What's up. New user here. Started riding about 4 years ago on a GZ250 but I was fat as hell at the time and it was way too underpowered. I ended up getting a Honda Shadow 750 and rode that for a couple years until some financial problems forced me to sell it. I haven't ridden in about two years but want to get back in the saddle.
Even though the 250 was very underpowered, I really loved how light and agile it was. The 750 wasn't necessarily too big and it definitely had enough power, but another nice used Shadow is out of my budget. I could probably afford one (my budget is around 4000) but that wouldn't leave much for accessories. Plus, even when I did have the 750 I mostly just putted around town and rarely went faster than 45 MPH anyway.
Long story short, I'm thinking about buying an S40. I like the looks of them and I sat on one at the dealer today and besides the pegs being a little cramped I loved it. Nice and light like the GZ250 and even though I've never rode one, I assume they have decent power. FWIW, I've lost 80 pounds and since owning the GZ250 a few years ago so I think it would pull me around just fine. I was 305 and now I'm 225. Still have 25 to go but I'm gettin' there...
So my questions are this...
My question is are these reliable bikes? Any common problems I should be aware of?
Any way to make these bikes not sound like a lawn mower? Clearly these aren't V-twin motors but all the YouTube videos I've seen of them sound like lawn mowers. I don't necessarily want the exhaust to be louder than stock since I'm not a fan of loud pipes, just some way to make it not sound so much like a lawn mower. I noticed Jardine sells a set of slip-ons that go into a dual exhaust but I'm wondering if that would effect the lawn mower sound or just make it louder.
Is the stock seat comfortable? The GZ250 seat was TERRIBLE. If not, are there any aftermarket seats for the S40?
Thanks for any info. Sorry for the wall of text..