Scooters in the city, that makes perfect sense, doesn't it? They're economical, easy to park, and just plain fun to ride, even in traffic. And their hip look often squeezes grins from even the stodgiest of neighbors and passersby. For these few reasons alone, although there are many more, it's easy to understand why many consider a scoot the ultimate commute. In bringing the merry band of us "ride it like you stole it" types to San Francisco to assess the new Burgman 400, the folks at Suzuki heartily demonstrated that they have great confidence in their city-slaying single. Crazy traffic aside, this location is fraught with all the hazards and pitfalls capable of putting the most rugged of vehicular designs to the test. With obstacles ranging from trolley tracks embedded in the street, to hills with grade percentages that rival some of the most extreme stages in the Tour de France, even a brief ride through this urban teeter-totter can reveal an awful lot about any machine's mettle. But don't think that we were relegated to a city safari. Some of the finest country twisties can be found east, north, and south of the city limits - nearby in the Oakland Hills, across the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County, or down Highway 1 toward Half Moon Bay and beyond. The designers at Suzuki knew that we'd be interested in more than carryout dashes and cable-car dodging.

Engine and Transmission
The new-for-'07 Burgman 400 is still powered by a single piston, but the performance gnomes have definitely been running amok in Suzuki's design department. Displacement is up 15cc to an honest 400, thanks to a 6.4mm longer stroke. The addition of a second cam also helps to serve up a little extra oomph. The DOHC allows for optimum intake and exhaust valve positioning, thus promoting more potent combustion that adds up to smoother, improved engine performance across the board. The updated fuel injection system now features more efficient throttle and sub-throttle bodies. Working in conjunction with an Idle Speed Control (ICS) system, the sprayers ensure that the engine idles optimally in any condition. The net result is smooth acceleration even before the engine is warm, and reduced emissions that, thanks to a large exhaust catalyzer and an O2 sensor feedback system, stand in compliance with strict Euro 3 standards. All of theses updates are a lot more than just hype. The engine responds smoothly and with surprising strength no matter the conditions. Getting going from even dead stops on San Francisco's steepest hills was a snap for the Burgman. Even at highway speeds, a twist of the throttle rewards with acceleration that belies the liters.