Suzuki AN 400 Burgman (1999-2002): The Maxi-Scooter That Redefined Urban Mobility

Introduction

The Suzuki AN 400 Burgman, produced from 1999 to 2002, wasn’t just a scooter—it was a statement. At a time when two-wheeled practicality often meant compromising on style or performance, the Burgman 400 emerged as a revelation. This maxi-scooter blended the agility of urban runabouts with the comfort of touring machines, creating a cult following that persists today. Having spent a week with a meticulously maintained 2001 model, I can confidently say this machine remains a benchmark for what a versatile commuter can achieve. Let’s dive into why this generation of the Burgman still turns heads and wins hearts.

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Design & Ergonomics: Futuristic Functionality

The Burgman 400’s design language screams “21st century,” even by today’s standards. Its full-body fairing integrates seamlessly with a dual-headlight setup, while the stepped seat and integrated luggage rack hint at its touring aspirations. The 695 mm (27.4-inch) seat height is accessible for riders of all statures, though the scooter’s 174-179 kg (383-394 lb) dry weight demands respect when maneuvering at walking speeds.

Where the Burgman truly shines is in its practicality. The 13-liter (3.43-gallon) fuel tank hides under the floorboards, while the cavernous under-seat storage can swallow a full-face helmet and groceries with room to spare. Compared to rivals like the Honda Forza 250, the Burgman’s storage solutions feel thoughtfully engineered rather than an afterthought.

The analog-digital instrument cluster deserves special mention. A speedometer, fuel gauge, and clock are laid out with remarkable clarity, while the windshield (non-adjustable in this generation) provides decent protection up to highway speeds. My test unit’s controls felt intuitive, with a handy parking brake lever adding security on inclines.

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Engine & Performance: Surprisingly Spirited

Nestled beneath the Burgman’s plastic panels lies a 385cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that punches above its weight. Suzuki claims 32-33 HP (23.4-24.1 kW) at 8,000 RPM and 28 Nm (20.7 lb-ft) of torque at 6,200 RPM—numbers that translate to real-world usability. Throttle response is immediate, propelling the 179 kg (394 lb) scooter to 120 km/h (74.6 mph) with surprising ease.

The CVT transmission eliminates gear shifts, making stop-and-go traffic a breeze. While the engine’s air-cooling system keeps things simple, it does get vocal during sustained highway runs. At 100 km/h (62 mph), the Burgman feels stable but not entirely relaxed—the sweet spot lies in 80-90 km/h (50-56 mph) cruising where wind noise and vibration stay manageable.

What impressed me most was the Burgman’s hill-climbing ability. On a 7% gradient with a passenger, the scooter maintained 80 km/h (50 mph) without drama. Compare this to the Yamaha Majesty 400 of the era, which often felt breathless under similar loads, and Suzuki’s engineering prowess becomes evident.

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Riding Experience: Urban Samurai, Weekend Tourer

Swing a leg over the Burgman, and you’re greeted by a commanding riding position. The floorboards offer multiple foot placements, and the seat—firm yet supportive—proved comfortable during a 3-hour coastal ride. Suspension duties are handled by a 41mm telescopic fork up front and dual shocks at the rear. While not adjustable, the setup absorbs potholes with composure, only getting flustered over consecutive speed bumps.

Handling is where the Burgman defies its bulk. The 1,590 mm (62.6-inch) wheelbase and low center of gravity make for confident cornering. Lean angles are generous for a maxi-scooter, though the floorboards will scrape if you get too enthusiastic. During a spirited ride through mountain passes, the Burgman felt more like a sport-tourer than a commuter scooter—a trait that left me grinning ear to ear.

Braking performance is adequate, with a single disc up front and drum at the rear. ABS wasn’t part of the package in this generation, so threshold braking skills are essential during panic stops. Aftermarket sintered pads from MOTOPARTS.store’s inventory could be a worthwhile upgrade for aggressive riders.

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Competition: How the Burgman Stacks Up

The late-’90s/early-2000s maxi-scooter segment was fiercely competitive. Here’s how the Burgman 400 fared against its rivals:

1. Honda Forza 250 (1999-2002):
   Lighter and nimbler, the Forza sacrificed engine displacement for fuel efficiency. While it sips petrol (30+ km/L vs. Burgman’s 25 km/L), the 250cc mill struggles on highways and two-up rides.

2. Yamaha Majesty YP400 (1999-2002):
   Yamaha’s answer matched the Burgman’s displacement but trailed in torque (26.5 Nm vs. 28 Nm). The Majesty’s sharper styling appealed to younger riders, but its storage capacity couldn’t match Suzuki’s.

3. Piaggio X9 500 (2001-2004):
   The Italian contender offered a larger 460cc engine and sleeker design. However, reliability issues and a cramped riding position made it less appealing for daily commutes.

The Burgman 400 struck a perfect balance between these extremes—enough power for touring, enough storage for errands, and build quality that outlasted many competitors.

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Maintenance: Keeping Your Burgman Healthy

Owning a 20+ year-old Burgman requires diligence, but Suzuki’s design simplifies upkeep:

• Valve Adjustments:
  Intake valves need 0.08-0.13 mm (0.003-0.005 in) clearance, exhaust 0.17-0.22 mm (0.0067-0.0087 in). Check every 6,000 km (3,700 miles).

• Oil Changes:
  Use SAE 10W-40 (2.0L with filter). MOTOPARTS.store stocks Suzuki-specific formulations that reduce clutch chatter.

• Belt & Rollers:
  The CVT’s kevlar-reinforced belt lasts ~25,000 km (15,500 miles), but inspect rollers for flat spots every 12,000 km (7,500 miles).

• Tire Pressures:
  1.75 bar (25 psi) front, 2.0 bar (29 psi) rear for solo rides. Increase rear to 2.8 bar (41 psi) for heavy loads.

• Spark Plugs:
  NGK CR7E (standard) or iridium CR7EIX for longer intervals. Gap at 0.7 mm (0.028 in).

Common issues to watch for: - Cracked fuel lines (replace with ethanol-resistant tubing) - Worn final drive bearings (upgrade to sealed units) - Fading instrument cluster LEDs (replaceable via our parts catalog)

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Conclusion: Timeless Versatility

The Suzuki AN 400 Burgman (1999-2002) remains a masterclass in balanced engineering. It’s a scooter that refuses to be pigeonholed—equally at home threading through gridlock as it is devouring backroads. While modern rivals offer flashier tech, few match the Burgman’s blend of simplicity, capability, and charm.

Whether you’re restoring a classic or optimizing a daily rider, MOTOPARTS.store has the OEM-spec components and performance upgrades to keep your Burgman running like new. From CVT tuning kits to ergonomic seat covers, we’ve got your two-wheeled Swiss Army knife covered.

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Specifications sheet

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