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Had a Bergman 400 ten years ago when I lived in SanFran. The most practical daily driver in the city and it took me all over California. Kept it for 8 years and put 70K miles on it with zero problems. They may not be cool etc but they are amazingly practical solid machines.
One thing people often don't consider is the cost of the drive belt replacement which can be expensive (i.e. BMW). Hats off to 70k! I have the 650 and love it but the suspension is a little stiff. So easy to ride and all the power and wind protection you need.
@@philpilkington What was the belt replacement cost if you can remember and what was the change interval? Belt replacement on a Harley touring bike is about 300 bucks.
@@johnadams-fn4nd I think for a big bmw scooter I was quoted like 3 grand for a 12k service by the dealer which included the belt and roller replacement. Scooters have some body panels that need removed. Other makes are around 15k and cheaper service costs.
I ride a Yamaha Xmax and it's only a 292cc engine, but I have gotten it to just shy of 90MPH and it regularly gets about 75-80mpg for my daily commuting. It fits two full face helmets under the seat plus room for more stuff. With a top case and a tunnel bag, I am able to do all my errands on that bike. It's so practical!
In Asia , Scooters and small motorcycles are the main source of transportation. This scooter is considered a big scooter, and very reliable. Also scooters and small motorcycles are easier to park in metropolitan areas where parking is limited.
This is not ugly. It looks great! I love it. Why would anyone think badly of a scooter for being a scooter? Makes no sense to me. I want one! And I'm going to buy one soon.
Thank you for this video, it is one of the best I've seen on the Burgman 400. We ride a HD Tri-Glide due to my wife's many health issues. She's battled cancer eight times, had 12 surgeries, maxed out on chemo, radiarion and cyber knife treatmetns. She is currrently on immunotherapy treatments and will be every 28 days for the rest of her life. The radistion she had in 2011 ruined the blood flow to her hips so she had to have a hip replacement that didn't go well, and then two months later had brain surgery to remove a spot of cacner that was causing seizures. That's why we wernt ot a trike. We thought if she had a seizure on a two wheeled motorcycle it might cause an accident injuring both of us and possibly others. On a three wheeler we feel I should be able to pull over and tend to her needs. The brain surgery was a success because she hasn't had a seizure since, but it left her like a stroke victim and now walks with the aid of a walker. But she still likes to ride. I have to help on the trike, but at least we are still out there. The problem with the HD trike, IT RIDES LIKE A DUMP TRUCK. I've installed progrgeive shocks on the rear and run 20psi in the rear tires and that helps, a little. Amd the HD is very hard to steer .Since she is no longer having seizures I want to go back to two wheels and she NEEDS a soft ride. That's why I'm looking at scooter. I'm OLD I'm allowed to look "uncool". I've been looking at a Kymco Xroads 300i but the videos says they have a lot of vibtration at speeds over 60mph. We live in SE Ohio where there are some beautiful motorcycle roads, but we travel diveded highways a lot,too.. he Burgman 400 sounds like the better choice for us since it has less vibrsation than the Kymco. But WE NEED a soft suspension especailly for the passenger. I worry about the rear suspension on the Burgman because it is non adjustable and you even commented that it rides a little harsh. Please help me make up my mind if the Burgman 400 is the right choice for us.. Thank you. Ride safely and enjoy every journey.
Let's be real. Scooters are only uncool because people have an inflated opinion on their own masculinity. To the degree of desperation. "What will other people think of BLANK" is a lousy reason to like or dislike anything.
i’ve own every motorcycles from 600 crotch rockets to ducatis and Hondas and so on and I would rather have a scooter now 😂. Riding a 600/liter sport bikes or super sport for 2 hours is the most uncomfortable ride, yes the power from 0 to infinity is great, i rather have comfort and long rides, enjoyable ride.
@@socialmediainfo-um6hw I ended up not getting one. They were just difficult to find in the area and I really like the bike I ultimately went with but a big part of me also feels like I should have waited and looked harder. If Electric isn't ready by the time I am in the buying mood, it will be the Burgman.
I'm pushing 70 and I just purchased my first scooter this past July. It was this model and year. I wish I would have done it sooner. It's a blast. I mounted a GIVI 47L Monokey top case and now have as much storage as I need. I have had numerous motorcycles. I still have two, a CRF300L Rally and a 2010 Bonnie. I sold my Africa Twin (too heavy) and picked up the 300 Rally (tons of fun). But after buying the Burgman, I'll always have a scooter in my stable. Note: I was originally looking for a Honda ADV150 but after sitting on the Burgman 400, I was sold.
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I've got a few very fast motorcycles in the stable, along with a Yamaha Majesty 400 maxi-scooter that makes me giggle like a lunatic every time I ride it. The fun factor is off the charts. Difficult to explain to the average motorcyclist until they get some scooter seat time then it all makes sense.
It does have soul. It puts smiles on faces. Another comparable model is the Piaggio BV 400. But it all comes down to what you want, not what someone else says you want.
I’m 6’2, 260lbs. I have a 2014 Burgman I bought new. I have taken mine on 800-1000 mile rides on several occasions. I have no problem maintaining interstate highways speeds. I love mine and highly recommend it.
This and Scooters in general are seen everywhere in Europe. They are really good commuters, and really shine in cities where it's difficult to park a car. If you don't have trouble parking at your home / work or don't have dense traffic, you won't find the appeal.
Italians ride thousands of the things and Italians are cool. US beef cake bikers like to think they're cool but it's not the bike, gear or muscles that makes a person cool. It's self-acceptance and Italians have no issue with being seen on scooters. Too many US bikers (and UK) couldn't cope because they'd be afraid what other people might say. People like that are not cool, they are the opposite of cool.
@@captainwin6333 In Spain (or at least in my surroundings). Scooters are not "uncool", they are just not motorcycles. They have different purposes but a Scooter is clearly not something to be "ashamed".
Common to see businessman and famous people in Italy riding scooters in fancy suits and shoes. Before that it was Vespas. On the other hand, in Italy you will be judged very much if you show yourself outside dressed like an American suburbanite. You will be seen as barely above an animal. So, different countries stigmatize different things.
Excellent review. I ride a Triumph Speed Twin and a Honda ADV 350 maxi scooter. Yes, it’s uncool but I wouldn’t be without it - so practical and my wife prefers it massively over riding pillion on a ‘real’ bike. The US and the UK don’t understand scooters, but here in Europe we love them😊
In south east Asia, we prefer moped over scooter. Because our road is not good as European road. Another thing is moped has lower maintenance than scooter
I've just traded my Triumph 800xc in for a new Suzuki Burghman 400cc. The Triumph tiger was a 2013 model & beginning to be a real wallet spanker, but was an enjoyable touring machine and commuter for two years. Many UK guys & girls have terraced house back yards like myself and wheeling a 225kg bike backwards and right locking it into an accses rd is no fun. I won't miss cleaning and re lubing a chain every 300 miles either.
I bought 2018 Suzuki Burgman 400 with only 2500 miles on it and I love it it saves me a lot of gas going to work every day in Spring , Summer , and Fall seasons. I love that its Japanese quality and dependability and how cheap it is to maintain it .
I've worked on these and the big brother the 650... The 650 the only issue I had was the weight... I owned a motorcycle shop in California for many years... and we dealt a lot with scooters... I currently own a scooter... Now, out of all the scooters my favorite still Vespa... I am a big guy... 6'2" 217 pounds... and I still have a special love for Vespa.... LOL. Scooters is a lifestyle... Is not for everyone... My grandfather rode a Cushman and once a month took me to our local Vespa Dealer in town... So I have a special LOVE for Vespa... Owning a dealership I learned to appreciate other brands... Great Video... Thank you!
@@HomeWrecknKneeKnockr Simple is the opposite of complex, easy is the opposite of difficult. Would you like to go ahead and claim that difficult and complex are the same word? Perhaps now you see there is a distinction.
Here in the UK, the Suzuki Burgman 400 is priced at £6995, The Honda Forza 350 is priced at £5795, the Forza is lighter than the Burgman and delivers all the Burgamn can offer and more for a saving of £1200, it is rare to meet or see a Burgman owner, you will meet far more Forza owners.
I own a Honda NC750X and just bought a 2022 Yamaha Xmax 300. It does everything my NC750X and some. It goes up to 87mph, gets 80 mpg, holds more stuff in the storage compartment, and it’s automatic. I’m thinking about selling the Honda now.
I found a good deal on a 2014 Burgman 400 on Facebook Marketplace. I also have a 2023 Honda NC750X DCT. If I get the scooter I might have to get rid of the motorcycle. I’ve owned a Honda Ruckus and PCX 160. I guess I’m just a scooter man.
Dropped a bike at the dealer and they loaned me a BMW400 scooter. It was excellent in the city, loved the CVT, the low seat height and rear brake in place of clutch lever.
I recently purchased a Pre owned Burgman 650 Exec. I rode Harleys all my life, and after retiring last year I wanted something to start my bucket list. With gout in my left foot, arthritis in both hands, and a myriad of other orthopedic issues, it fits my purpose to a T! Ease of riding, bookoo storage, fuel efficiency, reliability, and comfort, I don’t have an ounce of buyers remorse. I’ve never been the type that has something to prove anyway. I rode Harley’s because they were nice bikes. Not my identity. These Maxi scooters are the real thing, and a nice alternative for older riders.
Inside my garage, I have Burgman (Skywave) 400 (2007), Kawasaki GTR 1400 (2007), and Suzuki V Strom 650XT (2017). I ride this scooter for most daily commuter on my city. I like this scooter very much. It suit my needed. This is real good scooter, 100% Made in JAPAN, better than Yamaha XMax300 (not MIJ, and 275 cc only actually), and higher tech with multi-link rear suspension. Luggage capacity 63+L, good for 2 full face helmets, almost can put a thin blanket inside it ! good for single personal Costco weekend shopping. Air filter under seat, just few screws away, easy to access, no need strip all plastic body panel. Put a specific back-rest from E-Bay, you are riding on your sofa. And of course, this is not comparable to Yamaha T MAX 550 (which is much much sporty and much expensive ) Weakness ? only good for city commuting, not good for mountain twisting upper hill. Which bike is best for your ? it all depends, according your transportation circumstance needed. Thank you Mr. Big Rock Moto, introduce this good scooter for everybody :) I am not native English speaker, unable to spell your name :)
Yamaha XMAX 300 was the best for me. Cheap (to buy, fuel and insure), fast, massive storage, fast through traffic, perfect with a pillion. Just perfect. No replacement for the GSA which has been amazing but soon to be replaced by the 2023 KTM 890 Adventure R which I’ve recently put a deposit down on. Love your channel. Keep it up.
Since 2007 I have owned a Kymco People 250cc mid size scooter which I equipped with a Givi top box in addition to the large under seat storage. This scoot is perfect for errands, grocery shopping, etc and will cruise all day at 65-70 mph on its motorcycle size 16” tires. It is the perfect “around town” option for riding when I don’t feel like dragging out either my BMW RT or my GS for short trips. In my 55 years of riding I have owned everything from Honda CT 70s to Vespa PXs to luxury touring bikes and all sizes and styles in between. I still believe in the old adage “it don’t matter what you’re riding as long as you’re riding”
I'm an American and started riding scooters when visiting Thailand. They are a blast to ride and easy in traffic. You soon forget about the haters and replace it with a big smile on your face.
Hi, everyone. I had a Honda Silverwing 400 for four years. I bought it with 108k km’ and sold it with over 120k. It was a great bike and it's a shame they stopped making them. A powerful engine with two cylinders, very very roomy for two passengers, a 56 liter trunk and endless reliability. I replaced it with a Honda Integra (nc700d) which, although it has a dct gearbox, was much less comfortable and calm and certainly much less spacious, not least the very small trunk it has, all because at the end of the day it is a motorcycle with a front part designed like a scooter. Ultimately, a large scooter is one of the most practical tools out there.
The rear suspension is adjustable, you’ll have to open up a plastic hatch right below the front seat, there should be a supplied tool to allow you to adjust between 7 positions. How do I know? I’m on the 2018 Burgman 400 🙂
I've had my Burgman since 2018. Got over 25k miles on it. Never let me down. I mostly tour on it, my normal ride is over 120 miles each ride. Just love it. Plenty of storage. Thank you for your review on the 22 model 👍
I live in USA where motorcycle s rule, I have 3 scooters,,smax, Piaggio BV 350, and AK550, yes I get stared at because in my town I'm the only one that rides these type of scoots. I believe scooters are catching on mostly the 50cc. Nice informational video and and like the Burgman you demonstrated.
I bought a BV 350 several years ago to haul on the RV so I wouldn’t have to tow a car. It turned out to be the most useful of the 40 plus motorbikes I’ve owned, especially here in suburban SoCal. I never dreamed you’d see my butt on one of these things yet I use it nearly every day.
I bought my Burgman 400 in 2023 after selling my Honda 750. We use it for touring! My missus loves the pillion position. A Suzuki box as an extra means there’s enough volume for both our luggage. A correction to this report has to be that despite what was said, the rear suspension is actually adjustable using the short C spanner supplied with the bike. Bottom line. I love this maxi scooter and it keeps me on 2 wheels for some big miles in my 80th year!
As usual very informative unbiased eval… the death knell of the Burgman 400 is that it has changed very little since the late 1990s.. a few minor tweaks in 2006/2018.. but it’s bones remain essentially the same… and for Momma Suzuki to justify a nearly $10k OTD price plus the “ scooter stigma” is highway robbery…. Thus why it will sell in very small numbers regardless of its Swiss Army knife practicality…
I don't understand your negative comments about the machine's looks. In the two years I have had my Burgman 400 I have hand more compliments about the looks of the scooter than I ever had in several decades of motorcycle riding.
I wondered if a proper review of the Burgman would ever hit YT, great timing. Just bought a Gen2 MY2004 (made 2003 to 2006) because that's what you should do, try it for yourself, and make your own mind up? I haven't sold any of my other eight motorcycles, so I haven't quite given up on life yet! Despite primarily buying it for touring with my wife, like you, the Burgman has won me over. I find riding the wave of torque produced by the CVT mesmerising, and swooping around with that low of CoG great fun, it feels like a futuristic hover bike, and I think of it as my personal spacecraft! It is really a totally new and sperate two wheeled experience. As usual, I have to note that as the iterations mount, the bike has got heavier and more needlessly complicated. Mine weighs 184kg. It also has a linked braking system in the left lever, and isn't cursed by having three of those cost cutting floating calipers. The front caliper is a 4 pot, 2 large for the right brake lever, and two smaller ones for the left. It also has foot boards(which I prefer) and back rest for the passenger. I'm assuming you borrowed yours, will you be getting one Ian?
Suzuki Burgman 400 is already in Malaysia but with only one colour variant which is sword silver. Too bad because I love the black colour. Anyway, that doesn’t matter because overall I personally found Suzuki Burgman 400 is far more practical and better savings for long term compared to BMW C400 GT. Yes I have to agree that BMW C400 GT looks fancier with all those TFT colour displays and electronics but those fancy gadgets is going to cost hell if there’s a maintenance issues. Personally I don’t need all those fancy stuff in that BMW C400 GT because the Suzuki Burgman 400 is already considered luxury to me. Suzuki Burgman 400 has all the modern safety features, comfort and most importantly simplicity. So the Suzuki Burgman 400 is for me.
I have had two Burgman 400s. I like them because, apart from the practicality I like a physically big tourer with an upright riding position but I don't want something that weighs half a ton like a BMW R1200RT for example. Plus I am the sort of rider who prefers riding at moderate speeds enjoying the scenery rather than bombing along at 100mph. I don't have a bike of any description at the moment but when I retire in a couple of years and will have more time to enjoy riding I will be getting one. Almost certainly another Burgman 400.
One of the great appeals for scooters is the wind therapy one can still relish when living with physical limitations of the knee and ankles/feet. Certain motorcycles have odd angles for the knee and ankle when riding. The way one sits with his/her hips/knees/feet more naturally aligned on the scooter makes it less painful while riding. Overall great review. Thank you!
Exactly. I just sold my 2019 Z900 as i cant ride it anymore. Hurts wrists back and hips. Arthritis made getting on and off an adventure. When i started having trouble changing gears that was it. I pick up a yamaha xmax 300 on saturday. I spent 4 weeks on its 155 little brother in Thailand. Had a blast. Love having actual storage too.
My first bike was a Kawasaki zx 400. I got it because of looks and power. I think scooters are nice for utility, but havent seen one that makes my heart beat like a s1000 xr. Just happy there is a bike for everyone.
I have conventional motorcycles and a 250 scooter. Handles super and easy to work on. Sometimes I don’t feel like shifting and would like to relax. I get tired on motorcycles after 2 hours because of my position but a big scooter I could go all day long.
Nice job! My two cents...scooter is a motorcycle with different ergonomics. So I expect the best handling etc.. Especially from a Japanese manufacturer. I don’t currently ride, but I did commute by motorcycle for ten years about 100k miles. And owned quite a few bikes. In Cali and Florida. The idea of a 650 or 750 sounds really good to me. CVT seems strange to me. Don’t take no crap from the motorcycle snobs... :)
Outstanding! I have flirted with buying a scooter for a long time now and one may be in my future. I own several motorcycles but a scooter just makes sense for easy around town riding or even a country stroll. Yes, agreed, the riders were jealous of the Burgman.😁
Have 8 other bikes. Move over fellas....Just got a very nice 2012, low mile Burgman 400. The best town go getter, or just fun to take an hour cruise on. 62 and love how easy and fun it is! May be time to reduce the herd a bit. ❤
Scooters have a huge potential these days with such unaffordable gas prices and high cost of auto ownership/insurance. They are surprisingly fun to ride.
scooters consume more fuel than anything in their category,servicing is regular and expensive cause there are a ton of consumables especially in a big scooter.A scooter is NOT economical.a klx 250 is times less expensive to run on fuel and on servicing...
I have had many, many bikes during my life including a Suzuki Burgman 400 that I bought for local rides and rated as a very pleasurable bike I really enjoyed a lot. Even for short trips.
Great to see a scooter review on your chanel! I own a Honda CB500X and also a BMW C400GT scooter, which I find more practical to ride day to day. Everyone should give a scooter a go at some point and you may surprise your selves with the benefits they offer.
Ian, Started on the Vespa 300 GTS last October 2021, then purchased the BMW C400GT in December 2021. They now sit next to my new 2022 BMW R1250 GSA 40 Year Edition and a used 2018 BMW G310 gs that taught me what shifting a motorcycle was like. Enjoy them all as different as they are and don't care what other riders and people think! Thanks for your open mindedness to review and embrace these 2-wheeled options as well!
My first "bike" was a 2006 Burgman 400. Switched to the superior Yamaha Tmax 500 which has similar weight but has a 500cc twin engine mounted in the chassis (instead of the swingarm mounted single cylinder engine like this Burgman 400 and most scooters), this gives 50-50 weight distribution, thus excellent handling in the twisties. Tmax has been a top seller in Europe for the past 20 years beating out most motorcycles.
The problem for us in the states is that the TMAX isn't sold here. For whatever reason, most of the main scooter manufacturers stopped selling twin-cylinder scooters here in the US.
@Henry Chain the main drawbrack of the Tmax500(now a 560)is the price @ £11,000 here in UK and from my understanding it's huge investment for what the average scooter rider wants or needs the same can be said of the Honda ADV750,though that is a true crossover bike. Don't get me wrong,I'm not saying the Tmax 560 isn't a good bike it most likely is,though I haven't ridden one,it's on the limit of the maxi scooter genre,you'd need to be a scooter enthusiast to shell out that kind of money for such a bike.
@@johnwood4448 ADV750 is a true crossover? more like a pseudo-adv. I had a NC700X DCT which the ADV750 is based on. The Tmax is better than the NCx in many ways, way more nimble.
@@johnwood4448 yeah, the Tmax is expensive (I bought a used one for cheap, they don't hold their value in the States.) Go ride one and you will understand why there's a cult following for them. Some people class the twin cylinder scooters as "superscooters", Tmax, Xadv750, AK550, TL500, Burgman 650, bmw C650, Silverwing, etc... they have a more motorcycle ride quality.
@@2020Max1 AK550 is available, it's a Tmax clone. DCT motorcycles took a chunk out of the twin scooter market. Americans don't really commute on motorcycles is the other reason these type of bikes don't get imported. People only get interested in scooters when the gas goes up. If you really want a Tmax, there are used gen 3 and 5 on the used market.
kudos for the confidence to review an "un-cool" bike. Truly the non-conformist ride. Your voice and body language telegraphs the "joy" you had throwing this around. Living in an over crowded suburban jungle in LA, just running ones daily errands is maddening with a car. Certain peak drive times you can get stuck in a 2-3 light left turn and burn 5-10 minutes in one intersection. Having a small bike to slice through the grid is liberating. I have used my KLR with a top case to achieve a similar urban errand tool. Folks don't seam to mind one parking a small un-threatening bike in questionable areas near store entrances. Watch a travel video to south east asian cities and the streets are teaming with scooters. As always appreciate the diversity of your ride reviews. You genuinely seam to be enjoying yourself with anything 2 wheeled. Please continue the content diversity with interesting 2 wheelers.
Thanks for doing a review of the Burgman 400. I've found that it's hard to find mainstream, professional reviews of scooters online...lots of owner reviews which definitely have their place, but professional reviewers tend to be more objective and have a broader range of experience with bikes, which helps place the reviewed bike in the context of the market a little better. With that said, I think you nailed all the reasons people should consider buying a scooter. I started out on a scooter years ago then transitioned to motorcycles, but I now find myself back on a scooter (a 2023 Yamaha Xmax 300) largely for all the reasons you like the Burgman. I chose the Yamaha because it's a little smaller & sportier but still has the relative power of a maxi-scooter, but is also considerably less expensive than the Burgman and to me, the Yamaha is more up to date in terms of tech, and it looks fresher & more modern. Thanks again, and I hope to see more reviews of some perhaps less-than mainstream bikes.
I have the 23 xmax 300. It looks cool for sure. it's a bitch to find parts for, even tires. And no one makes a taller windscreen, if you are over 5'10 you are going to get the shit kicked out of you by the wind which makes rides on the freeway a pain in the ass. Also the storage under the seat is kind of awkward. Other than that it's neat. Oh and the suspension sucks like really bad.
From NY to El Paso TX in November, no problem. Drove at speed limit behind the trucks very comfortable. I could pass also no problems. Trunk is the best, fits 2 helmets. Legs positions also helps a lot to relax.
I test drove a BMW C400GT scooter and was just blown away by the comfort and features! I could have whatever I want yet this scooter was just a hoot to drive! All the features of more expensive motorcycles. For my driving in town and towing behind RV, it’s perfect 👍
I have the Burgman 200, and yes, it absolutely can do 80. I've exceed 80. It's really peppy for what it is. The mpg's are even better as I average 79 mpg's. It's only 359lbs. So smaller displacement, but less weight to move. Really solid bike.
I agree with you Kevin G. I ride a Burgman 200 and it will certainly run at 80 mph. My only complaint about the 200 is the ride comfort - I'm 6'2" and after about an hour... I am definitely ready to get off the scooter for a leg stretch. But for running up to the grocery store or to the next town over - my Burgman 200 with 75+ mpg - is a winner in my book. I am able to put 4-6 bags of groceries in the under seat storage. It's awesome to have a place to store my helmet, jacket and gloves when needed. There is more space than you might think under the seat. For riding joy in my area: I ride long winding rural back roads (35-55 mph zones) and the Burgman 200 is just perfect for this type of riding.
I'm another Burgman 200 rider. It's pretty economical and lightweight. I'm getting 92mpg cruising to work at 50mph. The seat is a bit rough, and the stock windscreen could be better. It cruises the highway ok if you don't mind the high revs and twitchiness of the small tires.
@@kmb957 Question: I'm 5'5" (male) and about 148 lbs. Would I be able to handle either the 400 or 200, ok? (Years ago, I rode a Kawaski 440 LTD which I rode pretty well).
I haven't ridden the Burgman 400 but I own a Burgman AN650Executve and in my opinion it is/was the benchmark for maxi scooters. The engine was plenty powerful with a very responsive CVT which had a manual option for highway riding that gave a 6th gear for better fuel economy. The storage in dash and under the seat was great but a top box added a bit more. The electrically adjustable screen was a good feature so that there was lots of airflow at low speed and can be raised for wind protection at highway speed. The rider had 3 positions for the feet and there were footboards for the passenger. Fold in (electrically) mirrors were good for lane splitting (if that is legal in you area). Sadly Suzuki stopped making them and the Yamaha T Max now seems the benchmark despite a smaller engine. I feel had Suzuki kept making the larger Burgman it would have added all the tech the Yamaha has and even a reverse gear as the Piaggio 550 has. All that said the 400 seems like a good bike as well. Thanks for the review.
I've owned a few 650 Executives. I loved them but wanted to love them more. I hated the rear suspension and I hated that you have to immediately replace the OEM seat. Obviously, for some reason, they decided to stop making them, but had they at least updated the rear suspension and maybe added a few things like cruise control and maybe some type of radio/ GPS screen, I would buy another one tomorrow. I honestly miss them.
Only outside Europe (and parts of the UK) is there a silly and frankly childish prejudice against scooters in general and particularly maxi scooters. The refusal of bikers to "nod" at scooter riders is equally childish. Yet hundreds of thousand of Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Greek and French people know how useful, fun, economical and efficient scooters are. Scooters like the Burgman have so much under seat storage that you hardly need panniers or extra luggage. I wish the anti scooter brigade would grow up.
I really don't care anyway, but I can report that during a recent 250mile round trip in the UK (Wales to England and back) on a sunny day when the bikes were out in force, I did not experience a single failure to nod. No one displayed any prejudice against my 2004 Burgman 400. Admittedly, I did look like a motorcyclist, not a commuter, so maybe that helped? I realise snobbery does exist, not least because I wondered about them myself. It was only while doing up a cheap 50cc scooter that I really started to think seriously about the advantages they possess, not least(for me) the messy chain maintenance that spoils motorcycle touring. (I've toured Europe on a shaft drive motorcycle so I'm aware of that option, but that's big heavy motorcycle territory only). Luckily, I have several other motorcycles, so I can always pick the best tool for the job.
Ian, very good to see a scooter on review. An old (66!) biker buddy of mine has raved about scooters since we were back in touch a few years back. His go to being the Yamaha TMax for 20 years and a Honda X-ADX more recently. In context he had a brand new Piles Peak and kept it just 10 days preferring his scooters! The Suzuki is well appointed but pretty expensive. The Honda Forza 350 is a nice machine and worth a look if you’re planning more scooter reviews. It’s very light and decent kit. Best, Ian
Look for a Burgman 650. I ride it more often than my GS 1250. You ride like a king. Adequate speed (around 180kp/h). Good acceleration (faster than old liter bikes). And almost no maintenance. Only oil and filter. No belt or roller/vario replacements. Best purchase ever
I've had Japanese bikes, Harley's, tourers, cruisers, and I can honestly say there's no denying the luxury of those Maxi scooters. At some point I'm going to add one to my garage.
I have a ZX14R but I love my Burgman 650 better than the ZX. I have had GSXR1000, Hayabusa, S1000rr, MT09, etc but my Burgman 650 is my absolute favourite bike of all time. I was like typical motorcycle rider who thought scooters were gay and for old people but boy was I wrong. Once you use a Burgman 650 you are never going back.
Great review thank you! Dedicated scooter rider here, I couldn't give a fduck about looking cool or whatever, I just love the functionality, ease, economy of motorscooters.
If I needed a thoroughly practical bike for shopping trips,commuting and getting out of the city on w/end or longer trips away,the 400 Burgman/Yamaha 300 Xmax/Honda ADV or Forza 350 maxi scooters have all bases covered and then some. In European countries,especially southern ones where the weather is kinder,they are the default mode of transport for many people.The practicality,easy to ride low CofG,twist and go along with the huge storage feature are sellers to people who don't need the ego trip others lug around with them,they make perfect sense to the unprejudiced,practically minded individual out there.
I have a piaggio bv 500, had a burgman 650, also had a 350 aprillia all wonderful motorcycles. I now have just the bv piggio & a 650 suzuki s40 boulevard, equally loved. I resent the fact that these big achines are called scooters, sometimes in a derogatory manner, these are motorcycles, scooters are toys like from the little rascals series. My bv will run alongside any bike on the road all day long, my burgman was a beast. Just an opinion from an olde bike rider. Enjoy your rides while you can, already looking forward to next spring, ric.
@@jasontomica8938 my bv 500 is a 2006 & other than maintenance, i've had no serious issues with her, she's been very reliable & is quite comfortable to ride, i've been 400 plus kms in a day on her & she bombs along just fine. She is quite capable of any highway speeds which i demand of her & will maintain these speeds all day long if i choose to do so. Good little machine, they've been making motorbikes for as least as long as many of the older bike companies. However, although i will strongly disagree with you as to the quality of my bv, i also very much believe in the high quality of japaneese bikes as well as their cars. Anyway, sorry for the sermon, it's just that you pinched a nerve casting doubts about the quality of my lovely machine whom i plan to keep for years longer along with hopefully one or two other makes. Bye now, ric.
Thanks for this review! I owned a 2018 Burgman 650 which although a little heavy to move on the driveway, had great performance, similar storage and was very comfortable and economical. I did several long highway trips as well as a 60km daily commute in Australia. It did not like rough tarmac or dirt roads and did scrape sometimes in the twisties!
Hi this is Scooter Steve from RU-vid. I have the 650 Berkman but soon as I watch yours you got the 400 I took it into the dealer and traded it in for it so they got my 650 I don’t want any more so I’ll be getting it Monday, so I thanks for making that video. I like it and the only reason why I trade it in. I’m getting older now and the bike ways too much. It’s too heavy anymore and I can’t really handle it And it cost more to fix so starting to be expensive but I heard the 400 is cheaper and lighter. I don’t need all those gimmicks got in with it you know but I’m gonna put my old truck in and put my own stereo in it like I had on my 650 well thanks for showing me the video. I really appreciate it. That’s what got me to go ahead and buy one get your letter take care ScooterSteven.
I had a 2006 Suzuki Burgman 400 and loved it and put 27,00 miles on as second owner. I traded that in for a 2006 Suzuki Burgman 650 with 12,000 miles and garage kept. Its much more sweet that the 400.
Possibly one of the best review (on any topic) I have listened to. Clearly presented in an agreeable manner…listened to the whole thing which I do not normally do. Am an octogenarian looking for effective way to keep riding…mainly finding manoevering in garage etc my regular bike a little too heavy and difficult…thanx for your time!
I have around 6 years experience with scooters I love them, the price is making me look at motorcycles because their cheaper with more power. Scooters are more comfortable.
The letter in the trunk was hilarious! Thanks. The bike kind of reminds me of a honda pacific coast I had for years. So easy to use..... Great review as always.
I’m in my mid 60s and quite frankly dropping to bits, knees, spine, neck, shoulder, you get the picture, I’ve always been a bike fan and I was gutted to reach a point where I can’t even swing my leg over the seat of a bike, I thought my riding had come to an end. Enter my 2011 Suzuki Burgman 650 executive, 🎉 I can ride again, it’s got enough power to loose my license if I was daft enough, and personally the only view of it I’m not so fond of is the straight on side view, looks fine from the back and a bit like my Yamaha Fazer 1000;from the front. It’s got the automatic transmission plus a power button and a six speed manual type transmission, the pillion sits on one of the widest seats I’ve ever seen and has full size footboards. It’s great in town, city (electric folding mirrors) help filtering no end. If I’m up to it I can go anywhere there’s a road and at 80 mph it’s got plenty left though you shouldn’t need it. I’m glad I had the 650 over the 400 would I have got it if I wasn’t so screwed up? Probably not but that would have been my fault. Suzuki made the 650 till 2018 so plenty of great second hand ones out there.
I had to move from my 2000cc Raider because of physical limitations at 75. Im still very active and fit but needed somrthing more easily handled, the Burgman 400 fits nmy needs in every way.
