Introduction
We got an opportunity to test ride the all new Suzuki Burgman Street EX 125 scooter in Bengaluru. While the original Burgman Street EX is already available since the year 2018, the EX version is a recent addition – in short there are changes like – Engine Start-Stop, Silent starter system, both rear and front tyre having 12 inch wheels, etc . The test unit which we got was in Bronze in color out of the 3 colors offered and we put this scooter for a proper test for a good 10 days in Bengaluru. Here is what we felt about the new Burgman Street EX 125:
Design and Looks
The Suzuki Burgman Street 125 EX is categorized as a maxi scooter – the handlebars are independent of the front apron, this adds a lot to the unique design language of the scooter. The scooter looks good in Bronze and feels premium, the moment you look at it. The EX gets a short windshield, good use of chrome elements across the scooter body and in the front, alloy wheels, a 3D metallic Burgman Street logo, a well designed grab rails adds upto the futuristic looks of the scooter.
Ergonomics
One can easily sit and ride this unisex maxi scooter by Suzuki. There is enough knee room and legroom for you to comfortably stretch during the commute. The quality of switches (referring to ignition, headlights) etc is top-notch and feels easy to operate. This scooter scores really high when it comes to ergonomics – the pillion too can experience good comfort at the back, with a properly positioned footpegs, wide seat and a nice grab rail to hold on.
Digital Console
GO! The EX does not disappoint in the instrument cluster department. Everything is digital – the trip meter, odometer, speedometer and this display also helps you pair your phone with the scooter via bluetooth to access calls, messages and important alerts. The bluetooth functionality is available only for the RideConnect edition which is also capable to render turn by turn navigation information while. using maps. The “Select” and “Mode” buttons are little hard to press, Suzuki might want to address this from a usability point of view.
A dedicated circular “A” indicator triggers up and shows on console when the scooter comes to halt in places like traffic signals and kills the engine automatically when brake is released and comes up to life when the brakes are used again – this is a part of EASS feature (Engine Auto Start-Stop) which is unique to EX. In fact, the EASS functionality works better than one which we saw in Yamaha Aerox ( Check Review)..
Engine and Specs
The all new Suzuki Burgman Street 125 EX is powered by a 2-valve, single cylinder, air-cooled 4-stroke 125cc engine which delivers a power output of 8.6PS and delivers a peak torque of 10 Nm. The engine uses Fuel Injected system and is mated to CVT gearbox. You get both Electric and Kick start system to start the scooter,
The fuel tank capacity of EX is 5.5 litres and the scooter weighs about 111 kgs – which is pretty light for a 125cc maxi scooter. The ground clearance (distance between scooter floor and ground) is 160mm and the wheel base (distance between two wheels) length is 1290mm. LxWxH measures 1875x700x1140 (in mm) and the seat height is only 780mm which can be easily accessed by shortest of shortest riders.
Ride and Handling
Before jumping into the ride performance and handling section, we have to mention about the Silent-start ignition system of this scooter – although it feels like unnecessary or less significant thing – it is well thought out detail and it makes you feel like starting an electric scooter as it is almost completely noiseless ignition system.
There is a definitely a difference in ride quality when you compare the EX with any ordinary scooter in the market. It is well researched and optimized for Urban commuters – at no point you find it stressful while riding the EX. Attaining a good speed happens very linearly and it feels good to ride this machine.
We did the scooter testing (about 300 Kms+) within city roads of Bangalore and one interesting thing which we observed is the ability of the EX scooter to stay upright at low or almost zero speeds. While a part of this is rider’s skill set, the scooter complements the rider on that direction and doesn’t give up easily at slow manoeuvres – this is a super useful feature for those who hate waiting at traffic signals with bumper-to-bumper stop-and-go city traffic.
Suspension and Brakes
There are no complaints in the suspension department of the EX scooter. Job well done in this area, makes you feel confident to pass via rumble strips or sharp humps or potholes. The suspension system absorbs the shocks nicely. While the brake levers were smooth to hold and press/operate, the brakes were not that great during the panic situation – Suzuki might want to bring dual-disc brakes if possible or work a little bit on this area. Currently the Burgman Street EX offers Disc brakes in the front and Drum brakes at the rear.
Not to forget, we did some kilometres of testing with a pillion at the back – and that was a comfortable experience for the person at the back, thanks to ergonomically positioned foot pegs and seat width+length with good grab rails to hold on.
Space and Utility
The scooter scores well in the space and utility section, as it offers two dedicated pockets to carry small things in front which can also be locked. You will also get a USB charging point in case you want to charge your smartphone on the Go. The under seat storage space is good but not as big to house a full-sized helmet. We wish Suzuki offered external fuel filler lid for easy refuelling without opening the seat at petrol pumps.
Color variants
The Suzuki Burgman Street 125 is available in 3 colors namely: Metallic Matte Platinum Silver, Metallic Matte Black and Metallic Royal Bronze.
Price
The ex-showroom price of new Suzuki Burgman Street 125 is Rs 1,15,886 and the on-road price for Burgman Street in Bangalore is Rs 1,50,500/-
Verdict
Is Burgman Street EX worth the money and is it really premium enough and feature-rich for the money which you pay? We would say yes – the features like EASS( Automatic start stop) makes you smile/gives you a high-five every single time you stand in the traffic signal and also the Silent-start is a welcome change and makes your ride truly effortless. The premium which you pay for the Burgman Street EX shall justify the scooter’s build quality, ride quality, suspension, utility and most importantly the comfort and road presence. The only cons is absence of external fuel filler in this scooter. Apart from that, it is a great Suzuki scooter to own and maintain for a long time!
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