October 21, 2008
Dirck Edge
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Burgman 400 Concept Impresses Dealers: Did It Impress Our Readers?

A surprising number of our readers weighed in with their opinion on the Suzuki Burgman 400 Sport Concept which we discussed here. Most of them had a favorable response, as you will see below (unedited, as usual):

The Burgman 400 is a great platform and while I like the brighter color
scheme of this bike I wish it was unique and not based off the Suzuki
sportbike. The tail end compared to the shortened front looks too out of
proportion. The seat looks funky and not in a good way. The details like the wavy disks and exhaust are very cool and a big plus.

LOVE IT!!! I’ve been to Japan a bunch of times and always love the custom scooters which are all over the place there. This is right up that alley, it makes scooters COOL. People could have fun with this thing.

Make it and they shall come!! This has a lot of influence of the Japanese custom scooter scene. Very nice, we did love it at the show.

Nice looking scooter. I love the practicality of the new scooters but still have concerns about handling, stiffness, and rideability. I’d consider trying this scooter at the right price. It looks nice.

Horrible.

It looks to be sitting quite low and with a 180-200+ rider it seems as if it would hit the undercarriage a lot.

Will it wheelie?. Go for it.

I would tell Suzuki to go ahead and produce this unit. It should fill
the gap between the smaller scooters and become the scooter of choice.

I like it.

Brilliant branding strategy by Suzuki. The automotive manufactures
figured family branding a long time ago (Audi, BMW, Mercedes) and only a
couple of the bike manufactures enjoy what I like to call 1/8th mile
branding — that is the manufacture is readily identifiable from an
eighth mile away (e.g. Harley, Triumph). The graphics scheme certainly
“butches” up the scooter image too which will help widen their appeal.

That’s the best damn looking scooter I’ve ever seen. Although I can’t
see the graphics going over too well with the 5th wheel scootering set.

Now put in a powerful 600cc motor and a wider rear tire…..

Sweet, very nice scooter I ride a vino 125 and would love to have the Suzuki 400 if they make it!!! It’s the looking scooter I’ve seen yet!!

Awesome to see an expanded persective of the scooter. Still waiting for them to really take off in America.

I have had many maxi scooters and I have found that the average maxi scooter buyer is a person in there 50’s or older. The 400 sport looks nice but I really doubt that the maxi scooter crowd will buy it. Too low, no windscreen and the paint job is geared towards a younger buyer, who I doubt will be interested in a 400cc scooter. Suzuki should fix the transmission problems with the present 400 before they show a new model with the same problems.

Why such little ground clearance? Perhaps Suzuki see a niche in the American market selling scooters to the Hispanic community who like there Low Riders but can’t afford the gas any more.

Very nice looking scoot. Looks like a gsx-r ,this is a great way to get entry level riders interested in these maxiscooters. I have a 650 and it is the biggest secret in motorcycling. One great product.

VERY INTERESTING – assuming it actually has suspension and really doesn’t ‘drag its ass’ . TELL US MORE.

I like it!!!!

It’s quite a thing, that thing it is.

SURELY YOU JEST !!! PUKE PERSONIFIED !!!

I think it looks really good. Scooters need something more in the looks department, nicely done.

Do it!!!

This looks great … what a way to make a scooter more attractive to bike riders. I hope they do it and do it with the 650 as well.

PLEASE PLEASE build it. I am currently in the market for a scooter and if this was on the showroom floor I would by it right now.

Do it.Maybe they could squeeze a 650cc parallel twin in there? At least then
it would be able to keep up with traffic on a freeway.

Dig it. A 650 cc version w/abs would be a better seller.

Yes they need to give it to us.

Where do I sign?

Looks like a Suzuki Morphus. I see weaknesses in ground clearance, braking (long term) and adequate weather protection. It’s a cute exercise in parts bin scrounging. I would stop and look at one and ask questions out of curoisity, but I would NOT buy one.

I definitely like the styling, but it lacks a tall enough windshield as do all Suzuki bikes. I would sell my Burg. 650 and go back to the 400., which I think is an all around better bike than the Burg. 650 . I like it.

That muffler finally found a place it can call home!

I like it, how couldn’t anyone?

Well I guess it’s better than a Rascal scooter, but seriously, you can get a pretty nice motorcycle for what you’d pay for one of those things.

Yes we should be able to sell this!!!!! Please produce.

With the ridiculous speeding laws we have now in Ontario, this just might be
the way to go!

Within the context of ‘scooters’ I think it’s a great idea! I have been very tempted to have a scoot as a second bike, so I won’t get myself into trouble as easily.

With some of the traffic laws being introduced that have severe fines including loss of your bike, loss of licence, and several thousand dollar fine to go with all that,
for simply going 30mph over the limit, or lifting a wheel off the ground, riding a sport bike can be too tempting at times.

I spent a few weeks on and off a Yamaha “Majesty” and while I was not impressed right from the beginning, I have to say that after a few hours on it, it was a different sort
of riding experience and one that was relaxed, and somewhat peaceful. Not something I would limit myself to, but a good substitute when the mood strikes.

I think the racy(?) look of the Suzuki could open a whole new genre.

Spiffy, but it looks as if the bottom clearance will preclude an
awful lot of driveways that have “rounded” curbs for an entrance and
probably a fair number of speed bumps as will.

LOVE IT!!! I can see a spec racing series. We all know the joke about scooters and fat girls. Maybe this will get scotter beyond that. This is looks like the next generation european racing scooter. Anyone for a parking lot racing series?

Very cool – I’m 70 years old and currently riding a Boulevard cruiser, but I could see myself moving on to a scoot like this in a few years. Only thing – a taller (optional ?) windshield please.

Looks to me like it has about 2 inches of suspension travel.

I’ve always liked those customized Skywave scooters (Japanese version of
the Burgman) in Japan. This looks like Suzuki is trying their own hand
at customization – kind of like what the bike companies are doing with
cruisers. The problem here is that they’re trying to give it a race bike
look with the paint scheme. It’s the wrong direction for the type of
customization they’re going for. A high quality pearl/metalflake paint
with a few pinstripes might be more appropriate. I’m thinking of a “low
rider” look. Now that would sell.

I have sold Japanese motorcycles for about five years and can assure you that this scooter will not sell. A dealer will be lucky to sell one or two a year, if they dare order any. It is the answer to a question that no one asked. There are VERY few people looking for a high performance scooter.(measured in terms of either looks or actual performance) It will be too expensive to be attractive to the average customer that is looking for inexpensive transportation. I’m not sure what demographic Suzuki aims for with this bike. Suzuki should use their development dollars on a machine that will actually make them, and their dealers, some money.

It’s laughable! Even if they raise the ground clearance 3 inches that
lower fairing is going to be toast after a year of city street
commuting. The concept vehicle couldn’t even cross a speed bump without
doing major damage. It looks like something a 16 year old would doodle
in English class…. when you add flashy GSX styling to a turd, what is
left still stinks.

UGLY

It looks like a Gixxer for my mom! Actually for a “scooter” it looks pretty cool and I bet it’s fast too. Thanks for a great, informative website.

I um, what it looks like is, well… I tried to tell you last night but the words didn’t come. This morning I realize why, I have no words. When I look at it my brain becomes confused. The lines of the front and the rear don’t match. Another file will have to be created in my head for this and those that will follow. Motorcycles and scooters when parked in the same garage should receive a briefing on birth control. This doesn’t mean that the dealers are wrong. It’s just another example of me not fitting the targeted demographic.

I’M NOT A SCOOTER RIDER, BUT THAT 400 BURGMAN LOOKS SUPER HOT!!!!

Wow, what a nice look. I own a 2006 Burgman and like the look. But this really exciting. Love the sport look. I think it would convince more people to ride. Now I understand why my dad gave up shifting to concentrate on the ride.

The Burgman 400 has a reputation of being a fine machine. A couple
owning both a Gold Wing and a Burgy often ride together on local GWRRA
Rides. The new version appears to have taken several design cues from Yamaha
as the attached photo shows. Personally, I don’t find it all that
attractive.

In a word, ugly.

So is there anything different with this 400 Burgman other than styling, paint and waivy rotors? Looks like it effectively removes some weather protection by the lowered profile. Hmmmm, looks like a styling exercise to me – trying to converge with the Honda DN-01, which seems to be a machine to style on. Nice try Suzuki, but no cigar…

Not sure if it would sell all that well in the US. I ride the Burgman 650 Exec and love it, but I do know there is a market right now for the 400c Burgmans. Not sure if this would over take that market, no windshield and the older crowd and women that like the 400cc Burgman enjoy the touring aspect of it which is missing on this new look.

I think if I had wanted a sport bike I would have bought one. I have the 07 model and I love it. The ONLY thing I like about the new one that is not on mine is the fatter tires. Other than that, I do not like it.
You asked.

I think it looks great

Wow, very cool looking! But what’s the price for it going to be? Are we willing to pay much more for a 400cc scooter? I don’t think so. Next thing you know everyone else will put sport decals on their scoots and it would get lost in the crowd. And what about the seat? It’s almost an eyesore. With something so daring as this, you would think they would go the whole route and add something cool to complete the look. It doesn’t have to be fit for a V-max, but do scooter seats always have to be so ugly? Looks like a lumpy old sofa cushion. I’m glad they are making a sexy scooter. I think it will be a big hit if they keep the price low.

I’m a 650 Burgy guy but love the look ! only thing the 650 needs is another inch of travel on both ends. Maybe this will portend good things for AN 650 susp.!

I think its a great idea!!

I think it looks great! More performance and style (while still practical) in a scooter will have more people buying and using them, using less fuel and the more people using two wheels the better it is for all of us – whether motorcycle, scooter or bicycle rider.

It does appear (for that PRACTICAL thing…) that a bit more ground clearance would be useful. With that length of wheelbase, the breakover clearance is not much, and I can think of some speed humps in my neighborhood that would wear through that plastic (or worse) after a couple of passes! Concept-wise, though, I really like it! Sport Scooters, Touring Scooters, why not?

WOW!

Holy bastard offspring Burgman ! ! So this is the what you get when a meek and innocent Burgman scooter is defiled by a jacked-up on high octane GSX-R motorcycle. It’s the perfect urban warrior. Sign me up Suzuki. I’ll take one. But in true bigger-is-always-better American style, could you make it a 650? Seeing how you already got the platform?

Awesome. Cool, Sporty and comfy like a recliner. What’s not to love?

Is that a scooter, or the only bike that qualify to run in Superbike
class in 2009 according to the new AMA rules?

I love the look of this scooter!

I think it looks ridiculous. I would rather have a standard Burgman 400, a Honda DN-01 or a proper Gixxer any day. Reason? Design Integrity. Design integrity is critical and this thing lacks it. This sport version of the Burgman looks like a plastic toy with wheels for five year olds.

It looks good-but it’s still a scooter and I’m still not interested. However, I do like it’s looks more than Honda’s new DN-01(sp?). Are you aware the previous gen 400 Burgy had 4k valve adjust intervals? That alone is enough of a deal breaker for me. One more point-I want a manual transmission.

Koollll! Do the same for the 650 and offer a 750-1000cc with standard trans;
we’ll ditch the standards! Love your website!

If the price stays under $7,000.00 I’ll buy two of them.

Looks like a “lowrider” GSXR! I like it !

I have a 2007 400cc Susuki Burgman. I love everthing about it except the seating position. I must have talked to well over fifty Burgman owners since i purchased mine. Everone complains about the seat.They all say the same thing,I LOVE THIS UNIT BUT I WOULD NOT BUY ANOTHER ONE DO TO THE SEATING POSITION. When you are on the seat it slops down and forward. Its to low and your butt slides foreward. It needs to be adjustable, not only up and down but fore and aft. My comment to Suzuki would be if you can’t fix or upgrade your seating ergonomics don’t waste your time on other upgrades.

Looks great, build it!

I actually like it even more than the ZMAX. Would like it even more if they did it in a 600cc like the ZMAX. I think the low to the ground concept is pretty cool….

Absolutely, It looks simply amazing!

Traditional Motorcyclists may scoff, but for everyman and everywoman, this is the two wheeled direction… Add a little solar supplemental / battery power supplemental power as that tech becomes more available, and you have close to self sufficient, rocking fun, short distance, long distance, fair weather transport.

Make it a 650 and sell it for the same price as the other 650 and I will buy it.

It looks retarded. Does Suzuki TRY to make their bikes look like they came of a “Godzilla” movie, or does it just work out that way?

It looks like it sits too low to the ground to be practical. I ride a
scooter more for practicality than looks so I would not be interested in
a low riding scooter with little wind protection. If you are one that
likes form over function, this concept looks nice.

Very cool looking , with some Makita stickers you have a mini Spies replica for the scooter set. I like the GSXR look. My son works for a local dealer and says that scooters are selling like crazy, this one is about the nicest lookin one I have seen.

The sharpest Scooter I’ve ever seen!The scooter looks fine but I think its too low to be practical. It doesn’t look like it could get over your average sized speed bump without ripping up the plastic, especially two up.

It looks nice, like a GIXXER for the Geriatric Generation.

Absolutely I will buy one!!

As the proud owner of an ’05 Burgman 650 I can attest to the viability of the Burgman concept. This sporty version of the 400 hundred will make many commuters very very happy. Just make sure that those of us with short inseams will be comfortable and confident with the fit. As for the GSXR paint job…lose the decals. Decals ruin the lines and discredit the concept of all bikes.

Nice…now make it 50-60 pounds lighter than the current model, give it ground clearance and a 450-500cc engine option along with auto and manual shift modes, and keep it as close to $6K as possible. In other words, give it real sporty performance along with the new sporty looks and I’d say good job Suzuki.

It’s the BusaScoot! Looks bitchin, I dig it. Hope they build it and bring it over.

Looks like a winner.

Now that is a scooter I would add to my motorcycle fleet. It would be great for bopping around town.

I must admit that’s pretty sporty for a scooter. Scooters have been gradually getting a little more desirable, step by step, and this might finally be the push needed to get me off a real motorcycle.

The only problem remaining is value; motorcycle vs. scooter. So far every time I’ve seen a scooter I might actually ride, it costs so much I always end up thinking I can get a pretty good, if used, motorcycle for so much less than a scooter that it’s not worth switching. To me it has never made economic sense to pay $3K-$4k more for something in order to get better gas mileage. This concept might just be the one that has enough “real motorcycle” looks and feel to make it worth a try.

It doesn’t look like it has enough real-world ground clearance. If you raised it up and also raised the windshield for some actual wind protection you could drive the thing right by me and I might think it was last year’s Burgman!

I like everything but the name “Burgman”. That name may work in Europe or another continent, but not the USA. Many vehicles are re-named for the American market. I remember a Nissan or “Datsun” automobile model named the “Fairlady”. It came to America as a 1600cc (and 2000cc) Roadster and was very popular. Wake up Suzuki! You could name that scooter the “SSX-R” or something resembling the GSX-R motorcycle models and generate similar passion with customers. Market-specific naming pays off. Look at Honda’s CBR motorcycle models. They’re called the “Fireblade” in Europe. Honda understands this too.

What do I think? I think that Japan needs to wake up and smell what’s cooking…..their profits are going up in smoke. In this economy – who wants to spend 6 or 8 grand on a scooter? Yeah….it gets great mileage, but how many
fill-ups will you need to cover the costs?

Somebody slap everyone but Kawasaki. At least Kawasaki has an entry
into the small-displacement market that is actually a ‘real’
motorcycle. Neat as it is – the Burgman Concept is the answer to a
question no one (that I know) seems to be asking.

If they price it right i would buy, gas costing @ $4.00 has me eyeing a scooter for around town erands, I dig it!!!

I think it would be awesome if they could also decrease the weight of the scooter. Why are scooters so much heavier than similarly displaced motorcycles?

I do not like the Burgman 400 concept bike at all and would never buy one. I started riding motorcycles 40 years ago and am at a point where a larger displacement (400cc – 650cc) scooter is very appealing, to the point where I likely will sell my Suzuki Boulevard 90 SE in the near future and buy a scooter. Although I do appreciate a stylish motorcycle, my primary concerns are comfort, safety and low maintenance. This new “low-rider cross-over” concept bike does not look at all comfortable, particularly for taller riders. There are already enough high performance bikes and cruisers on the market so I wonder what demographic Suzuki is targeting with this new concept bike. Suzuki has a proven record of producing excellent motorcycles and they should focus their abilities on further refining the Burgan to increase its mass appeal. Let those who want high performance buy a sport bike.

What exactly is the point, or should I say who is the audience, for the Haya-Burgman? I could see riding a scooter if I lived in a congested metro area, but then I wouldn’t need the performance of 400cc. If I want storage I can put bags on a motorcycle, and I actually like changing gears when riding aggressively, so the two “advantages” of scooters over conventional bikes don’t resonate with me. I’d guess the Burgman as shown pushes 500 pounds, so that cancels out another edge that a scooter might have. What’s next, an “adventure touring moped”? On the other hand, if they produced it, I’d like to give it a test ride. Sometimes my theoretical prejudices are overcome by actual experience.

Just bought my wife a 400 burgie this spring and she loves it. Just
got back from a trip through Colorado. She rode the Burgman and loved
it. That said, if this one had been available, I’m sure we would have
gone for it instead. It’s just too cool.

GO FOR IT

The only reason this concept impresses dealers is because they do the majority of their business in sport-bikes. They look at this concept and think “oh, it looks like the Gixxers which sell so well, therefore this scooter will sell well.” It would fly in Europe where some folks accept the idea of a high-preformance scooter, but in the US it’s an idiotic logic that ignores the fact that purchasers of scooters are a completely different demographic than sportbike purchasers. Stick to the classy vespa styling, of fun-whimsical ruckus styling, and leave gaudy colors and obnoxious graffiti letters for the testosterone pumped young males that are only going to buy sportbikes anyway.

Perfect for my 5’ tall daughter. She loves sport bikes but can’t seem to find one she can reach the ground on. Even some scooters (Aprilia) are too tall for her.

like this scooter, though it appears to be too low and laid back to provide a meaningful, attentive riding position – necessary for weaving through urban traffic. It seems a rider would assume a posture similar to Dan Gurney’s Gator – quite different from the GSX-R family its lines appear to emulate. A different powerplant would be exciting; perhaps a derivative of the SV650, shrunk to 400?
Suzuki needs to package and market this little job correctly; six grand or so and people will look for a real bike for that kind of money. Then again, the scooter crowd may not have any pretenses or misgivings about a ride that looks like a GSX-R – but isn’t.
This thing is much slicker than other scooters and though it appears to have as much ground clearance as a Harley bagger with floorboards, it could be the ticket for style-conscious city dwellers.

Suzuki has been cutting edge for sure. I’ve been a long time Honda fan but they have got very boring over the last few years.

2 thoughts – It will ground out over the first speed bump. Where do feet go?

I think this model is fantastic(assuming it can clear speed bumps) ! It looks half drag bike and half low scooter. Much better than the Yamaha Morphous. But it’s seating position would have to be right for me too.

I currently have an Aprilia Scarabeo 500GT and am buying the wife a Piaggio 250 MP3, plus 2 Moto Guzzis, 1 Suzuki, 1 MZ motorcycles. I gotta tell you, my bikes are being treated like orphans now. I’m 65 years old and prefer the convenience, lightness, mileage of the scooters over the bikes now. Anyone who still pooh poohs maxi-scooters needs to ride 1.

I think it looks cool, like a GSX-R, but it’s too low to the ground. I’d be worried about speed bumps and other items I may run over. I looks like its been chopped and dropped.

Can they fit a Busa motor in it? With those looks it should have one.

Pretty cool – but does it need to be 400cc?

Like putting a big wing on the back of your Taurus. Looks fast, and everyone knows that you have sporting intentions beyond the current capabilities, but the vehicle is not up to the task.

Tell them not to do it. It looks like a joke. If the American
subsidiaries of the Japanese ‘Big 4’ had a clue what scooters would
sell they’d have sold them by now. To take the opinion of people that
would be embarrassed to be caught riding a scooter (as the sad Yamaha
T-Max video would suggest) will only result in what has recently
become known as an EPIC FAIL. That model pictured hurts my eyes.
Suzuki has a fine new scooter in the Gemma that is extremely
attractive and will have great potential in the market. If Suzuki
makes the mistake of putting out such a monstrosity as the one
pictured, their nearly sure failure may likely deter them from
bringing in quality scooters in the future. This will be the true
tragedy of such a mistake.

I think it is a very good move on Suzuki’s part. These maxi scooter types are veyr popular in EU. I think with this new design, and maybe new features, Suzuki will get a big share in the market. These scooters are considered as “gay” here in the states, and I do not understand why people have such a point of view. I lived in EU for 12 years, and now Im living in the states. Whenever I see one of these “rare” scooters here, it makes me happy. I think Suzuki made a good job, and they should keep this design.

Nicest looking scooter I’ve ever seen. I’d like some of those trendy LED turn signal lights (Audi R8, V-Rod Muscle, Ducati HyperMotard). And since I weigh 275 pounds and my lady weighs 150, I’d like the 650 engine. A nice parallel DOHC 8 valve twin. They should make this. It looks like it’s already production.

Like most of the modern scooters, there is an attraction but not enough to buy one. Maybe after my first aneurism. BMW Rider

That ain’t no gixxer, so don’t tart it up like one. This is taking brand-specific design consistency to a new low.

I really like this concept. I’ve been wondering when someone will be bold enough to introduce a high performance scooter (remember the Hondas Griffon?). I see Suzuki has upgraded the looks, brakes and suspension. But, with the same weak 400 single its all gingerbread and no snap. For this type of motoscoot(?) to sell it has to move, not like a GSXR 1000, but more like the SV650. If they built that scoot I’d buy it. It would be too much fun to pass Sport bikes and Harley’s in the twisties!

I am not a scooter guy but this concept is the best looking scooter I have ever seen.

I don’t care how good a scooter looks, I’ll only ride real motorcycles.

I have owned the Burgman ’07 400, now the Burgman 650

The concept scooter looks like a seller, but here’s my 2 cents. I am not impressed with the windshield. This is a clear case of form over function. The new concept does not seem to lend itself for long touring, unless this windshield somehow defects most of the wind. If it doesn’t, it will tire the rider out on longer, high speed scoots.

The body shape really looks cool, but will it cut down on the storage space? the underseat storage is one of the main reasons that I purchased the Maxi scooter. The tires look bigger than the standard Burgman 400, but maybe the body seems to disguise the size of the wheels.

What I think where suzuki has gone wrong with the maxi scooters is not offerings accessories for there scoots. I shouldn’t have to look for aftermarket things like stereos or hard luggage. why do I have to look at GIVI for add on cases? There are a lot of people that ride scooters because they like them, not because they can’t afford the bigger motorcycles. We have the money and are willing to spend it. Give us some accessories.

Young people will buy the newly designed scooter-I will just keep my Burgman 650 for touring. I have added the GIVI bigger windshield for touring. it would have been nice if I could have purchased it from Suzuki when I ordered it.

I had a chance to drive a 650 Burgman at a Suzuki demo ride day. My normal ride is a ZX12R, so it was at the ride captains insistance that I try the big scoot. I came away very impressed. This new Sport concept may be what is needed to eliminate the scooter stigma and open the doors to more mature sport riders looking for something a little less hard edged. At 54 I may be one of those if the Sport concept is pushed to the 650 size.

It’s the first scooter I’ve ever thought I’d buy.

I think it looks like an overweight, underpowered, overdressed fatso-scooter. I think the ersatz-sportbike styling on a scooter looks ridiculous. Scooters are supposed to be city bikes – the manufacturers should build small trim lightweight naked automatics – like the Honda Ruckus but with a more powerful engine or even better a street-legal version of the Derbi DH 2.0 Concept. Also, get rid of the step-through configuration; scooters will not be accepted in the USA until they dump the “ladies bicycle” look which is designed to allow for the wearing of a skirt.

By the way, thanks for posting a variety or articles including scooter news.

Wow. I like it a lot. I’d definitely test ride one. It might entice my wife to start riding too.

Its cool that the ‘fat’ scoots are getting a better sportbike theme.
They are lardy and IMO sometimes dangerous by virtue of being so
porky. It will give some overconfidenceto some but I do believe that
is incumbent on rider to be safe. Better ridability will be of benefit –

Keep up the good work MDaily

Should be good enough to race in the DMG series, or hang on they would probably ban it because it looks to fast!!!

Holy cow, that is one ugly beast. BUT, I bet it’s a hoot to ride!

As it sits the Burgman 400 is probably the best looking ‘Maxi
Scooter’ available in the North American market. What Suzuki has done
with this extremely tasteful. I say “build it!” Add a J. Costa or
Polini variator and you’ll have it performing almost as good as it
looks!!

Built it ! That will sale.

Typical corporate strategy, to produce something that won’t compete with
other platforms. While this looks sporty, it lacks the motor
displacement it should have gotten, 600cc or better. This market has
plenty of traffic blockading models. Lets step it up a notch and get the
price down on these scooters or just stick to making real motorcycles.

I hate scooters, but I’d ride this!

“SUZUKI should introduce this ‘concept’ type as a 650cc powered Burgman Series scooter, sensibly priced, it would be well received by the buying public.”
An associate who purchased Suzuki’s 2008 Burgman 400 is already looking for his next scooter upgrade or becoming a motorcyclist!

It’s still a scooter, but any styling or otherwise that does NOT make it too expensive is a huge plus. I have always like the Burgman, but I would buy this model if the adds’ don’t add up too far.

Geeks need to know their place in society. If they dare pull up next to me and my CBR on one of those pathetic looking things, i’ll make it a point to smoke them real bad.

I like it. It also pleases me that this baby blows the big Harley’s off the road! It looks like an angry rat.

What do I think? I just don’t care. Not at all. That’s why I don’t
rvisit scooterdaily.com.

Racy looking, but one of the reasons to buy a scooter is some weather protection. No windshield.

It looks production ready to me – why would Suzuki even hesitate? Very nice; the paint job ties it to the GSX-R family.

Not a good idea. Most of those that would consider the Burgman are
looking for a relaxing riding experience and have no pretense of ‘sport’.
If someone wants to ride a sporty bike, they will buy a sportbike (there
are several entry-level options). There is a reason that Buick does not
make a sports car…

AWESOME

They would sell a ton of them, SWEET!!

It is still a scooter. When FIM adds a class for these then maybe I will perk up.

It’s interesting. Colors, graphics, shape, etc, are good. My #1 complaint
about it is the windscreen – or lack of one. All weather protection is the
main reason I’d like a scooter over a traditional bike. My #2 complaint is,
unless they juice up the engine quite a bit, no sport bike rider is going to
consider a scooter – no matter how it looks.

Still, though, the looks of the bike are light years ahead of the normal
Burgman.

I don’t particularly like the look of it. In fact I don’t particularly like the look of any of the Asian maxi scooters. To me a scooter should look like a Vespa. I’d like to see a Yamaha (Vino) or Honda (Metropolitan) with a 350cc liquid cooled fuel injected engine. When they do that I’ll give up my Vespa GTS250ie and buy one.

I myself ride and race an 07 R1, and would not own a scooter. BUT, I would own and ride this new Suzuki 400 if it were available here in the U.S.

My local Honda/Suzuki dealer says they can’t keep scooters in stock and this “ScooterSport” model can only help attract more buyers. As an ex-street rider turned “track days only”, this is the sort of practical but stylish/fun product that gets my attention in terms of something I’d really use on the street. Plus, my wife might actually ride it.

I LOVE the “GSX-R baby brother” approach. A new class at the club races, too?
Honda was caught sleeping when the SV650 arrived (and appears to remain comatose re: that segment of the market). Is the Bergman Concept Suzuki’s quick reaction to Honda bringing the DN-01 to the US? What about the Piaggio MP3? At the very least, leveraging the GSX-R brand makes sense but it seems to me the manufacturers are telling us that scooters are where we’ll see some of the most interesting new product development. And if Suzuki doesn’t have these as pit bikes for every factory racing effort, they are missing a great marketing opportunity.

I say Suzuki has a winner here. Now, how about a Bergman “650-R” with a storable-on-the-bike rear cowl seat cover, some carbon fiber, USD forks and radial calipers!

Finally somebody was able to design a scooter that I wouldn’t be caught
dead riding. What a cool little concept. I really hope Suzuki brings
this to market. Considering the plastic trim covering the rad and the license plate
holder it looks like this is a little further along in production than
simply a concept.

It looks production ready to me – why would Suzuki even hesitate? Very nice; the paint job ties it to the GSX-R family.

I don’t particularly like the look of it. In fact I don’t particularly like the look of any of the Asian maxi scooters. To me a scooter should look like a Vespa.
I’d like to see a Yamaha (Vino) or Honda (Metropolitan) with a 350cc liquid cooled fuel injected engine. When they do that I’ll give up my Vespa GTS250ie and buy one.

I myself ride and race an 07 R1, and would not own a scooter. BUT, I would own and ride this new Suzuki 400 if it were available here in the U.S.

Finally somebody was able to design a scooter that I wouldn’t be caught
dead riding. What a cool little concept. I really hope Suzuki brings
this to market.

Considering the plastic trim covering the rad and the license plate
holder it looks like this is a little further along in production than
simply a concept.

As an avid scooterist, I thought I’d add just a few quick notes,

The under fairing doesn’t look like it gives enough clearance on the ground for either speed bumps or aggressive leans.

The front looks nice, but it’s just a little heavy visually, too much width towards the top of the bike. I’d be nervous to ride this bike aggressively with that much top-weight and no tank to grip with my knees/legs, it’d give too much of a feeling of lack of control. Bring the weight lower and you’ve got something to work with. A bike with those looks should be driven hard from time to time so it should have either a better way of gripping all that top-weight or have it’s weight centered or lowered. I know this is mostly visual, but it looks like there’s probably a lot of components crammed up higher than comparable maxi-scooters.

The windshield looks a little low, it you’re offering a built in windshield, I think it needs to go higher. Scooter riders sit more upright during casual riding and the low windshield wouldn’t provide a lot of relief from helmet buffeting – possibly causing more. a 400cc model with that kind of seat lends itself more towards longer distance riding, which helmet buffeting would make exhausting.

The back end has clean lines, but might be a little top-heavy.

Raising the fairing and tapering it a little more would do wonders for this bike. You’ve got a great start, I especially love the suspension, I assume since I don’t see any shocks that it’s a center sprung 6-link? The dual disk brakes front and rear are a really good choice as well. The Triangular exhaust really stands out in the world of the black-can-side-shield world of scooters, nice touch.

Overall, you’re close, it needs tweaking or it might be a little too “in between” to get a solid market share of riders.

Bring it. It’s Awesome.

I like a whole lot, especially for us aging boomers who don’t want to be balancing heavy bikes with tall seat height (ok, I’m inseam challenged). I moving from a CBR1100XX to ST1300A for less seat height, more comfort, zero-mph tipover protectction (don’t ask), etc., but could definitely see something like this in my hanger in near future. Just because we are getting older doesn’t mean we still don’t have lead in the pencil.

I would like to see an option of engines, say a V-Twin of SV650 linage, if that would be compatible in scooter DNA. Once one has ridden bikes like Blackbirds, Ninjas, Hayabusas, etc., 400cc singles just ain’t gonna cut it, but a peppy Vee would get one a long ways. I would say 55-65hp with strong linear torque band would be ideal. Just don’t have the thing completely neutered.

Automatic shift is fine, but definitely like to see manual or semi-automatic (clutchless) shift on demand would be very important. Having direct control / feel of gear selection, engine rpm, power output, lean angles, etc. is what makes biking so much fun and addicting.

Optional ABS / LBS would be very nice option, or better yet selectable.

Mounting points (or capability) for Givi tail trunks / small panniers would be great, or OEM luggage.

Low maintenance a must that can be easily performed by average garage mechanic. I’m assuming it would have some kind of belt drive for weight, low maintenance and power efficiency. Hydraulic valves would great too.

Don’t skimp on the alternator. It don’t have to be GW industrial strength, but we will want to add things like heated grips, heated vests, gps, etc. Again, aging boomers need help keeping warm.

Put more lighting on (this is true of all bikes) for safety purposes. We had LEDs now so power consumption is a problem of the past. Large rear lights (with flashing brake), front and rear markers and bright amber LED front running lights. This should be all oem and well integrated. It looks like they have a good start on rest of front lighting. Getting hit by a cager once due to not being seen is one too many. The whole bike industry needs to take this into consideration, best $ spent.

Bring it on…

COOL RIDE! Tricked out scooters from the factory are normal in Europe!

If that thing isn’t the unholy bastardized child of a GSXR and a Burgman, I don’t know what is. Quasimodo with wheels. No, thanks.

I own a 400 burgman and I think suzuki should worry more about making a less expensive scooter, not making the 400 more expensive. They need to look at what yamaha is putting out. By the way I love the TU 250 suzuki is coming out with. Thats what we need, more affordable bikes that look like bikes.

The Burgman 400 concept bike looks like the product of an intimate encounter between a maxi scoot and a crotch rocket.

I personally would like to see the Burgman 400 Concept put into production. Giving a scooter some attitude can only be good for their sales. Right now they are too soft and feminine looking, and the average guy would not be caught dead riding one. But the Burgman concept could change all of that.

Ground clearance looks to be way too low. Around here the speed bumps would damage the body work within a day or so. Where’s the windshield?

Looks cool. If it is high mileage and low cost, go for it.

Yes, I would say to Suzuki to put it into production, if the price is
right. It doesn’t look like it would be cheap, but it might be just the
thing to appeal to folks who want to sport ride without having to shift
like a motrcycle. If the suspension, power, and handling is good, I can
see small track club races with a class for this thing too. I wonder if
modern sport rubber would be made available for those size
wheels(whatever size they are).

It looks cool. It still looks like a scooter so it better get excellent gas mileage. Use this “look”, keep the weight down, possibly introduce some hybrid/alt fuel technology, and price it right (The DN-1 price is insane)—-they’ll have a winner.

Sorry, Dirk, you are still a dork on a scooter. Even a Gixxer look a
like means you are a clueless dork. The cool kids will still take your
lunch money and make you eat at the spaz table.

Awesome bike. I would love to see one on the street.

This concept makes me want to utter a sentence never heard before, “this scooter is cool”. Uhg! Where’s the soap! Pitoowee! For real though wave rotors, gixxer mirrors, exhaust and signals. Very cool! I also spy a manual mode shift switch on the bars? So you can choose a sport mode? I hate to say it but I would probably ride this thing when no one is lookin…. Suggestions, raise it up a bit with possibly bigger wheels? Here in Indiana the roads are more like motocross tracks than real roads. It would need more clearance to keep from getting pummeled.

It looks like it could be a hoot to ride, but can anyone over 5’2″ fit on/in it?!

I am trying to get my sister to buy a scooter . This one is hot. I sent her the link and ask her opinion. Vey favorable. Loooks finished to my eyes.

I guess motorcyclist don’t live in the real world. If you did you’d be
thinkin’ WTF!!! For those without a clue… forget gas powered anything. The future,
what there is of it, will be electric. Maybe electric with body armor.
Pay attention people!!! You might learn something.

I would think the production one will sit higher as looking at these concept photos, one or two people and the lower fairings will be scraping the asphalt. Not a fan yet.

I think it looks great. I am not a scooter person, but the low stance,
looks, and perceived ease of getting on and off it is intriguing. I ride
an older yzf600, so that is where I am coming from.

BUILD IT!

A scooter we could ride without worrying about an image problem. Nice!!

That’s a cool looking scooter. Starting to see more and more of them on the road with gas prices.

“What do you think?” It has a tacky, low-rider look and bodywork that would probably be destroyed over the first speed bump. It lacks a true windshield, making it less practical for commuting than a normal scooter. It’s designed to look fast yet has an underpowered, single-cylinder engine. The low seat height translates to less visibility to, and of the, surrounding traffic. I would not trade my 2003 Aprilia Atlantic 500 for it. Suzuki needs to spend time improving its aging, overweight Burgman 650, not making their Burgman 400 into a ghetto scooter.

Looks good to me, maybe bore that 400cc out to 500cc.

Forget the single cylinder.

plz suzuki make it! enough said.

Woof! The line between scooters and motorcycles seems to be fading out. The older my wife and I[59 & 65] get the smaller our bikes get. Her newest ’09 Buell Blast replaced an 1100 Virago and I may like it better than my ’01 SV650.

Good commuter with storage and great weather protection and great mileage. Looks like a great second car. But not a real motorcycle?

Well, we sure could use some color in the standard/cruiser/scooter world! Not everybody wants gray, maroon, black … A name change couldn’t hurt either. “Burgman” might sound good to the Euro market – here it sounds like the name of the quirky next-door neighboor in a sitcom.

Looks like a great support class for Motogp!

Sexy as hell for a scooter, do it Suzuki!!!

This is totally awesome.
::
The completely unnecessary volumous fairing has gone.

::
The colours are great.
::
The mirrors are integrated into the package, rather than the bog-standard handlebar affairs.
::
The styling is spot-on.
::
The exhaust is shapely and follows the contours of the machine. On the current model the angle of the exhaust is a few degrees to low.
::
The mototcycle style handlebars are neat.
::
Let`s hope it looks just as good from the left-hand side !!
::
If the gearing is modified for more spritely accelaration away from the lights I think this will sell in the bucket loads.
::
I want one.

Looks really nice, but the lack of ground clearance might be an issue.

hmmmm…

Scooters are like fat chicks: They’re a hell of a lot of fun, until your
friends see you riding one.

Seriously though..

Aesthetically, it reminds me of the middle aged woman who wears spandex
in public..

Lots of mixed messages.. what’s next?? polished rims?

I think the Burgman 400 sport is a great idea and will attract the younger crew who were looking for just this type of bike.

Looks good. They should also do this sport treatment with the 650.

Sport scooter.

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