Suzuki Burgman 650 (MY2005) 2003–2012: Specs & Facts

The Machine's Character

The Burgman 650 is the scooter that stopped acting like one. Under the bodywork sits a liquid-cooled 638 cc parallel twin making 55 hp and 46 lb-ft, bolted into a steel tube frame and driven through a CVT you can override by push-button whenever you want to pick the ratio yourself. That combination gives you real highway pace, a 110 mph (177 km/h) top speed, and still the step-through convenience you buy a scooter for. Under the seat there's room for two full-face helmets. In this class, that's the argument that matters: it works like a touring bike and lives like a scooter. Typical Suzuki.

It rides the way it looks: relaxed, plush and unhurried. The seat, the wind protection and the compliant suspension make it a long-distance commuter and solo tourer first, and it ages well if you look after it. Here's the catch: it's heavy, and that weight dulls agility and takes away confidence when the corners tighten. The fork has no adjustment at all, only the rear shock takes preload. Keep an eye on the underside too, because corrosion sets in quickly there, and on early 2003-2004 bikes make sure the ignition switch recall was done. Buy it for the miles. Not for the corners.

Hard Numbers

Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.

Show full specs & equipment Hide specs & equipment

Key specifications
Power	55 hp (40 kW) @ 7,000 rpm
Torque	46 lb-ft (62 Nm) @ 5,000 rpm
Displacement	638 cc
Engine	Parallel twin
Cooling	Liquid-cooled
Front brake	260 mm
Front tire	120/70-15
Rear tire	160/60-14
Seat height	29.5 in (750 mm)
Fuel capacity	4.0 gal (15 L)
Top speed	110 mph (177 km/h)
Fuel economy	36 mpg (US)

Equipment check

Chassis

Rear Suspension Adjustable Standard

Safety

ABS Optional

The Truth on the Street

For years I've listened to what Burgman 650 owners tell me: in the paddock, at club nights, in owner chats and in the emails and messages that land in my inbox. The pattern for this bike is consistent. People pile on the miles and stay happy, and their complaints center on weight, cost and turbulence around the helmet.

Miles that keep adding up

The story owners tell most often is about distance. Numerous riders report trouble-free running beyond 80,000 miles (129,000 km) with nothing more than routine maintenance. They describe an easy partner for highway touring and the commute, with room under the seat for the gear both need. It just keeps going.

Wallow, bills and buffeting

The most repeated gripe concerns higher speeds: riders say the weight shows up as a wallowy feel in fast corners and less agility than they'd like. Some owners also mention money, with a purchase price and service bills above those of similar-capacity motorcycles. A few point to the stock windscreen, which is too short for many riders: it leaves turbulence at the helmet and shakes your head around. Aftermarket screens are the common fix.

Known issues

Ignition switch terminal case melting (recall)

electrics rare Recall

On early 2003-2004 models, failure to fully turn the key can cause arcing, melting the switch base and stalling the engine while riding, with no restart. Recall campaign provides free replacement.
Speed sensor failure locks transmission in low gear

drivetrain rare

A malfunctioning speed sensor can cause the CVT to remain in low gear, limiting speed; diagnosis and sensor replacement resolves the issue.
Drivetrain gear bushing rattle at idle

drivetrain occasional

A gear bushing in the drivetrain slaps at idle, producing a 'dieseling' sound; not harmful but annoying; a warranty fix was available.
Underside corrosion susceptibility

bodywork occasional

The underside of Burgman models needs careful attention to prevent rust and corrosion from setting in rapidly.

The Expert Benchmark

Where this Suzuki Burgman 650 pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.

What kind of bike this is — character vs. the class

Urban Utility Score

Weatherproof Commute Comfort

Storage Without Thinking

Twist-and-Go Simplicity

Low-Cost Daily Mobility

Night-and-Rain Confidence

This bike Class average

Head-to-head: Suzuki Burgman 650 vs. its rivals

Power

55 hp This bike 39 hp Aprilia Atlantic 500 51 hp Honda SW-T600 45 hp Yamaha T-MAX 500 59 hp Kymco Myroad 700i

Torque

46 lb-ft This bike 31 lb-ft Aprilia Atlantic 500 41 lb-ft Honda SW-T600 35 lb-ft Yamaha T-MAX 500 46 lb-ft Kymco Myroad 700i

Displacement

638 cc This bike 460 cc Aprilia Atlantic 500 582 cc Honda SW-T600 499 cc Yamaha T-MAX 500 700 cc Kymco Myroad 700i

Top speed

110 mph This bike 100 mph Aprilia Atlantic 500 118 mph Honda SW-T600 100 mph Yamaha T-MAX 500 103 mph Kymco Myroad 700i

Seat height

29.5 in This bike 30.7 in Aprilia Atlantic 500 29.1 in Honda SW-T600 31.3 in Yamaha T-MAX 500 30.7 in Kymco Myroad 700i

The 'Should I Buy It?' Score

Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the Burgman 650 is actually built for.

Aerial photograph of downtown Austin, Texas, showing modern high-rise buildings against a clear blue sky. Urban infrastructure, highways, and parking structures visible in the foreground. — Thomas Balabaud / Pexels

Best scooter for NYC?

For the daily commute it's hugely practical: twist-and-go, weather protection, and your helmet locks under the seat. Just know it's big, heavy and does 36 mpg. No featherweight.

Made for New York City · Austin · Los Angeles

Best motorcycle for Bay Area?

Weekday commute, yes. On the weekend's twisty roads the weight costs you cornering confidence, and there's no phone connectivity or riding modes. Come for comfort, not for tech.

Made for Bay Area Ridge Roads · San Francisco / Bay Area · Skyline Boulevard / Alice's Restaurant