New to the forum, new owner of a 2012 Burgman 400 and have some questions

[cfslevin]

New to the forum, new owner of a 2012 Burgman 400 and have some questions

Good morning everyone. I am thinking about triking my new 2012 Suzuki Burgman 400 and have some questions. Can I modify an Insta Trike to fit or do I really need an Insta Trike B? I am trying to buy a used trike kit and have someone modify it to fit. I am totally lost when it comes to triking this scooter as most of the used trike kits have come off of motorcycles and I'm not sure what kits are compatible with my scooter. Thank you all for any assistance you can give.

 

[rhino 2]

Welcome to Trike-Talk Chris...:wave4::wave:

I'm sure someone will chime in with the answers your looking for...

 

[alwrmcusn]

I believe MotorTrike does Suzuki Burgman scooter trike kits.

 

[cfslevin]

my main question is can I use a regular Insta Trike versus the Insta Trike B? I don't find any used B's around me.

 

[trike lady]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

You may want to contact the manufacturer of the unit if it can be retrofitted.

There may be mounting hardware you'll have to buy from them.

 

[desertclassic]

Welcome from New Mexico.

I agree with Trike Lady, try to contact the kit builder. Make sure you have the kit model number and all the info from the Burgman.

 

[cfslevin]

I will try and contact Tow Pac even though it says on their website that they do not support or sell modifications to kits or something like that

 

[trike tech]

A bit of "behind the scenes information" on this one.

The frames are completely different between the 400 & 650. To take on altering a 650 kit to fit a 400 would be extensive to say the least & you could kiss any potential warranty for the trike goodbye. I don't know if anyone offers a kit that's designed specifically for the 400, but that's hands down going to be your best bet (and cheapest).

 

[1dn5up]

Being a owner of numerous scooters, I don't think a 400 will have the gusto to pull the extra weight. Nor will it satisfy the performance expected. I would even shy away from a 650 converstion. Just my opinion, don't take it personal :Shrug:

 

[Keystone]

:welcome: to TT Christopher!

I believe others have steered you in the right direction.

 

[David357]

Hey Christopher,

:welcome: to Trike Talk from South Florida.:wave4:

 

[Philip R]

Welcome from Texas.

 

[Gorilla]

welcome aboard. there are not many conversions like you are asking about that I am aware of on this site. Talking to the company maybe your only option. Good Luck

 

[cfslevin]

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I may have to just bite the bullet and get a new trike kit made specifically for my burgman. I really appreciate all the replies!!

 

[Loner]

Perhaps I can help you with some of your questions and issues. We (wife and I) have owned (and still do) Burgmans that have Tow Pac kits installed (both 400 and 650 versions), so I have some direct knowledge/experience with the technical issues you are weighing. So, to try to itemize some points that are pertinent:

1. A Burgman 400 has plenty ample power and drivetrain to handle the additional drag and weight of a Tow Pac unit. My wife put many miles on a Burgman 400 Tow Pac alongside me with an HD trike. We regularly cruised at 80 mph and higher on long trips. Never a drivetrain problem, never a complaint of lack of residual power.

2. Actually the Instatrike was the designated kit for the Burgman 400 for many years until the Instatrike B was developed. The mounting methods changed from a hitch-receiver style with the Instatrike to direct frame-mounted bracketry for the Instatrike B in later years.

3. We both now have Burgman 650's with the 12" wheeled Tow Pac kits and couldn't imagine much more fun for easy travels. Cruising speeds can easily top 100mph (we don't, but could) and that's with one of us pulling a utility trailer filled with gear for 4 of us onboard.

4. The Tow Pacs weigh in at roughly 375lbs average, so weight and drag load are quite nominal and reflect about 7-9mpg loss (not too bad when starting at ~60mpg).

So, the addition of a kit to you existing 400 is quite viable and obviously a cost-saver to get the stability you seek - if you can find a used kit with the bracketry for your model. If you are looking to procure a used frame kit and adapting it to your 400, that will complicate the issues significantly:

1. If Tow Pac or one of their dealers will sell you the specific mount kit for your bike, than perhaps you will be OK, particularly if that vendor can/will install your hardware for you. Installing one of these kits is not an easy task for anyone who is not mechanically oriented + versed on logical physics + have the patience of a saint when it comes to alignment and adjustments.

2. If you contemplate buying the basic frame set and fabricating the mounting hardware yourself, don't go down that road. The Burgman frames are not rich in extra mounting points that can safely support the Tow Pac kits and provide for necessary alignment flexibilities. The only way I would tackle fabricating my own bracketry for such application would be to borrow an existing factory-made set of brackets and duplicating them. And I am one who prides himself in being able to understand engineering and trike design. Buy the brackets, or copy the brackets, otherwise just don't open yourself that can of worms.

If you can be patient a used kit as you seek will turn up at some point (or so my Dad always said), but if find a bargain on another Tow Pac model, check with the factory (or better yet, a factory dealership near you) about the needed parts, but barring a positive response plan, I recommend you pass. Or at least go into it with your eyes wide open for what you are getting into.

Sorry I ramble, but Welcome to TrikeTalk!!

Feel free to throw out any other questions or ideas and this community can usually help.