Hi everybody it might be old and bit of dumb question for you all, but I am in confusion . Finally I got chance to get a bike and I don't know what is a good starting bike. I really intend to ride it a lot on highway for probably cruises to about 1000 miles or so. I like the Suzuki S40, but I am reading a lot of mixed reviews on it and how suitable save it is for highway cruising and also the backfiring situation and all adjustments to it. I mean i plan to buy a new one, does it mean that I have to repair a brand new bike and how good is it for long highway cruises. Another option is the Vulcan 500 (but bit more pricey). What do you think?

Thank you

Neither are very good for 1,000 mile highway road trips – no offence and all but you’re not either if this is your first bike – however you’d be far better off to get one of these bikes and spend a good many hours ridding secondary and back roads.

As for bikes,  You may want to look at a Honda 750 V-twin. It's a nice first bike.  Enough power to move you fine, but not too big.  A friend has the Spirit model (VT750DC) and is fairly nice. It has taller gears for highway driving.  On the highway his will go better than my Savage.  But,  in town, it is a little slower.  We both would rather "work" on the LS650.  

One thing we should warn you about.  Highway driving means 60-70 mph winds hitting you for a good long time. (EVER STAND IN A HURRICANE OR TROPICAL STORM??) It can wear you out.   Make sure the bike you buy has a windshield.

Hmmmmm .....  I didn't notice his backfiring......

Bobbert wrote on 05/06/08 at 18:45:46:


Not really, but I am trying not to spend too much (not that i dont want, but rather dont have) and bigger bikes are quite pricy...for first bike or I am wrong?

i looked hard at the vulcan 500 when i bought my s40 06 in feb 06.. sat on the vulcan seemed ok put the kick stand down and loked close at the bike..noticed the chain was starting to show signs of rust as were the fork caps nuts ...went to the suzi dealer and bought the s40 sight unseen...never looked back.. will be turnin 10k miles soon and have had no problems..  
issues..2
rear tire lasted lil over 5k
battery didnt make it thru second winter(my fault,lack of fluid)

vulcan will blow the ls away if thats what you want   hgwy dont know how to compare  ive only been on 65mph 2/4 lanes does fine 130 miles round trip..backed down after 85 my ol butt aint got the hair it use to,,,,,,,,,

If this is your first bike, you're better off going with a used bike at less than 800cc.  Trust me, you're gonna lay it down.  It's gonna fall over and you're gonna scratch it up.  I think a used Savage is perfect for you to start with.  At the dealership they're gonna try to sell you the bigger bikes, duh.  If you're truly a newbie, then there's a good chance you're gonna hurt yourself on the bigger bikes.  Takes a while to get used to the balance and weight.  I'd have to agree with Reelthing, 1000 mile highway trips are just asking for trouble at this stage.

However, if we can't convince you otherwise.  Look at the Suzuki Boulevard C50T.  It's fully dressed (for highway trips), fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, and light for an 800cc bike.  Cost is pretty reasonable too for a new bike.