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SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Just got a new (used) S40 and have a few questions /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1414624995 Message started by killsport on 10/29/14 at 16:23:15 |
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Title: Just got a new (used) S40 and have a few questions Post by killsport on 10/29/14 at 16:23:15 These have probably been answered, but I didn't see clear links. Any input is appreciated. And I really like that this bike has a following with so many people with experience! ;) I just bought a new-to-me 2011 Boulevard/Savage S40 (no modifications) with 4700 miles on it. Oil recently changed and everything seems great. Q1: Is there anything (maintenance-wise) I really have to do right away, or should I just keep an eye on the tensioner at my next oil change (at about 6000 mi)? Q2: I did not get any tools with it. Is there a small kit that I can buy to put in that tiny (locked) storage area? Q3: I'd like to have some sort of storage (either saddlebags or a "trunk" on the back). Does anyone have recommendations that are decent, cost-effective, easy to install, and don't make it like riding a tank? Q4: Does anyone know of a good, honest (!) mechanic in Miami who they would recommend? Q5: I didn't get a key for the fork lock. How would I get one made and what kind of cost should I expect? Q6: If I want to raise the seat, what is the most I can raise it without needing to add middle supports? Would I be better off getting a new seat instead? Which one? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! ;D ;D ;D As this is my first foray into motorcycling, I'm not sure what to expect yet. But adventure is usually good! |
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Title: Re: Just got a new (used) S40 and have a few quest Post by Drestakil on 10/29/14 at 18:43:38 You might consider the Raptor pet thingy, or petcock as it is otherwise known. After reading so much about them on here I didn't trust the OEM one at all. Also keep an eye on the front brake pads. Mine were worn out in about 7000 miles. On Q6: I found the stock seat left me a little cramped. I modded mine with the help from this site http://diymotorcycleseat.com/. Congrats on choosing the S40. They're a lot of fun! Oh yeah, welcome to the forum :) |
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Title: Re: Just got a new (used) S40 and have a few quest Post by Kris01 on 10/29/14 at 21:27:57 Ditto on the front pads, except mine are gone at 4500. I have some on order now and they should be here in a few days. $23.42 with free shipping from Amazon! When I raised my seat, I used a rubber bungee cord cut into a couple of inches length. I used clear silicone to hold the strips to the frame and the seat. The S40 seat (as opposed to the LS650) is one piece. You DO want to add support in the middle so you don't crack it with your weight. |
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Title: Re: Just got a new (used) S40 and have a few quest Post by Paladin. on 10/29/14 at 22:55:42 41434646595A45585E2A0 wrote:
Blog, 15 August 2004 (http://www.dslretorts.com/Paladin/archives/000640.html), picture of me and the Previous Owner: http://www.dslretorts.com/Paladin/images/PassingPaper.jpg Blog, 06 January 2013 (http://www.dslretorts.com/Paladin/archives/002945.html), picture with me and the New Owner: http://www.dslretorts.com/Paladin/images/65andUp/NewOwner.jpg Note the Saddlebags. Now check Blog 18 November 2004 (http://www.dslretorts.com/Paladin/archives/000707.html), Birthday present: Leatherlyke Saddlebags: http://www.dslretorts.com/Paladin/images/leatherlyke1_.jpg http://www.dslretorts.com/Paladin/images/leatherlyke2_.jpg Over eight years, not babied, gently dropped a few times, and as you can see the saddle bags were still good. Yeah, did have to replace the locks after about 5 years, figuring the locks were used at least 5000 times. Easy to mount? Less than three hours, including moving the turn signals and stretching the wire and unbolting and the remounting the fender rails without removing the rear wheel. Cost-effective? $460 divide by 8 years = $60/year. How long will cheaper saddlebags survive? The rim strips still look nice, about 2 years old. |
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Title: Re: Just got a new (used) S40 and have a few quest Post by jcstokes on 10/29/14 at 23:13:03 The tool kit supplied with the bike isn't brilliant, and the experts (I'm not one) consider the factory belt tension gauge useless. You would be better to buy a medium quality socket and spanner set in metric sizes from Walmart or Harbour Freight and use that. Metric hex keys will help. You won't get much in the factory tool compartment, but if you keep things tight you shouldn't really need to carry much in the way of tools except for very long trips. I did post a tool holding system that used a plastic drink bottle, a pepper pot and a pill phial but I've forgotten where it is. |
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Title: Re: Just got a new (used) S40 and have a few quest Post by GBG on 10/30/14 at 06:44:02 I put on the Willie and Max Raptor slant saddlebags. I was going to go with the smaller size, but got a deal on the standard. I didn't have to move my turn signals, and they still left room for the rear pegs if you do add a passenger. |
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Title: Re: Just got a new (used) S40 and have a few quest Post by stewmills on 10/30/14 at 07:07:53 Welcome, and congrats on your new ride! Q1: With fresh oil and if it’s running good, you should be good for now. Just make sure to check obvious things like tire pressure, any loose nuts or bolts the PO may have ignored resulting any anything odd or rattling, brake fluid, clean air filter, etc. If it’s running good don’t start hacking away at anything major unnecessarily. Ride it and enjoy it and the little things you need to do will start coming to you either by observation, getting more familiar, or coning here and asking as you discover things. Q2: Yes, there is a small tool kit that comes with the bike but as some have noted you’re not missing anything you can’t get for $15 in a cheap tool set. Once you get your saddle bags you’ll have room to carry some emergency item such as a small tool set, flashlight, extra light bulbs, etc. Q3: I have the factory-type saddle bag brackets and these (see image) saddle bags. Easy to install. Unfortunately the PO had these on the bike and I am not sure what flavor they are or where he got them. Mine do not lock. Q4: They don’t exist! PLEASE come here with all of your needs and the folks here will walk you through whatever you need if you have the least bit of mechanical know-how. The dealerships will take you for a ride! If you do find an honest mechanic, that’s great and my hats off to you. Q5: If you have the owner’s manual and the PO wrote down the key code you can get one made (they can look it up in the computer) for around $15 or so if they have to ‘use’ the code to cut it (you’re paying for their knowledge and key code info…). Otherwise, you may have to go to a locksmith and see if they can make a key by picking at the lock. Never done this so I am just guessing. If you do, take some form of ownership paper so they know you didn’t steal it. FYI – I don’t live in a bad area, but when I first got my bike I locked the forks everywhere I went because I was so protective of my new bike, but rarely do it anymore. However, it’s nice to have when you do need it. Q6: I raised my stock seat about an inch in the front per the seat raise mod in the tech section. I would suggest adding something in the middle as others noted. I used some real thick/dense foam I had laying around. Once you get under there you’ll see where the rests are and know where to add the padding. May take a few test fits to get the right amount (not too much or too little). You’ll figure it out. Lastly if in doubt come here and, ask, ask, ask. |
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Title: Re: Just got a new (used) S40 and have a few quest Post by killsport on 10/30/14 at 09:00:25 Thanks guys for the warm welcome and advice. Please keep it coming. I've been driving around the neighborhood and slowly increasing speed and confidence. Lots of stop signs, so extra practice shifting, stopping, etc. So far, it is a lot of fun to ride!! I do have a neighbor who has a H-D (for like 20+ years) and has offered to help guide me through some routine maintenance when I need it. I have the manual (and an older clymer version), but will be able to use his tools and general experience. Another "stupid" question... How do I know when to stop putting gas in the tank? Can I "overfill" it? Thanks! |
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Title: Re: Just got a new (used) S40 and have a few quest Post by stewmills on 10/30/14 at 09:11:18 5F5D585847445B4640340 wrote:
No stupid questions! YES, you can overfill it. Don't fill above the tabs in the filler neck that you see sticking down about 1.5 inches. Anything above this will cause fuel to spit out the vents in the gas cap when you lean the bike upright after refueling. I learned from experience ;) BTW, I highly recommend taking the motorcycle safety course. It can cost around $250 in some areas, but well worth it for a new rider. I took it a couple of years ago as a new rider and gained a lot more than I expected about safety, handling, and defensive driving. Plus, most insurances will give you a small discount for having taken it. |
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Title: Re: Just got a new (used) S40 and have a few quest Post by verslagen1 on 10/30/14 at 09:13:24 There's a Clymer error thread in the tech section, read and weep. Just stick the nozzle in all the way and it'll shut off when not quite full. To me this is fine, it doesn't splash out. Some do, and they replace the rubber seal on the cap. |
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Title: Re: Just got a new (used) S40 and have a few quest Post by jcstokes on 10/30/14 at 10:41:04 Keep an eye on your rear tyre, the stock IRC isn't renowned for durability or handling. The front isn't so bad. Many on this forum prefer a Shinko 140/90 15 as a good value for money mix. The stock IRC is also an orphan size. |
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Title: Re: Just got a new (used) S40 and have a few quest Post by justin_o_guy2 on 10/30/14 at 11:31:08 One thing to be aware of,, The plug sits down in a hole,, DIRT and crusty stuff gather down around it.. If you dont blow that clear of debris before pulling the plug, it falls in on top of the piston,, Thats Not Good,, Always clean there before pulling the plug. You can get a plug wrench from the lawn and garden area at Lowes for cheap.. Some "Normal" plug tools are too fat to fit or too short,, and the el cheapo pressed steel ones work fine. Many of us have swapped the seat mount bolts out to longer allen head bolts with double nuts on them to make getting to the head easier.. A 1.5 inch bolt w/ 2 nuts jammed on it, leaving 1/2" of thread pokin out to secure the seat makes the head poke out about an inch, and is much easier access, but not pokin out to tear yer pants.. Look up under there and decide,, Heck, I think Serowbot uses some pins, ya push the button, the BB's retreat into their holes and the pin pulls out,, Now thats Slick,, You can decide what tools ya need for the tool kit and get some,, build it up, either get a cool leather bag to strap on the bars or stick it where Suzuki did.. BUT, as for a Mechanic,, You Dont Need one.. If you wanna spend more $$$ on maintenance that the bikes worth and spend the riding season waiting on it to get outta the shop, youre on the right bike.. These bikes arent the ones they see. They are notorious for not knowing hoot about them,, We have seen at least 2 engines DESTROYED in Professional shops, just getting the oil changed.. You wanna do something? Come here, look in the tech section, read what ya can, ask and make sure youve got it figured out,, the $$$ you spend on tools will pay you back time and again.. DO NOT be intimidated,, I was,, once I got past it I saw how silly it was.. Man,, its a biggo lawnmower motor,, Its simple, it has some Dos and Donts, but anyone smart enough to ride one is smart enough to maintain it, There are guys here who KNOW the carb, guys here who KNOW the valve setting procedures and the cam chain dos and donts.. Dont let anyone sell you anything, parts or service, that you dont come here and ask about it first,, You might as well have bought a bike that every guy in the neighborhood has and has had for years and knows how to do everything on it,, As long as you dont go cutting wires and changing things we cant see,, and nothing blows up inside the transmission, we can talk you through anything,, and the money youll save and the time youll get to ride instead of wait is amazing,, At your mileage, no need to open the side up. It is time for a valve adjust check.. about 5,000 miles.. If its still got the stock tires, the rear otta sure nuff be wore out,, Your choice of replacement will be decided by riding style, miles you expect to ride per year and budget, For oil, some people seem to believe these are thinking, feeling beings and will "appreciate" you spending crazy money for "The Best" for your baby,, Not So,, Theres a reasonable priced, quality oil, Rotella T 15/40. Its got the kinda recipe that our lifter and valve setup need to live long lives. Its about $13.00 a gallon,, You can run a filter for 2 oil changes. Say, ya change oil at 2,500 miles, slap in a new filter, change oil again at 5,000, no filter, then at 7,500 m iles, oil and filter.. Im sure thatll create some controversy.. and thats okay,, Wrong oil has friction modifiers and WILL cause clutch slippage. The "I wanna make it stouter, louder and make it MINE" thing will most certainly hit you.. There are lots of ways to approach that, but the simple rule is, its GOT TO breathe easier to run better,, and its GOTTa have an air fuel mixture that works.. so, IF the air flow Thru changes enough, the fuel going into it will have to change to make it run right.. I went a bit hog wild and spent too much $$$ and got a Supertrapp exhaust.. Ida been every bit as well off to have put a Dyna muffler on it AND I woulda had over $300.00 left in my pocket.. I put the K&N drop in filter in,, spent all kindsa money on that and the Special K&N filter cleaner and the Special K&N filter oil,, Phhhht,,, what difference there was ( I cant PROVE there was any, so, for all I know it was The PLacebo Effect) wasnt worth it. Old Feller came up with a HomeBrew filter on a stock paper filter frame,, I think its a great design, Or stay with stock paper,, If ya dont HAVE a compressor,, well,, I dont know how anyone who owns a car Doesnt have one,, Tires being what tires are,, Even a portable compressor will fire a 1/2" impact off and bust a lug nut loose,, BUT, on those little dudes, when they kick in, stop usinf it, let it "catch up",, then hit it again,, or theyll burn up.. Verslagen builds a gizmo to get the miles out of the cam chain,, I had a fork brace on mine. I saw a difference, others have a different opinion, It has the [potential to squeak and rattle in known places,, there are solutions.. Whatever it does that you dont like, come in here and ask,, odds are its been seen and solved,, Bottom line, get ready to learn how to do day to day mainrenance,, |
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