Yeah, I see what you mean about the price, but the fact that it's local and if the p/ex is good I'm hoping to only have to find another £1000.
All makes it a possibility.
What are the power and torque figures for the 385 v the 399cc one.
Also any idea where I can find out about the tech specs of the 385?
Where can i find out more about this older one?

I prefer the later burger.
Apart from the engine and clutch it is also roomier for the rider.

Motorways aren't a problem, acceleration up the the slip road is very good and its all too easy to overshoot the speed limit. It is very happy cruising at motorway speeds loaded up (I haven't tried it 2 up like Data has).

For extra storage I use a tunnel bag or dry-sac between the rider and passenger backrests. I toyed with the idea of panniers for a while but decided I've never really needed them.

I've been away a couple of days with no problem at all but I haven't done a major tour on it, I wouldn't think twice about it though and I hope to take it across to Europe later in the year.

Try the forum at http://www.burgmanusa.com for more details about the differences in year models etc. Some of the guys on there have done huge tours on their 400's

Steve, I'm trying to find the dyno maps I had for a 2009 model and the ealier 2005 version. I think they are gone, lost when my last hd went up the swanny! But there is just a chance I was sensible and backed them up somewhere. I'll keep looking. From memory, there is quite a difference in the power delivery. The extra torque of the 399cc motor comes in much earlier giving it real grunt compared to the earlier 385cc model and it has more top end available too. The extra grunt low down makes a real difference on the road giving better acceleration and fuel economy. I have ridden the earlier version and it felt much less ready to please from take off when compared to the 399cc dohc motor, although of course I'm not denegrating the 385cc bike, even if it sound like I am. They are a good bike. But that bike was a good one too with only 5 k on the clock and full history, 2006 if I remember correctly. I was given the bike while mine was in for service. All I'm suggesting is it may be worth just a tad more looking to find one with the 399cc motor at the right price and miles to give you all the advantages of the newer model. They got it so right with the 2007 onwards model that almost nothing on the bike has changed since. Ease of access to the engine and other bits on the bike is soooo much better than the earlier model and with much less to do as well. Twin discs up front and better handling too on the later bike is well worth getting in my book. It's much more motorcycle like. Can't lose, but I understand there are budgetary considerations too for all of us when choosing what to get. But if you do it right, I don't think you will spend anymore money on the later model and you would be getting a fundamentally better bike. Good luck.

In defence of the old 400 engine it did come out in 1999 and was later an injected version of same engine .Also if you read the history of the burgman the designer always thought the 250 version was better and never thought the 400 would sell of course it did and out sold the 250 which was later dropped .In 1999 there was nothing to touch it and other manufacturers took a while to catch up then Yamaha got a 400 and tmax 500 (another ground breaker)and piaggio 500 and silverwing then another ground breaking 650 from suzuki . I agree the latest 400 burgman solved all problems on original versions and should be really as they had 16 years experience of making 400 burgmans

stevew wrote:Yeah, I see what you mean about the price, but the fact that it's local and if the p/ex is good I'm hoping to only have to find another £1000.

Unfortunately I missed that one. Went to see it yesterday and when I phoned the dealer to go back today he said it was sold over the phone......doh!......................................................

Prob a good job really, Now I just have to sell the VN then off to get a Burger with the cash.

What do you guys know about the Piaggio X9 Evo (2006) 500cc
Is it worth considering as there is one near me for £1800 in a dealer so p/ex may be on.

stevew wrote:What do you guys know about the Piaggio X9 Evo (2006) 500cc
Is it worth considering as there is one near me for £1800 in a dealer so p/ex may be on.

In a word yes, TMax9 is the real expert though.

Done a bit of googling and found the X9 owners/riders site. Think one of these may do the long distance touring that I want so long as it is reliable. Wanna tour Northern Spain next year. The one I have found has done 24000 miles. Should be OK ?

stevew wrote:Done a bit of googling and found the X9 owners/riders site. Think one of these may do the long distance touring that I want so long as it is reliable. Wanna tour Northern Spain next year. The one I have found has done 24000 miles. Should be OK ?

As ever mileage is less important that the previous owner(s) maintenance, as long as you can get confidence in the necessary work having being done then I'm sure the scoot is very capable.

As said Tmax9 is THE expert, on both sites!

stevew wrote:Done a bit of googling and found the X9 owners/riders site. Think one of these may do the long distance touring that I want so long as it is reliable. Wanna tour Northern Spain next year. The one I have found has done 24000 miles. Should be OK ?

I think the Burger is the better tourer - bigger, roomier, more luggage space, more comfortable. The Piaggios are possibly bit better at urban combat.