Odometer: 619 miles
MSRP (as tested): $8,099
OK, you long-time Suzuki Burgman owners are probably thinking that 619 miles isn’t much for a long-term report, but try to finish reading this before you bombard our email inbox with tales of your cross-country trips and high-mileage Burgmen. The 400 was all-new for 2018, and it’s a testament to how good it’s become that we put more than 500 miles on our test bike in just a few short weeks.
The styling is updated, comfort and wind protection upgrades make it more pleasant to ride and a stiffer chassis and larger 15-inch front wheel increase stability at freeway speeds. Power output is similar to before but the liquid-cooled, 399cc single with four valves and twist-and-go CVT transmission have been refreshed for more torque down low, better power delivery off idle and a throatier growl from the airbox (which some us felt was a bit loud).
Despite the updates it weighs a claimed 15 pounds less and gets 12-percent better fuel efficiency–our test bike averaged 50.2 mpg over three fill-ups, with a high of 61.4 and low of 45.1, and an average range of more than 180 miles from its 3.6-gallon tank.
The windscreen is smaller than before but said to be more aerodynamic, and though it’s been some time since we last rode an earlier 400 it does seem like wind protection is up and noise down. Nevertheless Suzuki offers a larger screen for the Burgman 400, as well as a top trunk, which would be a welcome addition to its 42 liters of storage under the seat.
With its nimble but stable handling, excellent ABS brakes, spry power and linked single rear shock that provides a firm but complaint ride, we found little fault with the 2018 Burgman 400, and with 619 miles on the clock almost everything in our initial reports in the June 2018 issue and here still stands, with the exception of the new fuel economy figures above. We’d also like the lumbar support to adjust farther back for the taller among us, since it can’t be removed entirely without modifications.
At a $2,950 savings over the larger Burgman 650, the 400 may be the Goldilocks just-right maxi-scoot for a lot of riders who want a lot of luxury and performance in a smaller, more maneuverable size.
