Anyone know the differences of a S40 sold in California as opposed to one sold in the other states.  The Suzuki Brochure claims the S40 sold in California weighs 3 lbs more.  Anyone know why?

Also, reading the posts, it seems that the older 650's had a tendency to backfire.  Is that true with the new S40's?;  and if so, how bad is it?

Rejetting may not be an option here, as bikes are inspected and tested to compy with the emission requirments on a yearly or bi-yearly basis.  I also suspect it may void the warranty.

One other thing I have run into here in Phoenix AZ, is that the dealerships  do not allow a test drive of the bike you are going to buy or even a similar used bike.  Seems like if you are going to be spending $4,000 or more, you should at least be allowed to test drive a similar bike.  

Would you suggest the extended warranty and/or  the extended service plan (free oil changes, etc) when purchasing the S40?.

This bike would be bought not as main transportation but to put around in town (when the weather is nice) and perhaps some areas of AZ and CA (mileage about 5,000 a year)  

I really like the feel of the bike sitting on it, as it doesn't feel like a lead weight, and I feel that I can control it.  I had an older Honda 750 (4 cly) with a high center of gravity and weighing in at 525lbs, it wasn't  alot of fun to ride, especially in the mountains.  I also had a 1968 Triump Bonniville that was pure joy to ride in the mountains, but had bad vibration and reliability. Are there any other bikes out there, that are similar to the S40, that are light weight, but still have some power, can cruise on the highway, and has the look and feel of a cruiser?  What other bikes did you consider besides the S40 or Savage?

Can the bike cruise at 75mph all day long?  Twice a year I'll be going to CA, so it would be nice if I could keep up with traffic. Otherwise I wouldn't  be doing much interstate traveling, and don't need the power or smooth ride that other larger bikes can offer.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me concerning whether I should purchase a new S40.  


David

Here's what MotorCycle USA says about the S40.

2005 Suzuki Boulevard: First Ride
7/1/2004
By Ken "Hawkeye" Glassman

Since I rode all the motorcycles, we'll start with the Boulevard S40 and move up the food chain from there. The S40 is a 650cc air-cooled single-cylinder 4-stroke. It is an updated version of the old Savage. I was surprised at how smooth the single cylinder engine ran, even when pressed hard. The power was more than ample to scoot away from stop lights and traffic, and it will cruise comfortably at 70 mph.

Once on the winding roads of Red Rock Canyon, the light, 352-lb (claimed) motorcycle was a pleasure to play with in the turns. The drag bars have a very short spread, so they don't provide too much leverage, but the bike turns in easily and has good cornering clearance to lay it over. The clutch and brake levers require a very light pull effort, and the 5-speed transmission shifts very easily. The single hydraulic front disc brake and single mechanical rear drum brake are adequate for a bike this size. The low 27.5-inch seat height and light weight makes this an excellent entry-level motorcycle. If one compares it to the Buell Blast, which has only a 30 cubic-inch single-cylinder engine that doesn't run nearly as smoothly, the S40 is a more versatile starter bike. And at a list price of $4,399, the S40 is several hundred dollars less expensive

I don't know how the CA S40s are set up, but I only had to turn out the idle mixture screw some to eliminate 95% of the backfiring.  This could be but back to stock for emissions testing or if it is a visual inspection, after drilling out the brass plug and adjusting the mixture screw, buy a new plug and cover it back up.   Since it is drilled out I doubt they check it's setting.

Mine was at a ridiculous setting of 1/16th out.  It is now 1.5 turns out.

My only complaint so far is for long trips I need a back rest....and can't seem to find one yet.  Around town, in the curvys the S40 is a hoot.  And it doesn't even know what a hill is, lots of 'thump' !!!

Savage_Greg wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:11:


I think its almost all the Canister. It has a bracket it sits in and several hoses and bolts all holding this together. And if its full of activated charcoal then it all could easily make up 3 pounds.

Gitarzan wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:11:


Maybe you could reverse your little HD signature line to have the guy fire off a POW at the "orange and black" logo and shoot to the left.  That would be Savage. 8)

Thanks for letting us know. We hope you enjoy your Savage/S40. Stop in and visit us from time to time.