Suzuki Burgman 400 Review

Overall Rating

Excellent power and fuel economy for a 400cc
Very stable and predictable handling
Brilliant Seat
Easily the most handsome maxi scooter

Engine a little lumpy below 30 mph
Needs too much throttle to get moving initially
Suspension too stiff unless carrying high loads

I've owned quite a few bikes, including Hondas, Moto Guzzis and my favourite, a Vstrom, plus a couple of scooters. The Vstrom was great but somewhat top heavy and had an uncomfortable seat

I noticed the 2008 Suzuki Burgman 400 in a showroom (black) and it looked stunning for a scooter and much better looking than the Honda Silverwing, Peugeot Satalis or Yamaha T-max etc.

For those worried about "image" and so-called lack of respect from bikers I would say that's their problem. The Burgman is the coolest maxi scooter out there, and who cares what knee down Rossi impersonators think? Several thousand Italians and Spanish Burgman owners can't all be wrong.

I did consider the 650 version but after test-riding both, I think the 400 is a better overall bike, and unless you are riding with a pillion or have enormous luggage, performs nearly as well, but with much better economy, less weight for slow maneouvring and much more manageable for single riding.

The 400's smoothest ride engine wise is around 55 mph but the engine is good for 75 mph constant cruising and will easily achieve 85 mph or even 90 mph when pushed, but it is more comfortable at 70 mph. The only two things which slightly irritate are a little lumpiness at low revs and below 30 mph so the Burgman is not ideal for sustained periods in stop/go traffic jams. Parking is fine and the parking brake is useful.

The other slight gripe is that you need bags of throttle to get moving initially, though once the clutch settles down calmness returns.

I personally have the rear shocks on softest settings because the rear end is too stiff over bumps, although this improves a lot when you put luggage in the back or put weight on the back wheel. By default I reckon the 400 is set up assuming you have a passenger.

The handling is excellent for this type of bike. Cornering is excellent and stable. The brakes are equally good with almost no dive at all even under heavy braking. Likewise the 400 is relatively very stable over white lines and greasy manhole covers and does better than a lot of conventional bikes.

For those who prefer gear changes, you really don't miss them much and the Burgman accelerates extremely well considering the diminutive engine. You can expect to easily keep up with almost all cars unless you are competing with something more exotic. But that's not the point. The Burgman is as good at cruising as pottering around country lanes - as long as you don't attempt un-made roads or gravel...but why would you?

Did I mention the two glove compartments and the additional locker where you can store maps, your gps, a water bottle and mobille phone? No other bike, let alone scooter, has this much capacity. The underseat compartment is HUGE. On a recent trip I took a large laptop, two days worth of shopping, some spare clothes, shoes, books and several bottles of wine and there's still room for an additional bag on the pillion seat. You don't need panniers with this scooter.

Overall this is a cracking bike and knocks the opposition for six. It is easily the most accomplished all round maxi scooter, and if you keep it shiny and clean it looks very attractive. The 650 is a lot less pleasing on the eye and only better if you are heavier than average and take a regular passenger.