Looking for a really big scooter that can take you from coast-to-coast? Want the ultimate in speed and heft? You can’t help but take a close look at the Suzuki Burgman 650.

For now, the B650 is the most distance touring-worthy scooter available in the U.S. It is considerably heavier and more imposing than anything else out there. This might not remain so in the near future – as larger displacement scooters have been shown in prototype form for the past few years.

One of several unique aspects of the Burgman 650 is its sophisticated transmission. The typical scooter requires only a twist of the grip and off you go. With the big Suzuki, not only can you choose Normal or Power in auto mode, you can opt for full manual shift. No wonder most reviewers and riders say, “It’s more a motorcycle than a scooter.”

Another impressive aspect of the B650 is how easy it is to handle once you get rolling. Despite its hefty weight, the scooter can seem fairly light due to its low center of gravity, good suspension and fine braking capabilities. Some riders even say they feel it does just fine for running errands around town. That is probably true, but its size and weight does put it at a disadvantage when it comes time to park or maneuver in tight spaces.

You can easily make too much of the weight issue. One of the strongest markets for this scooter is former Honda Gold Wing riders who opt for the Burgman 650 and celebrate the loss of around 300 pounds in the process!

The B650 has distinctive looks, and a luxury feel. Some scooterists find its wide-body look somewhat unscooter-like, but it projects an unmistakably strong presence on the freeway where the big Suzuki feels most at home.

The bells and whistles are impressive on the standard Burgman 650, but you get a hyper-dose of goodies if you spend an extra $1,000 or so for the 650 Executive. The Exec upgrade gives you an electric adjustable windshield, passenger seat backrest, and most importantly, ABS braking.

It is hard to argue against the flagship Suzuki scooter for the ultimate in long-distance touring. Keep in mind, the B650 isn’t the only scooter in the U.S. capable of going cross country. In fact, every scooter listed in this Big Maxi section has those capabilities. 

While it is likely that something bigger will come along pretty soon, we wonder why would anyone really need more than what comes with the Suzuki Burgman 650? It has all the power, convenience and touring capability necessary for long-distance touring, and a well-proven track record of reliability backed by a strong dealer network.