At Suzuki’s 2018 Burgman AN400 model launch in late summer 2017, Mikko found it ‘thoroughly enjoyable to ride’. Fast forward to 2018 and the scooter is now in the UK – time for a spot of ‘real world’ testing.
My first impression of the 2018 Burgman is that the scooter is smaller – and it is,having lost a little length, width and weight (although it’s still a little heavier than it was on release in 1998). Having ridden older versions in the past, it would also appear that the new stepped seat pushes the driver’s position a little forward; that’s not a problem on short daily commutes, but I’ll wait to be convinced on whether it affects comfort on long journeys; Suzuki says the seat itself is 20mm thicker than on the old model, so that should help with ‘numb bum’ syndrome.
Something else I suspect has shrunk (although I couldn’t find any reference to it in the tech specs) is the underseat storage space – Suzuki claims you can get two helmets under the seat, albeit one of them being a ‘Jet’ style. There is some other limited storage available, which consists of two storage compartments in the front legshields, one of which contains a 12v DC power outlet.
If the Burgman’s stature has shrunk slightly, the front wheel has actually gotten bigger; the rear wheel remains at 13 inches, but the front wheel is now 15 inches (maybe this is part of the reason that the seat height is up on the previous model, sitting at 755mm)?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Honda CRF1100L ES Africa Twin
Without panniers he was adventuring nowhere - so at least Bertie's got something sorted now
BMW R 12 nineT
Chad gets a track day surprise when BMW's R 12 nineT turns out to be surprisingly fun on track
Test fleet: VOGE 525 DSX
After testing the Voge's abilities on a long ride, it was time to take it to the Cotswolds and see how it would manage on the rougher stuff
Portuguese Perambulations
Nearly over before it had begun, a brief workshop stint allows Spain and Portugal to be explored
Highway to Heaven
Three friends take on the challenge of riding the length of Canada, from Vancouver in the southwest to Inuvik in the north. The road is long, the conditions merciless, and wildfires are tearing through the country. To top it all off, the final leg of the journey is the ultimate test of gravel riding skills, nerves, and courage - it's the legendary Dempster Highway...
Battlaxes at the ready!
We tend to take tyres for granted, never really looking at them in any detail, or at how they work, just hoping that they keep us shiny side up at all times. Even in the wet
Ducati Riding Experience
When I rode the Ducati DesertX to France last year, I did have a bit of an explore on some easy fire roads and gentle green lanes in the wilds of the Médoc area, but was left with the feeling that, had I the experience, the DesertX would have been capable of taking me along some more extreme trails to some even more exciting places. If only there was a way of finding out just how well the Italian adventure bike could cope with some more extreme terrain...
Four pot flyer
Many said that sports bikes, and particularly bikes in the traditional Supersports class that was populated by 600cc inline fours, were dead. Maybe they spoke too soon?...
Eastern adventurer
With an increasing interest in smaller capacity adventure bikes, the market expands with a new entry
First Time Lucky?
It's ironic that the first all-new MV Agusta model to hit the marketplace right after Italy's No.1 trophy brand was acquired by Austrian giant Pierer Mobility, owner of off-road titans KTM, should be the company's first dual-purpose model of the modern era, powered by MV's all-new 931cc three-cylinder engine that's destined to form the basis of a whole series of new models in coming months and years.
