Hello Karl,
Yes, a slightly different bunch of folks over there on the Burgman forum.
I think scooter owners in general are somewhat older than other 2 wheel riders (not counting those crazy kids on the 50's!)....and I think the Burgman riders are a bit old than that!
The intro price might have something to do with that.
But if you can find a not-too-distant left over model - the prices are certainly approaching some 300's. Mine was $2K off list at 90 miles distant dead in the sticks.....while my local dealer wanted full list, plus tax (@$8450)
The Burgman 400 has been around for so long in the plus '07 form - that most of the issues have been taken care of. Owners seem to be able to put a lot of miles on them. Basically they just kept changing colors.
I don't know much about the 650 Burgmans....except that the average owner age must be just shy of falling over.
Here's an interesting discovery - the stock Burgman 400 battery is the same as the stock LIKE200i battery (except NOT a YUASA like my LIKE had) I replaced it last night with the same bigger YUASA that I put in my LIKE, and the same YUASA that came stock in my FORZA. EFI is great, but requires a healthy battery - and I want a solid battery for my winter rides into the sticks. So, the big YUASA again.
Oil & filter changes are only slightly more work than the FORZA....and SUZUKI only schedules a filter change
every 3rd oil change! (like I'm gonna do that!)
The gear oil plugs are buried behind the CVT cover (dumb!) so I'll get to look at my belt and stuff then. (easy DIY removal with specified 'jack bolts') And uses the same engine oil.
The spark plug was easy to change (for an Iridium NGK).
The seat hold-open piston works MUCH better than the Forza's, and the space is
much more usable.
BIGGEST thing I liked was the adjustable back rest. Slid that baby back and bingo - real comfy!
I like the long wheel base and not so much the heft of it (489 lbs) when parking in the garage....otherwise the weight is not a factor when riding - even at low speeds. The combination of the weight and wheel base give a very smooth ride, of course.
The center step over is much easier than the Forza's.
Double head lights are very good, once I adjusted them.
Only two small additional white running lights in front - instead of the large amber running/turn fixtures in the FORZA.
I am told to watch for oil usage at high sustained speeds - but I've not seen any in 450 miles as I'm breaking it in. Using the specified Suzuki oil.....but a lot of folks are doing the "cheaper oil at Walmart" thing, as usual with "oil subject". Never me.
The Mrs. is happy that I've ordered a OEM back rest - but it will likely be this fall or next spring before I take her and my daughter for rides. I want to get very experienced with the bulk of the Burgman. (BTW - it's a SKYWAVE in Japan.....Burgman sounds like a slider joint in N.J., or maybe some waterproof work boots with thick soles. "Got my new Burgman's honey!" Goofy Asian Corporate Committee decisions...!)
I never really found any fault with the build quality of my Chinese assembled LIKE, nor the Thailand assembled FORZA, and this Japan assembled Suzuki seems fine, too. Maybe heavier gauge panels. Better grade seat covering.
Very good mirrors - won't be changing them. About the only blasted shiny bits on the scoot! The youngsters caused these flat and semi-flat finishes.
Anyway - what was the question again?
Tarting it up a little...which will surely raise some eyebrows and slow the urine stream even more! Some added lettering, red reflective strip (thinner one coming in the post) and of course the Ermax short screen.
Stock picture:
Stig
