Suzuki Burgman: The Burgman name has graced Suzuki’s maxi-scooter lineup since 1998 when the original Burgman 400 debuted in Japan.
The family has since expanded to include engine displacements ranging from 125cc to 650cc, with each variant maintaining the core Burgman values of comfort, storage capacity, and sophisticated road manners while adapting to specific market requirements.
In Western markets, the larger-displacement Burgman 400 and flagship Burgman 650 have established loyal followings among commuters and touring enthusiasts alike.
Meanwhile, developing markets have embraced the Burgman Street with its 125cc-200cc engine options, which translate the Burgman ethos into more accessible and affordable packages without sacrificing the line’s premium positioning.
“What makes the Burgman concept special is its adaptability,” notes motorcycle historian Rajiv Bhatia.
“Unlike many motorcycle platforms that lose their identity when scaled to different displacements, the Burgman maintains its distinctive character across the range.
A rider stepping from a Burgman Street 125 to a Burgman 400 will immediately recognize the family DNA, despite the substantial differences in size and performance.”
Suzuki Burgman: Design Language- Functional Elegance
The Burgman’s design aesthetic has consistently prioritized functional elegance over aggressive styling trends that quickly become dated.
The signature elements—a substantial front fascia with integrated windscreen, step-through architecture with a spacious floorboard, and a wide, contoured seat—remain consistent across the lineup while evolving subtly with each generation.
During urban testing in Tokyo’s congested Shibuya district, the Burgman 400’s presence earned noticeable attention despite Japan’s familiarity with maxi-scooters.
The clean lines and proportional balance stand apart from both the diminutive commuter scooters and the increasingly angular sport models that dominate today’s market.
“We deliberately avoid chasing fashion,” explains Suzuki designer Hiroshi Yamamoto.
“The Burgman’s design must serve its purpose first—protecting the rider from elements, providing stability at speed, and offering ergonomic comfort for long distances.
The visual appeal comes from honest functional design rather than decorative elements that serve no purpose.”
This philosophy becomes particularly apparent in the details: the carefully shaped windscreen that directs airflow over the rider without buffeting; the slimmed-
down leg shield that provides weather protection while allowing easy mounting and dismounting; the integrated turn signals that maintain clean lines without sacrificing visibility.
During highway testing between Barcelona and Valencia, the Burgman 650’s substantial front end demonstrated its purpose beyond aesthetics, providing remarkable wind protection that significantly reduced fatigue during the 350-kilometer journey.
What initially appears as styling quickly reveals itself as thoughtful engineering when experienced in real-world conditions.
Riding Experience: Balanced Sophistication
The Burgman’s road manners across all displacement variants share a common characteristic: balanced sophistication that prioritizes rider confidence.
The riding position—upright with a slight forward lean and feet placed naturally on the floorboard—allows for both relaxed cruising and engaged control when situations demand it.
On the range-topping Burgman 650 Executive, the sophistication reaches automobile-like levels with its Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT)offering drive modes that transform the scooter’s character from relaxed cruising to responsive sport riding at the touch of a button.
During our testing through the winding coastal roads north of Barcelona, the ability to switch from Drive to Power mode before overtaking provided reassuring flexibility without disturbing the overall refined character.
The Burgman 400’s lighter weight and more compact dimensions make it perhaps the most balanced offering in the lineup, combining sufficient highway capability with urban maneuverability.
Its 399cc single-cylinder engine delivers 31 horsepower—modest by motorcycle standards but entirely adequate for confident highway cruising while returning impressive fuel economy averaging 65 mpg during our mixed-route testing.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Burgman Street 125/200 variants adapt the formula for developing markets where affordability and fuel efficiency take precedence.
During testing in Mumbai’s notoriously congested streets, the Burgman Street’s accessible 124cc engine (producing 8.7 horsepower) proved perfectly adequate for urban conditions while maintaining the trademark comfortable ergonomics that distinguish it from conventional small scooters.
“What impresses me about the entire Burgman range is how they’ve maintained consistent handling characteristics despite the vast difference in size and power,” notes motorcycle instructor Maria Gonzalez, who uses various Burgman models in her riding school.
“There’s a predictability and poise that builds rider confidence, which is particularly valuable for those transitioning from smaller scooters to these more substantial machines.”
Practical Luxury: Storage and Amenities
Perhaps nothing distinguishes the Burgman philosophy more clearly than its approach to storage and amenities.
Where conventional scooters offer basic underseat storage as an afterthought, the Burgman makes it a central design feature with capacities that rival some automobile trunks.
The flagship Burgman 650 Executive offers 50 liters of storage space between its underseat compartment and integrated front compartments—enough to store two full-face helmets plus additional items.
During our long-distance testing, this capacity eliminated the need for aftermarket luggage, preserving the scooter’s clean lines while providing genuine touring capability.
Even the more compact Burgman Street 125 offers 21.5 liters of underseat storage along with front compartments—substantially more than typical scooters in its class.
This practical advantage became particularly apparent during urban errands in Mumbai, where the ability to securely store shopping bags and personal items transformed routine tasks that would be cumbersome on conventional two-wheelers.
Beyond raw storage capacity, thoughtful amenities elevate the Burgman experience above utilitarian transportation.
The Burgman 650 Executive features heated grips and an electronically adjustable windscreen as standard equipment, while the Burgman 400 includes DC power outlets for charging electronic devices.
Even the entry-level Burgman Street features USB charging and LED lighting throughout—features often optional or unavailable on competitors.
“The beauty of the Burgman concept is how it blends practical utility with genuine luxury,” explains long-distance Burgman rider Thomas Chen, who has logged over 100,000 kilometers on his Burgman 650.
“On paper, the heated grips might seem like an indulgence, but when you’re commuting in cold weather or touring through changing conditions, these features transform from luxuries into necessities that extend your riding season and overall capability.”
Market Position and Owner Demographics
The Burgman’s distinctive position in the market has attracted an equally distinctive owner demographic that defies typical motorcycle marketing categories.
Across markets, Burgman owners tend to be experienced riders with prior motorcycle ownership who have prioritized comfort and practicality over traditional motorcycle image concerns.
“Our research shows Burgman customers are among our most educated and affluent riders,” notes Suzuki marketing director Robert Taylor.
“Many are professionals who could afford any motorcycle but choose the Burgman specifically because it suits their actual riding needs rather than projecting a particular image.
They’re confident enough to prioritize function over motorcycle culture stereotypes.”
This observation was confirmed during owner interviews conducted throughout our testing period.
In Barcelona, we met Sofia Martínez, a 42-year-old architect who chose a Burgman 400 after owning several conventional motorcycles.
“I still have a Triumph Speed Triple for weekend rides,” she explained, “but for daily commuting and city errands, the Burgman is simply better at everything that actually matters—comfort, storage, weather protection, and ease of use.”
In Tokyo, 58-year-old technology executive Hiroshi Tanaka shared similar sentiments about his Burgman 650: “I’ve owned everything from sportbikes to cruisers over thirty years of riding, but the Burgman is the most practical motorcycle I’ve ever had.
For my 45-minute commute each way, nothing else comes close for comfort, and on weekends, my wife actually enjoys riding as a passenger because of the comfortable seat and stability.”
Challenges and Competition
Despite its distinctive advantages, the Burgman concept faces challenges in various markets.
The premium pricing relative to conventional scooters remains a significant hurdle in price-sensitive regions, while the practical design prioritization sometimes struggles against image-focused marketing that dominates motorcycle media.
Competition has also intensified as other manufacturers have recognized the potential of the premium scooter segment.
Yamaha’s TMAX and XMAX models offer sportier alternatives with similar practical benefits, while Honda’s Forza lineup provides direct competition across multiple displacement categories.
In European markets, Italian manufacturers Piaggio and Aprilia have strengthened their maxi-scooter offerings with models emphasizing style and performance.
“The competitive pressure has actually benefited consumers,” observes industry analyst Priya Sharma.
“When the Burgman essentially created this segment, there were few alternatives.
Today’s greater choice has pushed Suzuki to refine the Burgman concept while maintaining its distinct identity focused on comfort and practicality rather than chasing competitors’ emphasis on sportiness.”
Suzuki Burgman: Defining Success on Different Terms
After three weeks with various Burgman models, what becomes most apparent is how this lineup succeeds by defining success on different terms than most motorcycle offerings.
Rather than prioritizing performance specifications, aggressive styling, or cultural associations, the Burgman focuses relentlessly on the actual experience of daily riding in real-world conditions.
For riders whose primary concerns include comfort over long distances, practical storage for daily needs, weather protection for year-round riding, and refined road manners that reduce fatigue, the Burgman makes a compelling case that transcends traditional motorcycle categories.
It remains distinctively itself in a market increasingly dominated by trend-following designs.
As urban environments continue evolving with greater congestion and environmental awareness, the Burgman’s balanced approach to two-wheeled transportation seems increasingly prescient rather than niche.
By treating scooters as legitimate primary vehicles deserving of sophisticated engineering rather than mere economy transportation, Suzuki created a concept that continues finding new relevance as practical mobility becomes more valuable than image-focused motorcycling.
For those willing to prioritize function over motorcycle culture conventions, the Burgman in its various forms offers a uniquely rewarding ownership experience that combines practical utility with genuine pleasure—perhaps the most sophisticated balance a two-wheeler can achieve.