2014 Burgman 650 GT Rumor

[berg]

When you think about it, it makes perfect sense that Suzuki's next logical step would be to develop a 650 Burgman GT to bring to the maxi-market in 2014. A Burgman 650 GT could deal Yamaha, BMW and Honda a serious blow in one fell swoop.

What would a 2014 Suzuki 650 Burgman GT bring to the table?
1- Refinements to the running gear, switches and gauges(optional GPS) and a relocation of access for fueling.
2- Upgraded mono shock suspension.
3- Slightly larger wheels.
4- Rear top box and panniers (optional)

If this is really a work in progress, are they on the right track?

[rustynail]

I did a bit of searching. Is this just you speculating, or do you have a source?

I like all your mentioned refinements, but would pass on top box and side cases.

What the heck do you people carry ? My avatar is me on a 5-day trip. I promise I had clean clothes every day.

I'd rather have a seat option like this:



I rarely need it, but I just add a rain proof bag to my pillion for extended trips.

I would add a slightly larger fuel tank or better fuel economy. You really need 200 mile legs for a real good touring bike (how I use mine). I don't usually out-ride my tank now, but having the option to be more selective on gas stops would be nice.

I'd also like the Honda double clutch setup vs the SECVT.

And let's get an aluminum frame. I'd like a Burgman closer to 500 pounds.

Oh, and I'd like them to market it under the Japanese name: Skywave. Much better than Burgman. Whoever thought of that should be shot with rock salt.

[Daboo]

...
What would a 2014 Suzuki 650 Burgman GT bring to the table?
1- Refinements to the running gear, switches and gauges(optional GPS) and a relocation of access for fueling.
2- Upgraded mono shock suspension.
3- Slightly larger wheels.
4- Rear top box and panniers (optional)

If this is really a work in progress, are they on the right track?

I'd say they are on the right track. The 2007 400 got
1. Refinements to the running gear, switches and gauges. The dash is easy to read in just about any kind of light. And our access for fueling is just about perfect too.
2. Yes, the mono shock suspension is a pretty neat feature. We do like it on our 400s.
3. The slightly larger wheels on our 400s were a nice tweak to an already nice bike.
4. Most of us do put on a top box, but with the largest underseat storage of any maxi-scooter in the world, the top box is usually empty. So I agree, that's just an optional feature to have.

Oh!...you were talking about the 650 being brought up to the current standard. My bad. I missed that.

[Sorry, I couldn't resist... I deserve 50 lashes now with a wet noodle.]

Chris

[knucklehead]

I agree with rustynail - a name change would be a great start. Actually other than a few refinements its damn near perfect IMO.

Not sure how Suzuki could improve on the 650 Exec other than some things I mentioned in another thread. Self canceling turn signals - optional cruise control - and a radio. Seems to be more than enough room on all that plastic around the dash board for a radio and speakers. Other than that I really like it.

[alexrider]

The new Burgman will be competing with Honda Integra 700. This will require more dramatic changes than just polishing the bike on the edges.

[YogiBabu]

Suzuki will never change the looks of 650 !!!!!

[InfernoST]

It would be nice if they made the CVT more accessible so you don't have to dismantle the entire bike to get at it.

[Bluebottle]

What I don't want to see is more of the fashion for sports bike rear ends on scooters.

A big bum with lots of storage beats a skinny "go faster" any day. In fact go the whole hog with a wraparound boot (trunk) with moulded in panniers like the Pacific Coasts had

[Buffalo]

It would be nice if they made the CVT more accessible so you don't have to dismantle the entire bike to get at it.

+1, I think that would be the best improvement they could make.

[NormanB]

It is clear the current Engine/CVT is a very carefully designed compact unit that has been optimised in terms of production and assembly line processes. I very much doubt there is much latitude for 'redesign' to improve 'maintainability' and to be frank they would build in more value if they concentrated on getting to the bottom of the current failures and eliminate all the root causes, so that they achieve an order of magnitude improvement in reliability. this would avoid the need for owners to either rip out the unit or scrap the bike.

[Buffalo]

They could accomplish it with a frame redesign and not have to touch the engine/CVT design. All they would have to do is make one section of the frame removable and you could get the CVT off without having to remove the power unit from the bike. I don't think it is possible to make the unit so reliable that it would never need to be removed.

[InfernoST]

It is clear the current Engine/CVT is a very carefully designed compact unit that has been optimised in terms of production and assembly line processes. I very much doubt there is much latitude for 'redesign' to improve 'maintainability' and to be frank they would build in more value if they concentrated on getting to the bottom of the current failures and eliminate all the root causes, so that they achieve an order of magnitude improvement in reliability. this would avoid the need for owners to either rip out the unit or scrap the bike.

If it wasn't for that CVT I would have already bought one. I'm hopeful a change is coming in the near future.

[Scootertrash]

I really don't hear of all that many cvt failures on these machines. I know that Buffalo had one at 85 plus thousand miles, and also claimed that he may have played a part in the demise of these parts. Still from what I read he does a sh--load of riding with very few problems. I recently sold a 06 650 Standard model, with 56,000 on it. I didn't abuse it much, but I didn't baby it either. While I did wonder how far it would last, I gained a lot of confidence in the bike, when I acquired an 07 650 E model last year with only 11,000 miles on it. To climb off the newer one and ride the older one, the differences were extremely minimal. In fact I now feel foolish that I didn't Just ride my 06 till either IT or I died, whatever comes first. If it went first I would now choose to buy a power train out of a Wreck and then carry on all over again. What's that saying about HINDSIGHT being 20/20?

[InfernoST]

I have a friend where his belt snapped at 26K, even though it is not a very common failure it does happen and I'm not willing to spend 9G's on a new bike then possibly another 3 grand to have a belt replaced should it break prematurely.

[rustynail]

Let's just say it happens more than any other modern motorcycle - not scooter - transmission failure. I'd bet my life savings on that fact.

IMO, anyone who says otherwise is thinking about resale value.

Search this forum, search eBay/Craigslist for parted bikes, ask fellow Burgman riders, visit the Europen forums - THEN figure there's another group outside of that you haven't heard of who have had failure.

It is pretty near criminal if Suzi doesn't remedy the "lifetime belt" setup next go around.

I love my Burgman and will ride it until it dies - then maybe I'll resurrect it and go some more. I don't think I'll have another 650 unless they change the SECVT - though. That's why I said I wanted the Honda DCT in mine...

I think the accessibility suggestion is awesome.

[Comanche]

I like all your mentioned refinements, but would pass on top box and side cases.

What the heck do you people carry ? My avatar is me on a 5-day trip. I promise I had clean clothes every day.

<snip>

I'd also like the Honda double clutch setup vs the SECVT.

Though I am a very happy 400 owner now, when I ride the wheels off of it, most likely I will go the 650 route - only because on longer trips, I'd like the extra uumph.

As to what I carry? I am a sports photographer. When shooting a football game (or, at this time of year, a baseball game), I ride my scoot carrying two pro-size cameras, a large 300mm f 2.8 lens (the big white thingies you see on the sidelines at pro and D1 college games), a monopod, a smaller 70-200 f2.8 lens and a Batman utility belt with a wide angle lens and other assorted "stuff." In other words, storage space is very important to me. Only a scooter meets that requirement for me.

Though I have no personal experience with it, the Honda DCT seems like a great idea, even if for just the reliability of it. The belt has always struck me as the most failure-prone part of the drive train.

[soc714]

Hello All. You might want to read about the new BMW 650 Gt in Cycle World. What suzuki needs is a 850 or 1000 burg with a final drive like the BMW and get away from the gears, Noisy. Larger front fairing and wider windshield. Offer a radio option with wireless intercom, and better ergonomics. I do like my cup holders in a conveniant place. I really dont meen to pick , I like my Burg, the automatic and it is quiet exept for the tranny or final drive. Suzuki needs to think 10 or 20 years ahead not just 2 or 3. Ride On.

[Dave_J]

GT is Grand Touring. A lot of manufactures have used GT to mean SPORT. Sport means stripped down to bare knuckles, nothing added to make it heaver. The Burgman does not fit in ether well. Kinda loosly like a Grand Sport.

To make a true GT Burgman it would take a bit of work. First, the bike would need a bit more fairing down lower to protect the legs a bit more, and that means the top fairing would need to get a bit wider too. The screen needs to be wider also. Second, Farkels are needed. Take your pick, Cruse control, Sound system with bike to bike intercom, Air bag crash protection, adjustable suspenstion, adjustable headlighting, adjustable air vents with heat control, drink holders, heated seat/handgrips/mirrors, BIG wheels, built in removal luggage system, more power meaning more CC's.......

A GT bike is not a lightweight canyon carver and would not get 50+ MPG. More like a Goldwing or Connie's 30 to 40 MPG.

Would I like a GT 900 Burgman? YES! Could I afford one? NO! But would I try to own a GS 900? mayby. Cost is a huge factor.

In the 70's and 80's Mama Suziki made 90% of their money off the GS line. I had a 78 GS750N and it was a true Grand Sport. One disc up front and one in the rear, no tupperware that was not needed and huge tires for its day. When 100% stock its top speed was 118 MPH but it could carve canyons OK. Add some HOT cams, headder, bigger carbs and a better ignition setup and I could fly at 145 MPH on the Autobahn. In town staying off the RPM's I got 40 MPG but at 145 MPH at 9,500 RPM it gave 25 MPG.

[farqhuarforever]

I would suggest that the B650 CVT failure frequency is probably a lot less than Goldwing stator failurea.

A very similar level of cost to repair and disassembly is required in each instance - it doesn't seem to have put too many people off purchasing Goldwings though.

[Terry Eade]

Being an ex-Goldwing rider, I consider my 650 as a mini Goldwing and use it for highway touring as well as for around town transportation. The main thing that I would like to see added to the list of items already mentioned would be a larger gas tank. If the GT model came with an integrated top box with a passenger backrest (and optional, detachable side bags), some of the existing below seat space could be utilized for a larger gasoline tank so that the seat height would not have to be increased. Also if the side mounted bags were included, the gasoline tank filler cap could be placed in a location which would allow filling the tank to capacity without putting the bike on the center stand. I believe that the engine is powerful enough for touring two up, but the range should be increased with a larger gas tank. Cruise control, bluetooth communications, an integrated trip computer and GPS would also make this a real touring scooter and blow away all the new touring scooters being introduced by other companies.

[dsfraser]

A wish list, ,eh?

I already have a Burgman 950. The fuel door broke off so when I replaced it, I stuck the '6' back on upside down. It starts conversations...

My 09s (two) have a dismal switch for the heated seat that carves up the mirrors when they are retracted. They have fixed the switch on newer models so it no longer damages the mirrors, but I want it available to I can install it too. It should be a recall, faint hope.

The bike needs a better charging system, especially with added accessories. The rectifier needs to be upgraded and a voltmeter should be standard.

The accessory outlets should be moved so they can be used when the bike is rolling.

Nowadays most people have phones, comms and/or GPS that use Bluetooth. A docking port and central control unit would probably be a popular feature, assuming there was a common standard that could be used.

I would like a single-seat option. I never ride with a passenger --- she has her own Burgman. If the seat were split in half, the aft section could be hinged at the back to allow better access to the back of the trunk. A luggage rack or a compact top box could be mounted on top of the rear deck.

I don't know how popular or necessary OEM panniers would be, but there are people that would buy them if they were styled to fit the bike. They could be interchangeable with the side rails.

Every Burgman should come with a bag of those plastic fasteners that break all the time!

Cruise control might be nice, but I would be just as happy with a throttle knob.

The instrumentation could be improved. I would like a digital readout for RPMs, a voltmeter/ammeter, digital indication of temperature and fuel, a clock AND thermometer, etc. If multi-displays are used, put the mode selector where it can be used without removing hands from the handlebars. That big black cover over the handlebars could be used for some of the electronics: gauges, switches, docking ports, etc. It is much more accessible than having to reach through to the dashboard.

Better colours! Grey and black are purely boring. I have a white one (my wife's is grey) but I'd really like more options: yellow, bright red, mid blue, even orange. Many people equate increased visibility with increased safety, and bright colours stand out.

Add some hardpoints under the tupperware to attach running lights, highway pegs, etc to something stronger than plastic.

It would be nice if the tupperware and front floorboards could be deepened to add another inch or two of legroom.

Suzuki could add a strip of (cheap) half-round trim tape along the outside edge of the floorboards. It improves the looks of the bike and protects the main (expensive) tupperware when the bike is on its side.

On the whole we are quite satisfied with our Burgmans, despite the crappy regulator and the switch for the heated seat that chews up the LH mirror. Both have 20,000 km on them now, with only minor problems other than a $1500 repair to replace the el cheapo charging system on mine.

I would buy one again after these wear out, but only if the New Burgman was competitive with what other manufacturers are selling. They are all coming out with new models. Suzuki has to respond to maintain their position, and they have to do more than choose a different colour of grey.

Regards
Scott Fraser
Calgary

[MacDoc]

If it wasn't for that CVT I would have already bought one.

your loss.

[InfernoST]

If it wasn't for that CVT I would have already bought one.

your loss.

You're probably right but there are a lot of people out there who share the same sentiment I do.

[NormanB]

Snipped...My 09s (two) have a dismal switch for the heated seat that carves up the mirrors when they are retracted. They have fixed the switch on newer models so it no longer damages the mirrors, but I want it available to I can install it too. Snipped"......

Scott, can you explain - first I have heard of this?

[dsfraser]

Snipped...My 09s (two) have a dismal switch for the heated seat that carves up the mirrors when they are retracted. They have fixed the switch on newer models so it no longer damages the mirrors, but I want it available to I can install it too. Snipped"......

Scott, can you explain - first I have heard of this?

We have 650 K9s. The seat switch is rectangular with sharp edges, bolted under the control cluster on the LH handlebars. When the mirrors are retracted, moving the handlebars to the right results in a nice deep gouge in the upper edge of the cowl around the mirror. Of course the white bike has black plastic under the paint and the grey bike has white plastic, so it is a garish blemish, and totally unnecessary if someone at Suzuki had actually ridden the bike before they put it on the market.

On the new ones the switch is slightly smaller with rounded edges and is located farther away from the handgrip, putting it far enough away from the mirror to clear.

Point of contact:




End result.



Ugly and unnecessary. The plastic is very soft and gouges immediately.

Regards
Scott Fraser