400 cc scooter for beginning female rider (5'2", 150 lbs., 36 years old)?

Question

This would be the one:

http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/AN400K8

Too big/heavy? What do you think?

Answer 1

Since you are 5'2" I can't figure out why these guys are recommending a scooter with a seat height up to 3" higher than what you are asking about.   Unless you are all legs you are going to have a lot of problems with a Kymco.

I looked at the Kymco but after talking to people that owned them I opted for the Burgman. The Burgman is heavier but I wanted to do freeway rides and Kymco owners told me they felt unsafe on freeways.

A Burgman is a heavier scooter but it is also the most popular maxi-scooter in the US. Why? Because it is the most advanced, DOHC, dual front disc brakes, and fuel injection put it ahead of most scooters and many motorcycles.

Can you handle it as a beginner? That really depends on you. I started on a 150 but I know women that have started on Burgmans. I think it is harder but do-able!

Check out the Scooter Diva (women) and Burgman USA forums. People there will be happy to help you with your decision.

Answer 2

dirtytricksracing has this one pegged :)  Go with a Kymco People 250 or even the S200 would be sufficient more than likely... its top speed is about 70mph

Answer 3

To big & to heavy for a new rider.

All scooters don't handle very well - making this one even more difficult than a 150cc

It will feel very clumsey for your size and experience.

Answer 4

As my opinion. Eventhough scooters have lower center gravity, easier to handle compare to motorcycle, but 400 cc is still too big for new rider with your size. Try 250cc for a year untill you feel comfortable, and then move up to 400cc. Good luck.

Answer 5

You would be better off looking at  Kymco scooters. People trade in the 400 burgman for the 250 Kymco they have three styles in the 250 size and they are a much better scooter and you do not pay for the name. Kymco is a reliable company they are rated number one in the world except for Piaggio and Vespa and over all the  the big name j*p scooters. They come with a 2 year warranty and it is honored. There is also a 500cc  that is not much bigger in body size than the 250. I would ride coast to coast on either one with out a thought.