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Review of the 2004 Suzuki Burgman 400:1,600 Miles Later.. Still WOW..... |
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Author: Tom G., 2004-08-28, viewed 288 times. | ||||||
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Cycles are like computers in that to get the right one you have to clearly know what you want to use if for. | ||||||
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In the last 10 years, I´ve had a Honda Helix 1995, a Honda 2000 Gold Wing, and last month I got a Burgman 400. I read alot of review and forums on the Burgman line and it was almost unbelieveably positive. I was looking for a ´scooter´ because I found the Helix both fun and practical. Though I enjoyed the Goldwing, it was not the right bike for what I used a bike for. Long distance rides its one of the best. What I used the Helix for was my local transportation to and from work, stores etc.. and for weekend state wide trips. The 400 is a nice compromise between the Helix and the Goldwing but of course closer to the Helix in it´s intended purpose. I´d say the Burgman 650 would be closer to the Goldwing but lacking some of the advantages of the smaller scooters. The 400 is easy to manuver ( 400+ lbs) with it´s low center of gravity and low seating/profile. The quality of design and construction is very solid and was well thought out to be practical and functional. It has the convenience of a car. It´s quiet, smooth, and almost drives itself. My gas mileage is in the high 60 mpg range. Others are reporting in the low 70´s after it has fully broken in. I think this depends on how much highway travel you do. The no shift transmission works very well. If you like to shift and pull performance out of the engine, this is not the bike for you but the Burgman 650 might be since it has this ability but not with a traditional mechanical/gear transmission. Its not a croch-rocket but I´´ve had no problem getting ahead of any cars when needed. I read some comments of people saying ´you can only hear the wind while crusing´ and it is true except during excelleration and when you stopped of course. The night lighting is very good for both seeing where you are going and being seen from the front sides and back. This includes the instrument pannel and of course the under seat light. If you park it at night, and want to be seen from the rear, there is a ignition key position that locks the steering and turns on the tail lights and if you want, the hazzard flashers too. The rear shock/spring is adjustable by a control knob under the rear left side and is very effective. A nice option when you have a passanger on a not so smooth road. Storage is plenty for daily commutes to work and trips to the grocery store ( I´m shopping for me only). This includes utilizing the rear seat with a cargo net and straps. I also have bought a sattle bag system that fits over the rear seat for plenty of weekend storage. If you need more there is a chrome rack that fits behind the rear seat rest and holds 10 lbs. Highway travel was the most surprising to me. 80 - 85 is the fastest I´ve gone and it was still very stable and smooth. Wind protection was not as good as the goldwing but MUCH better than the Helix. I suspect the burgman 650 would be almost as good as the Goldwing. It´s fairing was significantly larger than the 400´s. Even after crossing the inevetible large bumps at high speeds it was solid. Infact, it seems to be at it´s best going above 70 - 75. I think the design of the fairing actually stablizes the bike even more at higher speeds. Wind sheer only has a minor effect on the directional stability. It´s easy to clean, and the design is really fascinating to other people. It looks like a crotch-rocket from the front and when they see the feet forward design they are surprized. Some people hate the seat. I find it was designed for more of a reclined position and actually support my lower back. The tendency is to slide forward when sitting on it, which plants you solidly on your feet with your eyes just above the top of the windshield. great for cruising and good for local stop and go. I will keep mine stock, but I´ve never sat on the after market seats so I can´t compare. If I had to complain about something I´d have to be really nit-picking to do so. I prefer mirrors on the faring ( the B-650 hs this) not the handle bars but they´ve been ok and the chrome plating is easy to clean and looks good with the blue or silver. ( I´m still thinking....) Ahhh I have one... my rear turn signal bulb went out my first week.. it was covered under warrenty but it was a special design not available in stores and cost Dollars 9 dollars... Humm.... In all honesty... I really don´t have much to complain about. Again, I like what a ´feet forward´ design has to offer as a solid, reliable, safe, fun, cheap to opperate, practical form or transportation. I have no regrets about this purchase. I would not be surprised to see ´scooters´ taking hold in the USA as a ´NEW´ form of transportation. For more information check out the Burgman forum at Yahoo. Great people and lots of good information. |
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