[alloo]

According to Motorscooterguide.net Suzuki is importing the Burgman 200 into the US. Maybe its because the Burgman 400 is getting too expensive and Honda is importing the Forza 300. What do you think?

http://www.motorscooterguide.net/

http://www.topxmotor.com/2013/06/2014-suzuki-burgman-200-gets-carb.html#.UgMmt3azKpg

 

[Jeff_MdR]

The Forza MSRP is $5600. Unless the Burg200 is priced around $4000, I don't think it will do well. I can see a Burgman 400 rider, who does limited highway riding, stepping down to a Forza, but not a 200.

The 200 will appeal to the 125-150 cc scooter rider that is looking for more comfort and storage.

 

[Jeff_MdR]

Now that I think about it. I can see ME as a Forza or 200 rider. As long as I have my 650 for my highway and touring needs, either of these would be fine as my city bike when my 400 gives up the ghost (not for a long time I hope).

 

[soc714]

I see the burgman 200 as a real starter. People that don't want to get ran over on a 50cc scoot will opt for the 200, before you know it they will want a 400 or 650 and maybe Suzuki will finally offer a 850 or a 1000cc scoot with all the gadgets of a Goldwing, yahooha.

 

[alloo]

Its official in the USA

http://www.suzukicycles.com/Product Lines/Scooters/Products/Burgman 200/2014/UH200A.aspx

 

[blackcat54]

The Forza, as reported by new owners in the US is a more than capable highway cruiser that will easily do 80-85 mph. The Burgman 200 with a reported top speed of 75 mph would be the smallest displacement bike I would consider for highway use.

 

[Liamjs]

Man, that is a good looking bike! But a 200 might miss the mark here in the US. We like our bikes big and highway ready. A 250 would have been nice and a contender against the Honda. I'd love to try though.

 

[Mel46]

I wish they would give us the price. I wonder about why they didn't decide on the 250 instead, considering that Honda now has the Forza 300. We looked at the Forza and found it to be too big and bulky for us. I hope the 200 is as nice as the 400. Aside from the fact that my wife is short, which means she looks small on our 400, the 200 looks like it would work for her. I really hope they get the 200 into the showrooms soon.

 

[Jeff_MdR]

Mel46 - although the 200 is definitely lighter (by 130 lbs), narrower (by 3.4 in) and shorter wheelbase (by 4.7 in), seat height is actually almost an inch taller (.9).

Unless the wife is really short-legged, she should feel much more comfortable on the 200.

 

[Mel46]

My wife's inseam is 27". I'm not sure how well she will fit on the 200 but the fact that it is narrower is a great thing, and if the seat height is that much more than the 400 at least it could be redone by a professional so that it would be a bit lower.

 

[Rusty J]

I see the burgman 200 as a real starter. People that don't want to get ran over on a 50cc scoot will opt for the 200, before you know it they will want a 400 or 650 and maybe Suzuki will finally offer a 850 or a 1000cc scoot with all the gadgets of a Goldwing, yahooha.

I agree, but probably would put it differently.

At least in California, you need a motorcycle endorsement for any two-wheeler that's not a chainsaw-powered push-scooter or a literal moped. As such, a 200cc scooter competes favorably with the usual 125-150cc entry-level scooters (and 50cc bikes aren't even on the radar in this comparison). 300cc and up scooters invite cross-shopping with "real motorcycles" and can't compete on price or performance. They've got it all over motorcycles in practicality, but not many motorcycle buyers are looking for that.

On the other hand, it does provide an entry into riding, and for those who come to two-wheeled transportation that way might well wonder why one would want to bother with shifting, a missing windscreen and legshields, and not having built-in storage space... and then Suzuki can sell them 400s or 650s when the time comes to upgrade.

 

[Liamjs]

On the other hand, it does provide an entry into riding, and for those who come to two-wheeled transportation that way might well wonder why one would want to bother with shifting, a missing windscreen and legshields, and not having built-in storage space... and then Suzuki can sell them 400s or 650s when the time comes to upgrade.

Perhaps this is suzuki's plan. I thought a 200 too small at first. But a 250 or 300 is too close to the 400, there's not much enough distinction. And why go head to head with Honda Forza, Vespas, Piaggio BV, et al. Hook newbies with the 200 and then have a very nice, discernible upgrade path to the much bigger bikes. No one offers a 200, 400 & 650; Makes for a nice lineup.

 

[Gbjbany]

saw a 200 at the motor show in San Mateo, this week and the storage is pretty small. I agree this is a 125/150/175 competitor, great for around town and short commutes. When i was in paris, there were tons of them.

 

[IntRunner40]

A 200 Burgman will make a nice around town scooter if its geared to fit its role and returns an honest 75+ mpg. If not, then I see no reason to get it over a 400 other than price. I know my 400 was no match for my little 150cc around town and thats why its no longer in my garage, but a 200 might be different as it should have a little better top end, good storage with a topcase, and most impotantly great gas mileage.

 

[Liamjs]

Suzuki is probably not going after the maxi crowd (250+ cc). They're going after the new owner crowd that thinks a bike that big would be too much to handle, the Vespa 150 people. Only for the same price, you get a good quality 200 in much the same size package.

Once in love with their Burgman 200s, said new owners will soon want to upgrade. A 250 or 300 wouldn't be enough of a leap, so the 400 is the next step up and, hey wouldn't you know, there's a Burgman 400 offering. And so on to the 650 after a couple years. Then Perhaps some future b900 or something. Nice plan considering the baby boomers are getting older.

 

[Gbjbany]

these were my pics from the show

 

[Mel46]

It looks beautiful! My wife and I would both love to see one. You are right about it being good for the new owner crowd. My wife has a Honda PCX 150 right now. She loves it but would love to have more power. She can ride my 400 but is a bit too small for getting around town on it. When she 'wheels and deals' around town on her 150 I have a time keeping up on the corners. When she turns around in a parking lot I have to swing a much larger circle. Sometimes we actually get into a place that is easy for her but almost impossible for me, so she has to keep me in mind when she pulls into a place. Hopefully the 200 would still have a short turning radius.

 

[Jeff_MdR]

As stylish as Vespa 150s are, they are tall (30.5-9" seat vs. 28.9" on the 200), have minimal under-seat storage (1 3/4 helmet or 1 grocery bag), small wheels (11" front, 10 back), and are pricey for the engine size. My wife is 5' and has to come off the seat to be able to tip-toe at stops. While Vespa's are very fun to ride, I don't think they work as a daily commuter unless you live very close to work and don't need the freeway.

The 200 should actually fit a lot more riders than the Vespa, has plenty of usable storage (laptop or briefcase, backpack/books, work clothes) for real work commuting, and will be highway capable.

Suzuki needs a halfway decent advertising campaign, and maybe some product placement in TV/movies. If they can spur interest in the 200, the 400 & 650 will follow.

 

[rut3556]

>>Suzuki needs a halfway decent advertising campaign<<

They need to use the same agency that did Honda back in the 60s!

 

[Gbjbany]

Wouldn't want to ride 200 cc on the freeway round here, I rode a 250 before my 650 and the 250 was a little underpowered for me, merging and getting out and in from the carpool Lane was scary hard, especially at commute time.