Intro: THE FACE OFF THE TITANS
Some say that they’ve conquered the world... They’ve definitely identified their market niche and, over the last few years, have not ceased to prepare for battle. Over the generations, they have undergone a veritable mutation and now, they’re sharp, real sharp. In this dog-eat-dog world, you have to constantly defend your turf...The Piaggio X9 125 is once again being challenged, this time, by the Suzuki Burgman. It’s all about honor...and uh, profits, too! In the land of "Scooter-ville" there can only be one King of the Mountain, and here are 2 serious candidates!
Esthetique: THE PIAGGIO TAKES THE WIN
The very first confrontation is visual. In the left hand corner, there’s the X9, identical in every way to the 250 and 500cc versions, which we know and love. The more you admire her, the more you realize what a beauty she is. The season’s pass and not a proverbial wrinkle to be seen. Rather modern, without being "avant garde", comfy without being bulky, the X9’s design perfectly reflects its clients’ philosophy. Nothing flashy, but good looking all the same...
In the other corner, the Burgman 125 seems more angular. Like its adversary, it is clearly targeting the same market niche, but if they do look somewhat alike, the 125 version of the Burgman differs from its 400 or 650cc version.
And that’s exactly what we mean: if the 650cc version is impressive thanks to its dimensions, the exact opposite can be said about its "little brother". Compared to the Piaggio, the Suzuki seems a little underweight. The 2 machines are separated by a 20kg gap and it hits you head on.
Everyone knows that "GT" automatically means great equipment, and this is where the differences really become obvious. The X9 on loan for our test here is an "SL" version, the top of the line at Piaggio. The seat is off of a 500cc, the windshield is mechanically adjustable, there’s an electric immobilizer system and emergency system, a 12 volt socket in the trunk, a cordless kit for your cell phone, an interphone with a radio, in other words, enough to put to shame most motorcycle manufacturers... One must admit that, with respect to equipment, the Suzuki is already down for the count. Suzuki’s big advantage is its unbelievable trunk space, which can hold 2 helmets. Another very positive aspect, its parking brake...but this aside, the Japanese fighter comes out lagging behind.
As for the control panel, the difference can be seen here too. Even if it’s not so obvious.
Suzuki’s presentation is well thought out, easy to read, the rider has a watch, a speedometer, a gas gauge and a thermometer for the engine. In other words, nothing eccentric, but rather sober and easy to decipher, we can get used to this.
In the Piaggio corner, it’s always a real show. Information is all over the place, right up to the handlebars! A speedometer, rev-counter, gas gauge, engine thermometer and a whole bunch of digital information. You’ll need the manual if you don’t want to miss anything. It’s rich, true, but try using some of these gadgets between 2 red lights.
Motorization: THE REALITY IS ELSEWHERE
In the Piaggio corner, the single-cylinder engine of the 124cc can get 15 hp at 10,000 revs/minute and torque at 1.2 mkg at 8,000 revs. That is one hell of a reference, offering some nice behavior at 159 kg of machine.Also a single cylinder and also at 124cc here in the Suzuki corner, but the Japanese manufacturer comes in a little under the Piaggio’s mark, 12 hp at 8,500 revs and torque which follows suit: 1.12 mkg at 7,000 revs. The only question is whether the 20 kgs less doesn’t compensate for the engine’s inferiority.
On the road: GT VERSUS COMPACT
Let’s stretch our legs a bit and see what these two competitors look like in the "ring", which, here, means traffic filled streets.
If you thought the Burgman looked pale when motionless, it quickly gets back lots of its color. First off thanks to it’s easy riding, typically Japanese, and also because, on a whole, it’s lightweight, reacts well and is lively in traffic. The transmission offers interesting acceleration possibilities and the brake radius, relatively small in the Suzuki model, makes it real easy to use, which is nice out there in the urban jungle. It’s a real city slicker, heart and soul.
As could be expected, the size and weight of the X9 becomes a real disadvantage. Larger and heavier than the Suzuki, the Piaggio’s seat is also perched some 80mm higher than its competitor’s. A real bummer for the smaller amongst us, who will find themselves dancing Swan Lake on their toes at each light. Less fiery at ignition, the X9 needs more space to express itself fully. The Italian stallion will feel more at home on the highway rather than zipping through tiny paved streets.
Things change yet again when you try to get these two animals out of their usual habitat, into some more wide-open space.
In such a case, the Piaggio, thanks to its seat and its suspensions, is much more flexible and comes out on top. It won’t be long before you understand that the X9 is all about comfort.
The engine, with greater extension, allows you to flirt with some 120 km/hr, while still maintaining efficient safety. The wheels, with a larger diameter than the Suzuki Burgman, also play a stabilizing role. All of this makes Piaggio a real suburban babe.
This is where we feel that Suzuki throws in the towel. If it lacks in horsepower, you don’t really notice in city driving. But as soon as you’re on the highway, it becomes real obvious. At 90 km and more, the engine suffers and the over-sized windshield doesn’t help matters. The Burgman’s suspensions and seat comfort are there to remind you of its city slicker personality.
Conclusion
In summary, we come out of it all wanting more, mainly because this new scooter doesn’t seem to live up to its "Burgman" name. This being said, it doesn’t deserve to be banished, either. The Suzuki is not a bad machine, far from it. The Burgman line has simply become a symbol for comfort and pleasant driving. Qualities that don’t necessarily go hand in hand with this bike.
We think the problem lies more in a bad marketing choice than in poor designing of the product itself.
The Piaggio X9 wins yet another fight over its competitor here, who we think made a mistake in marketing it. During the entire comparison, the Italian machine gave us the impression of peaceful strength. While being aware of its downfalls, it plays up its enormous trump cards and comes out winning, just like a good ole four-door sedan! But look out, the Korean side may soon be providing a new challenger to this king of scooters.
International
