Suzuki Burgman 400: Storage & Commuting Champion

The Suzuki Burgman 400, a maxi-scooter that often divides opinion amongst UK riders, is a machine that deserves a closer look. While in continental Europe these scooters are a ubiquitous and highly-regarded mode of urban transport, here in the UK, they sometimes face a degree of scepticism from riders accustomed to more traditional motorcycles. This is a real shame, as those who dismiss the Burgman 400 are missing out on a remarkably capable and practical machine, particularly for city commuting. Its standout feature, the cavernous 42-litre underseat storage compartment, is just the beginning of what makes this scooter a compelling proposition for anyone looking to navigate the urban jungle with ease and convenience.

Unpacking the Burgman's Practicality

When considering a scooter for daily use, practicality is paramount. The Burgman 400 excels in this regard, primarily due to its generous storage solutions. The headline act is undoubtedly the 42-litre underseat storage. Suzuki claims this is ample space to house two helmets – one full-face and one open-face – or to neatly stow away all your riding gear once you reach your destination. This means no more struggling with backpacks or worrying about where to leave your lid. Beyond the main compartment, there are also two front glove compartments. While neither is lockable, which is a minor oversight, one of these conveniently features a 12-volt DC outlet. This is incredibly useful for charging your phone or powering other small electronic devices on the go, further cementing the Burgman’s status as a truly urban-friendly machine.

Suzuki Burgman 400 (2017-Current): A Buyer's Guide

The Burgman 400 has a long lineage, with its origins tracing back to 1998. However, the 2017 model represents a significant leap forward in terms of improvements and modernisations compared to its predecessors. When it comes to purchasing one, the pricing landscape can vary. You might find very early models starting from around £1500. However, if you're keen on the more contemporary 2017 model, expect to pay approximately £4000 in a private sale. Purchasing from a dealership will typically set you back around £4500, which, considering the current RRP of £6599, presents a substantial saving. It's also worth noting that pre-registered Burgman models are not overly common, but you can sometimes snag ex-demonstration 2019 bikes for as little as £5500. These machines often have minimal mileage, typically around 1000 miles, making them a very attractive option that offers excellent value, especially when compared to a used 2017 model.

Performance: Enough Zip for the City?

At its heart, the Burgman 400 is powered by a single-cylinder engine. While it might be considered fairly basic in its design, it capably delivers everything required for its intended purpose. It produces a respectable 31bhp, accompanied by 26.6lb-ft of torque. As a 'twist-and-go' scooter, the emphasis isn't on outright top speed – although it will comfortably indicate 90mph – but rather on its ability to accelerate swiftly away from traffic lights and out of junctions. In this respect, the Burgman 400 performs admirably, easily out-dragging most cars, bicycles, and even buses it encounters in urban traffic. This responsiveness makes city riding far less stressful. However, it's worth noting that carrying a pillion passenger does have a noticeable impact on its performance, leading to a slight reduction in acceleration.

Engine, Gearbox, and Exhaust: Reliability and Maintenance

The single-cylinder motor of the Burgman is renowned for its solid and reliable nature, largely due to its straightforward design. Suzuki recommends oil changes every 3500 miles and a change of the final drive oil at 7500-mile intervals. The CVT belt, a crucial component in automatic transmissions, has a recommended replacement interval of 14,500 miles. This is often considered the most significant maintenance item to keep an eye on. However, in practice, many owners find that the CVT belt can often last significantly longer than this stated interval. Many Burgman owners also undertake their own home maintenance to help manage costs, and the CVT system itself is generally very robust, with owners rarely reporting major issues with the transmission.

A potential area of concern, however, is corrosion. It's always advisable to thoroughly inspect the areas behind the fairing, as exhaust studs can be prone to rusting. If these studs do rust, replacing the exhaust system can become a more complex and potentially costly affair, often involving the risk of stripped threads.

Fuel Economy: A Commuter's Friend

Suzuki officially claims an average fuel economy figure of 65.7mpg for the Burgman 400. In real-world riding conditions, however, across a variety of road types and not exclusively in urban environments, a more realistic average is likely to fall into the mid-50s mpg. While this might be slightly lower than the manufacturer's claim, it still translates to an impressive range of over 160 miles from its 13.5-litre fuel tank. This means fewer stops at the petrol station and more time spent enjoying your ride, making it an economical choice for daily commuting.

Handling, Suspension, and Chassis: Comfort Over Sportiness

The Burgman 400 presents a slightly unusual wheel configuration for those accustomed to conventional motorcycles: a 15-inch front wheel (an increase from the previous 14-inch model, enhancing stability) paired with a 13-inch rear wheel. Both are fitted with relatively substantial tyres, and in everyday riding, the difference in wheel sizes is not particularly noticeable. While the Burgman may not offer the same sporty handling prowess as rivals like the Yamaha XMAX 400 or the BMW C400X, its design philosophy is firmly rooted in providing a solid and relaxed commuting platform. This means it can feel slightly more ponderous when leaning into bends, and its suspension is set up on the softer side to prioritise comfort. Although you can adjust the rear preload through seven stages to mitigate some of this softness, the front forks are non-adjustable. For a commuter-focused machine, this prioritisation of comfort over outright agility is understandable and generally well-received by riders who value a smoother ride.

The Burgman's low centre of gravity, coupled with its accessible 755mm seat height, contributes to a feeling of lightness and ease of handling, even at 215kg. The 2017 model further enhances this with redesigned, more cut-away footboards, which effectively reduce the distance your feet need to travel to reach the ground, making it feel even more approachable.

Braking Performance

When it comes to the stoppers on a scooter, expectations should be realistic. The Burgman 400 is equipped with basic two-piston sliding calipers at the front and a single-piston caliper at the rear, both featuring a standard ABS system. These brakes perform adequately for their intended purpose and provide a reasonable level of stopping power for urban riding. While some competitors might boast more sophisticated braking hardware and a greater array of electronic rider aids, the Burgman's setup is perfectly functional. A point to watch out for, as mentioned earlier, is potential corrosion on the caliper sliders. However, these are generally inexpensive and relatively easy to rebuild should the need arise. A particularly pleasing feature is the presence of a parking brake; it's worth ensuring this isn't seized, as some riders may not use it regularly.

Comfort and Touring Potential

In many European countries, maxi-scooters are a popular choice for touring. While this isn't as common a practice among UK riders, the Burgman 400 certainly has the potential to cover significant distances. With the addition of a taller screen and a top box, it can be transformed into a capable tourer. The 2017 model further enhances comfort with a seat that features 20mm thicker padding compared to previous versions, offering a more comfortable perch for longer journeys.

Rider Aids and Accessories

The Burgman 400 comes standard with ABS, an immobiliser, and a clever 'chain lock gate'. This gate allows you to securely fasten the scooter using a bike lock passed through the frame itself, adding an extra layer of security. In terms of official accessories, Suzuki offers heated grips (£349), knuckle guards (£194), and a taller screen (£216). You can also enhance its practicality with a top box (£246) and a corresponding carrier plate (£170). Many aftermarket firms also provide a wide range of accessories. For commuters, a popular, albeit aesthetically questionable, addition is the scooter apron. Despite its looks, it offers excellent protection from the elements, keeping the rider dry and comfortable.

The Verdict: A Practical Urban Workhorse

The Suzuki Burgman 400 stands out as a decent, mid-priced scooter that truly shines as a commuter. Its exceptional comfort levels and ample storage space make it a joy to use daily. However, it does lack the premium feel and advanced electronic rider aids found on more expensive rivals such as the Yamaha XMAX or BMW C400 models. Nevertheless, as an urban workhorse designed for practicality and ease of use, the Burgman 400 is exceptionally hard to fault.

Three Things We Love About the Burgman 400:

• Practicality: Its thoughtful design focuses on user convenience.
• Weather Protection: Offers good shielding from the elements.
• Storage Capacity: The 42-litre underseat compartment is a game-changer.

Three Things We Don't:

• The look of a scooter apron (subjective, of course!).
• Lazy handling in the bends compared to sportier rivals.
• Lack of advanced electronic rider assists.

Suzuki Burgman 400 (2017-Current) Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the underseat storage capacity of the Suzuki Burgman 400?

The Suzuki Burgman 400 boasts a substantial 42-litre underseat storage compartment, capable of holding two helmets or your riding gear.

How fuel-efficient is the Burgman 400?

Suzuki claims 65.7mpg, but real-world figures typically range in the mid-50s mpg, offering a range of over 160 miles from its 13.5-litre tank.

What are the main advantages of the Burgman 400 for commuting?

Its key advantages include its large storage capacity, comfortable riding position, good weather protection, and responsive 'twist-and-go' performance, making it ideal for city travel.

Does the Burgman 400 have ABS?

Yes, the Burgman 400 comes with ABS as standard, along with an immobiliser.

Is the Burgman 400 suitable for long-distance touring?

While more suited to urban commuting, with additions like a taller screen and top box, the Burgman 400 can be used for touring, and the 2017 model offers improved seat comfort.