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SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Brand new to motorcycles w/ lots of questions /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1372121679 Message started by NV1P on 06/24/13 at 17:54:38 |
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Title: Brand new to motorcycles w/ lots of questions Post by NV1P on 06/24/13 at 17:54:38 For some reason I still can't figure out I decided to take the MSF course. The first time I had ever been on a 2 wheeled vehicle that didn't require pedaling was May 26. On June 13 I became the VERY proud owner of a beautiful 2006 S40 with only 1800 miles on it. I'm immensely enjoying riding it no further than a mile from my house when the roads are empty going no faster than 30 mph :). On the advice of just about everyone around me my purchase was made from a dealership, so I can be assured that it was looked over and any major problems would have been addressed. As for the questions: 1. Carbs:The previous owner had put on an aftermarket Jardine muffler. The dealer told me it was louder than stock, so not knowing anything I told them to put the stock back on. After buying the bike it occurred to me "gee, maybe the previous owner tuned the carb for this aftermarket exhaust. And maybe the dealer didn't think to go through checking that out." What tests should I do to try to determine if there is a difference? 2. Shifting: While in the course I tried out every one of the bikes they had, which were the Honda Nighthawk, the GS250, and a TU250 (which was my favorite). You may wonder why I brought this up. All three of the bikes had very smooth shifting compared to the S40. When shifting I have to push harder than with the others. This doesn't bother me all that much, but the fact it goes in to gear with a very loud thunk! makes me think that maybe something isn't quite right. I've also noticed that sometimes I have to have the clutch slightly out in order for it to get out of neutral into first. Are these normal occurrences, or should I be heading back top the dealer? 3. Backfiring:You may have guessed that I was going to ask about this :D. The previous owner may have done the idle screw adjustment, as the brass plug is missing. What I don't know is if they did it correctly. The engine will backfire if I accelerate hard as if I was going onto a highway and then roll off quickly. It hasn't backfired on shutting it off, and while the dealer surely cleaned everything and I've only had it two weeks there was no blue on either the aftermarket or the stock exhausts. Should I worry about this? 4. Brake lock: I'm thinking of getting a brake lock. Does anyone have a recommendation on which to get? Do the ones with alarms tend to falsely go off? Are there reasons why I shouldn't get one? Speaking of brakes.... 5. Squealing brakes: The front brakes are a bit squealy. There's plenty of pad left, and I have read on here that it's a common occurrence. Is there anything I have to do, or is it best to leave it? I read somewhere that replacing them with FA106 pads helps, but there's plenty of stopping power, and there's very little play in the lever. 6. Brake modulator: What's a good inexpensive one to get? Are they difficult to install? For now I think that's all. I'm sure as I ride more things will come up. Until then, thanks in advance for all the help! 8-) |
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Title: Re: Brand new to motorcycles w/ lots of questions Post by pgambr on 06/24/13 at 18:26:17 You have found an outstanding resource. Alot of people here have extensive expertise. I'm no expert but, I can point you in the right direction. 1. If it runs good your fine. More than likely you will have to pull the cart to check the jets to see what is in it. 2. I have an 06 and mine is the same way. You'll get used to it. 3. This is a very common issue. You can reduce a bit, seach some of the threads. After about 6k, mine still pops but not as loud. I kind of miss it a bit. 4. I can't say I much use for this, I live in the country. 5. Mine did to. After I would out the oem pads I replaced them with ecb, I think. I had to replace mine at 6k. 6. ?? Your doing fine, the carb is the only issue you may have. But if it is running good, your fine. I hope this sets your mind at ease. Best regards. |
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Title: Re: Brand new to motorcycles w/ lots of questions Post by jcstokes on 06/24/13 at 18:45:10 Agree with pgambr. 1/ Be careful of carbs, there is so much info here you will likely overload. My bike does all I want the way it came from the factory. 2/ as Ive ridden few bikes I'm no authority, but keep some revs up when down shifting. 3/ There is also information overload on this subject, you could try turning the idle screw 1/4 turn counter clockwise, you could also leave well alone. 4/ Apparently, the Savage/S40 is the least stolen bike in the USA. 5/Agree with pgambr 6/ By a brake modulator, do you mean ABS or something? I haven't struck this term, I'm probably making another public display of my ignorance. |
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Title: Re: Brand new to motorcycles w/ lots of questions Post by jcstokes on 06/24/13 at 18:48:01 Many on this site have poor opinions of "stealerships" did you get a warranty with the bike? |
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Title: Re: Brand new to motorcycles w/ lots of questions Post by NV1P on 06/24/13 at 19:21:56 Wow! I wasn't expecting replies so soon. A little clarification, what I meant by brake modulator is a module to flash the brake light a few times before it goes solid. Its supposed to help draw attention to that fact you're stopping. |
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Title: Re: Brand new to motorcycles w/ lots of questions Post by verslagen1 on 06/24/13 at 19:37:39 1.likely if the dealer did anything it would be to put stock jets in. but probably just left it. if the po did rejet, it might be rich. I'd drop the bowl and check. 2.yep it's a little clunky. 3.leave it, check your plug. 4.I got one for the same reason, just to be secure. but I didn't need it. 5.wash with soap and water, when the wear out, replace with a "kevlar" pad. 6.naw, they can't see you anyway. and that will probably cause an epileptic seizure and you'll get run over anyway. |
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Title: Re: Brand new to motorcycles w/ lots of questions Post by NV1P on 06/25/13 at 06:19:10 Thanks everyone who's written so far. The bike does have a 2 month or 5K mile warranty, so I'm sure that if I took it there they would at least look at it without charge. I'm considering dropping the bowl to see if it was rejetted. While I suspect that it's still stock I'm the kind of person who takes things apart for fun, not to mention I'd always be curious if I don't. As far as a lock even if it's highly unlikely to get stolen I've had to deal with a car being stolen and totaled (still miss that car), and if all I get from the lock is peace of mind I'll take it. While I'm asking questions, is there a way to quiet the exhaust? Are there mufflers out there that attenuate the sound? If there's power loss using one I'm not concerned. My two main things are gas mileage and quietness. |
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Title: Re: Brand new to motorcycles w/ lots of questions Post by Dave on 06/25/13 at 06:28:43 12000C055754610 wrote:
There is nothing that makes less noise than the stock exhaust.....except maybe turning the bike off. The Harley Davidson DYNA muffler is the best balance of performance and noise, however it is noticeably louder than the stock muffler. |
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Title: Re: Brand new to motorcycles w/ lots of questions Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/25/13 at 08:42:20 The Harley Davidson DYNA muffler is the best balance of performance and noise, and cost supertrapps tune / cost 400ish bux |
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Title: Re: Brand new to motorcycles w/ lots of questions Post by apache snow on 06/25/13 at 09:30:20 Yeah, the Harley Dyna muffler is one of the best things I have done to my bike. :) It does make it sound like a motorcycle should and I like it. |
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Title: Re: Brand new to motorcycles w/ lots of questions Post by oldNslow on 06/25/13 at 15:39:10 Quote:
If you mean one of the locks that you attatch to the front disc, don't do it. Sooner or later you'll forget to take it off. You won't like what happens next. |
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Title: Re: Brand new to motorcycles w/ lots of questions Post by Dane Allen on 06/25/13 at 16:46:48 405140424944524F4E56210 wrote:
You wouldn't happen to have the part number or other identifier, would you? Thanks!! |
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Title: Re: Brand new to motorcycles w/ lots of questions Post by apache snow on 06/25/13 at 16:53:10 Yeah, the part # is 65747-94. Punch that # in to ebay and there will be a bunch of them. Just make sure they have the stock baffle in them. |
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Title: Re: Brand new to motorcycles w/ lots of questions Post by RC on 06/25/13 at 17:55:18 6. Brake modulator, that's easy Kisan Signalminder yeah it's easy to put on too and works greats best mod I've made( not counting cam chain tensioner which is essential) to this otherwise near perfect ride. |
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Title: Re: Brand new to motorcycles w/ lots of questions Post by WD on 06/25/13 at 20:53:06 Leave the carburetor alone, if the bike is running fine, don't fiddle with the one thing guaranteed to drive you bonkers. Well, that and the petcock.. Brake lock? I can't count how many times I parked mine, key in the ignition, helmet on the bars, and it was always right where I left it. Honestly, except to another enthusiast, you can't give a Savage away. At least in the lower 48 of the USA, overseas they are worth something. 2006 model is now 7 years old. Look at your tires, if they say I.R.C. you need to change them. Go to an independent shop, generally better prices and faster than the dealerships. Do ALL other services yourself, we're here to teach you and help you save both money and aggravation. I've had over 100 motorcycles in 26 years. I've kept my bought new 1998 LS650 the longest. You're in the right spot. |
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Title: Re: Brand new to motorcycles w/ lots of questions Post by NV1P on 06/26/13 at 10:28:37 Well, I was riding the motorcycle yesterday, and in true newbie fashion I forgot to put on the choke before starting it. I realized my error right as the engine turned over with no hesitation whatsoever. It could be that it was hot out yesterday, but I've never heard of a carb engine not needing choke when it's properly adjusted. But what do I know? It may run fine now, but if it's running too rich I can't imagine that's good for it in the long run. Ok, so I won't buy a disk lock. Does anyone own a grip lock?www.grip-lock.com It looks like it may be a nice deterrent, and there's no way I'd forget to take it off. I didn't get a chance to look at the tires yet, but the tread looked okay. I've been reading other threads on the cam chain tensioner. Seeing as I've only got 1900 miles on the engine I'm thinking I can put off replacement for a while. Thoughts? |
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Title: Re: Brand new to motorcycles w/ lots of questions Post by EJID on 06/26/13 at 10:52:38 24363A336162570 wrote:
I wouldn't worry too much about that. I live in Idaho, but my bike is parked inside my heated/air conditioned garage year round. I very rarely use the choke when starting my bike at all. I have changed the intake and the exhaust on my bike (along with a rejet) but I very rarely used the choke before I did those modifications either. |
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Title: Re: Brand new to motorcycles w/ lots of questions Post by WD on 06/26/13 at 13:32:00 Warm day, low humidity, the "choke" is usually unnecessary. Oversized jets in an otherwise stock bike just means you have to change the plug more often, maybe the oil as well, due to excess carbon deposits. Tread depth is irrelevant on "old" tires. Look in the sipes (grooves) for significant cracks, check the sidewall for significant cracks, do the "thumbnail test"... if you can't leave a half moon dent in the tread block edge with your thumbnail, the tire has outgassed enough to have become hard. Fine for a burn out contest, not so good in traffic, especially for a new rider. I have tires for one of my trucks that left their molds in 1960, 61 and 62, and are still nice and soft. But, they are for "dress" use only, bias ply wide whites (truck is a 1949 Dodge). The real tires are much fresher radials, the wide whites will be installed once we get to our destination (if I ever finish the thing). Chain tensioner? My bike is 15 years old, has been flogged its entire life, and still has a notch or two before it lets go. If your bike has been babied, expect significantly less tensioner life, stop and go seems to wear them 2-3x as fast as hard or distance riding. I'd leave it be until at least 8K miles are showing, then pop the case cover off and give it a peek. Good oil, and few short trips will keep it happy for a long time. My odometer died 8 years ago with 15k miles showing on it... |
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Title: Re: Brand new to motorcycles w/ lots of questions Post by NV1P on 06/27/13 at 10:00:37 So I did the thumbnail test last night, and there was no half moon. Plus the tires do say I.R.C. So, the question becomes which ones do I buy? Are there different kinds like summer/winter and all seasons similar to car tires? Also, while riding last night one of my turn signals met an unfortunate end. I was turning into my driveway and the bike decided it wanted to stay on the road. Managed to tear off the signal and bend a peg slightly. I guess now is as good a time as any to ask about L.E.D. replacements.... |
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Title: Re: Brand new to motorcycles w/ lots of questions Post by WD on 06/27/13 at 21:30:21 Signals? Whatever floats your boat, seriously, any ones you like can be grafted into place. L.E.D. bulbs require a different (tunable rate) flasher to work correctly. Tires... do you want cheap or do you want good? Pirelli, Metzeler, Dunlop are the "big name high dollar" standouts. Kenda makes 2 very good medium price range tire lines for our bike, cheaper than the stock tire and hold the road better. Shinko and Duro both make tires that fit the bike for a fraction of the cost, but you'll change them more frequently. Get a 140/90-15 rear, stick with the 100/90-19 front or drop a size to 90/90-19 if you find a tread pattern you prefer in that size (the rim is a bit narrow for 100/90, perfectly safe, but shorter tire life). Tire threads tend to turn into tire wars pretty quickly, put your helmet on and hang on... Oh, I have an IRC take off front and Cheng Shin (no longer made) rear on mine, front since 2004 or 2005, rear since 2000 or 2001. Both are rock hard... both are being replaced with VS 800 style treads, off brand front, Dunlop Qualifier rear. |
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Title: Re: Brand new to motorcycles w/ lots of questions Post by oldNslow on 06/28/13 at 05:55:17 Tires: I have a pair of Shiinko 712's on mine. 100/90-19 front, 140/90-15 rear. I don't know yet about tread life - haven't had them on long enough. They are inexpensive, easy to find, and entirely adequate for the way I ride, which tends to be pretty conservative. |
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Title: Re: Brand new to motorcycles w/ lots of questions Post by NV1P on 06/28/13 at 06:03:02 Well, I bought a pair of Metzler 880s. I'm wondering what next step I should take. Should I take it to a mechanic to change them over, or is this something that could be done in a driveway with some help? |
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Title: Re: Brand new to motorcycles w/ lots of questions Post by Blinky-FSO on 06/28/13 at 06:13:46 273539306261540 wrote:
IMHO, unless you have all the tools and have done it before, take it back to the dealer and have them mount and balance the tires. You will be dealing with the axles, drive belt, rear brake; all mission critical. Did you purchase new tubes as well? If not, get them too and spend an extra buck or two for a 90 degree stem on the rear tube. Good hunting |
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Title: Re: Brand new to motorcycles w/ lots of questions Post by oldNslow on 06/28/13 at 06:27:47 74666A633132070 wrote:
The front is pretty easy, the rear can be a bit of a struggle depending how stiff the sidewall on your particular brand of tire is. There are lots of videos on youtube that will walk you through the process. Biggest thing to be concerned with on our bikes is not pinching the tube while levering the tire on and creating a leak. If you've never changed a motorcycle tire and can find someone local who will mount and balance them for 20 bucks or so per tire if you bring him the wheels off the bike, it might be worth it to just do that. If you don't already own some tire irons you're going to have to spend 20 dollars or so for a decent set the first time around anyway. Plus a couple of bucks for whatever wheel weights you decide to use. Don't be afraid to give it a try yourself though, especially if you've got a friend whose done it a few times to give you a hand. It's a very useful skill to have. |
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Title: Re: Brand new to motorcycles w/ lots of questions Post by HondaLavis on 06/28/13 at 13:23:02 Metzeler ME-880's are great tires. Both tires will be very stiff, so I'd recommend taking it to a shop. My local small bike shop charged me $25 per tire for me to bring in the bike, drop it off, and have them swap it out. When you get the tubes replaced, ask for the old ones back. You never know when you'll need some nice thick rubber strips in your shop - or a valve core. :D |
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Title: Re: Brand new to motorcycles w/ lots of questions Post by NV1P on 06/28/13 at 14:06:11 That's my other issue. If I have to drop it off I'd be without my bike for an entire week. Due to my work schedule I'd only be able to make it over there weekends. And I'm not sure how much it's going to cost me, but I'm guessing it's a bit more than $25 per. We'll see. |
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Title: Re: Brand new to motorcycles w/ lots of questions Post by Digger on 07/02/13 at 20:46:13 0E292822270A27302F35460 wrote:
+1 Inner tubes make the best rubber bands known to man! I never, ever, throw one out before it's spawned literally dozens of rubber bands...... |
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