Hello everyone.  My name is Jason.  I am a 26 year old Louisiana resident.  I really like the Suzuki s40, but I am afraid it may not be built for a guy like me.  I am 5'7" and I weigh 280lbs.  I want a bike that can take me around town and down some state highways, but I'd also like to do some interstate riding.  Is the s40 capable of these things?  If not are their mods I can do to the s40 to get it closer to the type of bike I am looking for, or should I look elsewhere?  Thanks for your help.

Don't buy anything that needs mods...modify it to make it better, not to make it possible.  Unless...unless you're a tinkerer and modify everything as your hobby.  The factory setting on the rear shocks is in the #2 slot...you should use the #5 slot and max pressure in both tires according to the sticker on the bike.  Everybody re-jets the carburetor.  That plus a windshield and fork braces is about it.

The S40 is the right size for you, but you might do one modification of fabricating a mount for a Harley seat.  The power is limited, but it'll pull you, no passenger, OK, but not with great acceleration.  How much acceleration do you need to safely get on the highways and interstates there?

Are you open to an off-topic suggestion?...read this book.

Another option is a Yamaha Virago 535.  It's about the same size but has 25% more horsepower.