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Due to posts by many of you on this forum I decided to purchase a Burgman 400 or 650. I haven't ridden in 30 years due to back issues. But, the Burgman seemed like a great opportunity to be comfortable with my legs up and not have to shift. I've been wanting to ride something comfortable for enjoyment on the weekends mostly. I spent a few hours online and decided it was a Burgman 400, 650 or BMW CT650GT. Most of you seem to like the 400 so I was leaning in that direction as this will be an around town bike and short highway trips (20 miles or less).
I picked up my new 2012 Burgman 400 ABS from the dealer today. I originally went to buy a 2013 Burgman 400 but there was a brand new 2012 sitting right next to it. The dealer had agreed to $7,000 out the door (taxes, tag, title, fees and a new helmet) for the 2013 model. I was able to negotiate the price to $6400 (out the door again) for the new 2012 400.
Although I would have liked to pay $6,000 for the 2012 the dealer wouldn't budge so I took the deal. (In my state taxes are 6.5%plus title, tag, etc.)
I live near Destination Daytona (one of the largest Harley dealerships in Florida) but the dealer was located in Deland about 38 miles from my home.
My wife went with me and the entire process took about 2.5 hours (I test drove the burgman and looked at the 650 vs the 400) plus I took 20 minutes to pick a helmet out. The dealer was friendly and the purchase experience was quite easy.
I rode my Burgman 400 back to my home using back roads so it was a 52 mile trip. My wife followed behind me in our SUV. From what I could tell the Burgman speedo was off about 5-7 mph depending on my speed. The 400 hit 75-80 mph pretty comfortably but 85 mph seemed like its top speed. I most went 60-75 mph as the speed limit was 45-60 on those roads. Of course, there were Harley Davidsons everywhere and the Burg 400 kept up nicely. That said, these guys rode Harleys without windshields or helmets and once they realized I was on a Burgman they sped past me about 95 mph; I could not keep up with them (nor did I try).
Now, for my evaluation of the Burgman 400: I like the bike. The windshield sucks at over 50 mph and the dealer let me test ride a used 400 with a 2 piece Givi windshield. That windshield make the 400 a much nicer scooter.
The stock windshield isn't very good and flexes like mad at 75 mph. Plus, it isn't easy to see through the stock windshield vs the Givi.
My 2012 Burgman 400 seemed to be off center by about 5 degrees. When going straight the handles vs the front wheel seemed off to the left about 5 degrees. Is this something easily fixed at the dealership?
Overall, I am quite pleased with the acceleration (can easily match a Harley off the line most of the time) and handling as well as the weight. The 400 is nice compromise between a city scooter and highway cruiser but if you ride mostly highway get the 650. However, if your average speed is under 70 mph the 400 is a great choice.
I considered the 2014 Honda Forza but decided on the Burgman 400 due to a more powerful engine, more years on the road (Honda is first year model) and the fact you guys love your Burgmans.
I appreciate all of your time in posting on this forum and that a made a big impact on my purchase decision to get a Burgman 400.
Thank You
I picked up my new 2012 Burgman 400 ABS from the dealer today. I originally went to buy a 2013 Burgman 400 but there was a brand new 2012 sitting right next to it. The dealer had agreed to $7,000 out the door (taxes, tag, title, fees and a new helmet) for the 2013 model. I was able to negotiate the price to $6400 (out the door again) for the new 2012 400.
Although I would have liked to pay $6,000 for the 2012 the dealer wouldn't budge so I took the deal. (In my state taxes are 6.5%plus title, tag, etc.)
I live near Destination Daytona (one of the largest Harley dealerships in Florida) but the dealer was located in Deland about 38 miles from my home.
My wife went with me and the entire process took about 2.5 hours (I test drove the burgman and looked at the 650 vs the 400) plus I took 20 minutes to pick a helmet out. The dealer was friendly and the purchase experience was quite easy.
I rode my Burgman 400 back to my home using back roads so it was a 52 mile trip. My wife followed behind me in our SUV. From what I could tell the Burgman speedo was off about 5-7 mph depending on my speed. The 400 hit 75-80 mph pretty comfortably but 85 mph seemed like its top speed. I most went 60-75 mph as the speed limit was 45-60 on those roads. Of course, there were Harley Davidsons everywhere and the Burg 400 kept up nicely. That said, these guys rode Harleys without windshields or helmets and once they realized I was on a Burgman they sped past me about 95 mph; I could not keep up with them (nor did I try).
Now, for my evaluation of the Burgman 400: I like the bike. The windshield sucks at over 50 mph and the dealer let me test ride a used 400 with a 2 piece Givi windshield. That windshield make the 400 a much nicer scooter.
The stock windshield isn't very good and flexes like mad at 75 mph. Plus, it isn't easy to see through the stock windshield vs the Givi.
My 2012 Burgman 400 seemed to be off center by about 5 degrees. When going straight the handles vs the front wheel seemed off to the left about 5 degrees. Is this something easily fixed at the dealership?
Overall, I am quite pleased with the acceleration (can easily match a Harley off the line most of the time) and handling as well as the weight. The 400 is nice compromise between a city scooter and highway cruiser but if you ride mostly highway get the 650. However, if your average speed is under 70 mph the 400 is a great choice.
I considered the 2014 Honda Forza but decided on the Burgman 400 due to a more powerful engine, more years on the road (Honda is first year model) and the fact you guys love your Burgmans.
I appreciate all of your time in posting on this forum and that a made a big impact on my purchase decision to get a Burgman 400.
Thank You
