After two years and 25,000 km of riding, I have gathered an understanding of the Suzuki Burgman 125. This review will break down the pros and cons of this maxi scooter, followed by my final thoughts on its overall performance and who it's best suited for.
Pros:
1. Reliable Brand & Service:
Suzuki is a trusted name, and owning this scooter is backed by responsive customer service. Any issues, such as the pass light integration or starter motor problems, were addressed without much hassle, often covered under warranty.
2. Sweet and Powerful Engine:
The engine is well-suited for a maxi-scooter. While it does not have the punch of its competitors like the TVS NTorq, but it still manages to clock speeds up to 109 km/h and can comfortably cruise at 80 km/h. There is a subtle grunt to the engine, which adds character without being too loud or disturbing.
3. Good Fit and Finish:
The overall build of the Burgman 125 is commendable. Even after extensive use, it has not developed the annoying squeaky or rattling sounds that many scooters tend to have over time. It feels solid and intact.
4. Comfortable Seat and Riding Position:
The wide, long seat provides enough space for two, and even three passengers (though not recommended). It is designed for comfort, making long rides pleasant for both rider and pillion. The riding position is upright and relaxed, ideal for extended use without fatigue.
5. Balanced Suspension Setup:
The suspension leans more towards the stiff side, offering stability at higher speeds but compromising a bit when hitting potholes. Still, it is well-balanced for daily commutes and occasional highway rides.
6. Decent Braking with CBS:
Although the Burgman does not come with a disc brake or ABS, the CBS (Combined Braking System) works well enough at lower to medium speeds, keeping the scooter in control during city commutes.
7. Fuel Efficiency:
Fuel efficiency is one of its strong points. With careful riding, you can expect anywhere between 55 - 58km/l, making it economical, especially with rising fuel costs.
8. Ground clearance:
Despite having a Centre stand, ground clearance has never been an issue with the Burgman 125. It handles speed bumps and uneven roads without scraping the bottom, even when fully loaded. Overloading might be an exception, but for normal use, the ground clearance is more than sufficient.
9. Visual Appeal:
The Suzuki Burgman stands out on the road. It looks big, bulky, and commanding, especially in the white color variant. For those who like scooters with presence, this one delivers.
Cons:
1. High Beam Pass Light Issue:
The pass light, integrated with the high-beam switch, is a known issue in the Burgman. It used to fail, and while Suzuki replaced it under warranty, it was eventually removed altogether, and now its just a high-beam switch, which is a letdown.
2. Self-Start Problems:
Despite having a one-touch start, the starter motor and self-start switch are not up to expectations. I had to replace both the starter motor and switch once, along with the battery, but occasional starting issues still persist.
3. Silencer Issues:
The silencer guard falling off is another common problem. The guard’s hinge tends to melt, causing it to come off. And this does not cover under warrenty, The guard costs around 400rs, But it happened only once in the span of 2years. Additionally, the silencer pipe frequently faces rusting issues, requiring repeated repainting. This is not covered by warranty and costs around 600rs each time.
4. Poor Turning Radius:
For a maxi scooter can not complain much but the turning radius of the Burgman is less than the other regular scooters in market. In traffic or tight spaces, it becomes cumbersome to maneuver, which can be a major downside for city riders.
5. Undersized Tyres:
The stock tyres are undersized for a scooter of this size, and while there are not many upsize options available in the market, I recommend ditching the MRF stock tyres in favor of Michelin for better grip and performance.
6. Quality of Parts & Instrument Cluster:
Given its price (₹1,15,000+), the quality of the scooter’s parts and the basic instrument cluster could have been better. While Suzuki addressed this with an upgraded infotainment system in the latest Rally edition, it still feels lacking for earlier models like mine.
7. Vulnerable to Scratches and Chipping:
The scooter is prone to scratches and chipping, especially since it does not come with a complete crash guard. While third-party accessories are available, they are not of high quality and add unnecessary weight to the scooter.
8. Underseat storage and Charger:
While the underseat storage is spacious enough for a half-face helmet, it cannot accommodate a full-face helmet, which can be inconvenient for riders who prefer more protection. Additionally, the scooter does not come with a USB port as standard, it is offered as an accessory, costing around ₹600. It would have been better if this feature was included at this price point.
(And regarding the light and horn. Both the light and the horn are decent for a scooter. They are not bad, but they do not stand out either.)
Final Word: Who is this Scooter For?
The Suzuki Burgman 125 is a versatile scooter, best suited for youngsters and middle-aged riders who need a reliable and comfortable city commuter with the ability to handle weekend rides. It is not the fastest in its segment, but it offers a great mix of comfort, style, and practicality.
Overall, the Burgman 125 makes for a well-rounded maxi-scooter, ideal for those who want something bigger than the average scooter but with the ease of daily commuting.
No comments:
Post a Comment