OK dudes, I talked to a service manager, who in all sincerity, told me that the S40 will have it's engine lifespan reduced by commuting on the freeway for lengthy distances (he mentioned a case where a guy commuted 90 miles, a day, round trip.)  He said that the engine works too hard at freeway speeds, and that this bike was designed for lower speed (AKA around town.)  I told him that I didn't even shift into 5th gear until I got up around 60-65 mph, so why wouldn't this bike be capable of lenthy freeway rides, with ease?  I mentioned that the suspension and weight of the bike would be more of a limiting use than engine capability.  Please chime in on this one.  I could be totally wrong, but it seems to me that this bike is perfectly capable of 65 mph journeys on the highway.  I'm not interested in getting into contest with this service manager.  He simply told me his sincere opinion.  I'd like to find out for myself, and for him (if he is interested) if there is any validity to his position on this issue.  I'll look forward to you'all's opinions on this one.  Thank yeeeew !

There does seem to be more trouble with this bike than other Jap bikes even smaller cc bikes I don't think your service guy is lying to you It is more of a backroad bike,One thing I think it turns more rpm than it should for freeway driving.

Hummmmmm, been here a year and all I've read is how....for the most part, this is one of the more dependable motorcycles around.

Will they run longer at 50mph than at 75 ?? Thats a no brainer ! And you show me 1 engine that won't ! You can't do it.

Believe anything you want, but by now, I know several people that put these bikes on the freeways every day, and in reality, I believe they are more dependable than some of the most popular bikes on the road today.  

I have done 570 miles in a day, 510 miles the second day.  That was on a tour.  Three years ago and the bike is still running.   The LS650 does JUST FINE doing 65-70 mph on the superslab.  But I do admit I only have 30,000 miles.   Actually I understand that riding less than 5 mile rides are much harder in an engine's life.

I figure I have a good five-ten years left for my Savage.  Not to mention that *IF* I do and kill it, I can get a good used low mile S40 for only about $3K.

Lets say you do that 90 mile commute, 25,000 year.  Get low mile used S40's, about $3,000.  Compare with a C90, about $12,000.  Ride four S40's burn out 50-100K miles, compare with 200K-400K miles for one C90.  Not to mention I get 65 mpg versus about 50 mpg on the C90.  It is cheaper four S40s for one C90.

I have driven big heavy freeway automobiles.  I have driven Interstates on AirCool VWs and Pintos.  Perfer small.  Same with motorcycles.  I do not need a $10K+ 600+ pound land yacht to know I don't want one.

My first bike was a Yamaha 200 2 cycle I ran down the freeway with that,Back in the 50s when the 650 was common the speed limit was 60mph and most people drove 55 mph.

Max speed seems to be around 90 mph, 66 2/3 of max power would the be 60mph,So folks don't go over 60mph to make it last.Thats what I've been trying to tell you!!!

justin_o_guy2 wrote on 07/30/10 at 19:07:31:

+1 JOG