[Rerunrj]

I am still in the process of acquiring a 13 Burg 400 or 650 but the hold up is as I am concerned as to the stability of the 400 or 650 when it comes to riding on the freeways on a 400 which I am now leaning towards buying over the 650 but I have a concern about the stability of the 400 riding on the freeways and weather it gets blown around a lot out their when trucks or cars pass you & am I going to be riding with red knuckles like I did on my Vespa 250 which was very scary out on freeways so I got rid of it. I guess I am asking can I ride the 400 at my comfortable speed of 65-70 & feel relaxed & not on edge all the time as I do a bit of freeway driving on trips & I like the feel of the 400 plus the mpg & the price difference but if I can't feel safe out their on a 400 then I guess it's not practical to own the 400 over the 650 no matter how good I feel on the 400. Thank you for any answers as I have never owned or rode a Burgman but I have a Helix & owned lots of Harleys in my riding years but don't want to continue my riding on Harleys any more.

 

[Jim]

While I have not owned a new 400, I did own an '03.

I purchased it in '03, after an 20 yr. absence from riding.

It is capable, but it does get some getting used to. I owned it for 3 months and 3,000 miles, then traded it for a 650, as I ride 95% 2 up, and I felt the '03 400 was taxed at freeway speeds while 2-up.

When I traded, the first thing I noticed besides the additional power, was how more planted the 650 felt. In cross winds, and rain, and both. I believe the larger wheels, as well as the additional weight, with a low C/G helps with the added stability.

That being said, I understand the '07 and newer have been improved with a bit more power, and a larger front tire, which would help stability.

If you primarily ride solo, and are a quick adapter to a different machine, than a newer 400 should be fine, and at freeway speeds, still have an adequate power reserve.

If you primarily ride with a passenger, or will have a 300-400 lb, payload, the 650 would do you better.

A 400 is a true scooter, while the 650 is more of a 'step through" motorcycle the looks like a scooter.

As always, it's best if you can test drive both before you purchase.

Happy hunting.

 

[29534]

I have a 09 650 after my 08 400 was totaled when I was hit in the rear a little over 3 weeks ago. I might still be in the adjustment period with the 650 but at this point I prefer the 400. I never ride with a passenger and the 400 has plenty of power to run any speed you want even though the engine speed is near 7,000 frequently (it will do it all day, the 600 crotch rockets turn 14,000). Big trucks and crosswinds do affect the 400 more but it is not uncomfortable to me (but it might be for you). The 400 feels the best on the interstate at between 65 and 70 and the 650 feels good regardless of how fast you go. There is a substantial difference in fuel economy. Running 55-60 through the mountains, the 400 got in the mid to upper 60 and the 650 gets in the lower 50s.

 

[CMNrallye79]

I've ridden about 400 miles interstate and have no issues what so ever. It handles 30 mile an hour cross winds and big trucks with no problem, yes you feel it but not like its going to blow you away. I never did not have more power than needed. I like my fuel mileage. Oh I have 2003 400

 

[IntRunner40]

I would say the 400 is very stable at highway speeds as I have taken mine on a couple of long road trips. Sometimes I think its as or more stable than my Honda ST1300 which I recently purchased due to it sitting lower. But, it does run at high rpm, which some have countered by using DP sliders.

Also, if you are not sure then buy a well maintained used 400 as there has been very little change in the 400's other than ABS becoming standard in recent years and if you do not like it or feel you need more then trade it in for new 650 without taking too much of a hit in depreciation.

 

[w8wca]

The 3 guys at the machine shop I work at all ride big Harleys.

They all 3 said the extra weight is not going to help a lot in high winds at high speeds

(For what that is worth)

I have not had mine 2013 AN400A out on the freeways yet - just highways

 

[etcallhome]

I've had my 05 3 wks tomorrow , the night I bought it rode about 45 miles on the interstate doing anywhere from 60-85 . Since that time I have ridden close to 700 miles and 90% of that was ridden on the interstate. Been in rain, high winds , dry roads and a lot of truck traffic feels stable to me. Maybe the 650 would be better and guessing it should since it is a bigger bike. If you can test drive both and then can decide.

 

[Rerunrj]

I really appreciate real riders instead of some sales man so I trust your remarks here and they will not let me test ride scooters at this dealership but I think you Guys know what our talking about, I am pretty sure I'll go with the 2013 400 as price is one thing but it feels easier to handle plus mpg is good and I never ride 2 up as my wife don't care to ride but it sounds like I'll do fine with the 400 as it's got a long wheel base unlike the Vespa I owned and it was a real knuckle white ride as it was not at all stable. I'll be getting the 400 and if I am still riding 3 years from now at 70 & I feel I am healthy still I may go with a 650 but then again it may well be the last bike I ever have to buy, & like you say larger wheels on newer ones and abs I think it's aduguite for me but if I was planing mainly cross country I'd maybe go 650 but for even if I wanted to go once long distance then just do lots of town and freeway the 400 sounds like the ticket even though the 650 has lots of bells and whistles that are nice the 400 will serve me well. Again thanks everyone!

 

[ScooterJoe]

Rerun - I just sent you a PM.

 

[hacker]

400 solid as a rock !!

for me, the 400 is absolutely solid on the freeway. wearing ear plugs, and
properly fitting eye wear is essential, you are in a high speed situation,
and may have to "slice and dice" what with the crazy cars and trucks out there. The 400 seems good between 75-80 mph. but that's about it, get a 650 f you really want to hang with the "Big Boys", i.e. 110" harleys, and valkries, etc. I never felt very comfortable on ANY scooter before this,
even a lot of motorcycles aren't real good for aerodynamics at highway speed. The balance, brakes and handling of the 400 is really a step above
any vespa, the brakes and build quality making the difference, IMHO.

 

[Chappy]

Piece of cake on the freeway I do every day out here on the Great Plains. All the weight is at the bottom so no problem, Also does 70 miles per gallon 70 mph! Are registered 70 miles per hour Is about 65 And does very well in the first lane With all the other slow traffic Boat's cars trucks campers...you have loads twist left for 2nd lane passing. I wouldn't get 650 for 20 mpg less!

 

[Duster]

Got back last week from an 8 day trip
to N. Minnesota from Indiana...mostly
freeway at 60/65. 150 miles N. of Duluth
on 2-lane roads. 1795 miles 'round-trip.
No problems...let the speed-freaks go on.

 

[HowHH]

If you want to be doing 65-70 on the freeway, then this is not problem for the 400.

To be honest, I think that the 400 is more susceptible to crosswinds compared to other more open-bodied motorcycles, but I have also seen others get more blown around than me. I have ridden many times in days where the weatherman was reporting 30-40+ mph winds and maybe was moved 1/3 of the lane over.

You indicate having a death grip on the handlebars. That's probably the worst thing you can do while riding, especially in the wind and rain. Work on relaxing your hands, arms and shoulders and you'll find that the bike does what it should do. If you let yourself be tight and frightened, it will make the ride feel scary and feel like you are being blown all over the road.

Also, as hacker mentioned, wear earplugs on the highway. It will mute the sound of the wind in your helmet. Depending on your helmet the sound of the wind gusts may actually be intensified, and may contribute to the intimidation factor. Good luck with your purchase!

 

[v8eyedoc]

I am still in the process of acquiring a 13 Burg 400 or 650 but the hold up is as I am concerned as to the stability of the 400 or 650 when it comes to riding on the freeways on a 400 which I am now leaning towards buying over the 650 but I have a concern about the stability of the 400 riding on the freeways and weather it gets blown around a lot out their when trucks or cars pass you & am I going to be riding with red knuckles like I did on my Vespa 250 which was very scary out on freeways so I got rid of it. I guess I am asking can I ride the 400 at my comfortable speed of 65-70 & feel relaxed & not on edge all the time as I do a bit of freeway driving on trips & I like the feel of the 400 plus the mpg & the price difference but if I can't feel safe out their on a 400 then I guess it's not practical to own the 400 over the 650 no matter how good I feel on the 400. Thank you for any answers as I have never owned or rode a Burgman but I have a Helix & owned lots of Harleys in my riding years but don't want to continue my riding on Harleys any more.

I ride my 2008 400 on the highway all the time and also my GL1800 Goldwing...........when a big trailer truck passes me - it makes no difference which bike I am riding - I get blown around...!! AND.I travel at about 75-80 MPH on the 400..................!!!

 

[Desert Rat]

I had a 07 400 & put 46k+ miles on it. Sold it a few months back & got a used 09 650 Exc. I can tell you there is a difference on the freeway & cross winds. Now saying that I put quite a few of those 46k+ miles on the freeway with now problem. Like others have said riding single at 70-80 indicated is no problem for the 400. If you are the kind that needs to run in the fast lane ( I'm not)go for a 650 as it has way more power. Yes weight does make a difference in cross winds. My 650 doesn't get moved around as much as the 400. I ride my son's Victory MC which weighs over 800 lbs it doesn't get kicked around as much as my 650. For what you are wanting I think the 400 should work just fine.
First thing you will need to do if you get a 400 is put a good after market windshield on it. The stock one is junk and in a good cross wind you will think it's going to fold in half. :sad2:

 

[29534]

First thing you will need to do if you get a 400 is put a good after market windshield on it. The stock one is junk and in a good cross wind you will think it's going to fold in half. :sad2:

Whether you get a 400 or a 650, a good aftermarket windshield is needed. My 400 had a GIVI and my 650 has a Clearview.

 

[Quantum Mechanic]

My 2012 400z abs is pretty stable in all conditions and compares well with many big motorcycles of today. My Vstrom 1000 and GSX1400, amazingly are very similar to my Burgman in the way they handle high crosswinds. In fact I would say I prefer the handling of the Burgman to either of my big bikes when the winds are high. The Vstrom has fairings and boxes all over it and these act like sails and make it unwieldy, and the GSX is not too different in it's ability to handle crosswinds to the 400, but maybe just a tiny bit less of a wander at high speed in high wind. So I would not worry about the 400's capability. I've ridden the 650 many time too and that too is better than many motorcycles and in very high winds may have the advantage in some conditions over the 400 but in my view not by much. Either bike is ok in the wind or when passing big trailers.

 

[Scootereno]

Titusville Huh? Cool little town. My sisters father-in-law used to be mayor there. I used to ride a little 50cc scoot out to PlayLinda Beach on the cape when we visited.
I have a 400 and it rides like a mid-sized cruiser on the freeway where as the 650 is more like the larger cruisers in my opinion. But in city traffic and back roads the 400 is so much more to my liking and I feel that outweighs the minor differences on the freeway. To each their own......
Ride What you Like and Like What you Ride!

 

[Topless]

It took a 55-60mph wind gust to spook me enough to get off a hiway and take side roads. That gust was on an overpass right at the start of the retaining wall, moved me onto the shoulder, scared me to intense pucker factor. I ride in 30-35 mph cross winds a lot.

 

[westnash]

It is nothing like a Vespa and in Florida you are not going to have any problem with the 400 in the wind. It is a solid machine and you will be amazed of the power a 400 puts out. It has proven to be more reliable than the 650s at much less cost...and holds more underneath too.