written by Mykuljay on 14/08/2016
A bit about me which will put my review in context. I’ve ridden everything from 80cc to 1300cc in the past 45 years. All motorcycles with a scooter exception a couple of years ago. I’m 5’6, 140 lbs. and my inseam is 28”. This will help if you’re interested in being flat footed at a stop. This is for a 2012 Burgman 400 with ABS and only 2,800 miles. Recently bought, I’ve only put around 150 miles on it.
Ergonomics: Sitting on the forward part of the seat, both feet are flat on the pavement at a stop. Slide back and probably half my foot. Works for me. The bars are in a comfortable position, the gauges are easy to read (even under a Florida sun) the brake levers only need a slight pull. It all feels and works just as it should. You can move around on the seat, stretch both legs out, one leg out, one in typical scooter fashion – whatever suits you. It’s hard NOT to get comfortable! Well, the seat is the stock seat and not much to say about that.
Handling: Fairly hefty at a little under 500 lbs. dry weight, the Burgie sure doesn’t feel it whether I’m stopped or moving. Only when making a sharp turn at speeds approaching stop do I notice the weight. Other than that whether you’re at 30mph or 70mph, curves or straight stretches it feels nearly perfect to me. The engine and all the running gear is quiet and silky smooth. So much so that it’s pretty easy to be exceeding the legal limit and not have a clue you’re going that fast.
Braking: Amazingly wonderful! Two discs up front, single in the back and it stops quickly and nice and straight. I’ve had to yellow light pull hard a couple of times and nose dive was minimal and the ABS never came into play.
Engine: It’s not a rocket but it doesn’t take much throttle roll to leave cars in your rearview mirror. Plenty quick enough to slide into open spots in traffic and a lot of fun dialing it on coming out of curves! Equally happy at 70MPH on the interstate as well.
At 50 MPH it’s turning 5000 RPM and at 70MPH it’s turning 6400 RPM and since redline is at 9000 RPM there’s room for more. I’ve read other reviews that have said that if you’re riding two up, the Burgie is likely happier at 60PMH or less. Probably true.
For its’ size/weight class and for its’ intended multi-purpose ride – I’d call it as near to perfect as you can get. Tons of storage, very good handling, quiet/smooth power, great braking. I personally think it looks great too.
Of course there are some quirks: Suzuki put straight valve stems on the rims and with double discs up front and all the running gear on the rear – checking air pressure is a pain. The windshield could be taller for me – just my preference. The hand grips could have a larger diameter for my hands (easy remedy) and it appears that to adjust the shock pre-load, I’ll be on my back under the scooter. Lastly, I wish it had a spin on oil filter and an oil dipstick rather than a sight glass. Given these – it’s still amazing. Call it a motorcycle or a scooter – and you’re right!
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