 2009 18:59	You are welcome Big Harv … I am glad my spin was of assistance, and hope you will enjoy your 650 over many years to come!
Big Harv from US wrote on Saturday, March 14, 2009 22:22	Thanks Max. Appreciate the feedback you have left at the Burgman Riders Forum. I am very excited, because today I bought a nice used (12,000 miles) 2006 650. Now I understand what I read in the forums before about how the 650 feels way different, better grounded, better at handling road grooves, pot holes, etc. And lots more oomph. After trying both, I am thrilled I was able to find a deal on a 650. Thanks again for your help!
MaxG from Brisbane wrote on Saturday, March 14, 2009 22:15	Hmm, 120 mph, must have been downhill?! Looks like you are pushing it a bit I would suggest to ride safely and let the "daring" go past you Why would you be running this scoot at maximum throttle? If speed is your thing, why not getting something that does 120 mph with a breeze and has got ample juice left?
Carl from Wsinston-Salem, North Carolina wrote on Saturday, March 14, 2009 22:04	I am 51, and have owned three other scooters, that is what they were scooters. Two of the scooters went up in a house fire in November 2008, that was a blessing! In February 2009 I purchased a Burgman 650 Executive K6 with 1,112 miles on it. This is not a scooter (Suzzie) that's her name. This bike has it all: power, comfort and style. I went to Alamountie Florida with a friend to pick it up and rode to Forth Myers Florida, a 250-mile trip. The ride was great, until a sportster rode passed me making all that noise; well Suzzie didn't like that. Before I knew it I was over 120 mph. Then I had the Burgman smile I slowed down to let the holley catch up. The rider didn't look at me; he just keep going, got slammed by Suzzie. I loved it! This is the best bike I have ever owned. Ride safe everyone!
MaxG from Brisbane wrote on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 16:40	Hi Wijay :) Sure you do; it is the more serious business look. I would have loved to get the 650 in red, but silver-grey is the only colour for the Burgman 650 Executive in Australia.
Wijay from Sydney wrote on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 09:16	I prefer the grey to the previous red. Good luck.