We have an idea about how much the new Suzuki Burgman Street will cost. By our estimate, it should retail for Rs 81,000 on the road in Mumbai. There will only be one variant on sale, complete with a front disc brake and combined braking system.
The current crop
Now, this makes the Burgman Street almost Rs 10,000 more expensive than the priciest 'regular' 125cc scooter on sale currently, the Honda Grazia. The 'non-regular' models include the Vespa range, which retail at nearly a lakh rupees. Back to the Honda, and the Grazia gets alloy wheels, a disc at the front, combined braking, and it also comes with LED head lamps.
The Burgman, given what we saw at the expo, apart from the front disc and combined braking will also come with LED lighting. And, it will have a full digital dash borrowed from the Intruder 150.
But, that's not what the Suzuki's USP will be; it will be the scooter's styling. It will bring the maxi-scooter appeal to Indian scooter buyers for the first time. It promises comfortable, longer riding stints one doesn't associate with scooters currently. And, the Burgman's design will also make the current motorcycle commuters want it for the blend of comfort and stability it radiates.
Now, we will only know if the Burgman Street can actually do all of that once we ride it. But, in terms of making room for itself and having a distinctive identity in the increasingly crowded scooter space, Suzuki has hit the nail on the head with this one.
Fair pricing?
To be honest, charging a premium of Rs 10,000 over the Grazia, and another Rs 5,000 or more over its own Access 125, didn't blow my socks off. In fact, it seems Suzuki is being a little greedy here, especially when you consider there's also the TVS Ntorq setting new benchmarks in the class.
Yes, Suzuki is on a roll with the Access. And yes, the Burgman promises a whole new genre of scootering. And, with it, it will draw in a new customer base which will have a higher disposable income. But, the Indian two-wheeler buying crowd is an astute one. It craves for value. And, though the Burgman has lots to like, at this price point - unless it is an absolute outstanding scooter to ride in terms of pickup, top speed, handling, ride and braking - most will see it as a tad pricey.
Maybe I am missing something. Maybe, Suzuki already has a plan to make prospects see immense value in the Burgman. And maybe, Suzuki is readying itself for 2020 when every two-wheeler will become expensive. Because then, buyers would be happier paying bigger bucks for a maxi-scooter than your everyday runabout. And that's when it will reap the benefits of being the first mover.
But, all this and more will become clear at the launch on the 19th of July. So, stay tuned.
