a 50cc bike will probably outrun the S-40 at first, being a big single means it makes lotsa torque for an easy ride but it ain't a bullett.  While it will go 75 mph without too much fuss, top end seems to be generally just short of  100mph and if you ride 2 up a lot, a bit less.  Some people find it ok for highwaying it but the small tank means stopping every 200 miles for a fill up.  It is a wonderful around town ride, a bit less so on the highway (which is true of most bikes).  6 footers fit and there exist extenders for the fron which allows you bigger fellows the ability to strech your legs out.  The upright seating  positions is easier on the arms, wrists and sholders than yur previous ride, but the smalll of the back can take a hit.  There are plenty of used ones around, so if the dealer isn't willing to let you test ride (for at least 1 hr)  try to get a used bike seller to let you (you know, leave hin the ferrarri with keys as collateral.)    Hope this blurb helps.

Depending on how heavy a hand you have on the throttle the range is more like 130 miles then hit reserve for another 20 or so.
The S40 makes pleanty of low end torque and will take off just fine. Enough to burn about anything short of a supersport light to light. Its no slouch.
Top end is more along the lines of 80-90mph tops unless you dig into the engine.
Fit wise im 6ft and it fits me just fine though i would'nt mind some 4 inch foreward controls for longer rides.
Easy to ride, easy to mod easy to work on though there are'nt a lot of aftermarket parts. Lot of harley parts can be made to fit though.
A blast in the twisties, great around town and will hold its own on the highway though at 383lbs it is a lil light and a good cross wind will wake you up.
For commuteing and highway rideing it will satisfy you a LOT more then the 400 did.

Ya, I agree on the 120-130 mile range. I'm getting about 54 mpg and the tank is what, 2.2 or 2.5 gallons? Lots of mods can be done to make the bike better than stock, and there is a catalog of info on this site to help you out. And some very knowledgable folks to ask, whenever you're stumped. The forweard controls (there are several sets to choose from) make a world of difference. I am 6'1", and ride quite comfortably, now that I have installed a set. Also, when out on the highway, I have no trouble keeping up with the "big boys". Plenty of power. As mama mia used to say, "try it, you like it".  Check out the photo gallery, here on the site, and see some of the awesome things you can do with this bike.

At 200 range, I thought for a minute I mite have to put some leaner jets!

I'm not up on other bikes much, but if I wanted to continously ride at 75 mph, I would try some other bikes. My s-40 will do 85-90 just like all the rest, but it runs a lot better......easier and smoother at 65. And at this time in my life, 55 is even better yet.

Great info guys. Thanks a lot. This is definitely making the decision a lot easier. Something generally more smooth and somewhat more powerful is what I'm looking for coming from the z400sm- So I think if the test ride goes well I'll be an active member on your site shortly. In response to the comment about the braking capacity- I upgraded the z400sm brake lines to Hel SS braided lines which made a big difference- Is that something people do commonly with the S40? I don't need Ducati braking, but I definitely want to be able to stop confidently in a reasonable amount of time...   Another concern was that most of the videos/stories I found were about women riding this bike. Guess that's not the general case/it's just a bit of a smaller bike. Thanks again!

goattw3lve wrote on 09/21/11 at 07:54:33:

No, that is not a common thing to do on the Savage/S40.  I guess the sponginess of the brake is lost in the sponginess of the forks.    Nah It's not too bad.  A much more popular mod is to install a fork brace.. way better bang for the buck than a brake line would give you.  Of course, coming off the 400sm you'll probably notice a glaring contrast in both the fork stiffness and brake, so might want to do both the SS braided line and fork brace.

OOPS, my bad..yes 100 not 200 miles

I have a slipstreamer enterprise fairing on mine and the wind goes to the top of my helmet which is good; also directs the wind away from my hands keeping them happy.  There arre much better rides out there IF you like riding at3-5000 rpms kissing the sweetspot and keeping it on that narrow band by fairly constant shifting.

The LS650 is for that other style of riding where once you are rolling you quickly forget what gear you are in because it doesn't matter.  If it sounds like you are lugging the engine then shift down and get it going, if its winding out (ha ha) then shift up a gear..otherwise just siit back and enjoy the ride and the scenery.