Scooter Review

Suzuki AN650 & AN250 Burgman

Reckon you can tackle just about anything. Try this one for size

Photography by KEVIN LING & LOU MARTIN

Trainspotters are having a field day with Suzuki’s entrant into the maxi market. Forget for an instant what it is and try to get a mental picture of a vehicle which offers an electronically controlled continuously variable automatic transmission, with standard and power modes switched at the press of a button, as well as a push-button five-speed gearbox, enclosed bodywork, a boot, etc, etc, etc and you’d be imagining (or at least I was) one of those sporty cars with Tiptronic or Selespeed transmissions. Pretty high-tech, huh? What I wasn’t expecting was a 650cc scooter!

First impressions? Bulk. The thing is h-u-g-e. Six-fifty? More like six-litre. Elegantly comfortable, I believe the correct description is.

The Burgman is heavy but the seat height is low, it offers a host of convenience for the city rider, and is proving a hit with older riders who want to cover distances in comfort.

It’s not going to be for everyone, but once the market realises what is offers, it will carve out a niche here in Australia for riders who want the ease of use, the weather protection and the convenience of a scooter, along with the sort of performance a bike can offer – not to mention the fun of a push-button gearbox!

The Burgman also comes in a 250cc version, without the whistles and bells of the trick gearbox, but with the good solid performance of its big brother.

As published in TW SCOOTER MAGAZINE - 28/10/2003
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