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Message started by Ram on 07/20/14 at 17:54:42

Title: Newbie Question - Helmet, Accesories and more
Post by Ram on 07/20/14 at 17:54:42

a newbie here ... bought S40 2 months back .. and been trying it out on the interior roads ...

I have couple of questions that I would need help understanding from the experts here :)

1. Helmet - Could you suggest a good helmet with less wind noise. I am currently using a bilt. It is not bad, but I would like to reduce it further. I bought a BT helmet from Cycle gear, but the wind noise on that gave me bad headache (and it has been returned). Any suggestion for a good BT helmet welcome too

2. Windshield: I fit the original suzuki windshield. But that caused too much wind buffeting and moved my helmet a lot (along with more wind noise). I assumed it was because of the height. any recommendation for a taller windshield ?

3. I am in CA .. and in the bay area. I would like to take my motor cycle on the freeway, but apparently everyone on the road wants to drive faster. Is it okay if I drive around 55-60mph ? (this is the speed that S40 seems to be comfortable with).

4. I would like to shop/travel with the bike, and would like to have suggestions for a good saddle bag/mounting kits.

5. Why is it very difficult to get it to first gear .. It is too difficult sometimes (and makes noise) that I am worried I am going to break it ...

6. is there a way to lock the helmet to the bike ?

It is a new 2013 model, and I have done around 400 miles on it tlll now.

Title: Re: Newbie Question - Helmet, Accesories and more
Post by jman on 07/20/14 at 18:20:35

Helmet: I use an Icon Airframe. I only use Snell rated helmets, due to the higher standards of the Snell rating compared to DOT.

Winshield: I've heard good things about these: https://www.denniskirk.com/national-cycle/9-in-flyscreen-windshield.p234106.prd/234106.sku

My wife's 95 Savage (same thing as your bike, just older), will handle 80 without much more effort than 60.

Haven't found any saddle bags that Mrs. Jman likes yet.

You can reposition the shifter if you're having problems with range of motion on your foot, but if it's shortly after starting, what I would recommend is after the bike's running, but before you shift it, release the clutch completely to unbind the gears in the transmission, then pull it in and shift normally.

I don't know about your bike, but older ones have a helmet lock on the right side of the rear fender.

Title: Re: Newbie Question - Helmet, Accesories and more
Post by verslagen1 on 07/20/14 at 18:38:59

if you need an owners manual... it's in the tech section.

should tell you about the helmet lock.

what oil are you using?

otherwise, maybe you need to adjust your clutch.

Title: Re: Newbie Question - Helmet, Accesories and more
Post by Ram on 07/20/14 at 19:27:10

Thanks verslagen1.

The bike is new. I am not sure what oil they used. I will check with them at my first service.

Title: Re: Newbie Question - Helmet, Accesories and more
Post by Seaweednh on 07/20/14 at 19:52:01

I went with the Viking hard bags http://www.vikingbags.com/suzuki-boulevard-s40-vikingcycle-shock-cutout-warrior-large-slanted-motorcycle-saddlebags-9152-prd1.htm

This of course made the stock helmet lock un-usable. Perhaps not the best lock but I bought this one to secure the helmet to the sissy bar. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BLPS29E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also put this windshield on http://www.amazon.com/Slipstreamer-SS10-Viper-Windshield-SS-10-C-1/dp/B000GV8KSW/ref=pd_sim_sbs_auto_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0Q0YDFH0AV2WSZ311FGX and find it will vibrate the helmet over 50 unless I have the face shield slightly down or all the way down.

Title: Re: Newbie Question - Helmet, Accesories and more
Post by Paladin. on 07/20/14 at 20:11:26

1. ... less wind noise....
Have a box of 80 pairs of 3M ear plugs from Lowes.
Or you can do what I do -- just turn your hearing aids off.

3. I am in CA ... Is it okay if I drive around 55-60mph....
I ride the freeways in Los Angeles at 60-65 mph, in the right lanes, until the traffic slows. When it slows to under 20 mph I start splitting lanes. The LS650 is just happy 70-75 mph. At 85mph on the 110 my eyes were vibrating, but Sluggo said that it was the bad pavement. When I was riding "frisky" I would merge onto the freeway at 70 mph in third gear, fourth and fifth is just for cruising.

4. ... good saddle bag/mounting kits.
I loved my Leatherlyke saddlebags (http://www.dslretorts.com/Paladin/archives/000707.html). Eight years/30,000 miles and still looked good. Hard, lockable, and dismount/remount in about 5 seconds.

6. is there a way to lock the helmet to the bike ?
Half Helmet fits in the saddlebag. For 3/4 or full you need a tail box. Or take it with you. In L.A. the vandals cut helmet straps and toss the helmet in the trash.

I will forever miss that big single with the traffic signal goes green.

Title: Re: Newbie Question - Helmet, Accesories and more
Post by Ram on 07/20/14 at 23:16:12

172125332121202A2C440 wrote:

This of course made the stock helmet lock un-usable. Perhaps not the best lock but I bought this one to secure the helmet to the sissy bar. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BLPS29E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Is there a stock helmet lock that comes with S40 ? I am not able to find one (though there seems to be pictures of some sort of lock shown with the picture of the saddlebag support
http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/images/image_29083.jpg

I found it ! nice !

Title: Re: Newbie Question - Helmet, Accesories and more
Post by Ram on 07/20/14 at 23:38:23

And for mounting the saddle bags (I like the Vikings .. is $199 for two bags or just one ?), do I need to get the mounting kit ?

Title: Re: Newbie Question - Helmet, Accesories and more
Post by WD on 07/21/14 at 00:14:30

1. Helmet - Go to any Harley Davidson, Triumph or BMW dealership. Or your local police supply house. Get a proper motor officer spec helmet, available in many colors, in 1/2 shell, full face or modular.

2. Windshield: Depends on your height. Sit on the bike, normal riding position. Have someone hold a yardstick straight out from your nose. Measure the distance from the stick to the top of the headlight shell, subtract 1 inch.

3. I am in CA ... my condolences.

4. I would like to shop/travel with the bike, and would like to have suggestions for a good saddle bag/mounting kits. Unless you relocate the rear turn signals, forget it.

5. Why is it very difficult to get it to first gear .. It is too difficult sometimes (and makes noise) that I am worried I am going to break it ... Double clutch it. Just like any other old fashioned non-synchronized transmission, or a modern big rig.

6. is there a way to lock the helmet to the bike ? Carry it in with you.

Title: Re: Newbie Question - Helmet, Accesories and more
Post by Ram on 07/21/14 at 00:17:22

Aha ! found the lock ! it looks like S40 does come with cute little lock and it opens with the ignition key (and why is the ignition key located on the side .. would have been better if it were on near the handlebar)

Title: Re: Newbie Question - Helmet, Accesories and more
Post by WD on 07/21/14 at 00:24:25

30232F32302331420 wrote:

Looks better with it "hidden", can't have the bike looking "too Japanese" since it (like the late great never should have been discontinued XS650) is a knock off of an old British bike. ::)

Title: Re: Newbie Question - Helmet, Accesories and more
Post by oldNslow on 07/21/14 at 04:33:25

WD wrote:

Quote:

5. Why is it very difficult to get it to first gear .. It is too difficult sometimes (and makes noise) that I am worried I am going to break it ... Double clutch it. Just like any other old fashioned non-synchronized transmission, or a modern big rig.

Yup. Or just wait until the bike is almost completely stopped - just barely rolling - before shifting down into first. Mine grinds if I try to get into first any faster. I think that's just a characteristic of most motorcycle transmissions.

Don't buy the bags that Suzuki sells as an accessory for this bike if you expect to carry very much. They will - just barely- fit without relocating the turn signals, and you can still - just barely - access the helmet lock with them on. I've got a set on my bike and they are much too small to be really useful.

Title: Re: Newbie Question - Helmet, Accesories and more
Post by Seaweednh on 07/21/14 at 05:03:16

6C7F736E6C7F6D1E0 wrote:

And for mounting the saddle bags (I like the Vikings .. is $199 for two bags or just one ?), do I need to get the mounting kit ?

That price is for the left and right lockable bags. They give you a mounting kit but my bike already had the brackets. With this size bags you do have to relocate the rear signal lights. I bought this kit http://www.vikingbags.com/universal-chrome-turn-signal-relocation-kit-for-motorcycle-saddlebags.htm You will have to modify the stock lights or buy aftermarket ones to fit. these are the ones I used http://www.ebay.com/itm/2pc-Black-Chrome-Motorcycle-Turn-Signals-Lights-For-Honda-VTX-1300-C-R-S-RETRO-/151308580976?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_sacat%3D0%26_from%3DR40%26_nkw%3D151308580976%26_rdc%3D1&nma=true&si=upRvZl%252FV%252FRnBjfgQxyt6rnk6yCM%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 the only thing plastic is the lens

Title: Re: Newbie Question - Helmet, Accesories and more
Post by Seaweednh on 07/21/14 at 14:19:01

I was asked if I used the Suzuki bag mounts in which I did. The Viking bags are suppose to "tie" at the bottom which I didn't like so I used two "U" bolts on each bag to secure them.

Title: Re: Newbie Question - Helmet, Accesories and more
Post by Tocsik on 07/21/14 at 15:11:17

Nice. Thanks for posting that pic. Did the bags have holes for the ties already or did you have to punch 'em out?

Also, those are the perfect size bags for our bike! 8-)

Title: Re: Newbie Question - Helmet, Accesories and more
Post by Seaweednh on 07/21/14 at 15:53:46

I drilled them out and got the "U" bolts from cables clamps. I backed up the inside with a flat washer, a lock washer, a nut and then an acorn nut so nothing gets caught on it.

The size is perfect for me. I can fit a small six pack soft cooler (for water) in it plus the rest of my lunch in one bag. In the other I can put my work out clothes and between the two, I still have room to spare.

Title: Re: Newbie Question - Helmet, Accesories and more
Post by gizzo on 07/22/14 at 08:48:44

6A7975686A796B180 wrote:

Have a look on the head stem gusset. Is there a threaded hole there? If so ( is on my '86 ) you can unbolt the helmet lock and bolt it onto the headstock with the same bolt ,with that hole. You just need to drill an extra hole for a location pin that sticks out the back of the lock. Simples. You might not get a full face lid in there though. Fits my shorty just fine.