2017–2020 · Scooter · Buyer's Guide
Everyday Hauler That Actually Moves
The Burgman 400 is Suzuki's idea of a scooter that can replace a car, and it pulls that off without fuss. A liquid-cooled 399 cc single makes 29 hp and 27 lb-ft, with a belt taking drive to the rear wheel. That is enough to hold its own in city traffic and still keep going when the road opens up. The steel tube frame carries a 15-inch front wheel and a 13-inch rear, a setup that gives it a steady footing without making it lazy at walking pace. The real selling point sits under the seat, where there is enough space to cover a week of errands and commuting.
This is a grown-up scooter, very much in Suzuki's low-key style. It doesn't show off. It gets on with the job, day after day, and it ages the same way: reliable, cheap to run, easy to live with. It suits the rider who wants to stop thinking about transport. There are caveats. At 474 lb (215 kg) it is heavy when you shove it into a tight curbside gap. Hold 70+ mph for long stretches and you will be checking the oil more often than you would like. If you live where the roads get salted, keep the alloy parts clean.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 29 hp (21 kW) |
|---|---|
| Torque | 27 lb-ft (36 Nm) |
| Displacement | 399 cc |
| Engine | Single-cylinder |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Final drive | Belt |
| Front tire | 120/70-15 |
| Rear tire | 150/70-13 |
| Seat height | 29.7 in (755 mm) |
| Wet weight | 474 lb (215 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 3.6 gal (13.5 L) |
| Top speed | 95 mph (153 km/h) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Comfort
Safety
This picture comes from years of paddock talk, owner chats at club nights, and the emails and messages Burgman 400 riders send me directly. A clear pattern runs through it. Owners like how the scooter stops, pulls and steers once it's rolling. Their complaints are fewer and mostly about upkeep.
The brakes come up again and again. Riders describe the stopping power as strong and progressive, controlled rather than grabby, and some credit the lighter ABS unit for that calm feel. Owners also describe the single as linear, with noticeably stronger low-to-mid-range pull, so town work and highway runs both feel easy. Once it's underway, several riders say the redesigned chassis and larger front wheel make it surprisingly flickable, closer to a light sportbike than its size would suggest.
The gripes are smaller and fewer owners raise them. Some find the service schedule demanding: an oil change every 3,000 miles plus frequent belt inspections. For riders who do their own work, that means more money spent and more evenings in the garage than they expected.
Oil consumption at high speeds
Some owners notice a gradual drop in oil level after extended periods of sustained highway-speed cruising, where the single-cylinder engine runs at high revs for long stretches. The oil level may need occasional topping up between scheduled services. Because the engine holds a relatively small volume of oil, a modest loss is a meaningful share of the total, so checking the level regularly matters.
Corrosion on alloy and plated parts
In regions with road salt and wet winters, alloy engine casings, muffler trim, and fasteners can develop corrosion relatively quickly. Regular cleaning and protective coatings are recommended.
Where this Suzuki Burgman 400 pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Top speed
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the Burgman 400 is actually built for.
This is your bike. It parks easily, costs little to run, keeps the weather off you and swallows a day's worth of stuff under the seat. Just be ready for its weight when you squeeze into tight curb spots.
Made for New York City · Austin · Los Angeles
It will get you through the week in the city in comfort and without drama. On the weekend ridge roads it is a relaxed cruiser, not a sharp tool, so enjoy the scenery and don't expect to lead the group.
Made for Bay Area Ridge Roads · San Francisco / Bay Area · Skyline Boulevard / Alice's Restaurant
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
Any price note compares both bikes at the same age — the youngest age both have on the used market — against this Suzuki Burgman 400. “cheaper/pricier” is what that bike costs second-hand, not how worn it is.
Successor · 2021
Competitor · 2017–2022
Maxi Agility, Motorway Reach
Roughly $1,800 cheaper used than this bike at 6 yr
Competitor · 2021
City Slicker, Highway Ready
Competitor · 2021–2024
BMW Manners, Daily Grind