Burgman 400 vs Burgman 650

[Data]

The Suzuki roadshow was on at Orwell Motorcycles in Ipswich yesterday. That's where I've bought several bikes over the years including my current 400 Burgman. I was short of time but decided to go down and take a look. I hadn't booked a ride (an oversight on my part) but thought I'd ask anyway about taking out the Burgman 650. Unfortunately I couldn't get a ride in my time frame available on the latest model as it was fully booked during the morning into the afternoon. However, they did have the older model available, and so true to form, Orwell prepped it specially for me to take out for a run. Orwell are experts at providing just what customers want, good traditional service. I was told to take my time and enjoy, and let them know what I thought about it.

Ok so off I went. I haven't actually ridden the 650 on the road for about 2 years I guess. It all came flooding back though, the smooth ride, the fantastic smooth power delivery, the fine handling and roadholding, the nice noise the motor makes etc etc. Couldn't really fault the bike. It had 12k miles on the clock and had been looked after by the previous owner. So after being out on her for around 40 minutes I arrived back at Orwell HQ. I got off and really found it difficult to pick fault with the bike...except for one thing! It just wasn't me...the bike was so good it totally disconnected me from the experience of riding two wheels. Then I remembered it was the reason I often used the company 650's for the intercontinental trips for work. It munched miles at ridiculous intercontinental speeds (but hogged the juice!) and delivered a stress free ride. But, the ride never really excited me. Not like riding my GSX1400 or any of my other big bikes, nor like riding my beloved 400 Burgman, which amazingly, is arguably the best bike of any I've owned for intercontinental trips, despite it's diminutive engine size.

My 400 is without any question one of the best bikes I've had. You need a bit more input to ride fast (I really mean very very fast!), but it does it fine and the handling and roadholding are very good even compared to the mighty 650 Burg. My 400 engages me in the ride, it's not quite as smooth over the bumps as the 650, nor as powerful but it has soul and can cover big mileages without much effort. It's tireless to ride but exciting too. I love the push in the back that the single cylinder engine gives you, which is fairly considerable on these later bikes with the bigger revised engine and tranny. I fully understand why spaceprobe loves his Maxsym so much. It has character and having ridden both the 400 and 600 Max's I'd say they are well ahead of the Burgman 650 experience in so many ways, especially the 600 with it's super power delivery. I'm going back to ride the new 650 Burgman to make a comparison soon. Just wanted to say this and get it off my chest.

Globs is quite right about his saying "smaller is often better". Can't disagree on that in this case.

[Data]

Yep. Covered the entire 'uropeen' continents and more. Huge mileages each year.

[macamxthe1st]

Fully agree with the sentiments expressed by Data. I purchased a new 650 last year but only kept for three months as I disliked it so much. Technically the big one is hard to fault but Data hits the nail on the head with the "disconnect" comment. I feel that the clever engineering required to make the small wheel/heavy weight combination work removes any feel or involvement from the rider.

Geoff.

[Data]

I suppose the six fiddy is nearer to a 'Gold Wing' than any other proper motorcycle. And I found the Gold Wing an unbearable machine to ride too. No heart and soul and totally disconnected from motorcycling, complete lack of any sort of engagement and fun in any given ride. But great for covering huge mileages if you don't want much in the way of any of the above rider engagement. I see why folks love them but it's just not me.

[PJT]

A very interesting experience Data. However I must say that I absolutely enjoy riding my Burgman 650. It does everything that I want from it. It's a great ride especially on country roads. Of course mile crunching on motorways is easy and effortless.
I so like my Burgman 650 that I am picking up a new one next month and passing this one on to my niece.

[Gerard C]

Yes thanks for that Data. I love my 650s I don't find them disconnected at all. The smooth power in reserve and the ride is superb, but of course that's just my opinion.

Sometimes I see or hear views that seem perverse. A Bike or indeed anything performs perfectly, smoothly and efficiently and its knocked for being somehow soul less. By definition the bike that corners like shite, breaks down and is generally out to kill you should be the one we all want is that right?

In some ways its like fans of music, If its not Jazz its crap, if its not Rock its shite, If its not Rock and Roll - well you get the picture. Individual Horses for Individual Course please.

I fully respect all other riders opinions.

Just because they have different opinions to mine does not make them right or wrong. The experience of others on other Bikes has to be acknowledged, for example I have never ever sat on a T Max or a Sym of any size. They may be brilliant I would not know so I wouldn't pass comment. Your experience is vast so I would take it on board however it does not match my own admittedly lower level.

I've had three 650's and loved them all. Apart from the screens, which I changed, I cannot fault them.

[Data]

Yes indeed Gerard. I'm not knocking the bike. I depended on the two company six fiddy's for over 4 years at work but never really liked the overal rider experience. I only used a six fiddy because it was getting too expensive to keep racking up 50,000 miles a year on my own GSX14's and DL1000. You know, chains, sprockets, tyres etc. But even I recognise the Burgmans worth as a long distance tourer. It was superior to any motorcycle in the bad weather and I had plenty of that. It does everything beautifully if you don't want too much rider interaction (just my opinion of course). It's different for everyone. But the B650 did remind me of the couple of rides I had on the Goldwing 1800. One of which I took from Norwich to kent and came back by car. It was the most mind numbing experience I've ever had on two wheels. But folks do like them and I acknowledge that. Couldn't honestly say I enjoyed it. The Burgman 400 by comparison felt like a race bike...even without the extra power. In fact, the most fun machine that I've ridden in a long time is the GTS300 with abs and traction control. It's amazing and surprising. I got off the thing jibbering with enthusiasm. Surprisingly good over distance and very very comfy even for someone big like me. And so smooth over the bumps. As you say, horses for courses, and I'm glad you guys like yours.

[bornagainbiker]

I have owned both the 650 and 400 and if I had a choice with money and running costs not an issue, then I would choose the 650. As it happens, I'm currently looking for another 650 but may go for another pre 2013 model mainly due to cost but from what I remember the new version's gearing ratio was wrong (technically in 5th) at 30 mph where my L1 model was in 4th and had to put it in manual to resolve (it dropped a ratio to 4th). This anomaly was confirmed by the Suzuki demo team staff as they always used the B650 as their preferred ride.

[macamxthe1st]

If you want to start a contest for "most mind numbing" ride I would like to submit the time I rode a Harley Davidson Dyna down to the South of France. Only basic honesty prevented me from dumping the thing and getting a flight back and reporting it stolen.

[rjc1944]

I've owned an older 400 and ridden for three months a 650. Neither are anything like as enjoyable as my T-Max Mk 3. It handles better than either of the Suzukis, stops far better than the 400 and is fun to ride as well. The only area in which it loses out is luggage capacity. I love the smooth acceleration and the sound of the twin cylinder motor. I'd far rather have a twin than a single.