[andyrpsmith]

Last Saturday I booked a test ride on the new Burgman 650 at the Pro-Bike Suzuki open day in Newbury UK. My slot was 11am. I arrived at about 9:30 and was offered to go out on one of the other bikes while waiting for my booked slot, what the hell I chose the new Hayabusa.

I'm really not a sports bike rider and hate the lying over the tank all weight on the wrist riding position but apart from that it was a great experience. The engine is creamy smooth, turbine like and of course all the power you ever want on tap. Overtaking is just a flick of the wrist, no explosive thrust like my V-Max. Over all I enjoyed the opportunity but I would not buy one.

Next was the Burgman 650. Great fun and along the twisty country roads I was able to reach 70-75mph in places and keep up well with everything else. The heavy engine breaking of my 2009 has been eased considerably and the 2013 is nicer around town and through roundabouts, it's much the same on the open road. Would I buy it Oh yes but probably not new at nearly £9000.

I also had the chance of another choice and I just had to try the M1800R, it's massive and the Suzuki rep made the point that I would not be able to go through the bends in the same way as on the 650, I would need to force the bike in and be aware of the minimal ground clearance. I had a Yam RoyalStar for five years commuting through the London traffic so I did not feel intimidated. But wow what an experience riding the M1800R, that engine is just fantastic, you feel the massive thumps of the v-twin and the weight does vanish on the move. You must anticipate the bends and get your line and speed right in advance as you cannot really change direction quickly once in the bend but this is part of the fun of this bike (rather like the V-Max in corners get it right in advance). The power delivery is just wonderful of this big engine, it sounds great with stock pipes and the acceleration is impressive. Would I buy one - yes, I prefer it to a Rocket III tourer I tried (horrible clunky gear box).

What struck me overall was how enjoyable the Burgman 650 is, fully able to keep up with everything at speeds below 100mph (who needs to travel at 150mph anyway) and the most practicable of all the bikes on demo.

 

[insp03]

Cool, thanks. I am happy doing the speed limit.

 

[Buffalo]

Thanks for your impressions. I'm interested in seeing the 2013 when it finally makes it to the states.

 

[Mike337]

Good reviews. Thanks :thumbup:
People look at me weird when I tell them what i ride, but i challenge anyone to ride it, then say something negative. These Burglers are just so cool, quiet, smooth, comfortable, fun, and practical, what's not to like?

 

[curly]

Let's see. You can demo a 2013 in the UK and purchase one in the UK but we can't even get a promise date for release in the US. What's wrong with this picture?

 

[MJR]

Let's see. You can demo a 2013 in the UK and purchase one in the UK but we can't even get a promise date for release in the US.

Check the other threads, some have listed dealer ETA's (end of July was it?).

 

[curly]

Yes I have read the other threads about July release but it is all speculation until someone actually lays eyes on one.

We've been promised every month and still nothing

 

[MJR]

When I called them (American Suzuki) about an inaccuracy on their web site I mentioned that they finally added a price, the rep said that they hadn't done so before they had a release date (sorry I didn't ask when) which they must have now that pricing was added. Can always call them again and ask though each dealer will have their own schedule depending on order date/location assuming they want one due to their individual sales experience.

 

[Desert Rat]

By the time they come out here they should be called a 2014. :roll:

 

[NormanB]

Last Saturday I booked a test ride on the new Burgman 650 at the Pro-Bike Suzuki open day in Newbury UK.

Next was the Burgman 650. Great fun and along the twisty country roads I was able to reach 70-75mph in places and keep up well with everything else. The heavy engine breaking of my 2009 has been eased considerably and the 2013 is nicer around town and through roundabouts, it's much the same on the open road. Would I buy it Oh yes but probably not new at nearly £9000.

What struck me overall was how enjoyable the Burgman 650 is, fully able to keep up with everything at speeds below 100mph (who needs to travel at 150mph anyway) and the most practicable of all the bikes on demo.

Did you get the opportunity to manhandle the bike with the engine off? Anything to report?

 

[Mike337]

By the time they come out here they should be called a 2014. :roll:

The 2014 dirt bikes and sides x sides are coming out now already.

 

[model28a]

By the time they come out here they should be called a 2014. :roll:

The 2014 dirt bikes and sides x sides are coming out now already.

I just received an email from a local dealer(Barneys of St. Pete.) saying they have the 2014 Yamaha Bolts and to come in for a test ride. So I have to wonder, will Suzuki put out a 2014 650 with the 2013 not even in stock in the US yet.

 

[Dave_J]

Let's see. You can demo a 2013 in the UK and purchase one in the UK but we can't even get a promise date for release in the US. What's wrong with this picture?

This is one of those "Stupid American's" thinking we matter. (Not calling you stupid by any means, please don't take it that way.) It's just we, on this continent, think the world revolves around us, but IN the scooter world we are SMALL FRIES. The manufactures lets most of the world have options WE can NOT have. Even Canada gets heated seats and handgrips. I am 140 miles south of BC Canada. It gets almost as cold here as there in the winter time. Add it as a option that I could pay for if I WANT. [giving Suzuki the Ugly face] :roll: In Europe they can order the side "WING" deflectors, different shields,........

 

[Chérie]

Let's see. You can demo a 2013 in the UK and purchase one in the UK but we can't even get a promise date for release in the US. What's wrong with this picture?

Think presently victim of bankrupt situation plus Suzuki bad prepare challenge to continue business in other segment like motorcycle and marine.

In Canada Suzuki not declare bankrupt, but will stop auto sales end of 2014 so dumping automobile inventory with very large advertise discount of $3000.00 to $5000.00 plus on vehicle, Suzuki business normal situation in Canada, dealer say that Suzuki Canada & USA probably merge in future, which bad thing as dealer consider Suzuki USA crap business organisation.

 

[curly]

.This is one of those "Stupid American's" thinking we matter. (Not calling you stupid by any means, please don't take it that way.) It's just we, on this continent, think the world revolves around us, but IN the scooter world we are SMALL FRIES. The manufactures lets most of the world have options WE can NOT have. Even Canada gets heated seats and handgrips. I am 140 miles south of BC Canada. It gets almost as cold here as there in the winter time. Add it as a option that I could pay for if I WANT. [giving Suzuki the Ugly face] :roll: In Europe they can order the side "WING" deflectors, different shields,........[/quote]

True, but it's not just scooters. America gets shunned on many motorcycle models as well.