The top-selling maxi-scooter in the United States comes from Suzuki. Riders loved the original top-selling Burgman 400 because it allowed them total flexibility to ride nimbly in town, as well as handle the freeways and go on tour for some distance.
So when the company announced after four years of tremendous sales success that the model would be upgraded, not much more than some minor tweaking was expected. Not so. While the many good reasons to seriously consider the new-for-2007 Burgman 400 remain pretty much the same, the model has been significantly reworked. The improvements were enough to earn the Burgman 400 ScooterMaxi's 2007 Big Maxi of the Year Award of Distinction.
The power train features significant improvements, including larger engine displacement (400cc, up from 385cc), dual overhead cams (SOHC previously), and an advanced electronic fuel injection system derived from a proven sport bike design. Perhaps most importantly, the new engine design significantly lowers maintenance requirements and costs with fewer adjustments to the valve train.
Other improvements include a larger front tire, expanded under-seat storage (a whopping 62 liters, up from a very respectable 55 liters previously), and compliance with tough Euro 3 environmental standards. The list of down sides to the new model is very short: the excellent standard passenger back rest on the old model has disappeared.
Scooterists in the United States are pretty smart. It isn’t surprising that riders have picked a 400cc unit as the top seller. This size is a great pick if you want total flexibility around town and on the open road, yet something small enough to keep costs low and get good mileage. The only really surprising thing is that so few 400cc models come to the United States. The Yamaha Majesty is the only other contender in this specific class. Of course, you don’t have to go up a whole lot to reach the next class: all of the current Italian Big Maxis feature the 460cc Piaggio Master engine (they’re considered 500cc class).
The new Burgman 400 is an impressive package because it meets or beats expectations in pretty much every respect. The styling is supremely modern with a race bike look common to most recent designs, yet distinctive. The cowling is especially aggressive with a functional, windswept physique.
Features include more than adequate creature comforts, including mpg calculations, two trip odometers and ambient temperature readings available on the dash (requiring push-button scrolling through the functions), as well as a 12v outlet for devices such as recharging your mobile phone or portable music player.
By all reports, the scooter is extremely nimble. At the time of introduction, a horde of motorcycle journalists was flown out to the San Francisco area for test rides and the reaction from this usually critical lot was very favorable. The engineering improvements to the Burgman 400 not only made the scooter quicker and more environmentally friendly, but have greatly improved cornering and overall handling capabilities. However, some of the earliest owners have reported rough initial acceleration raising questions about the match between the torque converter and new 400cc engine.
Aiming for a sweet spot among potential scooter riders, Suzuki appears to have done pretty much everything right with the new Burgman 400. You could spend more if you want to place your emphasis on two-up long-distance touring, or you could spend less and find happiness with a smaller displacement Middleweight Maxi tuned for around-town commuting and running errands. But if you’re looking for an all-around, dependable ride capable of handling pretty much any road, certainly this scooter is a leading contender.
