Just got a new Boulevard S40.  Since the initial 600 mile service, about 150 miles ago, I've noticed a discoloration of the header pipes.  After a little research, I found that discoloration is mainly due to "tuning characteristics, cam timing, carburetor jetting, overheating, and so forth, and is NOT caused by defective manufacturing."  Do you guys know any way I could figure out why I'm havinbg this problem?  Any troubleshooting I could do to find the culprit?  I've read a few of the articles on jetting and exhaust systems, but I may not be that handy.  Any advice would be appreciated.

Also, I have been having problems down shifting.  Things get a little soft and the bike refuses to down shift.  I had the same problem on my Father's bike, also a Suzuki, so I'm assuming it's something I'm doing, shifting late or something.  Any thoughts?  Thanks for your help!!!

Dave

when i first bought my 02 savage, i took it too the dealer complaining about the popping sounds. they told me it was too lean and removed the plug ont he carberator that adjusts the richness of the bike and set it a bit richer than factory settings. it still pops sometimes but i now have 11,000 miles on the bike and my header pipe is still bright chrome even at the head. take it back to the dealer and ask them to do it for you. they didnt charge me a cent.

Just a "SWAG" (scientific wild-a$$ guess)... It's hot out and your dealer put in the factory recommended 10W40 semi-synthetic. Take it back or change the oil out yourself for 15W40 or 20W50. New filter, 2 quarts of oil and 10 minutes of your time. The factory stuff is too thin north of the Mason-Dixon in the summer, and in Dixie most of the year. If you're in Europe, use your best judgement, lived in Spain 10 years ago but don't remember the rest of the continent's weather patterns.
-WD

Thanks guys!!!  That help's alot!  I'll try to change the oil myself, but I think I'm going back to the dealer for the Carb mods.  Will these modifications void the warranty?  I paid for the extra two years and if it will, I'm going to sell it back.  I'm also going to replace the muffler.  I found a Dyno Power 13/4" Turn-Out that's supposed tp fit the 2005 S40.  Anyone have any experience with it?  Anyway, thanks for the help, gotta richen the mixture and change the oil.

Forgot that one, thanks!  Anyone know where to find any aftermarket mufflers?  I've been having a rough time.  The Dyno Power Turn-Out is sold out at J&P Cylces.  Thanks.

and many places carry the Jardine # 14-4104-01 - course folks seem to like the Harley Scream'n Eagle slipon as well

Thanks agian to everyone for their help!!  Really quick and to the point.  Probably the best forum out there on any topic!!  I'm going to change the oil this weekend and vary my shifting pattern as suggested,  including an inspection of the clutch cable free play.  I'm still a little nervous about the whole rejetting and spacer things.  I'll probably stop by the dealer to see if they'll do that part, not that they seemed very interested before though.  If I do try to change the jets, how do I know what's already there?  I've read the specs in the other posts and assume the Mikuni BS40 in my bike has the same #145 main jet as the 2004 Savage but will I need to change all the jets or just the main?  Do I need a specific package or just ask for a compatible #155 jet?  Thanks again!!

You really only need to change 1 jet - the Mikuni bs40 on your bike uses the Large round jet - although a small round will work - try to get a large round. A 155 maybe too rich if your exhaust and air intake is still stock and/or your higher than sea level - you might be better off with a 150 or 152.5(most likely) - before you work on the carb bowl put a shop towel over the starter as anything you drop will go into the slot like the brass washer that goes under the jet to hold the needle jet tube in place, the rejet is the easy part - the white spacer is a bit harder to do, lots of words on the site about doing all three - jet, spacer, idle mixture. It really will run like a different bike - haul a$$ in fact once you open up the exhaust and air intake- it takes quite a high tuned v-twin to catch a ls650 up to about 70mph with these changes as most are dragging around about double the weight.  As far as that goes lancer and woodworker have added some more serious engine mods and can most likely beat the v-twins to near 100 when they run out of rpms - can't sling that single piston too fast or it'll come out of there.