Well, I'll get the ball rolling here ...

Inseam?

Strength, particularly regarding ability to hold up the bike?

Intended use?

Which is to say:

- The 650 is a heavy bike, with a tall seat. (Not as tall as the Beemer 650s, for instance, but still tall.) At 600-something pounds, it can be a handful at stops, and getting off the centerstand. I don't know the details on the 400, but it's considerably lighter.

I went from a 650, owning it for five years, to another very heavy bike, a Victory bagger. The Vic was actually almost 300 lbs. heavier, but I could flat-feet the Vic MUCH more than I could the Big Burger, and so felt much more comfortable having my wife out back on that big bike. (And I went back to another 650 Exec, and sold the Vic, after my wife had medical issues that stopped her riding.)

- Do you plan on doing short-ish trips, touring, or both? And possibly two-up? The 650 is the better tourer, and can cruise all day with the fastest superslab traffic. If that sort of riding will be a rare occurrence for you, then it doesn't much matter.

- The 400 is probably easier to work on, should something major go wrong. I'm thinking about the respective trannies; if the one on the 650 goes, you have extensive work ahead of you, or you can convert it into a mailbox.

- The MSRP of the 650 has always been a knock against it by those not in the know. For those of us in the know, its wind protection, storage, handling, and just all-around fun negate that. All of this applies to a lesser extent regarding the 400.

If you decide on the 650, perhaps a dealer with an aging, now sort of obsolete, floor model will give you a good deal on one, because it's not making the dealership any money -- and likely costing it some, regarding the money tied up in it -- just sitting there on the floor. Lots of the for-sale ads are from folks who wish they could get whatever they're asking for one, but that doesn't mean they'll actually get their asking price, or that they won't accept a lower price.

Glad to see that you want to get back in the saddle. Best of luck with your search.

 

Okay cool!
Good strength only instability is ocassional getting prostetic foot caught on extension cord.
Im 5ft 8 in.
Recreational riding, sometimes 2 to 300 mile round trips.
No passengers.
Lm a retired millwright, electrician , pipefitter, so yes mechanically inclined.
Is bike always stored on center stand, or side stand?
Im reading some that the pre 2013 models are a little tough to move around do to clutch?????
Post 13 are more sleek in body????????

 

...
Is bike always stored on center stand, or side stand?
...

I use the centerstand a lot, but you don't have to.

- I always fill up on the centerstand. That way, you can get a little more gas in the tank, than if the bike is on the sidestand, before it overflows. Just trying to minimize stops, especially because I often ride with a buddy who has a BMW RT, which has a tank that lets him ride twice as far in between gas stops.

- I find that a bike on a centerstand (or a wheel chock, if it doesn't have a centerstand) takes up a lot less room in the garage. With a car, riding lawnmower, snowblower, etc., also in there, it gives me more room to walk around. So I don't use the sidestand in the garage.

- If you do you own maintenance, you'll need to put the bike on the centerstand for oil changes and the even less frequent radiator flushes. But we're certainly not talking very often for those.

So, for me, pretty much all I use the sidestand for is at rest stops, lunch breaks, that sort of thing.

 

The 2003-2012 are just a little harder to back up but not a problem for most. But even the 2013 up, you do not want to push up hill if you park wrong. You learn to back in down hill.

I am 5'7" with a 30 inch inseam. I can not flat foot while sitting on the stock seat but I can control it fine on my bent ankles. The Burgman 400 is the same I think, just lighter.

 

i do sometimes wish my '07 650 had reverse. it can be a beach to push back over lumps etc, the slightest incline means real work. i think it actually pushes easier with the engine running. i basically never try to move it unless I'm sitting on it -engine running. just always think ahead and pull in such a manner that you can pull right out (naturally) .. all the weight is low so its actually pretty easy to balance.. gear drive, so centerstand is only needed for tire changes... i took mine off entirely, for cornering clearance. plus it's just plain ugly . I've never ridden a 400 but i did sit on one a couple months ago and the hump & floorboards are MUCH narrower than the 650..

 

i do sometimes wish my '07 650 had reverse. it can be a beach to push back over lumps etc, the slightest incline means real work. i think it actually pushes easier with the engine running. i basically never try to move it unless I'm sitting on it -engine running. just always think ahead and pull in such a manner that you can pull right out (naturally) ..

Be very careful when backing up with a running scooter. If your foot happens to slip you could easily twist the throttle.

 

Now that concerns me, as my prostetic foot does not flex or rotate much. I believe I definately need that foot to rest flat to properly balance when stoped.Hmmmmm

 

The foot boards are flat on both. The 400's are just a little narrower and the hump isn't as wide, so you don't manspread quite as much.

I have both (see my signature). Got the 400 July 2018 and have put 16,000 miles on it. Got the 650 Aug 2019 and have put ~7,000 on it. Have done a 4 day, 1,200 mile trip on the 400. Have done a couple 300 mile day rides on the 650.

Both will super slab just fine. The 650 has a bit more in reserve at 70 MPH than the 400, but the 400can super slab all day at 70-85 all. (note the pre 07 MY 400 can eat oil at high RPM for extended periods)

If I had to choose and keep only one, I'd keep the 400, primarily due to the weight difference. Matter of fact, if things fall into place I may get rid of the 650 next year for a DRZ-400, DR650, or royal enfield himalayan. Kinda want to go pay in the dirt some.

I could write a long thesis why/why to get either. Best advice I can offer is, if possible, test ride both.

Both are very versatile, capable, and different bikes.

 

Huh, I just now look at weight and demensions.
Really, over 150 lb difference
Thats a lot.

 

I'm 5'8" headed for 5'6" .My right foot has no ankle, no bend( fused by surgeons ) the 650 seat is supposed to be 31 inches, by sitting forward toward the hump, I can flat foot it. Maneuvering it still can be a bit grunty, but when I owned a 400, it wern't no pickle to push around. and short (legged) as I am , finding room for my knees was a concern, I dunno your riding plans but there is also the 200 option.

(slight edit by Admin)

 

Something to be aware of - Somebody I came across managed to catch his prosthetic between the ground and the underside of the floorboard.
No big deal, he quickly learned a better position, same for a few of us without prosthetics

The floorboards are cut away for a feet-on-ground stance but it doesnt extend all the way back.
(obviously all prosthetics are different as you will know better than me).

On the plus side - many of us ride “feet forward” with our feet on the leg shield section on both models, there is a footplate there. This gives an option for comfortable/required joint angles.

I don’t like the weight of the 650 to duck walk around on those occasions you are forced to park awkwardly. On the other hand my 400 needs slightly longer to overtake which you might miss depending on your riding style. My 400 has heated grips, after market manually adjustable screen and abs but not the folding mirrors.

Also, you can throw a BK prosthetic in the under the seat storage
Other than that I don’t know enough about what things are/aren’t troublesome

 

Something to be aware of - Somebody I came across managed to catch his prosthetic between the ground and the underside of the floorboard.
No big deal, he quickly learned a better position, same for a few of us without prosthetics

I've done that and do not have a prosthetic...could have got me one because I wasn't wearing my boots. 🤦‍♂️

 

I'll weigh in here with the caveat of my only Burgman experience is with the 650. It is heavy bike for being 650 but as said above, a little planning when you park goes a long way. In my opinion the newer ones do not back up with any more difficulty than earlier models but that is based on only riding a 2017 model. I traded off a similarly weighted bike for the Burgman. It was a typical all gear drive and the Burgman is similar in feel to backing that bike up. Sitting astride the bike and maneuvering it in reverse is not difficult but I watch where and how I park. In the rare case I have trouble backing up while sitting on it, I merely stand up and can push it without too much trouble. As far as parking it, it depends on what the surface is and what I am doing. As said by wspollack, I fill with gas on the center stand but I rarely park on the center stand unless I am in the garage just to save space. Putting it on the center is as easy as any bike I have ever owned. Step on the stand and lift slightly. Easy stuff unless you are on gravel. Getting it off the center stand is far more difficult than putting it on the stand. Even that with a little practice isn't too bad unless it is loaded for a trip. Just my opinion but the weight is less critical than the intended use of the bike. I regularly ride 750 mile days when commuting back and forth to Illinois from Texas. On the road there is no replacement for displacement (within reason). More power and a little larger fuel tank makes all the difference.

 

Go for the 400 - it's far lighter and easy around town and runs great on the highway. I have mine on the highway almost daily and it runs great at 75 all day long and is a super bike for the city. The 650 is too heavy and for the extra 200# I haven't found a huge advantage unless most of your miles will be on the highway.

 

if you can test ride either great, or even try to sit and try to push it around and see your foot position etc to see if either is better for you. if you have issues with your footing, maybe have someone be close to stabilize the bike with you. you are aware that big bikes can tip over from losing balance.

power wise the 650 definitely is the choice. both are good, but some more storage in the 400 under seat. windshield has turbulence as some have mentioned on the 400, 650 has powered windshield which is useful

fill ups on 400 can be done while seated, the 650 is on the left side towards the back end. maintenance on 400 needs CVT work (every 14 or 15k miles, dont quote me). on the 650, its only oil, besides filters and plug/s on both.

big plus, you have a very detailed service manual for either and VERY knowledgeable and helpful friends here. and you have videos for the 650/400 from the fabulous Le Dude/Mitch Mcbergsma.

 

A plus for the 650, when yo get motorcycle people tee-heeing it’s a ‘scooter’ not a motorcycle, you can tell them it’s got a water cooled parallel twin, not the typical mono-holer most scooters.use.

 

And the engine rigidly mounted to the frame (not on the swingarm), and the engine is a DOHC.

 

It will all come down to a personal choice based on whatever factors you need to consider. I think the 400 and the 650 are similar in a lot of ways. The obvious difference is the weight. Both are solid platforms, both are capable of highway use for longer rides and from what I read they are both comfortable. The intended use and your comfort level in moving the bike around should be your guiding light. Even after a few years of 650 ownership, I think there are times that I would like to have a 400 but for me the 650 fits my overall needs. Keep us posted on what you decide to get. They're all too high in prices but shop around. There are some good deals to be had if you scour the web ads. Both bikes are solid performers and will last a long time with reasonable maintenance.

 

650 or 400, the smallest bike ive ridden in last 10 years is a 1300 honda, cant ride them any more l lost my right foot in a bike accident.
So to continue riding, what l consider safely with a prostetic foot, ive decide on the scooter.
Yes ive tryed the bike, the spyder. a scooter. Scooter wins by far.
I really like the looks and accessories of the executive 650 best.
How does the 400 compare to the 650?
Im in Pa.
Why are the advertised prices so high, well over nada book value, and we all know how the banks work.
Not begrudging anyone, we all want a fair deal.

Mate I'm same height as you both knees total replacement, both hips and total right shoulder replaced. Look around for a 650B I have no problem at all. Never used the centre stand when I service it I just put it on the motorcycle jack/stand. So it spends mostly all its time on the side stand. I ride everyday rain or shine. My wife is a tiny 4'10" and has no problem moving her scooter around and she certainly ain't built like a wrestler. As for them being expensive there are still a lot of 650 Burgmans around for a fair and decent price. When I got my wife's it was over 800 miles away but it was a great ride back. It's a shame that because they have discontinued the 650 that you get a few greasy idiots that think that they'll make money by jacking up the price. Bide your time you'll find yourself a nice 650B and end up with a nice bike.

 

650 or 400, the smallest bike ive ridden in last 10 years is a 1300 honda, cant ride them any more l lost my right foot in a bike accident.
So to continue riding, what l consider safely with a prostetic foot, ive decide on the scooter.
Yes ive tryed the bike, the spyder. a scooter. Scooter wins by far.
I really like the looks and accessories of the executive 650 best.
How does the 400 compare to the 650?
Im in Pa.
Why are the advertised prices so high, well over nada book value, and we all know how the banks work.
Not begrudging anyone, we all want a fair deal.

I have both a 400 and 650, both are fun. The 400 is a scooter with a touch of motorcycle and the 650 is a motorcycle with a touch of scooter. I’m disabled and have some stability and strength issues and find the 400 to be much easier to handle, it sits lower and is easier to back out of the garage. The 650 remind me more of the gold wing that I can’t ride anymore. The 650 is smoother on the road, thirstier, and much more powerful. But if I had to choose the 400 would win for me. I have a 32” inseam and can barely flat foot the 650. With the 400 I can slightly bend my knees. A lot depends on your strength and the type of driving you’re going to do.

 

I am going to add my two cents as well. I'm 74 and been riding for over 50 years and owned most everything. Have also owned both 650 and 400 as well. I personally think, based on your comments, the 400 is best for all the reasons given. It is must easier to handle both physically and mechanically. You will enjoy the ride as well. I no longer make the long multiple day rides but often take the 400 out for 200 - 250 mile excursions. It handles well for short interstate rides but would not take it (or any other these days) for long interstate travel. The Burgs are great alternatives and u will enjoy continued great riding. As an aside I would buy a 2-4 year old used bike. With a little patience u can find one with low miles and for little money. Often older "good looking" guys like me are given the orders by the wife or kids to give it up. You can ship one for 300 - 400 from most anywhere. All the best and continue enjoying the adventure !
Bear

 

Yeeahh, I told S.W.M.B.O. to "give it up" once 🤯. Won't be doing that again !

 

Yea, but I think we are talking about different things here. 😎 Most wimmins are funny that way.

 

I test rode a 650 about 8 yrs ago. Nice. Then found my 08 400 in 2012. Nice. Lighter. Have been on several trips. Both on the slab and on blue highways. It is capable enough. Simpler than 650 = points as far as I am concerned. (Burgman grin)

 

650 or 400, the smallest bike ive ridden in last 10 years is a 1300 honda, cant ride them any more l lost my right foot in a bike accident.
So to continue riding, what l consider safely with a prostetic foot, ive decide on the scooter.
Yes ive tryed the bike, the spyder. a scooter. Scooter wins by far.
I really like the looks and accessories of the executive 650 best.
How does the 400 compare to the 650?
Im in Pa.
Why are the advertised prices so high, well over nada book value, and we all know how the banks work.
Not begrudging anyone, we all want a fair deal.

What did you end up buying? I have a 2020 400 but looked at a 650. I am 5'7" with a 31" inseam and, as an older woman with osteo in both knees, I didn't feel I could handle the 650 that we saw. Although that is my goal bike after I 'outgrow' the 400, I am very happy with my new 400. Never rode a bike of any kind except the kind you pedal and I've been able to drive in parking lots learning as I go. I can back it out of the garage albeit its a workout for me but good to know how to do. I can't wait to get my license after a basic rider course later this fall unless I get in sooner. Just based on what I've read, the 400 sounds better for you. You can enjoy riding again!

 

@MawTimesTwo
Your response and a few others on this forum really pique my curiosity about the 400. I have a friend with one and he really likes it. I've never ridden one but maybe someday one will find it's way into my garage if I feel the 650 getting too heavy. I am slowly trying to wean myself off the bigger bikes 😁 .

 

Im in Pa.

Just wondering where in PA you're at. I'm in Lancaster and have an 08 650 exec that will be back on the road Friday hopefully. If you're nearby you're welcome to see what you think if you haven't been on a 650 yet.

Locally 650s seem to be hard to find and both 650 and 400s have pretty crazy prices as a norm. There have been a few with decent prices I've seen on marketplace and Craigslist, but you're better off traveling a bit to get a good deal unless you're really patient and watch the ads like a hawk. They're going very quickly with the stimulus $ and now gas prices going way up.

 

I'll vote for the 400 all day long. Lighter. Simpler. The smallest scooter that will cruise at 70+ all day.
I've sat on a 200 also, but I don't know its cruising speed. Also it seems to be too light to cruise the slabs.

 

I'll vote for the 400 all day long. Lighter. Simpler. The smallest [ ["ENGINED"] ] scooter that will cruise at 70+ all day.

Dimensionally the 2007-16 B400 is almost identical to the 2013+ 650, lower seat, similar legroom. I have the 400, my friend the 650.
On our UK roads there is little to choose from A-B. 650 a little quicker off the line to 60mph; to 30mph, not so sure. Over a distance, nothing in it. 400 most surely best in town (for me).
650 is HEAVY, and feels it at low speeds. Again, I am speaking of UK roads, where long wide, straights are not the norm.
Having said that, my 400 cruises easiily at our 70mph limits.(GPS corrected,not speedo reading)

 

If I had to do it over again I'd probably get a 400 instead as well. I won't be riding with a passenger and it's more for commuting than anything else, so the better mpg would be a plus. My commutes are all off the highway. There is a good stretch of 55 mph, but I'm rarely able to go that fast because of the slow tourist traffic.

The 400 would do everything I'd need it to do and more.