Suzuki Burgman 400 is a maxi scooter for everything

Suzuki Burgman 400 lies to the common opinion that if something is for everything, it is for nothing. While this maxi scooter is no match for smaller bikes in terms of agility and performance inferior to many bikes, in everyday use it often proves to be superior to both. Does this mean that we are dealing with an ideal?

  • 04 April 2023
  • Published by MD
Suzuki Burgman 400 is a maxi scooter for everything
Share:

The Suzuki Burgman 400 maxi scooter allows you to move efficiently in the urban thicket and also works well during further trips

The convenience of using the motorcycle is increased by an automatic transmission, a practical trunk under the sofa and a standard windshield that protects the driver quite well against the rush of air.

Despite its rather low power, the Burgman 400 turns out to be dynamic enough, and it is quite economical in terms of fuel consumption

Suzuki Burgman 400 - for whom?

Suzuki Burgman is a true icon in the world of motorcycles, which has proven that the name scooter does not have to mean a typical urban "truck". And although the Burgman 400 is really good for squeezing through the urban thicket on a daily basis, it also allows you to travel further. And for this reason, this model can be recommended both to those who want to get out of the city at least from time to time, and to those who have to get to this city every day, without sacrificing comfort and practicality often unattainable for other two-wheelers.

Suzuki Burgman 400 - model description

Looking at the current Burgman 400, it is hard to imagine that this model debuted almost a quarter of a century ago (in 1998). Even then, the motorcycle was convinced with its practicality and comfort while riding. Interestingly, despite the passage of 25 years since the scooter appeared on the market, we will not find any fireworks in its latest incarnation, although many manufacturers, including Suzuki, have started to use a number of solutions worthy of the 21st century in their motorcycles. But maybe it's a good thing, because thanks to this, Burgman's service does not cause any problems, and in addition there is less chance that something will fail, also with the passage of years and subsequent miles travelled.

Suzuki Burgman 400 - first impression

Already at the first contact with the latest Burgman, one can get the impression that Suzuki has tried to appeal to the widest possible group of customers. The confirmation may be a combination of rounding with sharp lines. On the one hand, this procedure can be considered not brave enough, on the other hand, it makes the tested motorcycle look timeless. Fortunately, there are no significant compromises in terms of build quality.

Despite its modern design accents, the Burgman 400 is traditional in many respects. Just look at the dashboard, which is dominated by two large analogue clocks. These remain legible regardless of lighting conditions, and together with a small display between them provide the right amount of information. From the display, we will learn, among other things, how much fuel we have in the tank and what is the average fuel consumption.

Suzuki Burgman 400 driving experience

Positive impressions while driving are largely due to the sofa - it turns out to be comfortable even during longer trips. A special profiled part acts as a small support for the lower part of the driver's back. During further journeys, the platform proves to be helpful, which allows you to rest your feet comfortably and bend your legs as on a typical city scooter, or rest them straight as when riding a chopper.

The standard windshield protects against wind pressure quite effectively and is wide enough to direct the flow of air towards the driver's shoulders. Tall or well-built people may be in a worse situation, because for them what the standard protection offers may not be enough.

Shorter people will appreciate the fact that the seat is set quite low. Thanks to this, even despite the need to spread the legs wider when stopping the Burgman, e.g. at traffic lights, it does not limit the stability of the support. This is a great convenience, especially in the city, where you have to stop at intersections quite often.

Suzuki Burgman 400 - Practicality

As with many scooters, the Burgman seat lifts up but is held in place by a telescopic boom when raised. This is a convenient solution because it reduces the risk of the seat accidentally falling down when we put something in the 42-litre storage compartment under the seat.

One helmet and additional accessories or two full-size helmets can be hidden in the "trunk" without any problem. Another two compartments, one of which is equipped with a cigarette lighter socket, can be found in the front housing of the scooter. It is a pity that it is not possible to lock them because it means that the things placed there, e.g. documents, should be taken with us whenever we leave the scooter on the street or in another public place.

Suzuki Burgman 400 - leading the way

In everyday use, drivers will appreciate the automatic transmission. This one works smoothly, without jerks and special delays, although when moving off it requires a firm unscrewing of the throttle. Combined with a 22 kW (30 hp) engine and a curb weight of 218 kg, the Suzuki maxi scooter may not provide a thrilling experience, and its dynamics cannot match what many other bikes offer, but for efficient movement around the city and beyond that is quite enough.

And speaking of off-road driving. On the expressway, we will easily reach the maximum speed limit on this road, i.e. 75mph. What's more, the Burgman 400 is also not afraid of highway speeds, but it does not change the fact that the most comfortable travel is limited to 80mph, which is close to the manufacturer's maximum speed of 80mph.

In mixed driving (city, expressway) Burgman can consume approx. 3.9 l / 60mph, and driving a little slower even going down to 3.5 l / 60mph. This is a very good result, considering the curb weight of the vehicle and the fact that we are dealing with a 400 cm3 engine. Regular "125s" consume a little less.

In the case of the suspension, the designers focused more on comfort, which is understandable in the case of a vehicle that will probably often traverse city roads, often far from perfect. This does not change the fact that overcoming even small holes with the Burgman is not a pleasure. On the plus side, the handling can be counted, although you have to get used to the sensations accompanying corners, especially roundabouts.

Subscribe to our newsletter

You may be also interested in

Go to blog
Top