Suzuki Burgman 400 ABS

NOT SO MUCH

Twist-and-go bikes are often noisy, nervous little creatures with the road manners of a poorly trained ferret (and are often as attractive). Usually quick off the mark, they then struggle with the fast pace of urban traffic, left for dead in freeway emergency lanes, dangerously listing in the wake of heavy vehicles passing with mere centimetres to spare.

It's a familiar recipe, and a dangerous one at that. But as more punters race to save a buck on their daily commute and hefty CBD parking fees, it's a sight now commonplace on busy inner-city roads and freeways.

But it needn't be the case, with ride away deals on long wheelbase scooters like the Suzuki Burgman putting bigger, more powerful and safer two-wheelers within the reach of the everyman. Indeed, the freedoms and frugalness of scooter ownership can combine with a decent ride for an almost luxurious two-wheeled experience.

Priced at $9890, the Burgman offers a tenacious yet frugal 400cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine and ABS as standard fare. The comfy two-seater provides a stretched platform and plenty of suspension travel for soaking up the lumps and bumps, and a riding position that's as laid back as your favourite recliner, perfect for those ever-growing peak 'hours'.

Filling the tank costs about 15 bucks, enough to cover around 300km through combined city and freeway riding (or roughly 3.6lt/100km). The fuel injected engine is mostly smooth – a slight vibration noticed on steep uphill or low speed starts – very quick off the mark, and comfortable in keeping with freeway traffic. Two-up the performance suffers only slightly, but there's a larger 650cc model available (the $13,290 Burgman Executive) for those planning more frequent paired commutes.

Strong brakes with the reassurance of ABS provide plenty of stopping power, even if the levers need bigger hands to operate (no adjustment offered). Steering and handling is an easy task most of the time, a little weight noticed on low speed corners where inertia – and gravity – do their best to pull you down. But on open runs, the Burgman is a breeze to manoeuvre, leisurely changing lanes and negotiating roundabouts, with mid-corner corrugations taken in its stride.

Plenty of lockable storage is offered both under the seat and beneath the bars (see images), enough to leave two helmets, gloves and your GPS, which can be plugged in to the standard 12-volt socket. It's also handy for charging the phone. The fuel cap is lockable to prevent syphoning.

Controls and instrumentation are straightforward and user-friendly, and a fuel gauge is included to prevent those long, embarrassing walks to the servo. Big, well placed mirrors afford excellent rear-view visibility, and for night riding a large, clear headlamp throws a decent spread of light.

The Burgman's deeply cushioned and well sculpted seat offers generous accommodation and a relaxed riding position for both rider and pillion alike, while forward controls prevent tired legs on longer trips. The pillion seat can also be fitted with an optional backrest.

For the inner-city commute, or even that stretch in to the outer 'burbs, the Burgman is an easy option that's fun to ride and cheap to run. Suzuki offers a comprehensive two-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

SPECS: SUZUKI BURGMAN ABS

ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve, single-cylinder
Capacity: 400cc
Bore x stroke: 81.0mm x 77.6mm
Compression ratio: 10.6:1
Fuel system: Fuel injection

TRANSMISSION
Type: CVT automatic
Final drive: Shaft
Clutch: N/A

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame type: Tubular high-strength steel
Front suspension: Telescopic, coil spring, oil-dampened
Rear suspension: Link-type, coil spring, oil-dampened
Front brakes: Twin 260mm discs
Rear brakes: 210mm disc
Tyres: Front 120/80-14, rear 150/70-13

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Rake: 27 degrees
Trail: 106mm
Claimed wet weight: 222kg
Seat height: 710mm
Wheelbase: 1585mm
Fuel capacity: 13.5lt

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 32hp (23.5kW) at 7500rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 32Nm at 6000rpm

OTHER STUFF
Price: $9890
Options: Rider screen $295 (fitted)
Colour: Black
Bike supplied by: Suzuki Australia (www.suzukimotorcycles.com.au)
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres