Flush with similar success in Europe and Japan, American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) is launching the Suzuki Burgman 400 and 650 scooters in the U.S. as stylish, two-wheeled urban commuting alternatives for residents of the country's most traffic-congested cities.
The two new 2003 models, now at Suzuki motorcycle dealerships nationwide, have been modified for the U.S. market. The Burgman 400 is offered at an MSRP of $5,599, while the Burgman 650 is priced at $7,699.
"With their high-performance engines, expanded storage, comfortable riding positions and other rider features, the Burgmans are ideal urban commuting vehicles," said Mel Harris, ASMC's vice president, motorcycle/ATV division.
As proof of its commitment to the urban commuter market, ASMC is focusing the bulk of its Burgman launch efforts in cities known for traffic, most notably New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Seattle. These cities rank first, fourth, fifth, sixth and tenth, respectively, in commute times among U.S. cities according to a U.S. Census analysis by the Road Information Program.
"Commuters in the worst U.S. traffic markets spend an average of 20 hours a month in their cars -- with some commuters spending considerably more," added Harris. "It's not unrealistic to estimate that, maneuvering safely through traffic, commuters riding a Burgman can reduce this time significantly."
According to Harris, the Burgman's fuel efficiency also qualifies it for considerable cost savings. The Burgman's efficient four-gallon (13-liter) gas tank can be filled for less than $10 compared with the $20 to $40 needed to top-off the average car or SUV.
2003 Suzuki Burgman 400
Most distinctive is the Burgman's bodywork with multi- reflector headlamps, tail light assembly, chrome-plated rearview mirrors and chromed, heat resistant exhaust shield. A fully equipped four- dial instrument panel features clock, speedometer, oil-change indicator, fuel gauge and tachometer.
Powering the Burgman 400 is a compact four-stroke, liquid-cooled, single- cylinder, 385cc engine with a compression ratio of 10.2:1. Electronically controlled fuel injection utilizes a single 36mm throttle body to produce linear power and torque throughout the rpm range.
Structural integrity is provided by the Burgman 400's steel, backbone-type frame. A 41mm front fork and rear link-type single shock combine with lightweight 13-inch wheels with radial tires to create a strong, nimble chassis with 100mm of suspension travel at each wheel. For balanced and controlled stopping, the Burgman is equipped with front and rear hydraulic disc brakes and Suzuki's Combination Braking System, in which the right hand lever actuates the front brake only while the left hand lever actuates both front and rear brakes.
For the professional with briefcases or the weekend warrior with luggage, the Burgman 400 offers almost two cubic feet (55 liters) of lighted under-seat storage space, including one main compartment for two full-face helmets and separate compartments for smaller items. Other commuter-friendly features include a dual-stepped seat with backrests for rider and passenger, cutaway floorboards to encourage easy stop-start legwork, a DC outlet in the front fairing assembly, easy-to-use locking system for parking security, and a tamper-resistant magnetic cover on the ignition switch.
The 2003 Burgman 400 is available in silver or blue at an MSRP of $5,999.
2003 Suzuki Burgman 650
Building on =the 400, the Burgman 650 has multi-reflector headlights, protective windscreen and integrated rearview mirrors and turn signals. A digital instrument cluster incorporates one large LCD display for the speedometer, tachometer, odometer, dual trip meters, oil change indicator and oil level indicator. Also within the instrument cluster are a shift-position indicator, water-temperature and fuel-level meters, a clock and turn signal indicators.
The Burgman 650 gets its power from a 638cc V-twin engine with a 75.5mm x 71.3mm bore and stroke. The four-stroke, DOHC, liquid-cooled powerplant has an 11.2:1 compression ratio, is fed by electronic fuel injection and incorporates Suzuki's own Twin Swirl Combustion Chamber (TSCC) technology.
Designed to produce torque at low to mid range, the compact engine transfers power via the Suzuki Electronically-controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (SECVT), offering a smooth ride and three simultaneous shift modes for maximum versatility - two automatic (normal and power), and one manual.
Surrounding the 650's twin-cylinder powerplant is a tubular-steel frame, designed for strength and agility. The Burgman's suspension consists of a 41mm front fork delivering 105mm of travel and an aluminum swingarm and five- way, spring-preload-adjustable shock offering 100mm of travel. Brakes are dual-piston calipers grasping dual 260mm discs in the front and a single, 250mm rotor in the back. The Burgman rolls on lightweight, cast-aluminum wheels with tubeless radial tires.
The 650 has been designed for commuters with a plush saddle providing a low seat height of 750mm (29.5 in.) and adjustable backrest for maximum comfort. Under-seat storage space consists of two cubic feet (56 liters) that will hold two full-face helmets and multiple smaller items. Three additional compartments are built into the front fairing assembly, as is a DC outlet.
Other trip-friendly features of the Burgman 650 include an easy-to-use locking system, ignition switch with magnetically operated cover, and cutaway floorboards for problem-free stops and comfortable foot placement. The 2003 Burgman 650 is available in silver or blue at an MSRP of $7,699.
