The 150cc maxi-scooter segment is quite competitive these days, yet that didn’t seem to phase Suzuki Philippines when they recently launched the new Burgman 15. The new Burgman 15 slots comfortably in between the large Burgman 400 and the very popular Burgman Street.

This new model is powered by a 149cc liquid cooled, fuel-injected, single cylinder engine, designed to offer more power while still returning fuel efficiency for everyday rides. The Burgman 15 is also fitted with numerous features and conveniences like numerous storage spaces, Bluetooth connectivity, and device chargers to make daily rides more enjoyable.

To show just how its latest model is perfectly designed to offer a more intelligent and luxurious daily commute, Suzuki Philippines, Inc. (SPH) invited members of the media to take its new maxi-scooter around the city, during the peak of Friday traffic to several business districts.

The ride was designed to showcase the Burgman 15 as a capable, practical and efficient way of going about the metropolis even during the worst traffic conditions.

Before departing, it was essential to get to know our ride for the day better. The Burgman 15 offers competitive specs for its class. Its 149cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder produces 14.2-hp and 14.2-Nm of torque. It rides on dual rear shocks with subtanks. Tires are mounted on 14-inch alloy wheels in both the front and rear. It’s brought to a stop with dual-channel ABS governing the front and rear disc brakes. It also has a switchable Traction Control System (TCS).

The Burgman 15 can be spotted from afar thanks to its sophisticated design, bearing a centrally mounted high beam light flanked by two headlights. Antler-style daytime running lamps sit just above the headlamps. Tail lamps are large and visible from afar. Just above it is a seat bracket that is topbox-mount ready. The bike itself boasts of a clean designed, thankfully free of tacky stickers and locking quite expensive in its choice of solid colors of white or black.

The rider will enjoy a number of convenience features like a new full digital TFT instrument cluster. This can be controlled with multi-function controls on the left handlebar. It comes with smartphone Bluetooth connectivity and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). The Burgman 15 also boasts of two USB Type-C charging ports: one in the front glove compartment and one in the underseat storage. Under the seat is a cavernous 25-liter storage area. Finally, it has a large eight-liter fuel tank to allow rides to go even further.

The Burgman 15 is now also keyless. This allows the bike to be started with just a twist of the ignition dial so long as the intelligent key is within range.

Our tour for the day entailed heading to some of Metro Manila’s busiest districts. From our starting point at Suzuki Roosevelt Guanzon in Quezon City, we were to head to Bridgetowne along C5. Stopping for refreshments there, we would then proceed to Bonifacio Global City for another break. Our final stop would be at Rockwell in Makati.

On the road to each stop, the Burgman 15 proved to be well adapted for the city. One of its handy features is its Stop-start system that (when activated) automatically switches off the engine when idling to save fuel. Simply twist the throttle to start it back up again and get going.

Critics will presume its two-valve-per-cylinder engine pales is woefully inadequate. Yet, in practice, the configuration proved more than enough to quickly accelerate from a full-stop and back up to speed. Even those with a rider behind attested to its torque.

Another enjoyable feature were the two built-in USB chargers. The charger in the front shield features a small hole on the compartment cover for the USB cable to snake through and attach to a phone on a phone mount on the handlebar. Another hides under the seat, leaving us with an additional source to recharge a power bank while on the go.

The Burgman 15 also features a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which alerts the rider if pressure is higher or lower than the recommended level. This helps riders avoid premature tire wear from low pressure or give an early warning to a possible puncture.

Finally, the dual rear shocks with subtanks returned a very comfortable ride throughout the day. It did well to smoothen many potholes and bumps on the road, making the whole day ride much more comfortable than many of its competitors.

There could not be a more appropriate view to end the ride than with a dinner in view of Rockwell’s famous yellow skyline. Joining those distinctive lights for the night were the bright white lights of the Burgman 15’s DRLs, parked just along restaurant row.

The whole day ride certainly demonstrated that the Burgman 15 is more than suited for the daily rigors of city riding. In fact, with all the smiling faces at the end of the day, it didn’t seem like the traffic of busy roads were a problem at all.

All the specs add up to make the Burgman a truly competitive contender in the already hotly contested 150cc maxi-scooter space. Best of all, it’s offered at a price of P165,000.