halfabusa wrote:if you're going to do a lot of mileage then consider the belt change costs of the burgman 400 as the 650 doesn't have that so on the long run it'll cost less to maintain. what you gain in servicing though you'll probably spend on more fuel costs.

I hadn't thought of that - a very good point.

You're going to get the 650 aren't you, wuffstuff?

Wuffstuff, they are both good, the Six Fiddy or the 400. My choice has been the 400z ABS which after riding GSX1400's and Vstrom 1000cc's for years and years, along with just about every other bike on the market, I find absolutely fine and huge fun, believe it or not. The 400 Burgman really shouldn't go as good as it does, but it continually exceeds my expectations. The guys are pretty much right in what they are saying about them.

MIne only has 1400 miles on the clock at the moment but she cruises at 70-75mph with absolute ease revving at 6400-6500rpm at indicated 70mph. Mine is redlined at 8900rpm. In truth I'm not in too much hurry now and I am enjoying 'just 70mph'. If you need to stretch the budget fuel wise then the 400 is the king of the two. I get, and this is no exageration, anywhere between 78-83mpg pretty much all the time now. Dunno how it does it. Servicing on the 400 is supremely easy with belt replacement being exceptionally simple to do yourself for just a few pounds, and everything else is even easier. It's a diy service dream. Even taking it to the dealer is much cheaper than the Six Fiddy. I know because I was sure I needed the Six Fiddy at first and I did all the research, test rides and the sums. However, a day on the 400 proved me wrong about the bike I needed and wanted. The 400 goes ok with two on but if you are doing two up all the time at speeds above 70mph then go for the 650. Without detracting from the 650, the 400 has none of it's transmission issues and costs at higher mileages. It's rare to find a high mileage 400 owner that has had any issues at all. They just go for years and years without problem however you drive them. Good luck and let us all know what you decide.

Thanks to all. You really did make my mind up for me, and today I ordered a 400 |(the Z version) with a 49 ltr top box.

Because of the Bank Holiday there will be a bit of a delay in putting it together (Bridge Motorcycles Exeter has one in a crate).

After 40 years of sports bikes, and lately Harleys, I'm really looking forward to this big change.

I'll keep you informed as to how I get on and maybe enjoy a ride out if there is one.

Thanks again.

For the use you plan for it, I think you've made the right choice. Look forward to hearing how you get on with it.

Hello everyone,

Haven't posted much since joining, but had to join in this discussion.

I've owned both 400 and 650 Burgmans, and currently own a 2008 Burgman 650. Ashamed to say that I haven't used it much due to its tremendous weight for manhandling, so this last weekend I decided to sell (now sold) and replace with a 400.
Last weekend I pushed the 650 from the garage to wash and polish, hurt myself in the bargain...back and shoulders, and that was the final straw....it wasn't an enjoyable experience which it should have been!
I shall be very sad to see the old girl go, especially after all the miles and comfort, but needs as must I'm afraid.

The 400 model will be perfect as it is easier to push around, more economical for these days' prices for fuel, and does the same job as the bigger sister. Reading current literature indicates that the 400 is the better model all round, better designed, more popular, and a lot cheaper to buy and run. I can believe it when I remember my 3 previous 400's.

The 650 is difficult to road test before buying as there are so few around....in 2008 only 100 bikes were imported in a 6 month period, so I'm told.

Good luck with whatever you buy (have bought). All the models are brilliant bikes for purposes intended.

DW