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Message started by wheelbender6 on 06/12/22 at 09:31:14

Title: 1st ride out of town
Post by wheelbender6 on 06/12/22 at 09:31:14

I bought the S40 for commuting in town, and it is very good at that.
I rarely exceed 50 mph. its light (compared to a V-twin) and the clutch is smooth.
To determine its highway manners, I took a little trip westward to historic San Felipe. San Felipe played a big role in the founding of the Republic of Texas.
You can take I-10 or enjoy curvy FM Road 1458. Plenty of bikes on the FM road on the weekend. I rode both.
-I was prepared to be underwhelmed on the highway, but was pleasantly surprised. The S40 held 70mph, regardless of grade and winds, and the vibration wasn't bad. A windshield would help, but that can wait until (much) cooler weather.

Title: Re: 1st ride out of town
Post by MMRanch on 06/12/22 at 16:28:51

Glad you got ya a LS650.

Yea it will keep-up nicely with all the "even remotely" legal stuff here in TN.

Some of us have fitted the 25 tooth front pulley off the Kawasaki 500 or 454 belt drive bike to our LS650's. The Suzuki pulley is only 23 tooth. It lowers the rpm on the interstate nicely and there is still more than enough power. It's like putting another gear on it. :)

Not that it needs anything else to be a great bike ! ;)

Title: Re: 1st ride out of town
Post by wheelbender6 on 06/12/22 at 18:54:57

I'm concerned about 1st gear if I use the Kawi front pulley.
I have to use a lot of clutch slippage in first gear when commuting in town, behind pokey cars. I'm afraid the Kawi pulley would make the 1st gear situation worse, and most of my riding is done in town.

Title: Re: 1st ride out of town
Post by TheSneeze on 06/12/22 at 19:40:00

When behind pokey cars, delay your start by a couple car lengths, but not enough to get honked at. You will get through the clutch engagement range with less slippage, and not hit the pokey bloke!

Title: Re: 1st ride out of town
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/12/22 at 20:00:49

Stop way back and aim off to the side, don't get mashed between them

Title: Re: 1st ride out of town
Post by springman on 06/14/22 at 13:20:04

Wheelbender6, that looks interesting. Are you located in Houston? Do you catch 1458 at Brookshire? I am not familiar with San Felipe de Austin. Will have to check it out some weekend. Thanks for posting.

Title: Re: 1st ride out of town
Post by wheelbender6 on 06/14/22 at 17:14:31

You can take 1-10 or US 90 west to Brookshire and catch the FM road there.
I live near Hwy 6 and I-10.

Title: Re: 1st ride out of town
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/15/22 at 08:03:12

You are doing AlRight! Years ago, some people Enjoyed Their first Ride out of town, on a rail,( That is strapped to a pole that a coupla big guys are carrying) sporting the latest in fashion, tar and feathers.
That part of Texas is okay. It's kinda hilly,innit? Have you tried heading toward Fredericksburg?

Title: Re: 1st ride out of town
Post by springman on 06/15/22 at 16:46:34

Thanks wheelbender6.

Title: Re: 1st ride out of town
Post by wheelbender6 on 06/17/22 at 15:44:26

I normally haul my S40 in my truck if I my ride starts over 100 miles away, so I probably will not try to ride to Fredericksburg.

I tried the delayed start method to avoid riding the clutch and it worked well without angering the cagers behind me.

Seems you can add some top speed either by adding a higher revving cam or installing the Kawi pulley. Doing both sounds counterintuitive. I'm still on the fence between the two.

Title: Re: 1st ride out of town
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/17/22 at 17:10:46

Anyone with the tools can swap the pulley. The cam ? I wouldn't do it without a maintenance manual.
You might be a genuine mechanic. IDK.. But there is nothing wrong with improving the performance of it And swapping the pulley.
You have a good set of tools? Pawn shops can save a bunch of money.

Title: Re: 1st ride out of town
Post by wheelbender6 on 06/18/22 at 08:40:24

Is the Kawasaki pulley a direct bolt-on or does it require some machining?
I have done basic mech stuff, like head gaskets and scheduled maintenance.

Title: Re: 1st ride out of town
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/18/22 at 09:02:16

It needs some whittling, drop Dave a line.

Title: Re: 1st ride out of town
Post by springman on 06/20/22 at 14:31:30

I have one of Dave's pulleys on my bike. It does help with the high speed riding but understand you will give up a bit of acceleration. I am not particularly mechanically inclined but I was able to install the pulley on my own. I am not overly keen on the idea of changing the cam on my own though I have considered it. I believe doing the cam mod will get back the lost acceleration for you. If you are really considering these mods though, touch base with either Dave, Lancer or Verslagen.

Title: Re: 1st ride out of town
Post by wheelbender6 on 06/22/22 at 18:51:24

I am heavily committed for the rest of this week. I will look into the pulley next week.