[paulcbrowne]

I'm on my second 650 in 4 years and of course I was aware of the Power button. I had tried it a few times, but didn't see that it was that useful, that is until today. I took a 100 mile ride over some very nice roads through the mountains, but the Burgman wasn't totally pleasing in the twisties, particularly the all too common blind, tight turns.

However, I recalled a line from the 2013 650 review in Motorcycle News about using the power button. Obviously, the tester was a bit more accustomed to motorcycle like response.

So, I punched in the Power button while running some twisty sections. I can only describe the bike as transformed. The power setting gave a much quicker and stronger response than normal Drive. It was just what the doctor ordered! Mediocre response in the twisties was gone and I could get much more aggressive in my riding.

On the long straight stretches, I switched out of the Power setting, then back to Power when more hills and curves came. I had to go through a couple of large towns near the end of my ride and I tried the Power mode again with pleasing results.

Many threads have downplayed the advantage of using Power mode, but I'm a believer that those Suzuki engineers had a good idea after all. :wink:

I also tried manual mode a couple of times but found Drive mode and the in/out of power mode much better.

 

[Noth]

+1....

 

[Dave_J]

You can teach an old dog a new trick. :grommit:

 

[flinghammer]

Thanks for the tip...I haven't used it much except getting on the interstate on-ramp with several 18 wheelers in my left mirror..."beam me up scotty"

 

[paulcbrowne]

On other data point. The 650's default mode is D. When you turn of the key, it reverts to non-Power mode.

For DaveJ, woof!

 

[phyciocc]

My use of power mode has been limited. But I like to have it! 2 cagers were lollygagging at 35-40 MPH in front of me on a stretch of secondary KY road. On a rare straight stretch I dropped White Lardy into power mode, opened her up and off I went.
Wheeeeeee!!!!
It almost transform the bike into a crotch rocket...
Marco

 

[TwoWheelers]

+1....

I've been experimenting with my 650 since the day I bought it, about 4,000 smiles ago. At first I was trying for the best MPG. I no longer use manual or try to outsmart the computer. I now leave it in auto and switch it to power mode once in a while. It's all about the fun. Best revelation: MPG isn't that far off from what it is using all the tricks to conserve.

 

[NormanB]

Paul - thank you for discovering the real utility of the power mode and for reporting your experience.

With number of nay sayers on the forum including those who do not happen to own or ride a 650, I was beginning to doubt myself and pondering if I inhabited a parallel universe.

I would not wish to be without power mode and exploit its utility whenever I need it. When touring I can use it scores of times a day, when commuting maybe once or twice a day.

 

[Jeff_MdR]

+1. . .

 

[westgl]

Not only that, but when a Harley pulls up along side me at a stop, that power button is going to be pressed.

Yes it do work nicely.

Harley tried to power away from me at the light, hit the gas, caught him really fast and past him.

 

[MacDoc]

hehe yep...."transform" is the correct word and the rather aggressive engine braking really adds to the twisty performance.
It was the biggest surprise of the move to the 650 from the SWing.

 

[JohnK]

I too find the power button to be a very useful in certain situations as mentioned by others. However the manual button is a waste of time and space.

 

[ScooterJoe]

Where is my power button on the 400?

 

[TBall]

Sorry I disagree about the manual mode. In the twisties it is the best. But then I may be more aggressive then most. Maybe my mileage is not as good due to being more aggressive. I love the curves.

 

[Rusty J]

Where is my power button on the 400?

It's a simple upgrade. You take your 400 to a Suzuki dealer. Costs about 11 grand, but they'll toss in an engine upgrade and paint it white at no extra charge.

 

[ErikDK]

I use the power button every day, but only use manual to keep the revs down, also through towns, to get below the silly 3000 rpm threshold, which Suzuki finally have lowered on the 2013 model.

 

[bearcat]

I use the Power button all the time riding the twisties, going up and down steep mountain roads, in town and slow turning in parking lots. As you say Paul, it transforms the Lardy almost to that of a sport bike.

 

[combs6136]

Being able to stay in a gear really helped when riding down Pikes Peak last fall....Didn't need to hit the brakes.............carl

 

[DougInKY]

Guess I am missing out. Tried the power button on my bike after I bought it to make sure it worked and have never touched it again. Guess I need to re-evaluate.

Namaste'
Doug in Kentucky