2006 Suzuki Burgman 400 review from United States of America

Nothing!

I never write reviews on products, but when something comes as close to perfection as the Suzuki Burgman 400, you have to let people know about it.

I purchased a new 2006 Burgman 400 S in August of 2007. It was a year old, and sat around the showroom floor for a year, but the dealer gave me a deal I couldn't refuse. I started out looking at 2007 Burgmans (650 and 400) and the Honda Silverwing. The Burgman 400 is the perfect Urban / Suburban scooter. Big enough for 2 around town or a weekend road trip, but small enough to deal with urban gridlock. The under the seat trunk is huge. It will easy hold your helmet, rain gear, and bike cover, and will still have room for your laptop or a small briefcase.

Here in Washington, DC you have some of the worst traffic and drivers in the U.S. This is where the Burgman shines. It's weight and low center of gravity give you exceptional maneuvering ability at relatively low speed and solid braking even on poor road surfaces. Larger tires would help with ride comfort on rough roads, but the Burgman is still a 10 in this area.

I've had the scooter for 2 months now and I've put 1250 miles on it. Pickup is good, it competes with 95% of the cars on the road, but with the fully auto transmission, the Burgam is not a rice rocket. I'm told it will do 90 mph, but I only do 65. Highway cruising at 65 is easy on the Burgman, but I'm more comfortable at 55; too much wind (and bugs) in your face is not my thing. I took a 200 mile, 5 hour run down to Virginia Beach, VA on the back roads and it was great. Economy, highway or city, is in the 70 mpg range.

For reference, I'm 50 years old and started riding street bikes at age of 15. I've ridden motorcycles all over the world including 3rd World back roads on anything from 100cc scooters to 1600+cc Full Dress Touring Bikes. Previously, I considered my BMW 65R (650cc) Full Dress, the best mid-size suburban commute, around town motorcycle. While I miss my 65R, my Burgman 400 S has filled those shoes. My other favorite bike was a Honda 350-4. You could nit pick this little thing, or that little thing, but the Burgman designers deserve a Bravo Zulu!