A carryover from 2014, the Burgman 200 available from Suzuki for 2017 remains that awesome around-town ride or a super-scoot up the highway. With plenty of roll-on even at highway speeds, good fuel economy and a suspension that's more motorcycle than scooter, the Burgman 200 takes daily commutes in stride. The low center of gravity gives it responsive handling, giving you a surprisingly powerful ride for such a small scooter.

Continue reading for my review of the Suzuki Burgman 200.

2015 - 2017 Suzuki Burgman 200 ABS

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 - 2017 Suzuki Burgman 200 ABS
  • Engine/Motor: 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, OHC
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Design

With under-seat storage spacious enough to carry two full-face helmets, two additional storage compartments and ample passenger grab bars, you and a friend can take off for a weekend adventure. The 12V power outlet below the instrument panel accommodates your GPS unit or the charger for your electronic devices, so no matter where your Burgman takes you, you won't be lost. Cut-out footboards, a 28.9-inch seat height and a seat shaped narrowly at the front makes it easy to find the ground with your feet. The wind-tunnel-tested windscreen directs the wind over and around you to reduce wind buffeting and noise.

Chassis

The bones of this scoot are relatively unremarkable, and they follow the industry norm, but things get interesting with the suspension. The factory opted for a lightweight, single-tier tripletree to hold the 33 mm front fork tubes. While this may sound alarming on paper, there is sufficient stiffness in the steering to handle the forces generated by the 359-pound curb weight, plus rider and cargo. Many scooters – maybe even most of them – use a single monoshock to support the weight of the rear end, but not so with the Burgman 200. Suzuki went with dual coil-over-piston shocks with adjustable preload to float the load, providing a cushy ride even over rough roads.

Fuel tank placement low in the frame shifts the center of gravity down, and the low seat height keeps it down, resulting in responsive handling at all speeds. You can tackle corners with confidence due to the 5.1-inches of ground clearance. The downside: taller riders may feel a bit cramped after a while in the saddle.

ABS-assisted hydraulic brakes work with the 13-inch front and 12-inch rear tires and 240 mm brake discs to provide decent traction and control in inclement weather, but the single front brake is barely adequate, especially with a load. I wonder if Suzuki would have been better off going with a dual caliper setup up front, especially since the ABS helps to prevent the symptoms of overbraking.

Drivetrain

There is no denying that the 200 cc engine is a little on the small side, but it actually has pretty good passing roll-on, even when starting the pass at 60 mph. You need not fear the interstate on this scooter, and although it is ideal for the city commute you could probably do some 'daytrip touring' with it.

Not surprisingly, the mill gets around 65 mpg, depending on your riding style, of course. The Suzuki fuel injection system meters the fuel, and an electronic ignition system handles the rest. While the engine feels smooth as silk when warmed up and at above-idle rpm, there is moderate vibration at idle, and the engine seems to be a bit cold natured. The CVT transmission has well-placed shift points, and like the engine, produces little in the way of vibration when under way.

Pricing

MSRP on the Burgman 200 is $4,999 and comes in Metallic Matte Titanium Silver for 2017. Suzuki offers a 12-month unlimited mileage limited warranty on your new ride.

He Said

My husband and fellow writer, TJ Hinton, says, “Scooters really ain't my thing, but then, I have never lived in an area where they would be practical. I see the Burgman 200 as good, cheap transportation for students around campus, or even city commuters. Doubt I would hit the interstate on it myself!”

She Said

"I wasn't expecting much from a 200 cc scooter, but I honestly like this little ride. It's sporty and gutsy, has plenty of storage for trips to the grocery store and has enough oomph to stay with traffic, which is always a concern when riding a scooter. Yamaha->ke301 doesn't have anything in the 200 cc niche in its current lineup. The closest it has is the Smax with a 155 cc engine. Likewise, with Piaggio->ke2268 -- no 200 cc scooter, but the Fly 150 has a 150 cc engine. Honda->ke291 has the Forza with a 279 cc engine for $700 more -- $1,100 more if you want ABS. The Burgman 200 comes standard with ABS."

Specifications

Drivetrain:

Engine:

Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, OHC

Displacement:

200 cc

Bore:

63.0 mm

Stroke:

53.4 mm

Compression Ratio:

11.0 to 1

Fuel System:

Suzuki Fuel Injection

Ignition:

Electronic ignition (Transistorized)

Starter:

Electric

Lubrication:

Wet sump

Transmission:

Automatic

Final Drive:

V-belt Drive

Chassis:

Suspension Front:

Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped

Suspension Rear:

Swingarm type, coil spring, oil damped

Front Brake:

Disc brake

Rear Brake:

Disc brake

Tires Front:

110/90-13 M/C 56P, tubeless

Tires Rear:

130/70-12 62P, tubeless

Dimensions:

Overall Length:

80.9 inches (2055 mm)

Overall Width:

29.1 inches (740 mm)

Wheelbase:

57.7 inches (1465 mm)

Ground Clearance:

5.1 inches (130 mm)

Seat Height:

28.9 inches (735 mm)

Details:

Fuel Tank Capacity:

2.8 Gallons - Including Reserve

Curb Weight:

359 pounds (163 kilograms) / 362 pounds (164 kilograms) California

Color:

2014:

Cool Silver

2016:

Brilliant White

2017:

Metallic Matte Titanium Silver

Warranty:

12-month unlimited mileage limited warranty.

Price:

$4,999