Motor Scooter Guide

SUZUKI SCOOTERS

Suzuki’s first North American foray into the world of scooters and mopeds was in 1979, when they brought the Rascal moped (FZ50) to North America. Next year, Suzuki added the FA50 Shuttle moped which it would sell from 1980 right through to 1991. Perhaps more importantly, in 1980 Suzuki also released the FS50 which was based on the Rascal moped but it was half moped / half scooter (no pedals, had body panels, but still chain drive).

The FS50 lived a short life and was discontinued after 1981. Suzuki stayed away from scooters and stuck to mopeds for a while after this unsuccessful venture.

1990 - 1999

It wasn’t until about 1990 that Suzuki returned the Canadian market with a proper scooter, the Hyper 50 aka AE50. Unfortunately Suzuki did not release this model in the USA market. Stylistically very similar to Yamaha’s Jog and Honda’s Dio / Elite 50, the AE50 attempted to capitalize on that market segment and was sold until roughly 1999.

MODELS: Hyper / AE50 (Canada only)

2003

After the demise of the AE50, Suzuki stayed away from the scooter market for several years until they returned in 2003 with a completely different approach.....a 400cc maxi-scooter. This new maxi was named the Burgman 400 (shown at left)

and was introduced to both the USA and Canada. Smaller Burgman’s exist overseas (125cc and 250cc) but Suzuki has never sold those here.

MODELS: Burgman 400

2004

Following the successful launch of the Burgman 400, Suzuki added the larger and faster (and more expensive) Burgman 650 for 2004 (shown below). The Burgman 650 is the king of maxi-scooters with is huge power and touring amenities. As a competitor to Honda’s Silverwing, the Burgman 650 can top 100mph and achieves 40mpg, although it can’t do both at the same time.

MODELS: Burgman 400, Burgman 650

2005

Suzuki kept the new 650 Burgman unchanged for 2005, but they did add a ‘Type S’ or ‘Sport’ trim level option to the Burgman 400. This model is referred to as the 400S as was sold for 2005 and 2006 until a new generation of Burgman 400 replaced the current one. Opting for the Type S Burgman 400 added a tinted windscreen, chrome bits (bars, mirrors), a rear spoiler, blacked out wheels and white gauges.

MODELS: Burgman 400 / 400 Sport, Burgman 650

2006

Suzuki turned a few heads for 2006 when they added an ‘Executive’ trim level option to the Burgman 650 which included ABS. Available overseas since 2004, Suzuki waited a few years to bring this option to North America. This package took touring performance to the next level with an electronically adjustable windscreen, multi-mode transmission, chrome bits, retractable mirrors and a high output 500 watt alternator for powering goodies like a heated vest. Canadians also get heated grips and a heated seat as part of this package.

MODELS: Burgman 400 / 400 Sport, Burgman 650 / 650 Executive

2007 - 2008

For 2007, the second generation Burgman 400 debuted with a new look and engine. This second generation of the 400 model was a complete re-working that made every area of the scooter better. There’s more underseat storage, a larger windscreen and better milage. The redesigned Burgman 400 sported a more sporty and modern look which has been well received. Check out the Burgman 400 page for a complete look at this important model.

MODELS: Burgman 400, Burgman 650 / 650 Executive

2009

Suzuki carried over some of the 650 Executive technology to the Burgman 400 for 2009 and began offering an ABS model. The ABS model was sold at a $500 premium ($6700 vs. $6200) in 2009.

MODELS: Burgman 400 / 400 ABS, Burgman 650 / 650 Executive

2010 - 2012

Standard ABS was the big news from Suzuki for 2010, when they stopped offering their Burgman scooters in non-ABS versions. The 650 model was only offered in the Executive trim and the 400 ABS was the only version of the AN400 available. This raised the minimum price of admission to around $7500 for the Burgman 400. For 2012, the Burgman 650 Executive is hovering just under 10K as $9,899 MSRP. That’s a lot for a scooter, but it’s also one capable scooter. Fans of the open road will find much to like the Burgman 650 Exec.

For 2011 and 2012 Suzuki hasn’t made any changes to their Burgman line aside from shuffling the color options and tweaking the MSRP’s upward.

MODELS: Burgman 400 ABS, Burgman 650 Executive

2013

The end appeared to be nigh in fall 2012 when Burgman 650 was absent from Suzuki’s main announcement of 2013 models. However the Japanese maker had exciting things in store, and 2 months later they announced a heavily updated 2013 Burgman 650 for North America.

This new Burgman shares the same motor and frame as the outgoing variant, but there’s a host of reworked areas from the styling and instrument panel, to the new ABS system and clutch. The result is a crisp new Burgman with a slimmer rear end and a 15% increase in gas pump frugality.

With the update comes a naming shuffle as well. The previously “Executive” only features have migrated to the regular model, which is currently the only offering. No changes were made to the Burgman 400.

MODELS: Burgman 400 ABS, Burgman 650 ABS

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