Me and my partner recently decided to take a punt on the Burgman 650 (2013, 20k miles example with lots of service history) because we just want a nice big luxury bike for going out together. I have a Forza 350 as well as my basic workhorse bike, but my partner doesn't like doing longer trips on it because the fairings dig into her legs a bit which gets uncomfortable over longer distances. So we went around and tried loads of bikes for seating comfort for both of us and the Burgman 650 was just great (and the seat heater will be nice in the colder months as well). I guess a Silverwing 600 would've been an option as well, but it's getting pretty difficult finding examples that aren't ancient or tatty (seriously Honda, bring it back. The Forza 750 isn't a replacement and I don't want to have to clean/lube a chain on a scooter).

I've read a lot of stuff about these scoots and I know the CVT is kind of a thing. I know you have to regularly check the stopper bolt (apparently less big of a deal on the 2013- models, but I'm still going to keep an eye on them) and keep the breather filter clean so the belt doesn't overheat. Should be fairly easy to manage; I'm not the best mechanic (and I don't have a good place to work on bikes; I basically have to do everything outside), but basic stuff like that and oil changes I can handle and I'll let the dealer pick up the rest. If that costs a bit more than on a "normal" scoot, I'm happy to resign myself to that because this is the scoot we want.

So my question is: how much should I heed the "horror stories" that some people keep spreading about the 650? My impression is that these stories get amplified a lot even if most users never experience them. And also: if the CVT fails nowadays, what are the options for getting it fixed (yes I know it'll be expensive)? I've heard some rumours that in the US Suzuki dealers don't even touch these bikes any more? Is that the case here in the UK as well? I guess there will be independent shops that still work on these scooters? Anyone have any insight on that?

Cheers

It was a big concern of mine when I bought mine, I'd read all the horror stories and it nearly put me off but I asked on here and looked on BurgmanUSA and it mostly affects the earlier models. I've done about 15,000 miles on it so far with very little problems,it's a 12 plate and done about 30'000, There is a switch on the mainstand that needs keeping clean as it sticks and the bike won't change out of 1st, easy to fix just put it on the side stand annd flick the switch out.
I don't use dealerships so I've no idea if they would fix it or not. I think my local bike shop would do it but I'll cross that bridge if I come to it. I've had the scoot for about three and a half years and I'll porbably keep it till one of us expires

knight2 wrote: Sun Aug 03, 2025 3:19 pm It was a big concern of mine when I bought mine, I'd read all the horror stories and it nearly put me off but I asked on here and looked on BurgmanUSA and it mostly affects the earlier models. I've done about 15,000 miles on it so far with very little problems,it's a 12 plate and done about 30'000, There is a switch on the mainstand that needs keeping clean as it sticks and the bike won't change out of 1st, easy to fix just put it on the side stand annd flick the switch out.
I don't use dealerships so I've no idea if they would fix it or not. I think my local bike shop would do it but I'll cross that bridge if I come to it. I've had the scoot for about three and a half years and I'll porbably keep it till one of us expires

Well, that's good to hear. Thanks for the tip about the switch. I guess it's the same type of deal as with the side stand switch on other bikes. It's going to get gunked up at some point.

I got the bike for a good price I think. I I want another bike that has the same kind of feel for pillion riding, I think I would've had to go for either a much older bike or a more expensive one. Even if it happens that the CVT acts up and needs repairing in a few years, I'll more or less break even compared to my other options and I will still have my trusty Forza to scoot around on. And the dealer also put 6 month warranty on it, so it really isn't such a big risk right now.

Looking forward to collecting it and scooting around in luxury!

The main stand switch is exactly the same as the sidestand it's got one on both.

Heated seat? If I want a heated seat I just eat a tin of beans.

Ministerofsillywalks wrote: Tue Aug 05, 2025 2:28 pm Heated seat? If I want a heated seat I just eat a tin of beans.

What can I say. If we could harness my partner's cold limbs as a power for good, we'd solve climate change.