Burgman 400 or 650

[dm1517]

Hi,

After some advice I’m looking to upgrade my Suzuki Burgman 125 but not sure which one to get next, either the 400 or the 650. the bike is my only vehicle as I don’t drive, I use all year round for commuting, shopping and trips etc. I cover around 6/7k Miles a year

I have read about both but the reviews are just general info not long term information.

Any help about either Suzuki would be appreciated

Cheers

[Data]

Hi dm, as an ex Burgman 400 owner I would definitely advise getting the 400 & not the 650. I've also had the use of two company Burgman 650's covering in total around 80,000 miles on those. Both bikes broke their drive belts at low miles costing thousands to fix. The 400's will go 100,000 miles or more without needing much doing other than routine maintenance & maybe a clutch, water pump & variator. All cheapish things to replace compared to the massive cost of ownership of a 650. The 400 is good on motorways too & much better on fuel economy.

Good to test ride both though but be aware that all 650's WILL eventually break their drive belt if you keep it long enough. There is no recommended replacement time or mileage for the belt as to do so is a massive job costing more than some bikes are worth. I'm ex tech & replaced the drive belts myself. Even doing that cost thousands of pounds just for the parts. When the belts break they often take out the gearbox bearings too. Don't buy a cheap high miler if going for a 650. Good luck & let us know how you get on.

[Dave Weller]

+1 for the 400 as well, the last of the large arse one would be my choice. I've had both the 400 and 650, the 400 is much lighter and probably roomier.

[Stibbs]

Yep agree with above posts. I’ve owned three 400’s in past ten years. My current one is one of the last of the “old” style, 2015. Bought new and apart from one or two minor issues I’ve had no bother it. Just over 23k now at 6 years old. Do the basic servicing myself (I’m no technician) just a diy’er. Easy to maintain, easy on the pocket and great to ride. Although lighter than the 650 it’s still quite a heavy bugger to hump around although once up and running it handles great. Fit a topbox, a Givi airflow screen and some heated grips and you’ve got storage, weather protection and all you need to run all year round. 70mpg too. Enjoy.

[dm1517]

Thanks guys,

Been reading and watching reviews but they’ve been basic info and none were long term

I’ve was looking at the middle model 2007-2016 I prefer the look and read the storage and overall bike is better. Also fits my budget which is around £3,500/£4k. I can get quite a few with low mileage and in great condition.

You all were very helpful i did like the 400 more but just wanted to check before I committed

Dom

[wightegi]

How about a UH 200 instead , then try to get over 99mpg out of it . Same size as the 125 but more power,lots of storage as well.

[MrGrumpy]

I don't think that the Burgman 200 and 650 can be considered realistic alternatives! The baby Burgman is basically a commuter, fine around town, but suspension is primitive if you venture into the sticks (I got 70 something mpg I think). The 650 is a full on heavy weight hi-tech tourer, the 400 (which I've never ridden) somewhere in between.

[Data]

Thanks guys,

Been reading and watching reviews but they’ve been basic info and none were long term

I’ve was looking at the middle model 2007-2016 I prefer the look and read the storage and overall bike is better. Also fits my budget which is around £3,500/£4k. I can get quite a few with low mileage and in great condition.

You all were very helpful i did like the 400 more but just wanted to check before I committed

Dom

I would avoid earlier 2007-2009 400's. The reason being some early bikes are roaming around with the older 3 shoe clutch. This was weak & more prone to judder. There was a factory recall on those to fit the later 5 shoe clutch which cured the issues. Sadly some owners didn't take up the replacement clutch & getting it done now might be more of a challenge. There are other differences too. The 2010 models have revised pistons and rings to prevent piston flutter that earlier bikes suffered from. Also there are lots of other improvements that you cannot see that make the bikes better and more reliable. So go late as you can and you won't go wrong. Good luck and do let us know what you get. Cheers!

[dm1517]

Thanks guys,

Been reading and watching reviews but they’ve been basic info and none were long term

I’ve was looking at the middle model 2007-2016 I prefer the look and read the storage and overall bike is better. Also fits my budget which is around £3,500/£4k. I can get quite a few with low mileage and in great condition.

You all were very helpful i did like the 400 more but just wanted to check before I committed

Dom

I would avoid earlier 2007-2009 400's. The reason being some early bikes are roaming around with the older 3 shoe clutch. This was weak & more prone to judder. There was a factory recall on those to fit the later 5 shoe clutch which cured the issues. Sadly some owners didn't take up the replacement clutch & getting it done now might be more of a challenge. There are other differences too. The 2010 models have revised pistons and rings to prevent piston flutter that earlier bikes suffered from. Also there are lots of other improvements that you cannot see that make the bikes better and more reliable. So go late as you can and you won't go wrong. Good luck and do let us know what you get. Cheers!

Ah excellent!

This what I was hoping to find out issues or problems with certain models which the reviews I seen/read haven’t covered. Will help with my search

There are 3 I’m currently looking into to buy aged between 2010 to 14. All around the same price, just waiting on who will do the cheapest deal on delivery

Dom

[Stephen]

I have owned two Burgman 400’s the first one was a 2004model i think,it was an eeeefing nightmare,well not the scooter itself,my fault for buying it really,was too impatient,the photos looked excellent but the previous owner had installed an alarm himself and must of been blindfolded when he done it,after a couple of weeks the ugly truth emerged,my mechanic was stunned at the wiring,endedup removing the alarm cost me a few bob to sort,but after that it was ok,the second one i owned was a peach 2011 model and gave me no trouble at all in the two years i had it,so no real long term info for you,I wouldn’t hesitate in buying another 400 model,I generally buy new,i have also had at least 5 possible 6 Burgman 650’s and loved everyone of them,lots of pro’s comfort was first class,loads of storage and good weather protection to name a couple….Cons are its a lardy old beast,service intervals at 4k miles make it a bit pricey to run unless you tinker yourself…..

I now have a Forza 750

Regards

Steve