AN400K7 - wots it like?

[mhsilverw]

Hi,

I am considering buying a used 2007 AN400 K7 (registered 26/04/2007, Mileage: 14,000) and wanted to ask about these machines.

I have seen a number of posts / internet pieces (mostly US based I think) about clutch/vibration/juddering - should I be worried?

The bike is to replace something a bit older (and larger, taller possibly weight-wise) an old(er) BMW 450 twin that is getting heavier; and with knee issues getting uncomfortable to manhandle.

Yrs ago I rode a loan AN400 (Y reg) and recalled that with some affection - then I used it for commuting. That had carbs and, I seem to recall, a silencer that was subject to ravages of winter/corrosion. But seemed good on a long run, and was I recall good on fuel.

My use now is most likely weekend use/touring and maybe the odd day commuting.

What can you tell me about a K7 version of the 400, I should consider {reliability, comfort, problems...etc}?

Regards

Mark

[bornagainbiker]

I had the K8 400 and I'm to believe that the K8 had a clutch upgrade from a 3 shoe to a 5 shoe in an attempt to get rid of the clutch squeal or chirp? Mostly it's the dust in the drum that needs cleaning and the shoe glaze rubbed off. 14,000 miles is it's major service point where most major items need changing like belt, rollers, plug, fluids, clutch inspection etc, if it has not had it already done. The Suzuki OEM belt is about £160 but you can get a good quality Gates belt for about £70 delivered. If possible try to get a reasonable length test ride.

[mhsilverw]

Thank you for that, I will check on the service history - that is a very useful suggestion. The Y reg model I recall had shorter service intervals - the major service sounds just that 'major'!

Regards

Mark

[bornagainbiker]

Here is the K8 400 service schedule which will be generic for those of that era.

[Data]

mhsilverw, I'd go for the 2008 upwards if I were you. No real difference in price secondhand but better bike because it came from the factory with the latest clutch, transmission cooler etc etc. Most 2007's should have been updated but some haven't.

There is nothing complex or worrying about the Burgman 400K8 onwards. It's a well sorted bike. If possible go for a 2010 onwards because the engine has been modified to produce better midrange power and rev higher. These bikes have the redline at 8950rpm, as opposed to the 2007/8/9's 8500rpm. The final drive ratio on the newer bikes was lowered to make life easier for the clutch. To compensate the engine was fitted with a new piston and rings to allow the engine to rev higher and maintain higher engine revs safely. Acceleration is better too. Clutch judder on take off can occur if the wrong move off technique is used, but it's easy to cure with plenty of online stuff to read about how to do it. Mine never judders on take off and neither do any of the other Burgmans I service since I fettled them correctly. The 14,500 service is not very big (although it's classed as major) and easy to do yourself if you can hold a screwdriver and spanner. The only transmission belts I use when I replace them are genuine Suzuki units. They last the longest of all the after market belts I've found. Gates are not quite what they are cracked up to be in my opinion even though they used to make them for Suzuki I understand. Suzuki don't use them anymore. The 2007+ bikes have a bigger more powerful engine than the older bike you rode years ago, yet they are even more economical. Mine is four years old now and I've owned her from new. She's smooth and powerful and very reliable. Comfort for me is brilliant. I have a bad knee also and swapped my GSX1400 and DL1000GT for my Burgman and don't regret it one little bit. Don't get me wrong though, the Burgman 400z abs (my model) is heavy. In fact it's only 2kg lighter than my DL1000GT but because it holds this weight very low down in the frame it feels like a lightweight and is easy to manoeuvre and ride. Take a look on BikeTrader to see some good deals. Good luck and welcome to the site.