2023 Suzuki Burgman Street 125 Review: The Best 125cc Scooter Out There?

We find out if the new Burgman Street 125 can justify the whopping Rs 19,000 premium it charges over the outgoing model. 

• The Burgman’s 124cc engine still makes 8.7PS & 10Nm. 
• Underpinnings include a telescopic fork along with a hydraulic monoshock.
• Braking duties are handled by a disc brake at the front and a drum one at the rear, with the added safety net of Combined Braking System. 

The Suzuki Burgman Street 125 is one of India's most desirable ICE scooters. It is deceptively sporty, having won our inaugural sporty scooter competition, narrowly defeating the TVS NTorq 125. 

However, if there was one aspect of the Burgman that felt out of proportion, it was unquestionably its small 10-inch rear wheel. Suzuki has finally delivered the Burgman EX, the top trim of the maxi-styled scooter, complete with a 12-inch rear wheel and a few extras. We spent a couple of days in the saddle of the scooter, and here's what we liked and didn't like about it:

Suzuki Burgman Street 125: Design & Features

The Burgman Street adheres to the design language of its European counterpart, and while its sharp lines and proportions elicited mixed reactions in photographs, the scooter is visually appealing in person. The imposing front apron, which neatly encompasses the all-LED headlight and a flyscreen atop, is the focal point.

The Burgman Street gets bonus points for its all-LED headlights and taillights. Notably, the headlights have a good throw and spread at night. The Burgman also has a fully digital instrument console derived directly from the Gixxer, though it only provides essential readouts.

If Suzuki wants an extra Rs 19,000 over the Burgman Street Ride Connect variant, we would have preferred a newer, fancier digital instrument cluster. Instead, the scooter get the same unit as the Ride Connect variant, which isn't bad, but it would have been nicer if Suzuki had done what TVS did with the NTorq XT.

Suzuki Burgman Street 125: Engine & Specs

There have been no changes to the Burgman Street 125. That's because it retains the same 124cc single-cylinder mill as the lower Burgman variants, Access 125, and even the Avenis. Power is reduced by 0.1PS, but this is insignificant in practice.

The Suzuki 125cc mill, it was its ability to be both fast and practical. While the spec sheet suggests that there is only a 0.1PS drop in outright power, the motor feels very different. Our VBox test data yielded nearly identical acceleration and roll-on times, but it no longer feels eager to surge forward with fury. Off the line, it feels subdued and calmer, with little aural drama at highway cruising speeds of 70-75kmph.

Suzuki Burgman Street 125: Chassis

The larger rear wheel alters the handling dynamics to some extent. The Burgman isn't the most agile scooter, but quick changes feel more stable with this rim setup. Braking is also more linear and controlled. Our testing data clearly shows that the Burgman takes less distance to stop than the other trims. 

To be honest, the Burgman isn't a 'sporty' 125cc scooter, but it has enough power to cruise down the motorway at 70-75kmph. It's a laid-back scooter that enjoys stretching its legs. You can put it in a corner, but it's not very comfortable there. As a result, the power and handling package of the Burgman, in any of its variants, feels adequate for its purpose.

Suzuki Burgman Street 125: Dimensions

By outfitting the Burgman EX with a 12-inch rear alloy, Suzuki India has finally nailed the look of a maxi-scooter. It brings out the bulky vibe of the Burgman nicely, and the colour treatment complements the European styling nicely. Furthermore, you sit more upright on the EX, making the seat appear taller than it is. Still, at 780mm, the seat is wide enough for shorter riders to find their feet comfortably.

Suzuki Burgman Street 125: Variants & Price

Given the minor differences, Suzuki's premium of Rs 19,000 for the Burgman EX over the Ride Connect trim is difficult to justify. At Rs 1.12 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), it is one of the most expensive 125cc scooters on the market, with only Aprilia and Vespa being more expensive. Even high-quality electric scooters like the TVS iQube S and the Ola S1 are priced similarly.

Conclusion

This is a difficult trim, and we may recommend skipping it. Its affordability and convenience are insufficient to compensate for the harsh ride quality and high asking price. And, with electric scooters gaining popularity by the day, the Burgman's appeal is starting to fade in 2023.

Suzuki should definitely consider putting in a larger engine, perhaps the 200cc one from its global lineup, to give us the proper maxi-scooter experience at a reasonable price point, which no other manufacturer has managed in India. Or, even better, just bring out the Burgman Electric scooter.