Suzuki Burgman Street
| Photo Credit:
Kartik Ware
Realistically, when it comes to the maxi-scooter segment in India, we have two options: the Suzuki Burgman and the Hero Xoom 160. I say ‘realistically’ because the Yamaha Aerox has more of a maxi-sports bent to it, while the BMW C 400 GT exists on another financial planet altogether. And it’s the Burgman that has proved to be quite popular, so there must be something to it, right? Hence, now we have the new and improved Burgman Street.At first glance, the Hayabusa-inspired copper-finished (or as Suzuki calls it, ‘burnt gold’) elements are the first to catch the eye. Any fan of the Hayabusa will appreciate that and we have no shortage of those in India, so it’s a smart move. There are two models of the Burgman Street, the Ride Connect TFT Edition featured here and the Ride Connect Edition; the former gets a colour TFT screen, while the latter employs an LCD screen and gets a normal ignition with a key. Also, the earlier Burgman Street EX continues to be on sale alongside the new one. However, the new Burgman makes a strong enough case for itself to eventually become the only one around.In the detailsFirst of all, there is the plethora of new features that makes the new Burgman’s brochure considerably heavier than before. Of course, there’s the colour TFT screen with all kinds of connectivity features, the keyless-start system, a tail-mounted external fuel lid, a covered storage space on the front left of the apron with a USB charging port and an open cubbyhole on the right, two external luggage hooks and two underseat ones, a combined-braking system, a rear-brake lock, and revised ECU and CVT settings, among other revisions. As is expected from Suzuki, quality of fit and finish is of an above-average standard.Right from the off, the Burgman impresses with its smoothness; the engine delivers 8.31 bhp and 1.04 kg-m. Thanks to revised ECU mapping, there is enough torque available from standstill to make quick getaways from traffic signals. And the smooth power takes the Burgman to 80 kph fairly quickly, though subsequent progress to an indicated 100 kph is a bit tedious. However, in its optimum operating range between 40-70 kph, the Burgman is a smooth and stress-free ride. Did I mention that it was smooth already? What’s more, real-world riding in an enthusiastic manner returned 46 kpl, so this scooter is quite the efficient machine, too. It should easily achieve over 50 kpl with a calmer right wrist. Also, the Burgman’s riding position should be very comfortable for anyone with a height of 175 cm or less; for my 184-cm frame, the handlebar knocked my knees on either side during tight manoeuvres.Suzuki said that this scooter’s chassis is now both lighter and 25 per cent stiffer. While I cannot verify that myself, handling is indeed effortless at all speeds, with minimal effort required to steer the 115-kg Burgman. It can even indulge in a spot of sporty riding if required, since its tyres and combined brakes (front disc, rear drum) are clearly above the segment average. However, the lack of ABS is a glaring omission, for now at least, since the Access already gets it. Maybe it’ll make its way to the Burgman soon, too. Ride quality is as good as it gets with a small-wheeled machine. The suspension is quite comfortable, but it cannot indefinitely mask the smaller rolling circumference of the 12-inch wheels. That means taking it easy over really rough roads and speed breakers.Seeing as this comes across as a premium machine, to properly set the Burgman Street apart from the EX, Suzuki would’ve done well to make it a 150cc scooter with a bit more power to deal with the extra weight it carries over the Access and the Avenis, and throw in ABS as well. That’d make it a far more rounded product, in my opinion. Nonetheless, at ₹1.14 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Burgman Street is still pretty attractive if you’re looking for a practical easy-to-ride scooter. Despite the lack of choice in the segment, this one is easy to recommend nonetheless.@TheMotorGramPublished on June 5, 2026
