Suzuki Burgman 125 EX Road Test Review: Likes And Dislikes

This update was definitely something that we had hoped for, but does it compromise on the likeability factor of the butch-looking scooter in any manner?

The Suzuki Burgman Street 125 is one of the sweetest ICE scooters that money can buy in India. It is deceivingly sporty, winning our inaugural sporty scooter competition, pipping the TVS NTorq 125 to the title. However, if there was one area where the Burgman felt a bit out of proportion, it was definitely its small 10-inch rear wheel. Suzuki has finally obliged and brought the Burgman EX, the top trim of the maxi-styled scooter, with a befitting 12-inch rear wheel and a few additional goodies. We’ve spent a good couple of days in the saddle of the scooter and here’s what we liked and didn’t like about this particular trim:

LIKES

Frugality Pro Max

Suzuki’s ace with this new Burgman variant is the addition of ‘Suzuki Eco Performance Alpha,’ an upgrade of the tech that is found on the other trims of the Burgman as well as the Access 125 and Avenis 125. Suzuki has sort of perfected the idle stop-start system that works well in conjunction with the silent starter. It is perhaps the most efficient stop-start system that we have tested so far and as a result, it helped the Burgman score an incredible 62kmpl in our city fuel efficiency test, nearly 6kmpl more than the regular BS6 trim. 

No More Dandy Legs

Suzuki India has finally nailed the look of a maxi-scooter by equipping the Burgman EX with a 12-inch rear alloy. It brings the bulky vibe of the Burgman out quite well and the colour treatment fits the European styling quite well. Furthermore, you also sit more upright on the EX, making the seat feel taller than what it actually is. Still, at 780mm, the seat remains fairly accessible for shorter riders to find their footing comfortably.

DISLIKES

Lost Its Zing

If there was one thing that we absolutely loved about the Suzuki 125cc mill, it was its dual nature of being zippy and yet sensible. And while the spec sheet might suggest that there’s just a 0.1PS drop in outright power, the feel from the motor is quite different. We got nearly identical acceleration and roll-on times from our VBox test data but it no longer feels eager to surge forwards with fury. It rather feels subdued and calmer off the line and there’s very little aural drama at highway cruising speeds of 70-75kmph.

Firm Operator

While most of you would not mind the subdued feel from the engine for improved frugality, you would be turned off by its harsh, borderline jarring, ride quality. Yep, the comfy and pliant suspension setup, one of the scooter’s biggest strengths, is no longer present on the Burgman EX. Given that Suzuki has had to upsize the rear wheel, the monoshock has also had to be changed. As a result, it no longer feels settled or composed over sharp bumps or uneven road surfaces. The rider is usually tossed up from the seat when taking humps at decent speeds, which does unsettle the ride a fair bit.

To make matters worse, the seat is ridiculously soft. You sink into the foam quite a bit, causing you to rock back and forth in bumper to bumper traffic. This induces more fatigue, making long commutes a displeasing affair.

Greedy Much?

Given the changes aren’t substantial, Suzuki’s premium of Rs 19,000 for the Burgman EX over the Ride Connect trim is very hard to justify. At Rs 1.12 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), it is one of the priciest 125cc scooters in the market, the only ones dearer being its Italian rivals from Aprilia and Vespa. Heck, even quality electric scooters like the TVS iQube S and the Ola S1 are priced in the same ballpark.

Should You Get One?

This is a toughie, and sadly, we might suggest you skip this trim. Its frugality and convenience aren’t enough to compensate for the harsh ride quality and steep asking price. And with electric scooters gaining traction by the day, the Burgman’s appeal has begun to fizzle out in 2023. 

Suzuki should definitely consider plonking in a bigger motor, perhaps the 200cc one from its global lineup, to give us the proper maxi-scooter experience at a reasonably accessible price point, something that no other manufacturer has managed to achieve in India. Or, better yet, just bring out the Burgman Electric scooter already.