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SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD VS. Suzuki S40/Savage /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1227498673 Message started by Kevininsc on 11/23/08 at 19:51:12 |
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Title: Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD VS. Suzuki S40/Savage Post by Kevininsc on 11/23/08 at 19:51:12 Greetings: :) First off, I mean no disrespect to this forum (I've been reading it for about a month or so and think its great!!), but I am thinking about one of these two bikes. I thought I had my mind set on the S40, but after reading some reviews on the Vulcan 500, I'm not so sure now. I haven't ridden in a couple of years. I started off with a Kawasaki Concours (too big) and ended up with a Honda Silverwing Scooter (600)(sold 2 years ago). I went to one of the local dealers here in North/South Carolina and sat on both (2009). Both seemed very nice size/weight/price etc. Haven't test riden yet (too cold), but wanted some opinions on these two bikes. Hopefully someone may have owned both and could comment. Here is my intended use for either bike: Around town short rides with little highway (unless I want to do some camping, etc). I am concerned with the hot weather with the S40 air-cooled engine vs the Vulcans' 500 water cooled. Weight on the Vulcan seemed to be right at the limit of what I want. The S40 seemed like it could really be great as far as flickability! Power should be about the same (I think). The other factor is the Vulcan has a chain that would need to be lubed every 1/2000 miles, (not a big deal I guess). The Vulcan, not as simple as the S40. I do understand that there is about a 1000 price difference between them. Any comments would really be appreciated!! ;D Thanks Kevin |
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Title: Re: Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD VS. Suzuki S40/Savage Post by Bear on 11/23/08 at 20:16:59 I got my 2008 S40 in July this year. I called every dealer within 200 miles to find one. There was only ONE to be found in Post Falls Idaho. That was 135 miles away. Once I found it, I was there the next day. In calling around, several dealers had Vulcan 500's that they wanted to sell me. They were available most everywhere. I stopped by my local dealer a couple weeks ago and I'm sure he has the SAME one on his floor that was sitting there last summer. They just don't sell. They look good in the catalog and not bad up close, but I like the simplicity, and lighter weight of the S40 and don't need a radiator on a 500cc machine. I have over 1000 miles on the S40 now and like it fine. Runs perfectly in STOCK form and handles well. |
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Title: Re: Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD VS. Suzuki S40/Savage Post by BurnPgh on 11/23/08 at 20:20:06 My choice was between the Savage and Vulcan 500 after I decided to step up from my Rebel 250. I obviously went the Savage route for all the reason you mentioned above. I haven't ridden a Vulcan but I have sat on one and it seemed huge to me. It was uncomfortable in my opinion and seemed heavier. The dual carbs didn't tickle my fancy. The chain didn't either. Plus the Savage has the benefit of being a simpler one cylinder. I may have read ONE report of overheating on a Savage/S40. It's a pretty solid design thats been around for a long time and they never decided to liquid cool it. Seems like liquid cooling is just one more thing to keep an eye on and fix when it inevitably breaks. If you've been reading you'll know there's some things you're going to want to do if you get a savage. If you're buying new you'll need a rejet. After 10k mi or so you'll want to have a look at your cam chain tensioner. One great thing about this bike is it seem almost infinately maleable. People have used Savages as platforms for rat/bobbers, tricked out choppers, errand runners, tourers...you name it someone here or in Germany has probably done it. |
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Title: Re: Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD VS. Suzuki S40/Savage Post by Skid Mark on 11/23/08 at 21:41:28 I have a 2008 s40 also. The design hasn't changed significantly since its inception and even the 80's vintages bi kes are still being ridden. That tells me you will be hard pressed to find a more solid or reliable bike. My 1st season with the S40 has give me 7500 km of trouble free riding around Calgary and area. I would have no 2nd thoughts at all about going for a week outing on the HIway with it. Finding time would be the issue. I have no experience or any info on the Kawi. so I can't offer a comparison. I just know the S40 is a solid choice. |
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Title: Re: Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD VS. Suzuki S40/Savage Post by Oldfeller on 11/24/08 at 03:25:25 I don't own the Kawa, I own the Yamaha competitor, the XV535. Weight and power are somewhat equivalent between the two, so these comments may well apply. The Savage is light, handy, flickable and a plain joy to ride around town. The 500cc twins have less displacement but more weight, and yet they clearly out-power the Savage at all points and gears. To do this out-powering they rev more, but compared to what they can rev they can easily outpower the Savage even at their partial throttle conditions as well. They are "bigger bikes" than the Savage in every functional category (including weight and handling). You do realize a Kawa 250 Ninja both out weighs and out powers a Savage, right? You gotta rev it to the moon to do so, but it can. Now to the realities of the situation -- you don't need the extra power for any legal speed limit anywhere. And if you are hunting some real power in the light weight class we are talking about, why then for heaven's sakes go get yourself an SV650!! Then, once you blow past 123 mph inside the exit merge lane of the interstate a few time and realize the bike can cut a corner far further than you will EVER be able to ride being an old fart and all, then you can sell it come springtime, keep the 500cc twin as your cruising bike and then ride the Savage everywhere. Then you can have the "been there done that" lightweight street class T shirt. Oldfeller |
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Title: Re: Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD VS. Suzuki S40/Savage Post by skrapiron -FSO on 11/24/08 at 05:03:15 After you've sat in rush-hour traffic for 45 minutes, slowli idling your way uphill, you learn to appreciate liquid cooling..... That said, both bikes are great lightweight cruisers. Both have equal strengths and weakenesses. The answer to which bike is better depends on your opinion of the importance of those weaknesses. Bar none, ths Savage is a simple machine. With the exception of the CDI ignition, the rest of the operation is mechanical. The benefit being, long term durability, but periodic maintenance and adjustment are necessary. The Vulcan 500 is a bit heavier (not much) but it runs much more smoothly than the Savage (thanks to off-setting dual pistons). Both the Savage and the Vulcan are freeway capable, but the Savage tends to vibrate (alot) over 60mph. The Vulcan and the Savage deliver similar fuel economy (55-60mpg) but the Vulcan has a 4 gallon fuel tank. The Savage has just a 2.9 gallon tank. You can ride farther per fill-up on the Vulcan. The stock setup on the Vulcan is more comfortable for bigger riders than it is on the Savage. The seat is larger, wider and better upholstered. BUT the Savage wins hands down in it's ease of maintenenace and operation. The Vulcan has 2 carbs to worry about, the Savage has one. The Vulcan has 4 banks of valves to check, the Savage just 2. The Vulcan is much harder to tune when you start adding aftermarket parts (such as an exhaust or even a performance air-filter) To be honest, it is a tough question. Both bikes are great! Both bikes offer rock solid reliability and can do anything a bigger bike can. My advice is to shop around. If you can find either bike in your price range, you can't make a wrong choice. Good luck! |
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Title: Re: Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD VS. Suzuki S40/Savage Post by mornhm on 11/24/08 at 05:25:32 This thread seems like deja vu. Seems like this comparison has been made before. In any case, both of these small cruisers are nice motorcycles. The Vulcan has quite a bit more horsepower, but that comes with a lot of complexity. I wouldn't want to ride any cruiser a long way, but that is my preference for a sportier riding position. If you want a lightweight cruiser either is a good choice. As far as gas mileage, my wife's vulcan gets a lot better gas mileage no matter who rides it. I got 52 mpg in all conditions with my Savage, when I ride her vulcan under the same conditions, I get close to 70 mpg. The Savage started better in cold weather and has more torque so I think it is more forgiving for a new rider, and every pound of weight makes a diffference. Both my wife and I had a choice of either a Savage, or a Vulcan when we first started riding, I chose the Savage, she chose the Vulcan. She still has her Vulcan. I probably ride about 10 times more miles per year than her (20K plus or minus) and I change over a few years ago to a Concours. The Vulcan makes a reasonable companion for the Concours on the road, the savage really worked to ride at interstate speeds, but the Vulcan can keep up at cruising speeds. The Vulcan hits reserve about the time that I would start looking for a gas station in any case. |
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Title: Re: Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD VS. Suzuki S40/Savage Post by mikestrikes on 11/24/08 at 07:53:24 Get the Kawasaki, Its bullet proof ! It has a detuned version of the Ninja 500 motor, you will have zero probs with this motor, as we all know the Savage will start leaking oil. easy fix, and the timing chain prob, you will have non of this with the V-500. I love all bikes, they all have good-bad points, but if you want as close to 100% reliability get the Kawasaki.... |
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Title: Re: Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD VS. Suzuki S40/S Post by serowbot on 11/24/08 at 08:03:04 I wouldn't worry too much about overheating...I'm in Tucson Az. and have not had any problems in 3 years and 15k miles...I give out from the heat before the bike does,...it never does...valves get a little chatty in 100+ degree city traffic, but not bad. The Vulcan will have more muscle though if that's what you need. It's actually a de-tuned 500 Ninja motor in there. Footpegs on the Vulcan are a bit more under you,(could be cramped if you're big, or an advantage if you're short) Savage wins hands down in the styling department. Ride Safe |
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Title: Re: Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD VS. Suzuki S40/Savage Post by mikestrikes on 11/24/08 at 08:08:17 http://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/kawasaki-vulcan-500-ltd-review |
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Title: Re: Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD VS. Suzuki S40/Savage Post by Paladin. on 11/24/08 at 09:35:27 1A3427383F383F2232510 wrote:
You didn't mention your size. I'm 5'9". The Savage is 4.5" shorter between the axles and 90 pounds lighter. Back when they were allowed in California I sat on a Vulcan 500 and it was noticibly larger, a hair larger and heavier than I was comfortable with tho' I probably would have gotten used to it. But why should I have to "get used to" when the Savage fits me perfectly? But that's me. The Kaw has two cylinders, higher compression, revs higher, a six speed trans, and a far greater top speed, DUH!! My Savage will run up to 75 faster than the vast majority of cages, will hit 85 a bit easier than I need, can get me a speeding ticket anywhere in the U.S. I don't need to be able to do 100, 120, 160 or whatever mph. I ride city and I DO need to get to speed asap. 0 to 35 or 40 mph is what I use. Given that torque is what accelerate you, given that with all other factors equal a single gives the greatest torque, I'll believe a stock 500cc twin will beat me to 40 mph when one does. Little highway? Pffft -- not a problem! I did Los Angeles to Holbrook AZ, 570 miles, about 12 hours with stops, neither I nor the bike were tired. Next evening, in Amarillo TX, the bike was still fresh as a daisy, but I was beginning to feel the strain. Cooling? Lots of Savages in the SouthWest deserts. Again not a problem unless you want to sit idling in stop and stop and inch foreward traffic -- I don't do that! Personally I rather not have corrosive liquids in or around my bike, and I don't need the added complexity of liquid coolling. May be forced into it eventuallty as they can tune to tighter smog specs with liquid cooling as the temperature can remain in a much smaller range. Bottom line: Either bike will do what you ask. Both are good. What matters is how comfortable you are on the bike. Any attention you give to the bike is taken away from attention given to the environment -- and a lapse of attention to what is happening around you can be fatal. |
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Title: Re: Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD VS. Suzuki S40/Savage Post by odvelasc on 11/24/08 at 09:43:27 price wise, and do it yourself wise, the suzi wins hands down. But as others have mentioned, if you are not suzi size (too tall) then the vulcan would be best. Just about anything can be done on the suzi with a bit of work and it is rewarding as well. Especially because of the joy of moding your bike and that you dont have to dig deep into your pockets and pay a stealership to do the work. I think that the do it yourself factor of the suzi is a great way to get into biking and moding. I have considered buying a sportser, and a victory kingpin (for long trips). Emotionally I am just not ready to part with suzi, and surprisingly neither is my girlfriends big ol', sexy apple bottom. 8-) |
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Title: Re: Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD VS. Suzuki S40/Savage Post by srinath on 11/24/08 at 11:47:56 Savage all the way. Not even close. The vulcan 500 will have to be revved ... it thinks its a sport bike and doesn't make torque ... it just makes revs. The savage/s40 will surprise you with the power and torque, its a ultra light weight that hauls ass inspite of being low in power on paper. The extra heft of the vulcan is just about compensated by its extra power up high ... but not quite. The belt drive of the old 500 was sooooo much better. But that's kawasaki for you, they take a good product and crappify it ... that's their design methodology. Cool. Srinath. |
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Title: Re: Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD VS. Suzuki S40/Savage Post by Oldfeller on 11/24/08 at 15:57:19 I prefer riding the Savage (personal taste) but I'm not deluded as to how it performs versus the 500cc twins. Yeah, they rev more but the twins outperform the Savage clearly in all 5 gears. Places where I hit 40-55 on the Savage I can hit 60-70 on the 500cc twin in the exact same limited distance. Torque is nice and that's how the Savage works. Hp is nice and that is how the twins work. Both haul you about, but the twins have more than enough hp advantage to make up the difference in torque. The Savage thumps hard enough to shake the gas tank in its rubber tank mounts in perfect time to the thumps. The twins buzz and wind up howling up high in the rpm range. Each different configuration of bike has a separate character. An equal bore to stroke 90 degree twin has perfect primary balance (that's the SV650 I'm talking about) and it DOES NOT VIBRATE as it accelerates in any noticeable fashion. They liken the SV650's throttle to a rheostat on an electric motor and if it wasn't for the rush of the pipe sounds that would be true enough. Sexy smmoooothhh ... then you hit 8,000 rpm and the beast wakes up and snarls at you. All bikes have different characters. Like your scoot for what it is, don't worry that it isn't something else. That's silly. |
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Title: Re: Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD VS. Suzuki S40/Savage Post by Flemming from Denmark on 11/24/08 at 16:41:39 The lines/angle combined with the unik engine are what i like by the savage. It's like the cat: "It's own" :) The Kawa looks exactly like the cheap, rusty chinese 150/250 cc popping around here in Denmark. No doubt: It's a better bike than the Chinese, but who cares if i looks like one ;) |
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Title: Re: Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD VS. Suzuki S40/Savage Post by gerald.hughes on 11/26/08 at 00:39:50 I am 62 years old, and have been riding since I was 14. In that time I think that I have owned probably 30 bikes of various makes. I am now riding a Savage. I guess the bottom line is, "been there, done that." I now ride simply for the pleasure of riding, and the Savage seems to do that with the least fuss, and the most enjoyment. |
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Title: Re: Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD VS. Suzuki S40/Savage Post by srinath on 12/01/08 at 07:53:13 Oldfeller - From 1 cyl to 2 you need to drop 25% displacement, and going to 4 from 2 is another 25% drop in displacement - you know, Old world super bike rules. Also I prefer comparing weight class and size class instead of just displacement. But - A 650 1 cyl will be a 500 2 cyl, which will be 400 4 cyl. Of the 3 a 400 4 cyl will blow the doors off the other 2 categories. It will also be a good 40-80 lbs heavier. You also cannot compare sport bikes to cruisers. Sportbikes are built for speed and they throw a lot of high tech at them for that purpose. The comparison for a savage will be a virago 535, a shadow 600 (yea I know 600 ... but wait and see) vulcan 500 (sport bike motor in it) and some other assorted older bikes. Of these 4 the savage definetly holds its own ... that shadow 600 is overweight and more looks than running ability. The vulcan atleast in the late 90's was a definete revvy bike but it ran great inspite of that. The virago 535 and savage are pretty close, I have had 3 of the 535's and 4 savages. Savage is lighter, but virago does have more power ... Gerald.hughes - I have had ~40 bikes ... though 17 of them have been GS500's, 4 have been eliminators, 4 nighthawks, 4 savages, 3 katana's 4 virago's (3 5353's and 1 1100) ... the whole savage appeal is how small and light and yet gutsy it is. Flemming - I'm yet to see a chineese vulcan look alike. However I have seen several chineese virago look alikes ... ;D Cool. Srinath. |
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Title: Re: Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD VS. Suzuki S40/Savage Post by Bobbert on 12/01/08 at 10:52:49 I think we're all forgetting how restricted the Savage engine is to meet European beginner's standards. Just look at the exhaust port! |
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Title: Re: Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD VS. Suzuki S40/Savage Post by SV og LS on 12/01/08 at 14:14:20 073A373027213A383A30550 wrote:
Savage power has little if anything to do with European power restrictions. There's no 31 hp limit anywhere here. It would make no sense to make the whole engine restricted to meet a given limit for a single country and sell the same restricted version all over the world. German 27 hp limit for a cheaper insurance is made thru throttle limiter (piece of plastic tube) but the open power 31 hp version is what it is. There are or were restricted versions available for most of the bikes but at the same time full power versions for people with full licenses and with higher insurance classes. |
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Title: Re: Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD VS. Suzuki S40/Savage Post by Bobbert on 12/08/08 at 18:47:35 1D182129021D4E0 wrote:
Savage power has little if anything to do with European power restrictions. There's no 31 hp limit anywhere here. It would make no sense to make the whole engine restricted to meet a given limit for a single country and sell the same restricted version all over the world. German 27 hp limit for a cheaper insurance is made thru throttle limiter (piece of plastic tube) but the open power 31 hp version is what it is. There are or were restricted versions available for most of the bikes but at the same time full power versions for people with full licenses and with higher insurance classes.[/quote] The rules for riders in the UK: http://northukbikers-videos.co.uk/BBC/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3&Itemid=8 Quote:
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Title: Re: Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD VS. Suzuki S40/Savage Post by SV og LS on 12/09/08 at 01:19:21 5865686F787E6567656F0A0 wrote:
Savage power has little if anything to do with European power restrictions. There's no 31 hp limit anywhere here. It would make no sense to make the whole engine restricted to meet a given limit for a single country and sell the same restricted version all over the world. German 27 hp limit for a cheaper insurance is made thru throttle limiter (piece of plastic tube) but the open power 31 hp version is what it is. There are or were restricted versions available for most of the bikes but at the same time full power versions for people with full licenses and with higher insurance classes.[/quote] The rules for riders in the UK: http://northukbikers-videos.co.uk/BBC/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3&Itemid=8 Quote:
British 33 bhp limit for learners was introduced in 1996 so the bike wasn't specifically designed to pass under the limit. |
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