Scooter Comparison

My new, since middle of January 2012, Burgman 400 now has 2000 miles, and thought interesting some comparisons to SilverWing, while all is fresh in mind.

Price= no matter how sliced, what kind of deal,the ABS Burgman $1500 cheaper.

Handling=SilverWing better, more front weight bias, less unspring weight, conventional motorcycle rear suspension. But both are scooters and work better ridden as scooters. Both have enough power to put you in the weeds.

Tires=Both come with Bridgestone Hoop, same sizes....bit I looked up parts numbers, Tires for Suzuki are different than Honda based on that. I suspect Suzuki specs softer compound, Rear on my SilverWing went 11,000 miles, from the looks of it rear on Suzuki will be done at 8,000 or less. Usually I stick with manufacturer recommended replacement........but had such good luck Brazil made Pirelli
Diablo replacement on my Honda Reflex, may try them...and they are cheaper.

Comfort=both about same. Both handle bars too high----try TMAX for comparision.
SilverWing seat softer-----which means nothing for serious riding.

Fuel--Burgman better than SilverWing as speed rises---like 75-80mph
indicated. This burgman not as good on gas as my first Burgman, right now @59.2 with a fair amount of not so fast riding. Weekend trip, tried both slow and real scooter fast, mileage varied very little.

Wind management---both stock suck. With GIVI adjustable windshield, Silverwing is better and.....Silverwing with Baker Air Wings keeps wind off knees and upper legs. No Air Wings available for Burgman. So SilverWing is clear winner here. Givi adj on Burgman acceptable but nothing to write home about.

Parts---Suzuki has some real dumb parts people where I live....and parts prices are bumped up too high. $18 for exhaust gasket---nice $5 part---Oil filters $13---I got them for $4 from Dennis Kirk. Honda clear winner here--SilverWing uses common oil filter from WalMart.

Work on--Burgman easier. Neither require much work if you leave them alone and ride.

Suzuki has a few features in US model that Honda does not, outside temp gauge, fuel computer, plug in for electric stuff (but hidden and looks like hole needs to be made to use underway)

Now for me, really something to think about at 73---both do the trick for me, but common sense says they are at end of production life probably.....and what comes next......of all scooters I have purchased since 1990 there were Vespas before that, Helix remains my favorite----easy to work on!!! (had 4 new ones) wonderful foot brake plus minus air management.

For Old Fart---scooter remains easy for me to put on lift. I have outlived the ability to run a Harley up alone.

x

Hey John, if you're interested you can get leg wind deflectors for your 400 Burgman. Suzuki USA call them Side Visors and they are in the Suzuki Accessories catalog.

Should like to add one thing----Insurance----Burgman 400 is cheaper to insure than SilverWing 600....my company, my area.

Further not related to comparison---Helix, in addition to mentioned above....the built in trunk!! With rear rack, top box, tunnel bag and two rubber bags on passenger seat, solo, could take more along than necessary. J rated tires real minus, 62 mph tires on 70 mph bike. Criminal! Had one fail in Japan in middle of sweeping turn, tread came off, air remained, but real thrill. Had both USmodel and Japan domestic market model (Fusion)---parts books showed same, but Japanese model smoother/faster------and to think you could adjust valves in motel parking lot and change belt your self along road.....and that is where belts break...a along the road for those of us who ride all the time. Trailing link front suspension did not like road salt. Would buy another, if genuine Honda. I rode each between 36,000 and 50,000 miles, wide open did not hurt---WalMart Oil. Two of my used ones are still running around in the Eau Claire WI area.

[quote="john grinsel"]My new, since middle of January 2012, Burgman 400 now has 2000 miles, and thought interesting some comparisons to SilverWing, while all is fresh in mind.

2000 miles in six weeks. Come on John. That's less than 50 miles a day. You gotta pick it up. Must have spent too much time in the bathroom. :lol!: Just kidding. Thanks for the good report.