Test riding a 650 because I can't find a 400 - advice

[Hammy]

Hi Muppets! This is my second post after my introduction to the forum.

I have been thinking about buying a new Burgman 400 for a while now, but the trouble I have is that there doesn't seem to be a test drive scooter available anywhere in London. I've owned a biggish bike before (Fazer 600) but for the past five years have really loved my Vespa GTS 300 (until it got stolen)- so I do feel like I need to experience a maxi scooter before I commit. The Suzuki website claims the nearest one to where I live is in South End on Sea, which is about two hours each way. I couldn't believe they wouldn't have one somewhere closer so I actually called Suzuki customer services, and the woman on the phone checked again and said nope, sorry, that is indeed the nearest dealer with a test drive bike. So I thought, fine I'll trek all the way out there, but when I called the dealer, they said they didn't even have it - they'd sold it!

I went back on the Suzuki website and the next nearest one is St. Neats up near Cambridge - a 5 hour round trip for me! I didn't even bother to call that dealer so I don't even know if they have one in reality. Do they really expect people to shell out 6 grand with out trying before you buy? I don't think London is the centre of the universe or anything, but really a city of 8 million odd people and even more including commuters and they don't think this is a market worth focusing on?

Any way, sorry, rant over. On to my real point. I did notice that Suzuki are doing a 'test ride tour' with various bikes. No Burgman 400 included, but they are doing the 650 and I was able to book a test ride on one this Sunday.

So my question is, can I make any sort of judgement as to how I would like the 400 by riding the 650? What would feel more or less the same and what are the major differences that I should take into account? I've found some comparisons already, (though mostly older models), and obviously I expect a bit more weight and a bit more power, but how noticeable is it really, and what about things like the seat, leg room, pillion position etc? Any advice warmly appreciated.

-Hammy

[boboking]

Something's trying to tell you to go for the 600.

[gn2]

You're looking in the wrong place.
Look on BikeTrader for a second hand one and take a test ride on that.
If you like it, get a new one, they're only £5000

[Hammy]

That's good advice, but believe it or not, there only seems to be one Burgman 400 on autotrader in London! It's actually very near to me at Shepherds Bush, but they won't let you do a proper test ride on it. It's at a place called Motor Cycle Giant, but I called them and they said they would only let me drive it on a small private road next to their warehouse- their driveway basically. In fact the woman on the phone, though perfectly polite, finished telling me that with the word 'obviously' as if testing a used bike on the public roads was crazy notion!

-Hammy

[Hammy]

Just thinking though, it's probably a good sign that everyone loves their Burgman so much that no one is selling theirs on!

-Hammy

[gn2]

there only seems to be one Burgman 400 on autotrader in London!

This might come as a bit of a shock, but there are other places in the UK besides London.

[macamxthe1st]

At the risk of annoying 650 owners do not judge the 400 by riding the 650, two completely different animals. I am not saying one is better or worse than the other just very very different. In my particular case I thought the 400 was an outstanding bike (I have owned 4) but I hated the 650 (bought a new one last year but got rid after 3 months) I bet there are many 650 owners who feel the same as me but in reverse.

Geoff.

[SH125Paul]

The test ride bit from Motorcycle Giant may be down to their insurance capabilities...i.e they don't have any to cover people for test rides...
And it would be too mauch of a faff to add to yours and for them to check, you would be only covered 3rd party on yours if they had some insurance in effect on the scoot etc. etc.
Have a look at teh specs seat hight length all the usuall dimension will give you a guide in comparison, same goes for weight and engine specs... but the riding experiance may well differ - if you are new to twist n go scoot it will be ball park the same, with a bit less ooomph, but for paying new and eye on a longer term keeper - you really need to ride both to know!

That said i bought my 400 without a test ride, had teh 250, and it was just going to be a 250 with MORE!

[Steve_D]

I had a 650 and they are well equipped but heavy old lump. I only used mine for European touring - went to Italy on it twice and it was perfect on the motorways and open roads - plus the odd weekend ride outs due to the size and weight. The 400 is lighter and has more underseat storage. Almost the same size though. If I were to buy a Burgman for mainly for commuting, I'd go for the 400. If you are buying new, planning to keep it for some time and shelling out £5K+, I'd do the 5 hour round trip to road test it as that's nothing compared to the hours you will eventually be spending on it!

[Steve_D]

there only seems to be one Burgman 400 on autotrader in London!

This might come as a bit of a shock, but there are other places in the UK besides London.

Trouble is, we're spoilt dah saarf. We expect everything on our doorstep. When you live in the wilds of a foreign country like you do, travelling miles to buy just basic supplies like feed for your pet haggis is seen as the norm!