Suzuki Burgman 125 K7By Thomas GroussinNothing dramatically new, but a few interesting alterations on the Burgman 125, one of the most appreciated scooters in Paris, Rome or Madrid, to comply with Euro 3 standards. Since 2002, the Burgman 125 has been appreciated as an easy to drive scooter in towns. Riders also like the wealth of its practical aspects and vivacity of its engine. Assets that have allowed it to become one of the best selling 125 cc scooters in Europe, especially in the mid-range luxury tourer segment. By 2007, the Burgman must meet Euro 3 environmental protection standards and so Suzuki engineers have taken advantage of this opportunity to improve a few important aspects such as the braking, roadholding or comfort, while remaining faithful to the spirit of the present model. The price of the new Burgman 125 therefore remains particularly competitive in the face of the offering by Taiwanese or Korean manufacturers. Remarkable performance for this scooter produced in Gijon, Spain.  © Suzuki BeefierThe body of this new Burgman 125 has become clearly more voluminous at the front, which gives it a more compact and squat appearance than the older version. The disproportion between a very broad rear (because of the size of the storage space) and a very slim front has therefore ceased to exist, benefiting the overall harmony. Also the two front lights are now separate (low beam on the left / high beam on the right) and no longer blind oncoming road users.  As easy to ride as ever, the new Burgman 125 is a good scooter for two-wheeler beginners. © Suzuki Still as easy to driveLike its predecessor, this new Burgman 125 can be advised without any hesitation for beginners, because it is so easy to handle and manipulate in jams. It is not too voluminous and its seat is slightly higher than before, which makes it easier for women drivers to ride and improves traffic vision. Nor is it difficult to place both feet flat on the ground thanks to the large cutaway sections in the footboard. At the same time, big riders are better catered for thanks to the new design of the seat and the better adapted position of the rider's backrest (not adjustable). The new 13 inch diameter front wheel (12 inch on the present model) does not weigh down at all on the steering, which remains light and natural at low speed.  While the seat design has improved comfort for big riders, the rear shock absorbers remain hard. © Suzuki Unchanged frame, improved suspensionsThe new Burgman's frame remains strictly identical to that of the old version, but the front wheel has risen from 12 to 13 inches diameter and the suspensions are improved. The result is a more clear-cut steering capacity, that suffers less from the frame's relative lack of rigidity (compared with a Piaggio X8 for instance). Similarly, on braking, the fork (+ 3 mm in diameter) is better able to stand up to high decelerations. On the other hand, the shock absorbers remain firm, which penalises above all big riders whose riding position on the Burgman is hard on the bottom of their backs. With a passenger, comfort improves for the team. Combined brakingOne of the major elements of progress of the Burgman 125 2007 resides in the adoption of combined braking. Pulling on the left lever activates one of the three pistons of the front caliper, at the same time as the rear caliper. As the front disc is bigger moreover, this braking is clearly more powerful than before while being perfectly adjustable. The most demanding of riders will simply regret a somewhat hard feeling on the levers.  © Suzuki Injection engineWhile the mechanics remain similar to those of the present model, the new Burgman 125 is fitted with all the equipment allowing it to meet Euro standards: electronic injection fuel system, catalyser... The performances haven't made much progress but were already sufficient for safe urban use and a few rides on expressways. Very sharp, this engine appears to have taken advantage of the new fuel system to offer more pronounced flexibility on ignition, which improves comfort. The Burgman's revving capacities are still very good, so much so that you must sometimes be cautious on turning the throttle on in slippery conditions.  © Suzuki Practical aspects: no changesThe Burgman 125 2007 keeps in particular its large storage space under the seat where you can stash away two full face helmets or an attaché case. On the other hand there is no possibility of transporting bulky objects on the footboard which is not really flat. A little storage box has made its appearance to complement the large lockable glove box that we already knew. A little flap activated by the back of the ignition key conceals the lock to protect it from robbers, but we would have preferred an electronic anti-theft immobiliser. The dashboard is improved with the addition of a partial mileage counter, as well as a warning light to remind the absent-minded that it's time for an oil change. New 200 cc versionThis new Burgman is also produced in a 200 cc version, an opportune cubic capacity in the Italian and Spanish markets, but which is not likely to be distributed in France. Both versions will be available at dealers as of November 2006. Technical dataEngine: 1-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, 4 valves Capacity: 125 cc Fuel: electronic injection Ignition: electric Max. output: 12.4 hp at 9,000 rpm Max torque: 1 mkg at 6,500 rpm Front brakes: 240 mm single disc, 3-piston caliper; Rear: 220 mm disc (combined front/rear braking) Front tyre: 110/90 x 13; Rear: 130/70 x 12 Seat height: 735 mm Usable tank volume: 11 litres Dry weight: 148 kg Practical information: Colours: grey, blue, champagne or black Guarantee: 2 years spares and labour, unlimited mileage Price: £2,170 Place of production: Spain OUR MEASUREMENTS: Max. speed: 106 km/h Average consumption: 4 l/100 km Range before reserve: 275 km |
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