bill67 wrote on 05/13/09 at 17:46:27: The ones here who have moded their bikes the most are the ones having all the trouble with them and giving the S40 a bad name.
Bill 67, S'not true for all of us. All the mods I have made benefit the bike and most add to it's reliability or usability.
Many of the things I need my machine to do were never intended by Suzuki. These are mostly related to sidecar usage which Suzuki holds to be a sin. The main problems with Suzuki as from the factory are related to their marketing intent. This bike is aimed at the entry grade rider and as such that rider is expected to move up to something larger due to peer pressure. As such the bean counters have dictated less than the best in some areas. The saddle is a glaring example. It fits an average built person about 5 foot 3 to five foot seven very well. Tough luck for anyone not of those dimensions. The handlebars, all of the stock ones I have seen have been aimed at style and not at better control of the bike. This of course includes risers etc.
The exhaust crackle and pop is due to over lean situation dictated by our own government and the dual thickness head pipe that allows for no cooling to the inside pipe. Another thing done strictly for style.
The belt drive squeeks on most of them and I can only say that after 20 odd years since suzuki has not cured this, they do not care.
I much prefer my chain drive for less maintainance, quieter, and I can choose my final drive ratios. The mods that most often cause problems are engine mods to get more power, exhaust mods for a more stylish sound, tire sizes to look more stylish.
I bought my S-40 brand new with the intent that it would be extensively modified. It was chosen because of its' low center of gravity and its' basic design of engine with an inherently good torque band. Nothing eals available nedded as few mods for my purpose as the S-40.
Phelonius