27 years of continuous production
Burgman 400 since 1999
The Suzuki Burgman 400 has been on continuous sale since 1999 — making it one of the longest-running maxi-scooter nameplates. Three full generations: 1st gen (1999-2006), 2nd gen K7 (2006-2016), 3rd gen ABS (2017-on, with 2025 Euro 5+ update). Most rivals: Forza 350 nameplate from 2018, XMAX 300 from 2017, C400 GT from 2018. The Burgman is the established player.
Lowest seat in class
755mm
755mm is the lowest seat height of any mid-size maxi-scooter — Forza 350 (780mm), XMAX 300 (795mm), C400 GT (775mm), GTS 300 (790mm). For shorter riders (under 5'7") the Burgman is the only maxi-scooter that lets both feet flat on the ground reliably. Underrated practical advantage.
Class-leading underseat storage
50L+ (two helmets)
The Burgman 400 has the largest underseat compartment in its class — 50L+ measured, comfortably accommodates two full-face helmets (or one + jacket + shopping). Forza 350 (48L), XMAX 300 (47L), C400 GT (varies with Flexcase). The Burgman wins on raw practical space.
Engine philosophy: torque + comfort
Low-rpm muscle
The Burgman's 400cc single is tuned for low-rpm torque (peak 35Nm at 5,000rpm) rather than peak power. Result: lazy, calm cruising. Holds 80mph two-up without strain. Rivals (Forza 350, XMAX 300) feel sportier; Burgman feels like a sofa with wheels. For touring two-up, the Burgman is the calmer choice.
Chassis age
Same fundamental since 2017
The current 3rd-gen Burgman 400 chassis launched in 2017. By 2026 the chassis is 9 years old — the oldest in its class. Suzuki has updated the engine (Euro 5+), traction control, lighting — but the chassis, brakes and suspension are essentially unchanged. Trade-off: slightly older feel; benefit: well-debugged platform.
Tax bracket — and small wins
£90/year (vs £25 on 350)
The Burgman's 400cc engine sits in the £90/year UK road tax bracket (401-500cc bikes is £93). Forza 350's 330cc lands in the £25/year bracket. £65/year saving for the Honda — adds up to ~£325 over 5 years of ownership. Real money. The Burgman's slightly larger engine costs more to tax — a quirk of UK tax bands rather than a logical engineering line.
Real-world fuel economy
55-65mpg
Suzuki quotes 65mpg WMTC. Real-world riders report 55-65mpg in commuting, 50-60mpg motorway cruising. 13.5L tank gives 200-260 mile range. Less efficient than Forza 350 (75mpg) — the trade for more underseat space and comfort.
Why the Burgman is for distance
Two-up, fully loaded
If you actually plan to tour two-up on a maxi-scooter, the Burgman 400 is the rational pick. Lower seat (755mm), more underseat storage (50L+), lazier engine, more comfortable seat. Forza 350 is faster and more efficient; XMAX 300 is sharper; C400 GT is more premium-feel. Burgman is the touring-orientated choice in a class otherwise dominated by city-orientated bikes.
