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SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Overweight Beginner on an S40? /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1598067048 Message started by Wild1OR on 08/21/20 at 20:30:48 |
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Title: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by Wild1OR on 08/21/20 at 20:30:48 Hello, I'm a beginner rider that's 5'11" and 400 lbs. I'm working on losing weight and the need to post this question is one more reason. I wish to find a balance between a motorcycle with lower wet weight and cc for a beginner and higher weight capacity for my size. I've been comparing specifications and learned that the Boulevard S40's wet weight is 381 lbs and the maximum weight capacity is 404 lbs. It seems the bike, especially with its appearance, checks the boxes if it'll adequately support me. I've read online of heavy riders setting the suspension to 5 for maximum spring preload and riding without issue. I'm curious if my weight being at the maximum capacity, still makes it a viable option? I appreciate in advance your comments. |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/21/20 at 21:14:47 We've seen some Big Hombres ride them. It'll DO it,,Suspension upgrades are out there and some of these guys can spout them off, I cant. There are forward controls out there to let you get your feet out farther,, Im thinkin about a dirt bike,, cuz Im just Not gonna straight up exercise,, |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by Wild1OR on 08/21/20 at 21:33:31 584741465B5C6D5D6D55474B00320 wrote:
It appears that the stock foot position of the S40 is more comfortable than the Royal Enfield INT650 or Honda Rebel 500. |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/21/20 at 22:57:23 Get ya one,, find a used one with low miles,, Are you a mechanic at all? |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by Wild1OR on 08/21/20 at 23:00:34 352A2C2B3631003000382A266D5F0 wrote:
I'm not a mechanic by any definition. :-/ |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/21/20 at 23:37:03 Well,, You will be,, You wont be the first to get one and then get some tools,, Theres no regular maintenance that is difficult. It just requires planning and patience and a gentle touch,, so ya dont twist off bolts and strip threads.. Youll get all the years of experience on this forum made available. Theres guys here who know stuff the mechanics at the dealership dont know, Little things that make them work longer, like a modification on the cam chain tensioner,, Just remember its easier to go back and tighten something a bit more than to repair a problem created by breaking something,, Ohh,, what am I saying? Youre only 5'11" and 400 pounds,, You probably cant twist a 6 mm bolt off,, right? |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by jcstokes on 08/22/20 at 00:22:39 If you can find a dealer who has one, go and sit on it, then you can start to judge. You mention beginner, do you have a full license? |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by ohiomoto on 08/22/20 at 05:37:06 My weight has ben between 240 and 270 since I've owned this bike. It totes my tushy around just fine. It is easy to ride because it has so much torque. It should do well for you. I think you'll fit the bike fine. I will say, IMO, I think a standard bike with "normal" footpegs and handle bars are easier to learn on and ride. I'm not a big fan of forward controls and I don't care for the slightly floppy nature of the front end of this bike with the stock drag bars that has been used on it for so long. Just not as friendly at slow speeds as a "standard bike". Since you are a beginner, I will tell you my golden rule for bike handling in general. Head and shoulders in front of you hips at all times. This position makes a huge difference in bike handling, especially in corners. Be safe, have fun, and enjoy the ride! |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by Serowbot on 08/22/20 at 10:33:13 My friend Jerry was over 350lbs and he put 50,000 miles on a Savage. He was lifelong motorcyclist and said the Savage was the most fun and easiest ride he ever had... I think the Savage would be a great bike for you to start out on. Best wishes on your weigh loss journey. 8-) |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by ohiomoto on 08/22/20 at 11:48:51 I should add as to not scare you off. I ran a set of "Super Bars" on my bike for a while. They are wider and a little lower than the stock bars. They transformed the floppy front end into something more like a standard and made it much more enjoyable to at slow speeds. I would recommend trying them if you are a beginner. Really, anything wider will give you more control. Once you're up to speed, the bike is stable no matter what bars you run. I'm talking endorsement test type handling. |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by Dave on 08/22/20 at 16:34:16 Adding the Intruder shocks may help you as well. They are a bit taller and have a bit more travel, and they are a bit stiffer than the stock shocks. You can find good used ones on eBay - if you decide to get a Savage we can hook you up with the shock details to look for......it is posted somewhere on this forum. |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by Wild1OR on 08/22/20 at 21:12:49 3039292E35313F295A0 wrote:
My guess is that by full license, you mean an unrestricted motorcycle endorsement. If so, I don't have one yet, but will be taking the course to get it. |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by Wild1OR on 08/22/20 at 21:17:35 33343533313328335C0 wrote:
It sounds like you don't like the Savage. :) 33343533313328335C0 wrote:
The great advice is appreciated! |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by Wild1OR on 08/22/20 at 21:18:33 283E29342C39342F5B0 wrote:
Thank you! |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by Wild1OR on 08/23/20 at 00:01:11 76696F6875724373437B69652E1C0 wrote:
I read on a different forum about a retaining clip modification for the LS650 to prevent the cam chain tensioner from falling into the engine when it wears. It reminded me of the modification that you mentioned. Is it to what you're referring? Is it something that affects certain model years and it was resolved at some point or is it all model years? |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by ohiomoto on 08/23/20 at 06:54:08 132D2820750B16440 wrote:
They are great bikes, but I don't really like the the Savage in stock form. I purchased my 96 with the intention building it into a something else. I rode it in mostly stock form for a summer. I'm 6'3" and it was just a little tight for me and I'm not really a cruiser guy anyway. But I really do like the easy handling or the bike, its simplicity, the engine is a work or art, and is fun to ride. I also have a 06 in the garage that I tool around on once in awhile and I don't enjoy riding it as much as my 96. I guess in stock form, it's a sort of "love, it's okay" relationship for me. But I do love much about these bikes and love see the mix of creativity and passion for the Savage on here. This is my daily driver. I commute to work with it and put 6-7k trouble free miles on it most summers. |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by Yoshi on 08/23/20 at 07:06:23 All models, suzuki never changed the cam tensioner design. |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/23/20 at 08:39:55 3B3C3D3B393B203B540 wrote:
They are great bikes, but I don't really like the the Savage in stock form. I purchased my 96 with the intention building it into a something else. I rode it in mostly stock form for a summer. I'm 6'3" and it was just a little tight for me and I'm not really a cruiser guy anyway. But I really do like the easy handling or the bike, it's simplicity, the engine is a work or art, and is fun to ride. I also have a 06 in the garage that I tool around on once in awhile and I don't enjoy riding it as much as my 96. I guess in stock form, it's a sort of "love, it's okay" relationship for me. But I do love much about these bikes and love see the mix of creativity and passion for the Savage on here. This is my daily driver. I commute to work with it and put 6-7k trouble free miles on it most summers. [/quote] Moto,, whats your inseam? The biggest I can get that picture only lets me see you dont have forward controls? I cant see them if they are there.. I had a Guzzi Nevada,, the pegs were too close to my butt,, Im short, but I am Not a jockey,, |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by ohiomoto on 08/23/20 at 15:45:50 My inseam is 36" and I have mid-controls and a higher seating position on my bike. It fits more like an old Triumph or your W650 I would guess. Plus I can stand up for jumps and stuff if I need to. Just kidding about the jumps, well mostly kidding. haha ;) |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/23/20 at 15:54:29 Daggum speedbumps are uncomfortable,, Standing on the savage requires handlebars that wont slip,, I used my Buckhorns to get off the seat a few times,, and they dint budge the clamps.. When it went into the side of that caar they were tilted forward,, a few inches |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by ohiomoto on 08/23/20 at 16:06:15 Standing on forward controls while puling on the bars is a good way to get killed. Best you can do is is to stay seated, lean as far forward and move the bulk of your weight weight in front of your ass. When you stand on a standard bike nearly all of your weight is being carried through your feet and legs. Your ams are just there to help keep yourself balanced. You really shouldn't be pulling on the bars. If you are, you need to get your weight in front of the pegs (again, impossible with forward controls) and let the bike push you forward with the pegs. I learned this stuff racing motocross. Cruisers limit some of what you can do, but really, not much reason to be standing on the pegs on paved roads. |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/23/20 at 17:07:01 I only do that for speed bumps, and Im cool with not twisting the giggle stick,, Point I was making was, The bars didnt move when I pulled hard enuff to get my butt off the seat But they moved when I didnt have a hand on them, and the bike hit that car, I get what yer sayin,, Im okay doin that,, I think,, anyway,, Ive never had ant drama because of it,, Maybe Im overlookin something? Your concern is twisting the gas? Or something else? |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by ohiomoto on 08/23/20 at 18:25:21 Sure, whisky throttle is a concern, but the bigger issue is lack of balance. Riding a motorcycle for sport is about balance. When your feet are on forward controls and you try to stand you are in a very poor position to control the motorcycle. I get what you are saying about the momentary pop off the seat though. Not judging that just making sure it's clear for the OP more than anything. Cruisers are pretty much meant to be ridden from a seated position. That's cool for tooling around out there on the roads as long as you don't run into major problems. Dual sports, standards, and performance oriented bikes give you the option of getting out of the seat which gives you much more control over the bike when needed. But the reality is my tushy spends 99% of the time in the seat anyways. If I were riding off road, I bet it would spend less than 10% in the seat. |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/24/20 at 08:27:38 Ohh,, Yeah,, let me be clear,, I ONLY do that to protect my lower back from the bump,, even slow, its a bump,, twenty years ago I wouldnt have expended that much effort to going over a speedbump. I was just sayin the bars didnt move when I used them to get up for three or four seconds, but when the bike went from 45 MPH to Zero,, they moved forward.. No,, trying to ride down the road, even if you could feel safe about throttle control, its just not gonna work,, Handling a bike with nearly all your weight hanging from the bars is a bad idea.. |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by Zepp on 08/24/20 at 12:10:20 Okey you is a big guy, and a beginner. Try one, sit on one, you are a big guy, try to figure out if its comfortable. In any case, moste bikes are made för persons thats weigts less, as springs and shock absorbers! Put the spring on higest tension.. you probably need to do that to any other bike? And then its about what kind of riding you want? Its only 30 HP on this one, but a good torque. In any case, my friends rides Harleys, Ducatis, Triumph, there are speed limits on every rod.. I wonder when they use all other HPs? Its a small bike.. not to small.. its sutible for a grown up person. Its a cheap bike and a good beginners bike befor one know what kind of bike one lika to have. Its a cruiser/a big thumper/custom like. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UanC_kkHgRw |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by Ruttly on 08/24/20 at 14:49:33 Eat oatmeal ! Everyday for breakfast for a year. |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by verslagen1 on 08/25/20 at 14:03:24 1E20252D78061B490 wrote:
I read on a different forum about a retaining clip modification for the LS650 to prevent the cam chain tensioner from falling into the engine when it wears. It reminded me of the modification that you mentioned. Is it to what you're referring? Is it something that affects certain model years and it was resolved at some point or is it all model years?[/quote] It's for all model years... they all have the problem that the cam chain tensioner is not retained at end of travel. |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/25/20 at 17:01:32 Naah, not my little idea,, thats too hard to get people to understand,, Your Verslavy mod makes it go a Long time and with the retaining pin, it wont puke,, |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by ohiomoto on 08/25/20 at 17:49:34 I think Wild1OR is checked out and moved on. Hopefully he'll get his LS650. Maybe he'l be back. |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/25/20 at 17:53:00 If he comes back I hope he brings a better attitude.. Or he will go scurrying off all butthurt over nothin again.. |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by ohiomoto on 08/25/20 at 18:00:39 His attitude wasn't a problem. Was just excited about the getting started. |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by Dave on 08/27/20 at 02:09:19 There is no doubt that I made a comment that initiated his departure. We were all receptive and willing to help him decide if it would be a good bike for him. Questions about his size, the vibration, etc. were discussed willingly and without prejudice. When he began to ask about drilling holes in a muffler on a bike he didn't own yet and likely has never ridden - I began to get a bit uncomfortable.......and then came the question about a headlight grill. My thought was we were going to spend time answering questions about upgrading turn signals, tail light, foot pegs, brakes, fuel tank, fork oil, windshield, GPS, LED's, seat, forward controls, etc. on a bike he may never own. (Anyone who was around when Cheapnewb24 was around can relate to how much time we can spend in an attempt to "help" a person without making any progress). I had only hoped to temper his questions/posts to the relevant "pre-purchase" issues that would help him decide if the Savage was right for him........and making a test ride was likely the next step to see if he even liked the way the bike rode and was comfortable for him. After 8 years of being on this forum maybe I am getting a bit cranky. I have made over 15,000 posts - which probably means I have also read 150,000 or more. I can remember some threads on troubleshooting engine or electrical issues where I have spent an hour or more thinking/taking photos/posting comments in an attempt to resolve the issues.......I really do try to be helpful when a forum member has a difficult problem. Perhaps I should have just let everyone else answer his questions and not tried to curb his enthusiasm? I wonder if the Harley Forum guys are being any nicer to him? |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by IslandRoad on 08/27/20 at 02:27:24 @Dave, FWIW, I'm a relative noob here (maybe three years) and I thought he just seemed like another enthusiastic noob. I thought your response to him was kind of harsh, but given your experience I thought maybe you intuited something I didn't pick up on. I don't know if I'm right or wrong on that. I respect your knowledge and experience. But there's my feedback for what it's worth. |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/27/20 at 03:18:10 I tossed him something he may not have received well,, not sure,, If he didnt get it and took it wrong,, Like Dave,, I didnt Intend to chap the guy, and he is apparently a grown man,, In BAlance, he was well received and well treated and got butthurt and left,, Someone serious about it wouldnt have just folded like a pissed off five year old.. |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by zevenenergie on 08/27/20 at 04:57:44 He brought in a problem, and that was his weight. Of course it is not a problem, besides that it is a mental problem, the suzuki pulls it easily. But you experience that differently if you weigh a lot yourself. Self-awareness is a difficult phenomenon. I am on a forum in the Netherlands where I have been helping people for years. One is easier to help than the other. We are going through a difficult period collectively. And times are uncertain, which also has repercussions here on the forum. But I like the fact that we cycle through the same interest and that that brings us together. let's never forget that participating in a forum should be more input than taking out. After all, an adult knows: Giving is more joyful than taking. :) |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by Serowbot on 08/27/20 at 07:57:38 Well said,.. Zeven... 8-) |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by Ruttly on 08/27/20 at 14:55:21 Ok , while we try not to run off new members , it happens Dave. The ones we can’t stand won’t go away and some only post a few then go. Got to have some thick skin here and not wear your feelings on your sleeve. There are some newbie predators here , myself included. Sometimes you can’t help yourself and sometimes it’s not done on purpose. |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by Dennisgb on 08/27/20 at 18:13:39 I belong to a number of groups and forums. I have many different motorcycles including Honda’s, Suzuki, Harley, Triumph and Norton. This is one of the better forums. People here have been friendly and willing to share and help. It’s too bad if the OP took something personally. Could be he just went on vacation and we all will have egg on our faces when he comes back ;D |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by ohiomoto on 08/28/20 at 05:14:47 Hopefully he is completing his S40 purchase and finds his way back. |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by Edub on 08/30/20 at 00:37:51 5B5C5D5B595B405B340 wrote:
Agreed. One of the biggest mistakes motorcyclists make, over and over again, is not encouraging and supporting the enthusiasm and curiosity of potential new riders. We won't be getting more new riders in the saddle if we scare them off. I'm a highly experienced rider, and I'm interested in this bike as a fun project, but I'm sure there are a lot of new and prospective riders out there, and if they show enough initiative to actually seek out information, we owe it to them to do what we can to foster their enthusiasm. This is particularly true for the younger generation, who doesn't need to put up with a bunch of BS from old timers about how things used to be. We've got to be better. Apologies for the rant, everyone, but this kind of thing happens entirely too often, and the result is that we end up with fewer riders every year. I'd like to see this hobby/sport/way of life continue into the future, and we can all have a role in making this a more inclusive, and by extension, interesting activity. |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by RH FACTOR on 10/06/20 at 16:16:22 I am 6' and 260 and my S40 propels me down the road 75 mph. Love this bike. |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by antmanbee on 10/06/20 at 19:08:01 He bought a Guzzi V7III. I don't think anyone chased him off. He had started a thread similar to this one on the Guzzi forum. The smaller Guzzi is a great bike for a starting rider that one would not out grow. |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by irritatedmongo on 10/07/20 at 06:37:30 1E25283F2E22393F242C213E4D0 wrote:
FWIW, I'm late to this thread. I had weight loss surgery. I'm 240ish, been 360ish. Own a 2017 Boulevard S40. Love it to death. Named her Fiona. Didn't see anything offensive here (posts I saw). Got my endorsement at the tender young age of 54 with my Boulevard. FWIW. |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by BobH on 10/07/20 at 07:13:18 Here’s what I know. Without even needing to ask a question, this forum has taught me everything I need to know about owning this bike for the long term. It eliminated my sense that this was only a beginner bike and that I would need to upgrade at some point in the future to get the most out of riding. I am now confident that this is the only bike I will ever own. As a matter of fact, I just bought a second one. I love the fact that it is simple and easy to work on. The patience of the experts on this forum is outstanding. They answer the same questions time and time again without the slightest hint of annoyance or “GO SEARCH THE THREADS”. I know that whatever issue I may face, I have a place to go for help. Kudos to you all! |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by ohiomoto on 10/07/20 at 07:15:59 Dave and JOG tag teamed him in another thread! ;D BUT, there was nothing offensive about it. They could have taken a softer approach, but they really just told him to get a bike, learn how to ride, and then worry about the modifications. It had nothing to with being new or overweight, etc. Dave explained it well. So he moved on, got a Guzzi, and is getting started. All is well. :) |
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Title: Re: Overweight Beginner on an S40? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 10/07/20 at 07:49:24 Claims have been made that I am rude and insensitive. To that I say BULLSHIT I am not insensitive.. I can tell when I've upset someone. |
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