Greater than the sum of its parts – Suzuki Burgman 15 review

In this day and age when some people do motorcycle reviews in front of a screen instead of behind the handle bar, it’s easy to make false assumptions based on specifications alone. Sure, numbers don’t lie, but they don’t always tell the whole story.

In Gestalt Psychology, the whole is thought to be greater than the sum if its parts. Such is the case with Suzuki’s latest scooter offering, the Burgman 15. This much-awaited bigger Burgman comes with all the possible rider aids anyone could ask for, and then some. You get a customizable TFT display panel, Intelligent Key System, two type-C charging ports (underseat compartment and glove box), dual channel ABS, traction control and even a tire pressure monitoring system. Some practical features come by way of a dual rear suspension with subtank, a topbox-ready rear carrier and a floorboard-mounted gas tank to accommodate a 25-liter compartment under the seat. Yet, it is the seamless integration of these features that makes the Burgman 15 worth the wait. 

The Burgman 15 is propelled by a 149 cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, 2-valve engine, which produces 10.6 kW and 14.2 Nm. While it got some flak from keyboard critics for having a 2-valve engine, I hardly noticed any performance lag in city riding, when compared to most 4-valve equipped scooters in the segment. On paper, its torque numbers are identical to the two most popular rivals and only 1 kW lower on output. There’s plenty of low-end grunt on tap but it does taper-off as you move up the rev range. Hence, passing vehicles at cruising speed might require some skill and timing. The trade-off, to my amazement, is better fuel economy.

I usually achieve a little under 30 kilometers per liter on 150 cc to 160 cc scooters but I was so delighted when I got 38 kilometers per liter on the Burgman 15. With gas prices nearing the 100-peso mark, I’ll take fuel efficiency over extra power any day. A rider who doesn’t care much for fizzy drinks would probably even get better mileage. 

Speaking of weight, the Burgman 15 is more or less 15 kilograms heavier than its popular counterparts but it does hide its heft pretty well. Having a low center mass, the Burgman 15 allows light and nimble handling even at low speed. Filtering through gaps in traffic won’t be much of a problem. Just be mindful of the side mirrors of taller vehicles as the Burgman 15’s grips sit about the same height.  

Come to think of it, the Burgman 15 not only hides the additional weight but even uses it to its advantage. On the open road, I’ve never ridden a more stable scooter in the category and it showed perfect composure even along the crappy part of C-5. Much of it could also be credited to the Burgman 15’s dual rear suspension with subtank and, wait for it…the taller 14-inch wheels! It’s one less thing to complain about for those who are fixated on size.

Yet, riders with shorter inseam need not fret because even with the taller wheels, the seat height of the Burgman 15 is only at 760 mm. It’s actually 20 mm lower than its smaller displacement siblings. The saddle is not a bad place for tall riders as well because the footboard allows flexible feet positioning. You can even stretch your legs forward on long rides. 

While I miss the flat floor board of its smaller sibling, especially on grocery runs, the 25-liter underseat compartment does the job nicely. The rear carrier is also perfect for larger cargo. It wouldn’t hurt to install a top box too; it will go well with the Burgman 15’s maxiscooter vibe.  

At a price point of Php 165,000, I’d expect phone connectivity, even if I don’t actually want it. I’d love a 4-valve engine, though. Yet, on the Burgman 15, I realized I don’t really need it. What kept me coming up with excuses to ride is its subtle sense of luxury and refinement. It enables you to enjoy some saddle time without having to reach for that medicated ointment right after. Indeed, the Burgman 15 cannot be defined by the sum of its features alone but by the riding experience it offers. 

Ask your nearest Suzuki dealership for a test ride. After all, the proof of the pudding is in the tasting. 

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Suzuki Burgman 15 – Specifications and Features

Based on the riding review provided, here is a specification table for the Suzuki Burgman 15.

Source: Suzuki Motorcycles Philippines official specifications. Fuel consumption is the manufacturer’s claimed figure; actual mileage varies with riding conditions. 

Suzuki Motorcycles Philippines