Bergman 400 touring?

[stevew]

Hi newbe to maxi scooters here having done most of my touring on either a C90 or a 1500cc cruiser
I'm gonna sell the Cruiser and get a maxi (although still considering a Deauville) and have been looking at the Bergman 400, Honda SH300 or possibly the Downtown 300.
I think the most likely option will be the 400 Burger as they are plentiful on the s/h market. Reckon I'm going to have about £2000 (or maybe £2500) to play with after the sale of the Cruiser.
So the questions to those who know about Burger touring are;-
Will it cruise all day at 80mph?
What's the handling like on motorways? Is it relaxing to ride or are you fighting it in the wind (slipstream) from other vehicles?
Does the screen keep the wind and more importantly the rain off your hands?
What luggage capacity does it have over and above the under seat bit?
How often does the belt (a rather daunting concept to me) let you down?
Are there any known problems with them?
I want to do my own servicing 'cos I have always done it on my other bikes, should I go for an older carbed one or with EFI be OK?
And lastly anyone want to swap a Cruiser for a Maxi

[TmaX9]

Hi newbe to maxi scooters here having done most of my touring on either a C90 or a 1500cc cruiser
I think the most likely option will be the 400 Burger as they are plentiful on the s/h market. Reckon I'm going to have about £2000 (or maybe £2500) to play with after the sale of the Cruiser.

£2500 will not get a clean well looked after late model.

So the questions to those who know about Burger touring are;-
Will it cruise all day at 80mph?

Yes

What's the handling like on motorways? Is it relaxing to ride or are you fighting it in the wind (slipstream) from other vehicles?

Similar to any other maxi and quite dependent on your own physical size and weight and expectations.

Does the screen keep the wind and more importantly the rain off your hands?

Not completely hence the poularity of heated grips and lobster claw gloves

What luggage capacity does it have over and above the under seat bit?

More than enough to store all your jackets and helmets. THe Burgman has more room than average

How often does the belt (a rather daunting concept to me) let you down?

It never will if you change it with a quality replacement at the correct intervals. Never wait for it to fail as that can cause additional damage.

Are there any known problems with them?

Early pre '07 models could have clutch issues and generally weren't as reliable as later ones. There may be exceptions to this generalisation.
Poor maintenance, scrimping on cost and owner neglect are the biggest issues.

I want to do my own servicing 'cos I have always done it on my other bikes, should I go for an older carbed one or with EFI be OK?

DIY is not a problem for any of the general maintenance issues or repairs on any model but very early carbed models suffered from corrrosion and more seized bolts/splines etc plus the exhausts rotted badly. Later ones are much better. Replacing belts isn't difficult but you may need to buy a few tools.

And lastly anyone want to swap a Cruiser for a Maxi

No!!

[stevew]

Thanks for that, great info that makes me think it's the bike for me!
This was the one I was thinking of going to see this afternoon

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikes ... GN-3053607" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Looks pretty good to me

[TmaX9]

That looks a nice unmolested one. Original exhaust and the wheels (which can corrode badly) look OK. Mileage is low, tyres new so definitely worth a look. I think that will be an early Fi model.

[bornagainbiker]

My Burgman 400 K8 2008 model is a clean well looked after late model. The only negative with it is the high mileage but that's only 7000 mile a year average, has a full service history and still rides great. I can assure any buyer that they will be getting a great scooter that they can just insure and happily drive away. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300885992012? ... 1586.l2649" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The Burgman 400 is a well proven maxi-scooter. There are others available but personally I like the Japanese reliability and build quality.
Yes will cruise at 80 mph easily but I prefer to cruise at 70-75 and the handling is very good.
The screen for me is perfect but does not cover your hands. You can buy Suzuki knuckle guards or a Givi screen with inbuilt deflectors.
The storage is one of it's best selling points at 62 litres. Holds 2x FF helmets and items, but when alone I can easily store my helmet, gloves, jacket and trousers, flask and food. This then makes it great to walk about fuss free and enjoy. When parked up, I always get other bikers who know me saying 'are you not on your bike today'.
Suzuki say change the belt at 14500 mile intervals and is a fairly easy process with the correct tools.
Some early 07+ models had a clutch squeal, but it was later rectified and a blowing out the dust at service also helps.
Dependant on your abilities servicing the 07+ 400 is fairly simple and there are many online video tutorials.
Already had a cruiser, love maxi-scooters, so sorry No swaps but open to a sensible offer.

[stevew]

Thanks BAB but you are too far from me to be able to do a deal. Also I'll be looking to trade the VN in at the same time as I haven't got a private buyer.
Never the less I appreciate your comments and am reasonably convinced that the Burger 400 is the way forward.

[Data]

Steve, the Burgman is a good choice, no doubt about that especially if you want to go fast. The other scoots you mention are very good too, but would not like longer term higher speeds and won't be as economical at 80mph. Without doubt, go for a Burgman 2007 onwards. They don't cost much more than an earlier model if you shop around and there are some great bargains. The 2007 onwards is significantly more powerful in the mid and upper range, is much easier to service (a diy'ers dream!), and has much better frame and suspension, both modified over the earlier versions. It is also more economical and has a bigger front wheel and a better rear suspension and wheel mounting setup for the rear. Clutch problems don't exist if you service her right, occassionally cleaning out the clutch drum (easy). You can pick up a 2009 or a 2010 for £2,600 to £3k with very low miles and full history if you are prepared to look. Biketrader is good for this. Some i know on here got real bargain buys at those prices with just 2k - 2.5k miles on the clock!

I come from riding big big bikes and I like a bit of speed too. I had worries that the Burgman 400 would not be adequate for me after I'd ordered it. But I need not have worried as it's the best bike I've bought in over 40 years of biking. I've had mine over a year now. It cruises at 80mph if you want, but like Bornagain, I find I'm (me not the bike neccessarily) happier at 75mph. In fact today I've been on a 70 mile run for work and it glides along nicely at 75mph indicated. Fuel is around the 72-74mpg at that speed I find. I frequently take her for 350 mile runs two up and even then can get 68-71mpg at motorway speeds with 85-86mpg being possible if you don't go over 60mph.

The screen is great for me, I have no complaints but everyone expects/wants something different from a screen so you need to try it. My 400z abs has handguards and heated grips so I have no problem with hands being exposed or cold. These are retro fit items too if you want them. As is said, storage space is sublime. It's a big bike, but it's no sluggard. It romps away from the lights ahead of the pack with ease. 0.60mph is around the 7.9 second bracket. Thats the best I've obtained and I'm sure you won't get faster out of one. But it's not about speed is it. Have fun looking and let us all know what you think and what you get.

[mightbesane]

I agree with most of what has been said. Having moved from bikes to a Burger I have no problem with prolonged, high speed runs. And at 80 mph there's still enough throttle left to twist up out of trouble. If you're used to larger wheels, the smaller wheels on scoots may seem a bit squirrely at first but you get used to it. And the Burger is lighter than a touring bike so it does feel the wind and the wash from trucks (lorries) a bit more but again you learn to deal with it. I decided to go with Turcano Urbano muffs in the winter instead of heated grips - I don't like to load the battery on a vehicle that I can't bump start - and rode through the winter without too much pain.

In sum, I'm a former, grey-haired biker who loves his Burger.

[stevew]

Steve, the Burgman is a good choice, no doubt about that especially if you want to go fast. The other scoots you mention are very good too, but would not like longer term higher speeds and won't be as economical at 80mph. Without doubt, go for a Burgman 2007 onwards. They don't cost much more than an earlier model if you shop around and there are some great bargains. The 2007 onwards is significantly more powerful in the mid and upper range, is much easier to service (a diy'ers dream!), and has much better frame and suspension, both modified over the earlier versions. It is also more economical and has a bigger front wheel and a better rear suspension and wheel mounting setup for the rear. Clutch problems don't exist if you service her right, occassionally cleaning out the clutch drum (easy). You can pick up a 2009 or a 2010 for £2,600 to £3k with very low miles and full history if you are prepared to look. Biketrader is good for this. Some i know on here got real bargain buys at those prices with just 2k - 2.5k miles on the clock!

I come from riding big big bikes and I like a bit of speed too. I had worries that the Burgman 400 would not be adequate for me after I'd ordered it. But I need not have worried as it's the best bike I've bought in over 40 years of biking. I've had mine over a year now. It cruises at 80mph if you want, but like Bornagain, I find I'm (me not the bike neccessarily) happier at 75mph. In fact today I've been on a 70 mile run for work and it glides along nicely at 75mph indicated. Fuel is around the 72-74mpg at that speed I find. I frequently take her for 350 mile runs two up and even then can get 68-71mpg at motorway speeds with 85-86mpg being possible if you don't go over 60mph.

The screen is great for me, I have no complaints but everyone expects/wants something different from a screen so you need to try it. My 400z abs has handguards and heated grips so I have no problem with hands being exposed or cold. These are retro fit items too if you want them. As is said, storage space is sublime. It's a big bike, but it's no sluggard. It romps away from the lights ahead of the pack with ease. 0.60mph is around the 7.9 second bracket. Thats the best I've obtained and I'm sure you won't get faster out of one. But it's not about speed is it. Have fun looking and let us all know what you think and what you get.

Thanks for that info but I'm looking at a 8000 mile 05 one 'cos I need to p/ex
Here:- http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikes" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ... GN-3053607
Been to look at it today and it looks mint but i can't see under the plastic !!
Gonna go back tomorrow afternoon with the VN and some cash and see if I can do a deal.
Are the older ones really a problem? Should I be avoiding it at all costs?

[Data]

No, the older ones are great bikes too especially if they have the fuel injection as that one does. You do not need to avoid them. Many swear by them. It has the 385cc motor which is reliable but more maintenance intensive. For example, requiring valve tappets to be checked and adjusted more frequently than the 399cc DOHC 2007 onwards engine. Personally, I think the one you are looking at is over priced when you can get a later 2007 onwards with less or similar miles in showroom condition for the same or just a little more money. And remember, the later ones have extra power both in terms of torque and hp. It's not a massive difference but you can feel it straight away if you compare the two bikes on the road. The later ones are more economical too.

Take a look here at Bike Trader:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used ... 0cc/page/1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There is a 2009 '59' plate for £2695, admittedly with quite a few miles on the clock but that isn't that important if it's been serviced regularly. There is also a 2007 with 16k on the clock for £2750. Both at dealers who welcome part ex. If you are not in a hurry if you wait a week or two you will see others appear that are even better bargains with much lower miles on. Saw a 2010 just a few weeks ago with 3k on the clock for £2950 at a dealers. They need to unload bikes sometimes to raise money to pay bills and are willing to sell quickly for what they gave for it. A Suzuki tech told me these later DOHC motors go 130,000 miles easy before you need to consider any serious spannering, and probably more miles than that. I've seen one with 120,000 on the clock and that was a 2008 model. It still ran fine.

But it's your choice of course and whatever one you buy, subject to the usual checks, you won't go wrong I'm sure. Good luck.