Burgman AN250 K4 comments (Suzuki Burgman AN250)

Member Name: Dr Dolittle

Product:	Suzuki Burgman AN250
Date:	07/04/04 (6690 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Smooth Handling, Beautiful moulding, Good storage

Disadvantages: long chassis jumps bumps, fuel economy only fair, High pillion position scares some

Having ridden a burgman UH 125 for about a year I recently (4 months ago) moved up to the AN250 K4, which I have been using for a daily commute of approx. 20 miles each day. The journey covers winding country roads of varying quality as well a good 2.5 mile dead straight stretch as you approach the city.

Firstly, the bike is very striking in it's appearance with the sonic silver body complementing the chrome excellently. The large dimensions with 'always on' dipped lamps also give good road presence which is essential when the colour of the bike causes you to blend into cloudy horizons. One negative trade off of this look however is the considerable wind sheer forces which the bike encounters in bad weather.

The AN250's 40Kg weight gain over the 125 is appreciable (total=171kg) and gives the bike a solid feel, while the low rider position imparts excellent balance and slow speed traffic stability. The movable backrest allows varied rider postions, and my 6'4" long frame (mostly in the legs!) is comfortably accomodated.

One drawback of the long chassis is the tendency for a 'bucking bronco' effect in the rear when crossing bumpy or uneven road surfaces. I once hit an unpainted, unmarked speed ramp at about 30mph and my instantaneous disgust at potentially damaging the bikes front suspension was immediately replaced with a brief moment of prayer as I was catapulted out of the seat when the rear end leaped off the top of the ramp in response to the wave effect imparted by the length. I have grave concerns as to what the outcome would have been for a pillion passenger.

The hand grips for the pillion passenger are excellent and the backrest also adds a measure of additional comfort as well as security. Suzuki's modelling of the AN250 puts the pillion passenger at a higher vantage point than the ri
der, presumably to afford a better view than the back of my helmet. I've had passengers say t

his was great as they could anticipate movements I was going to make, had a better view, didn't feel stuck behind me etc....others, usually riders, felt very high, horribly exposed and were reluctant to lean even gently into corners as they felt their height would destabilise the bike. I've never been on the back but both comments are appreciable.

Finally, acceleration. The 250 is a capable machine and will cruise readily at 70mph (8-9000rpm) although a very slight tremor starts to enter the proceedings around then. The initial accelration rates are fair but I felt they would be better having doubled up from the 125 with only 40Kg extra weight. There is a little left in the throttle at 70 for overtaking but only for a gradual manouvere with a bit of space. Two up riding is comfortable but the engine struggles a little to achieve plausable speeds- if you intend to do a lot of two up riding I think the 400 should be investigated.

I'm very satisfied with the machine overall, it's beautiful, adequately powerful for commuting needs, very solid and very comfortable.

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