SuzukiSavage.com - Will the s40 hold up on highway speeds?

YaBB Newbies

Offline

SuzukiSavage.com
Rocks!

Posts: 6

Will the s40 hold up on highway speeds?
04/13/11 at 02:36:33

I am a noob to motorcycles. I'm taking my msf course within a month and looking to get a bike for daily commuting. Will the s40 really hold up on highway speeds? I live where people cruise at 70.

I'm sure this has been a f.a.q. BUT there's a offer that's hard to refuse at a local shop and the salesman says it's not good for the highway and I just don't wan't to believe him.

Back to top

IP Logged

Jimmer

Senior Member

Offline

SuzukiSavage.com
Rocks!

Posts: 497
NewportPa.
Gender: male

Re: Will the s40 hold up on highway speeds?
Reply #1 - 04/13/11 at 02:57:35

Best Dude
I ride my bike about 12000 to 15000 a year. I ride to and from work,when the weather permits, every day at 65 t0 70 mph. Just keep the bike tuned up and the oil change regularly and I see no reason why it should not workout for you. This site has some great upgrades to help you and your bike enjoy each other. Good luck

Back to top

IP Logged

buffyporson YaBB Newbies Offline SuzukiSavage.com Rocks! Posts: 13	Re: Will the s40 hold up on highway speeds? Reply #2 - 04/13/11 at 04:57:57 I use my '88 Savage to commute 25 miles to work on I-95 in FL. Cruises at 65-70 mph with no problems. Lousy gas mileage at that speed though - only 40-45 mpg.
Back to top	IP Logged

Tom K YaBB Newbies Offline SuzukiSavage.com Rocks! Posts: 37 Brighton, CO Gender:	Re: Will the s40 hold up on highway speeds? Reply #3 - 04/13/11 at 05:18:55 12 mile run down the interstate to work. 65-70 most days, some days 75-80.
Back to top	2004 Savage IP Logged

bill67

Serious Thumper

Offline

old tired

Posts: 8517
genoa city wisconsin
Gender: male

Re: Will the s40 hold up on highway speeds?
Reply #4 - 04/13/11 at 05:27:14

larrydavidbestdude wrote on 04/13/11 at 02:36:33:

I am a noob to motorcycles. I'm taking my msf course within a month and looking to get a bike for daily commuting. Will the s40 really hold up on highway speeds? I live where people cruise at 70.

I'm sure this has been a f.a.q. BUT there's a offer that's hard to refuse at a local shop and the salesman says it's not good for the highway and I just don't wan't to believe him.

Because of the low gearing, Light weight its not what I would call a freeway cruiser.

Back to top

william h krumpen

IP Logged

Routy Serious Thumper Offline SuzukiSavage.com Rocks! Posts: 2280 Winston Oregon Gender:	Re: Will the s40 hold up on highway speeds? Reply #5 - 04/13/11 at 05:55:41 I don't get on a freeway often, but when I do I feel like I'm pushing it a bit hard at 70. A taller gear would only make it work harder. More hp and a taller gear would work. For me, it is perfect at 60-65,.........and where I mostly ride, 50 is even better. And yes, mine will do 85+ just like all stockers will.
Back to top	Rich '07 S40 Blvd stocker, except drilled OEM exhaust and white spacer mod...1/2 (.055) IP Logged

bill67 Serious Thumper Offline old tired Posts: 8517 genoa city wisconsin Gender:	Re: Will the s40 hold up on highway speeds? Reply #6 - 04/13/11 at 06:05:33 I had a Suzuki GR 650 geared a 1000 rpm less than stock and had no problems with it for over 28000 miles,S40 has the power to be geared higher.
Back to top	william h krumpen IP Logged

spacepirates

Serious Thumper

Offline

Igni Ferroque

Posts: 515
Pittsburgh, PA
Gender: male

Re: Will the s40 hold up on highway speeds?
Reply #7 - 04/13/11 at 06:11:54

She can reliably do 75 any time you want. I find that above 85 she tends to feel like she is floating off the road a bit.

I'd say that anything under a 30 minute ride on the highway is more than comfortable. anything over an hour will make your rear end hurt; she doesn't have the greatest seat, but she'll get you there just fine.

I never trust salesmen. They always seem to deliberately lie or just don't know what they are talking about. If he tries to get you to buy a bigger more expensive bike, give him the finger and don't listen, the savage/s40 is a perfect commuter bike that'll handle pretty much any (legal) speed with ease.

If you aren't convinced, just take her out for a test drive! you don't need that much road on these bikes to get up to 70.

Back to top

--
Only a biker knows why a dog sticks his head out of a car window.

IP Logged

Arnold

Serious Thumper

Offline

The dude abides...

Posts: 896
Westchester, NY
Gender: male

Re: Will the s40 hold up on highway speeds?
Reply #8 - 04/13/11 at 07:02:12

I commute to work too and I must admit that although I love my Savage I take the back roads home, I try not to get on highways, I just seem to enjoy twists better. Altough I push mine over 70 from time to time I dont really like it at that speed. I guess me and my Savage are happy cruising at 45-50, it sounds better too.

Back to top

IP Logged

freewind rider

YaBB Newbies

Offline

SuzukiSavage.com
Rocks!

Posts: 9
Latvia, Riga
Gender: male

Re: Will the s40 hold up on highway speeds?
Reply #9 - 04/13/11 at 07:10:57

Suzuki Ls 650 feels underpowered for highway speeds. Yes, you can go up to 70 mph easy, but when you whant to go faster, it feels like you are pushing it to its limits. Main reason for this is chopper style riding position. Aerodynamic resistance is too big. From the salesman's point of view there are bikes, that performs better on highway speeds for the price equal of the Savage, and this is true.

Back to top

IP Logged

runwyrlph

Serious Thumper

Offline

Semper ubi sub ubi

Posts: 846
pa
Gender: male

Re: Will the s40 hold up on highway speeds?
Reply #10 - 04/13/11 at 07:21:30

i'll add my 2 cents.

I'm sure it's not anybody's first choice for long highway cruising. Stock gearing is definitely a little low - some have improved final gearing with a chain drive conversion. if you're riding to Yellowstone, get a Goldwing!

that being said - i have spent some time on the interstates at 70 without any problem - usually for 1/2 - 1hour or so at a stretch.

never saw a posted speed i couldn't break

i pass them, they don't pass me! Cool

i guess i didn't really add anything to what's been said already ... summary- i'm happy with mine- not planning to "upgrade", planning to ride it until it wears out, replace the worn out parts, and keep on going!

(The Goldwing is a definite possibilty when i retire - if gasoline vehicles are still legal in 30 years!)

Back to top

2007 s40 -stock -white spacer out -repaired to rideable condition!

IP Logged

splash07

Serious Thumper

Offline

Posts: 911
Charleston, SC
Gender: male

Re: Will the s40 hold up on highway speeds?
Reply #11 - 04/13/11 at 07:29:04

if its a good deal, buy the bike!

I think that everyone here will tell you that this is a great bike to own. I have taken mine (only slightly modified from stock) on interstate trips as long as 3-4 hours at 75-80 MPH the whole way. The only times I get nervous or feel that I would like a bigger bike is when I pass a semi truck or get passed by another biker. Wink

Back to top

IP Logged

Arnold Serious Thumper Offline The dude abides... Posts: 896 Westchester, NY Gender:	Re: Will the s40 hold up on highway speeds? Reply #12 - 04/13/11 at 07:30:49 Not getting rid of mine either, love it but for long trips I use my car. When gas reaches the price of whiskey I stop riding and becoming an alcoholic.
Back to top	IP Logged

houstonbofh

Senior Member

Offline

SuzukiSavage.com
Rocks!

Posts: 420
Houston, TX
Gender: male

Re: Will the s40 hold up on highway speeds?
Reply #13 - 04/13/11 at 09:00:41

I have a Suzuki Marauder, and I am here for Aida's Savage. My Marauder is more comfortable at 70+ than her Savage. But on the back-roads at 65, there is no difference between them. I have had hers up to 80 without feeling unduly stressed. But mine is fine to over 90... How fast do you want to go, and for how long?

Back to top

IP Logged

Arnold Serious Thumper Offline The dude abides... Posts: 896 Westchester, NY Gender:	Re: Will the s40 hold up on highway speeds? Reply #14 - 04/13/11 at 09:03:56 If you have a long commute on highways, I'm afraid you may want to look at Touring bikes.
Back to top	IP Logged