Super Scooter: Burgman/Skywave 650 Detailed Review.

[@MelvinNewcomb-m3g]

Just bought a 2013 Suzuki Bergman 650 with 2500 miles on it. Serviced it, new tires and battery and I love it. ABS,quiet,folding electric mirrors,huge under seat storage, electric windshield and low center of gravity. And goes like the wind with manual/auto modes. Love it. Low workload with the CVT transmission making traffic effortless. 75 MPH with two up on interstate is effortless. And for $5,000, best purchase I ever made.

[@rockyp3917]

@@MelvinNewcomb-m3g All the maintenance is quite easy except the valve clearances. I have made few videos to help fellow Burgman riders. Enjoy the bike

[@kens.213]

After selling my 2001 Electra Glide Ultra in 2013 I bought a 2008 Burgman Exec for $5000 (US). Thinking I'd rather have a Mazda Miata I sold the Burgman and got a 1993 Miata. I sold it 2 years later and ended up buying a 400cc Yamaha Majesty. I'm not happy with the performance of it so I started looking around for another 650 Burgman. I found a 2011 Executive 950 miles from me. It had 3500 miles on it, barely broke in. I drove that 1800+ round trip miles to get it. Same price as the 2008, which I think was a great buy. My intention is to travel some of the Western USA on it. We'll see how my 75yo body holds up, but I think I'll be fine. Like you said, there is nothing quite like it, never has been one quite like this one.

[@andreasepp7340]

Ich fahre auch einen Burgman 650. Meinen Zweiten und bin davon völlig begeistert. Auch für mich ist es eine Mini-Goldwing. Ich habe sehr selten das Bedürfnis nach mehr Leistung, aber da gibt’s ja den Power-Spaß-Knopf und der hilft dann etwas. Dieses Bike ist wirklich so agil und "spritzig", ich habe schon so manchen Motorradfahrer den Mund offen stehen lassen. Über das "Von-oben-herab-Blicken" einiger Biker kann ich nur schmunzeln. Ich stimme Dir also voll zu. Zum Glück gibt’s bei uns in Deutschland noch so einige, auch erschwingliche, Fahrzeuge. Gibt's irgendwann keine mehr werde ich mich wohl mit dem AK550 anfreunden müssen.... oder eine große Goldwing (aber dann mit DCT) kaufen.

[@mvmacneil]

I also in the past owned a ZX14 and a Hayabusa and love my Burgman 650. It's an awesome ride. Thanks for the video.

[@toriasummers2670]

What a fabulous review my friend. I had my Burgie 650 until about 2 weeks ago and am now missing it soooooo much and am trying to buy it back. The only reason I traded it in was because it's so heavy and, like everyone, I'm getting a lot older and had to get rid for medical reasons but now think I could cope with it! I miss 'her' a lot and her mileage is low so tomorrow I will go into the branch where I sold her and try to buy her back - watch this space ...... like your interested for one moment!! Beautiful scenery - you're a lucky chap to live in such a beautiful country.

[@rockyp3917]

Indeed, the Burgman 650 is heavy. May be try out the Burgman 400 it's much lighter and smaller form factor as well.

[@toriasummers2670]

@@rockyp3917 thanks for your reply. I did have a 650, as I say, up until a couple of weeks ago and compared to the 400, I think it is a much better bike in terms of what it offers, albeit that it is very heavy. I’ve had a 400 in the past, and I don’t particularly like them, so I think I will stick with my trading bike and just dream about my old Burgie!

[@rudeawakening3833]

@@toriasummers2670 I’m Thinking about buying a brand new 400 . Please tell me your take on the difference between the two . Thanks in advance .

[@rollingstone3017]

@@rudeawakening3833 If I may respond: The 650 has more heft, making it much more stable on the freeway, passing trucks for instance. But for me, one of the BIGGEST differences is the electronically controlled CVT on the 650. It is a work of engineering art. So relaxed and controlled. Every other "scooter" out there, including the BMW, has a centrifugally controlled transmission. They must spin up to a frantic RPM, even at low speeds, just to get the bike moving. No matter what speed you ride, it is wound up to high RPMs. Personally, they make me feel tense, but that's just me. The 650 however is relaxed at any speed. You can tool around the neighborhood in a calm manner. This reason alone is why I sold my BMW scooter, even though the BMW had a lot going for it.

[@rudeawakening3833]

@@rollingstone3017 thanks for that response and detailed explanation . They no longer manufacture the Bergman 650 . So I went and test ride the 400 . Have you ridden that one ?

[@MotorcycleDan]

I love my Burgman 650! It's not a commonly seen bike where I live (UK, Scotland). People sometimes ask me “what is it?”.... to which I reply “It's the space ship enterprise on 2 wheels!” lol. 😂

[@GarysnewYT]

That's funny, I like that. Lol.

[@rogersmith5371]

I have a 2009 version of this bike. I consider the Burgman to be the benchmark for maxi scooters. When they were sold in Australia they were the best equipped of the big touring scooters better than the T Max that had a smaller engine, did not then have an electrically adjustable screen and did not have the manual mode (giving a 6th gear for better fuel economy) nor the power mode. The BMW did not have these features either and had less storage with the Burg having room for two helmets under the seat if packed according to instructions. It is good bike for the city but is even better for the open road where it hold its own with the big cruisers, sports bikes and touring bikes. If Suzuki were still making them I would expect it to come with cruise control, a reverse gear (the Piaggio MP3 550 has one) and perhaps music as I think the Kymco 550 does.

[@dimahjutjy9732]

Спасибо за хороший обзор. Купил такой самолёт 2012года с пробегом 33000км. Покупал на японском аукционе. С доставкой в Беларусь обошёлся 6700$ Очень хороший скутер за 2 месяца проехал 4000км . Готовлюсь к следующему сезону. Всё техобслуживание провожу сам.

[@jerrys.8926]

It's hard for me to understand why Suzuki quit making the 650 Burgman. I have owned two 400s and one 650. The 650 is a dream to own. Maybe Suzuki did not advertise it enough. Maybe it's the dumb name Burgman, it does not help. If they called it something like The Screaming Eagle, other then Burgman may have helped sales.

[@andreasepp7340]

As I heard, Suzuki has problems to get CVTs for the Burgmans, since the producer has gone broke.

[@rudeawakening3833]

Crazy . I’ve only seen one with my eyes - I couldn’t test ride it because it was pre sold . That was years ago . I JUST this week test rode a Suzuki Bergman 400 . Can you , as an owner of both , please tell me the pros & cons of settling for a brand new 400 over a used 650 ? Thanks in advance .

[@jerrys.8926]

@@rudeawakening3833 Check out the used market especially the 650 cc.

[@patrickmalone9380]

I brought accident damaged 2017 here in nz .love the video very very cool.ur great down to earth great guy.know u stuff esp as u have other bikes .as do i ❤

[@christopherpugh8196]

A most outstanding review! You have been spot on in all the statements you made. Your country is very beautiful!

[@rockyp3917]

Thank you so much for your kind words

[@barrym652]

i had a zx14 at the same time as my 650 love both machines had busa too big bikes for weekends 650 for everyday .

[@tommoso55]

Brilliant review ol lad, my other bikes are a gsxs 1000 and a sv1000 , I’m picking up a 2013 Burgman in white on Sunday and really looking forward to riding it as I’ve never ridden anything like it before, keep up the good work please. Tony in the UK 🇬🇧

[@rockyp3917]

Thank you for the kind words

[@janimara3578]

I thought of buying one of these bikes after seeing some of these videos on you tube. I found a 2018 with 2 k miles about 120 miles from my home. I went there and took it for a ride. Yes it looks good and has lots of storage, the mirrors fold and what not, but and this is a big but. The bike squeaks and rattles like I never felt before on a motorcycle. The suspension is by far the worst I have ever experienced. I am putting this here not to put down whoever have them and like them, but to alert people like me that try to find perfection or close to it on a motorcycle.

[@rockyp3917]

I still ride 200 bhp sports bikes. I agree with you that it doesn't ride like motorcycle it's actually better. It's a Scooter at the end of day, you have to expect that it's not a performance machine. Test rides will never make you appreciate these things, you have to live with them.

[@janimara3578]

@@rockyp3917 I'm not trying to insult anyone. The suspension on that heavy scooter is spine damaging on our roads. Although I understand the benefits of a scooter that's why I tried to by one.

[@onskyk]

I have had my Burgie 650 for about 2 years and I absolutely love it. It's my main commuter all year around. I live in England so weather protection is great. But my God the suspension. The roads in Bristol are rough as hell and burgie can cameo as a chiropractor some days going through potholes and bad patches of road. But would not trade her for anything. Will most likely get another one once the old beast conks out.

[@Comin_at_U_Live]

@@janimara3578 how much do you weigh my friend..?

[@janimara3578]

@@Comin_at_U_Live 170 lb.

[@gsandy5235]

Stop thinking about a tmax. You have a great scooter and it makes you happy.

[@slgpph]

I like the Burgman 650 but to say it’s better than a Silverwing in all measurable ways is a stretch. I have owned two Silverwings and while it might not be built as plush, it’s more manageable and the power is almost identical. I can cruise at 70-75 MPH, all day long and get close to 50 MPG, while being quite comfortable. I would say someone needs to ride both, because there are things about the Honda that people might prefer. Not the least of which is ease of maintenance and a bike that can run 100,000 miles. I like both, but I own a Silverwing.

[@rockyp3917]

You are right, the Silver wing is much much easier to work on.

[@jake88ci]

I am typical old sportbike rider .. have a sportbike collection all brands and a Piaggio bv 400 for touring /commuting . had 400 and 650 burgman piaggio bv 400 better in all aspects also only 7200$ brand new

[@rockyp3917]

I will give it a go

[@jake88ci]

@@rockyp3917 SMART Touring scooters are to have plush stable comfy rides . The yamaha is a motorcycle chassis made to look like a scooter . Not good handling motorcycle or plush scooter ride so neither fish nor foul. If i want to do track day ect i grab one of my superbikes ducati v4s ,Aprilia rsv4 , bmw s1000rr , MV Agusta F4RC , Kawasaki H2 (which is slowest superbike i own ) For Touring Scooter long comfy rides I go with new 2024 Piaggio bv400. Not a track day bike but it is ot supposed to be . I am looking for its SUPER PLUSH Stable ride i can cruise down the highway or secondary road .

[@o00scorpion00o]

What country is this ? you drive on the left like here in Ireland. You are blessed to have such wide and straight streets, here in Ireland there's nothing but bends even on the motorways..... EDIT: I kept watching and I saw a shop called "Sydney tools" lol so I know where you are now.... 🙂

[@rockyp3917]

Yep, Australia. The lucky country

[@fredoobob5507]

Is it good to make your burgman 650 2013 cooling fan direct? Any advice please

[@rockyp3917]

I wouldn't change the cooling system.

[@Leaptab]

Is there much difference between the first gen vs second gen other than the instrument cluster?

[@rockyp3917]

The engine is very much similar but Suzuki claims that the second gen is 10% more fuel efficient. The maintenance on gen 2 is also easier due to access.

[@danielwebster7030]

Excellent review

[@rockyp3917]

Thank you, Daniel

[@Leaptab]

What are your thoughts on the BMW 650 GT?

[@rockyp3917]

The Beamer is alsoa very good scooter but for me the number one is the Burgman and second is T-max.

[@andrewrovers4593]

they call the 650 Burgman " the half a busa ", as its half the size of the Busa AND uses some of the same engine parts of the Busa

[@omranalshamsi8278]

I lost the key and not able run it again. The main dealer asked me for 3000 USD. To replace full system. I really can’t find solution.

[@rockyp3917]

I would buy a Suzuki key from eBay and then take the bike to a locksmith in a trailer. They should be able to cut a key but you need the generic Suzuki key first

[@omranalshamsi8278]

@@rockyp3917 that is the problem. Programmed key is lost. And even the manufacturer doesn’t want to make new key. They want my to buy full system. I should hack the computer system.

[@dnatbarh4443]

Please how much is the bike?

[@Bud_51]

Where is this ride taking place?

[@Straydogger]

Australia

[@casimirotucuca4468]

why dont you say what damn year it is.

[@camdan437]

That's the tiniest fence I've ever seen.

[@rockyp3917]

My Dog still wouldn't jump over it 😂

[@rolandoperez8054]

But you can still purchase a used Honda silverwing

[@rickymayne2298]

If ever you’d want to sell this off…. Please I’m much interested 🙏🙏🙏

[@rockyp3917]

Absolutely, Brother.

[@rickymayne2298]

@@rockyp3917 I’d be patiently looking forward to get notified on here someday…Thanks for the response!

[@ОлегСташевський]

Помогите пожалуйста приобрести такой макси скутер

[@NZVideoGuy]

You have a video where you replaced the windscreen, but this bike has the original windscreen. Did you swap it back?

[@rockyp3917]

This video is an older video. I love my GIVI screen, there is no going back once you use that

[@patrickmalone9380]

Oh my burgman matt silver i think not great colour for being seen.

[@rockyp3917]

You can get decals for the Burgman

[@Cupat1]

That "bike's" a scooter

[@omranalshamsi8278]

Programmed key is lost. And even the manufacturer doesn’t want to make new key. They want my to buy full system. I should hack the computer system.

[@rockyp3917]

Get a blank key like this www.ebay.com.au/itm/184956030308?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=705-154756-20017-0&ssspo=xgeJ169qTrO&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=i0tBU5GmRtW&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY A locksmith should be able to cut one for you. You will need a mechanic to disable the immobiliser

[@colinmurphy439]

The bike looks ugly compared to the Tmax tech.